Vienna: Das Tigra
Third post from Vienna!
As a resident of the great New York City, I get a lot of house guests. With every visitor I frequently hear the same question - "So what do you do for fun on a typical weekend." Since I have been there for years and hit most of the typical museums, theaters and attractions, I am now proud to announce that my most common answer is... "um, go out to eat."
Fish Sandwich and Gerkensalat from a local fast food joint.
You may scoff at my choice of dining and wine over the cultural hustle and bustle that is New York City. But it is a passion of mine to research the best kept secrets, newest innovations and traditional favorites within the restaurant community. Which brings me to today's post! Naturally, this passion for restaurants doesn't stop with the five boroughs of NYC but follows me abroad, more specifically to Vienna.
So our first stop was at a local fast food place that features fish (the name escapes me right now - but it was something Nordic if any Vis Mooties* want to check it out). I would describe it as a classier long john silver's - for those familiar with the seafood featuring fast food chains of the U.S. Be ware - the line moves swiftly - unless there are Americans trying to pay with their credit cards in front of you. But the food is affordable and tasty.
RH in front of CHAMPIONS - head there
for overpriced "American" food
Then, I hit the town to explore with RH and we stumbled upon Champions - the "American Sports Bar and Restaurant." I always find these types of establishments comical. I wonder if the locals really like going there or if it is just a place for Americans to go when feeling nostalgic while abroad. Either way, I hope the locals come visit Philadelphia for a real Philly Cheese-steak (that is way cheaper that 16 euros they would pay at Champions) and the Americans hold out until their return and stick with the local fare. Unless they play Journey there - because that changes everything.
After a lot of exploring and a successful return to our neighborhood without looking at our map (all thanks to the expert - RH!) we headed to a local market for the essentials - candy and pastries. NYC has some great bakeries - but German/Austrian bakeries may ... (sorry I have to say it) ... take the cake! Everything is just better. Fresh bread, pastries, chocolates - the list goes on and everything just seems like a little more heart went into it than in most American supermarkets. No specific recommendations needed because everything is exceptional! Yes, even the haribo gummy bears that are available in the states are better here.
The essentials: apple turnover and gummiberkin
S
ome of you may be wondering - what is with the pizza? I can hear my younger sister pointing out, "C'mon K - I thought you only stuck to local fare when abroad." I know, I know - I blame the hotel concierge for this one. RH and I were in search of somewhere quick, cheap and good before we hit the Vis Bar. The hotel directed us to Vapiano. When he said the name, I thought - ok, Italian in Austria, this will be interesting. But, when I turned the corner I finally put two and two together - he sent us to
Vapiano
a chain Italian restaurant present in the U.S. where you are given a swipe card and order directly from the chef's station.
To clarify, I am not hating on Vapiano. It is a great place to go with a large group, the food is affordable and tastes great. I just found it hilarious that I have been to the same chain restaurant (excluding typical fast food) in three large cities (NYC, D.C. and now Vienna).
I will end with a glimpse of what is to come in my next post. RH and I randomly walked by this restaurant, in basically an alley, with a line out the door (And its freezing and snowing in Vienna right now). I later learned that this was
, a famous Austrian schnitzel house that has been making this traditional dish since 1905. Get excited for this one folks!
The line for Figlmüller - a local hotspot that we plan to visit soon!
Cheers!
*Vis Mooties
- a colloquial term to describe student participants in the Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, whose common characteristics include, but are not limited to, desire to be best friends with E.B. (Eric Bergsten that is); heard a law professor from Pittsburgh sing at least three songs on arbitration (yes ... songs); likely sang along with these songs, whether or not they will admit it; know honestly more than any normal person should know about witness statements, article 96 CISG, breach (whether fundamental or not), delay, avoidance and (of course) child labor; fierce competitors by day; people just searching for good times, a party or even (dare I say it) love around the corners of the Vis bar by night.