Vienna: Grüß Gott!

Second post from Vienna!

If any of my readers have been to Austria/Germany - then you know that most people do not greet you with the typical

good afternoon

(you would think guten tag)

but Grüß Gott! (literal translation "good day" or its variants "gods greetings to you"). Since I am a huge nerd, a little research revealed that this welcome is mostly used in southern Germany and Austria. Even the Swiss use a closely related welcome - Gr

üess-ech.

So what is with the language lesson?!

 When I travel abroad, I try to immerse myself in the culture and language. In Austria, it is somewhat hard to do this because nearly

everyone

 (at least those under 30) speaks English. In fact, some of my German relatives even question why I am interested in learning German as no one really knows the rationale behind der/die/das. As the suedo-german expert in my group (and I am by no means an expert) I translate for the group when I can (and let's be honest.... mostly with the aid of a dictionary). Recently, I let one of my group-mates borrow my German-English dictionary and she came up with the following essential list of German phrases to know:

Moot Welcome Ceremony - Vienna Symphony House

Hallo!

- Hello!

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

- Do you speak English?

Wo ist...?

- Where is...?

Wie viel kostet das?

- How much...

Ohne Fleisch/Vegetarier

- Without meat/Vegetarian 

mit

- with 

Die Weinkate, bitte

- wine list please

Prost!

- Cheers! (And the Germans basically require you to yell this - don't be shy!)

Die Rechning, bitte!

- The check please!

I shared this list with you because it is - by far - an extremely accurate description of our first two days in Vienna. Though, I still maintain that you only need three words to survive Austria -

ein bier, bitte!

Group in front of another beautiful statue in Vienna.

For my wine enthusiasts! You know I can't go too long without mentioning wine. Don't worry, I am taking plenty of notes to share with you when I return. But this post features one of my favorites - Blaufränkisch! I recently went out to dinner with my group-mates at a nicer restaurant and chose a blaufränkisch for the table. The label was

Paul Kerschbaum - Blaufränkisch Classic and this bottle did not disappoint.

Blaufränkisch is known as the pinot noir of the east because it is intensively grown in Eastern Europe (Its grown in Germany, Austria, Washington State, Slovakia, Croatia, and Hungary). The grapes flavor is truly intriguing - it has strong acidity, but a medium body and the flavor grows in complexity over time. Further, this grape is SPICY, and I love it! This interesting flavor and medium body makes it an extremely versatile wine that can pair well with almost anything. Whether in Austria (the primary home of blaufränkisch) or back in the states - I highly recommend this grape! 

Stay tuned for more adventures on food, wine and international commercial arbitration from Vienna!

Cheers!

Willkommen in Wien!

A picture of the dome in front of Heldenplatz and the grounds of the Imperial Palance

Today, I landed in Vienna! And I am so pumped for this trip!

For those of you who do not know, I have significant ties to Germany and I am proud of it! So when the chance came to participate in an international commercial arbitration competition in Germany's closet neighbor (Austria of course) - I jumped for it!

The group landed this morning and to kill time before check in we walked around. We walked through Stephansdom (or

St. Stephan's Cathedral

). This is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Austria. Construction for the first church was completed around 1147 and it has grown ever since. It currently is the home of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Vienna. Then, we walked through Heldenplatz, viewed the extensive grounds, and snapped the picture featured above. 

The streets are also lined with a few street markets which featured two drinks that I am interested in learning more about: (1) Glühwein and (2) Eiergrog. 

Glühwein (or mulled wine) I have had before - actually my Oma made it! It is a hot alcoholic drink typically made during the Christmas season. It can be made with red or white wine (I've typically seen red) and includes a variety of spices like: cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel and star anise. A must try! I had never heard of eiergrog - but some quick research suggests its just an eggnog type drink. Not my usual cup o' tea - but if I convince one of my travel buddies to try it - I will let my readers know how it tastes!

Last but not least - the real reason to visit Austria - sandwiches!! Some of you may be thinking - whats the appeal?? We can get that in the U.S. - but it is not the same! The bread is fresh! The meat is awesome! And there is a cheese/butter spread used instead of mayo! I know - I am getting a little sandwich crazy - probably because it just reminds me of the good times I spent around the table with my Oma and German cousins - but you should definitely try it if you are in Vienna.

More details on life in Vienna, wine pairings and featured wines generally to come!

Cheers!

Enthusiast Photo Confessions: Governor's Island

A photo of the Statue of Liberty from Governor's Island.

  I recently stumbled upon this old picture while going through my files and it reminded me of a wonderful trip I took with my friends to Governor's Island.

Governor's Island may be a mystery to you whether you are a visitor to the city or a native New Yorker. The island is located between Manhattan and Brooklyn and has an interesting history. Governor's Island was originally discovered by a Dutch explorer in 1611 and named "Noyten Eylant," or Nut Island, because the island was covered with hickery, oak and chestnut trees. However, the island's current name stems from colonial times when the British attempted to reserve the island for the Royal Governor's use alone. For approximately the last 200 years, the island has been used for defense projects by the U.S. military. In fact, Governor's Island was used as a fortification to attack British ships during the American Revolutionary War. Today, much of the island is open to the public as a historical park.

What brought me to Governor's Island? I stopped by for the annual 1920s Jazz Lawn Party where visitors dress in 1920's style clothes, picnic on the lawn and listen to big band style jazz. I hope to see you there this year!

Cheers!

A Place to Wet Your Whistle: Speakeasy Style!

While the prohibition era is long gone, 

many drinking establishments in New York City channel the speakeasy style. As a fan of golden eras,  old New York, and the good ol' days, I have made it a mission to find the best speakeasy style bars in town.

Photo Credit: Photofest via NYTimes,

available at

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/06/02/dining/20090603-speakeasy-slideshow_3.html

For those who love history... the prohibition era grew out of an anti-alcohol movement from the 1830s-1840s. Abolitionists fighting slavery frequently criticized alcohol as a similar evil worthy of destruction. After the Civil War, several organizations began to lobby against alcohol, including, the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League. In fact, the Anti-Saloon League became one of the most successful single issue lobbying groups in America. After Congress ratified the income tax amendment in 1913, the government no longer depended on liquor taxes as a source of revenue. Eventually, under the pressure Anti-Saloon League's highly successful lobbying campaign, both houses of Congress ratified the 18th amendment. It became effective on January 17, 1920. For more information on the rise of Prohibition, check out PBS's film by the same name

here.

The result of prohibition... hidden bars supplied by bootleggers, frequently known as speakeasies. Common features of these places included, no signs, unmarked doors, dark spaces, and hushed voices. Despite prohibitions relatively swift demise, these hidden gems still remain popular places to grab a drink. While I'm no expert, below is a list of my favorite speakeasy style spots:

5. Little Branch.

 This was the first speakeasy I ever visited in New York. I was such a beginner, that I had literally walked by the door multiple times and never noticed the place. To this day, I still use that as a factor in determining my favorite places. What I love ... ambiance and drinks! Once downstairs, the space really takes you back in time. The bartenders dress up and people are speaking in hushed tones around candlelit tables. Furthermore, the drinks here still remain some of the most creative drinks available in the West Village. I am excited to try another location owned by the same group called Middle Branch.

4.

Amor y Amargo.

 For those of you who have been turned away from Death & Co. due to the long wait, Amor y Amargo is a hidden treasure worth stopping by. It's just two minutes from D&C, but after one drink you may almost forget about its popular neighbor. The space is beyond small, but the drinks are worth it. The bartenders use a variety of bitters to give their own spin on traditional favorites like gin & tonic, the manhattan, and the cosmopolitan. However, my drink of choice is the Francois Four-Play (no longer on the menu - but they will still make it for you).

3. Death & Co.  

D&C earned the third spot on my list due to its awesome decor and extensive drink list. The space is dimly lit but somewhat spacious (as far as speakeasies go). The servers are dressed in 1940s style clothing and very friendly. The last time I came here I ordered a champagne cocktail and something with calvados (apple brandy) - both excellent. The one downside - its nearly impossible to get in here due to the long wait list. But if you are in the area, it is a must see.

2. Pouring Ribbons.

  New location, but experienced bartenders. I almost wanted to exclude PR from the list just to keep it a secret from the masses - but it is that good, I had to share. PR has a simple entrance, located on Avenue B, but its actually on the second floor. Once upstairs, you will notice the decor is simple yet classic and very spacious. I sat at the bar when I last visited - which is great because you can watch the drink making process and chat with the bartender. My group probably tasted half the drinks on the menu that night, and each was better than the last. What kept PR from the #1 spot you may ask? -- lack of comfy couches. 

1. Raines Law Room.

  RLR is my favorite speakeasy style bar in NYC for one key reason -- decor. From beginning to end, my experience at RLR exudes speakeasy style. From the gentleman who answers the door, to the overstuffed couches, to the interesting wallpaper (look closely next time) - everything is romantic, classic and cool. And the drinks, they are the perfect blend of technique and creativity. I have not had a drink there that I did not like.

Please let me know if there is a speakeasy style location you think I missed. I will happily visit it and let you know! 

Cheers!