Wiener Projekt

Le Bol: A little slice of heaven in Vienna

2009-01-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

Tucked into a side street in the Inner Stadt, this lovely and busy french bistro is a great place for brunch (Google Map).

I've tried unsuccessfully on several occasions to get a table around lunch-time, and its nearly impossible without a reservation. A constant stream of people make their way through the entrance only to be disappointed by a lack of seating.

Regardless of the tight seating, the cuisine is both gourmet and affordable. A light chicken salad with goat cheese, or a tasty portion of quiche should do the trick. This is also probably the only place in Vienna you'll enjoy free bread at your table!

And for Vienna, you won't find this kind of service very often. Waiters were both polite and patient, and spoke English/French/German all with ease.

I'll definitely be going back, but by reservation only.

Our Favorite Local Hangout: 1516 Brewing Company

2009-01-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

My friends and I often end up at 1516 (named after the year of the beer purity laws), whether it's for a birthday party or just a few drinks before hitting the town.

The helles Lager goes well with almost anything on the menu, and service is usually prompt but not always courteous. Actually it's the latter that keeps us coming back. We've gotten to know most of the staff, including the hilarious Irish barkeep who's known for prodding you into ordering another beer, or chides you for leaving too early.

While many patrons congregate downstairs under the huge plasma screens (which are nearly always tuned into football) we prefer the upstairs bar and candle-lit table scene.

Ex-pats will be comfortable drinking amongst the locals, and all the waiters speak or understand English (menus also come in both languages). Whether it's wings, an American-style burger, or a traditional Austrian dish, the menu offers plenty of gastronomic options.

Reservations recommended for groups of 4 or more after 8PM.

Eulennest Vinothek & Weinbar

2009-01-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Literally, "The Owl's Nest," this cozy wine bar off of Kaertnerstrasse is a wonderful place to escape the touristy town center.

Whether you come in with friends on a weeknight, have a special event and need a table to entertain, or just feel like putting back a few glasses of wine to unwind, this is as good a place as any to do it.

In addition to a fine and broad selection of wines to probe, patrons can also order from a charming menu of antipastos and pasta.

TIP: An aromatic cheese plate goes very well with the Weiss Landwein.

Might as well order up a nice bottle of wine for a special occasion to take with you as well!

Reservations suggested for a larger table, or even smaller parties after 7:00PM.

Wein und Wasser: Vienna's Charming Wine Cellar

2008-12-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Located in on an unassuming block, this little wine bar is a wonderful surprise waiting for you just below the street-level (Google Map).

Exposed brickwork greets you throughout the casually-lit cellar atmosphere. A bottle is the best value, but don't expect any Zinfandels!

Settle in for the evening with your second bottle, order a delicious antipasto tray drenched in olive oil, and complete with bread fresh from a local bakery. If you're celebrating something great, ask for the cigar menu--the offering is a page long, ranging from individual cigarillos to packs of a few larger stogies.

Oh, and at the end of the evening, don't be shy about calling for the check!

Best Mexican in Vienna: Jalisco

2008-12-16T18:49:00.000-08:00

A friend recently asked for restaurant recommendations from a Mexican colleague working in Vienna. As all of us are big fans of food from south of the border, we thought we'd check out a few places on the list; so far, we haven't gotten past the first: Jalisco!

Located in Vienna's 4th District (Favoritenstraße 58), this little restaurant is a must for anyone looking for the real deal. Authentic is an understatement. We usually like to drop in right after 6PM, for Happy Hour (half price cocktails), which runs everyday.

The colorful and welcoming atmosphere is sure to remind you of your favorite Mexican restaurant. Don't be fooled by the place's location outside downtown, or the lackluster exterior: the food, cocktails, and atmosphere inside more than make up for a few minutes on the u-bahn.

If you're like me, perhaps you get stuck in a rut at Mexican restaurants, and are especially wedded to one dish. A friend from Texas recently put it bluntly, however: try everything on the menu--it's only going to be a slight variation of the same basic thing.

While I agree with that sentiment, I'll stick with the crunchy texture of Jalisco's deep-fried chicken flautas.

For you chips and salsa types--expect to pay a few Euros for the pleasure. If you're accustomed to such freebies, get over it.

Service: A

Food: A+

Value: A-

More Italian: Vapiano

2008-12-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

When I'm working at Starbucks on Mariahilferstrasse in Vienna's 6th district I get restless easily and food is my favorite way to relax. Fortunately there is a place called Vapiano right across the street at Theobaldgasse 19.

The place has a trendy decor, but unusual serving style for a mid-priced sit down: you order with the chef and he prepares your food on the spot right in front of you. After you watch him prepare your food, and whet your palate, you can find a place to enjoy your meal at one of the large islands where parties and singles mix together or one of the more intimate tables.

Vapiano is great for quick bite on break from working, even if you're alone, because of the fast service and mixed seating arrangement; simultaneously it pulls off the style, quality, and intimacy needed for a dinner date or relaxing meal with friends.

**Service: B

Food: A

Value: A

**DISCLAIMER: Your bill at Vapiano's is tied to a magnetic striped card they present you on arrival. Don't lose it! I misplaced the card near the end of a recent visit, and had to involve the manager, as the cashier was trying to charge me a €50 minimum.

Eating Italian in Vienna: Da Capo

2008-12-03T04:20:00.000-08:00

A friend was paging through her guidebook looking for Italian, when she came across "Da Capo," located at Schulerstrasse 18, in Vienna's 1st District.

Arriving at the restaurant, one gets the impression it is very small, and tucked into a quiet alley. Inside, however, a sizable and inviting restaurant awaits. The decor is reminiscent of Olive Garden.

There is plenty on the menu to choose from, with more reasonable meals like Pizza starting at around €7 all the way up to salmon fillets and other fine things in the €20 range.

A friend had the pizza, and couldn't finish the whole thing. Another had the Lasagna, and was thoroughly disappointed (with the quantity, not the dish itself). I had the grilled chicken salad, and found it to be excellent (though the breadsticks I ordered subsequently never arrived). Da Capo's specialties come cooked right out of a wood-fired brick oven.

Da Capo is the type of place you might like to take your parents if they come to visit, or some friends from out of town. The pleasant interior gives the aura of a winery, but the place is not over-classed.

Service: B+

Food: A

Value: A-

Fine Asian Dining: East to West

2008-11-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

Reminiscent of a Hong-Kong bistro, or Seattle sake bar, East to West Restaurant does not disappoint. While there are several nicely outfitted Asian restaurants to choose from in and around Stephansplatz, this is one that is surely worth your time.

Whether it is a small table for four, or a much larger gathering, there's space a plenty most evenings. I have been back several times after 6PM and never required a reservation.

While all dishes at my table appeared delicious, my long-time Japanese favorite did not disappoint: the bento box. Several pieces of sushi, freshly rolled and served, along with either grilled chicken or steak, will tantalize the taste buds.

Address: Seilerstätte 14 (just up from the American restaurant, 1516).
Service: A
Food: A
Value: A

Gulasch Museum Disappoints

2008-11-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

While the Gulasch Museum happens to be one of our compatriots favorite haunts in Vienna, my first foray was less than stellar. In fact, freshly back from Bratislava, I was expecting something much more bedazzling. Instead, I got attitude.

The wait staff was kind enough to accommodate a big group. After a look at the photo-laced menu, I went for the most kosher looking thing on the menu--plain, non-horse based goulash.

The dish wasn't terrible. Served in an over-sized deep dish, it was quite pleasing to look at. But after I dived in, a few bites were enough of a signal to my stomach that I wasn't a big fan.

Still recovering from a case of food poisoning the week before, it could very well be that my palate and appetite were still in shock, and it was I, not the dish, who was to blame.

After everyone had dug in, we came up against the first real issue with service. A friend wanted a glass of tap water, which is often frowned upon in Germany, but usually not a problem in the much more liberal Austrian dining culture. Astoundingly, he was shut down on the first try with an impolite, "We don't serve that here." Right.

A few minutes later, another friend joined us, ordered, and was promptly delivered a glass of tap water by another waiter. Nice.

But the moment of redemption for the Goulash Museum finally arrived with the desserts. I ordered "Heisse Liebe" (hot love). The dessert is a delightful mix of vanilla ice cream, whip cream, and hot raspberries. But, just as I was finishing the dessert, and a fellow traveler called for the bill, things went south.

Apparently our server was annoyed with us.

Rather than give the customary, "Ja" in response to asking for the bill, he threw his hands up, grunted in disgust, and tore off for the front of the establishment. After five minutes or so, the formerly charming graying haired man returned with the tab, slapped it on the table, and went flying back into the kitchen. That my friends, is unfortunately, a real tip killer.

Food: B
Service: C

Value: A-

Location: 1st District, Schulerstrasse 20.

Tasty Treats at Tin Tan: B

2008-11-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

Finally managed to eat at Tin Tan, a fun little taste of Mexico right in the heart of Vienna. I had the vegetarian burrito, and was quite pleased. Margaritas weren't bad either. Service was alright, though they obviously expect menu items to be pronounced with a German accent (apparently a bit annoying for those tri-lingual amongst us).

Sadly, the chef was also clearly trying a little too hard with the plate presentation. No need to be extra-fancy or gourmet with standard Mexican fare in this humble diners opinion! Overall, while authentic, it was incomparable to most of it's American or Mex-Tex chain counterparts. Just so you know what to expect, I'd say it's more like a boutique restaurant that slightly disappoints, and less like a hole in the wall joint that turns out to be pretty good.

If you decide to try Tin Tan, definitely go for the early evening Happy Hour (€2 off cocktails), and don't be surprised to see your food more dressed up than you expect!

Food: B plus
Service: B

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Tin Tan?

2008-10-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I ventured back to try Tin Tan, one of Vienna's only Mexican restaurants. Only problem: it was booked out for a private party.

The last time I tried to go there a few weeks back (with an authentic Austrian as my guide), it was similarly unavailable. Moral of the story: if you want to ever experience the place, call ahead!

I'll definitely get back to Tin Tan eventually, and will post a review here.

Voting Abroad

2008-10-22T05:13:00.000-07:00

While this lady apparently mis-marked her ballot, ahem, I think her video succinctly captures the feeling of what voting abroad means to this American.

If you didn't register for an absentee ballot to be delivered overseas, it's most likely too late to do that...but you still could get an EMERGENCY ballot. Check out this link for details, time's a ticking.

My New Haircut

2008-10-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

I challenge anyone to find a German version of this video...

Disco Lessons Anyone?

2008-10-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

This goes out to all you discothek, "Behave" fans...

Ahh, birthday madness at U-4. Good times.

Cutting Through the Red Tape

2008-09-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

With any extended stay abroad, comes an attendant responsibility to jump through some bureaucratic hoops. It would seem here in Austria, hoop jumping is a national sport. First comes the Meldezettel, or the police registration, due within three days of arrival. Then, if you're a student, all the fun university registration requirements.

To do anything normal, like getting a cell phone contract or open a bank account, the Meldezettel is usually a prerequisite. I'm carrying around a stack of documents day in and day out, for fear I won't have the required document, and thus will have to come back at a later date (9-5 is also, apparently a foreign concept).

In short, the paperwork builds on itself. Just when you think the red tape is all cut to pieces, it wraps you back in. You can't get to the next step or requirement, without first going to this or that office. I'm told a similar process awaits those immigrating to America. G-d save them.

Soon enough, classes will be starting, and my "real" life in Vienna will begin. That is, my "post-paperwork" life.

VIDEO: Wachau Vally Trip

2008-09-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Social Calendar

2008-09-01T07:07:00.000-07:00