Hühnerparadies

Funny the places you find yourself in sometimes here in Vienna. For example, today I had lunch at a place called 'Hühnerparadies', or Chicken Paradise... and I have to say, it was the best schnitzel sandwich I have had yet. I am adding schnitzel sandwiches to my list of things I will miss back home.

I would also like to add Almdudler, a strange soda comparable to gingerale. I will mostly miss this because of the Austrian couple in traditional Austrian clothes on the front. 

After a little chicken paradise (he he) for lunch today, I ventured on to meet up with Lauren and Julie to check out the Salvador Dali exhibit that moved into Vienna for the summer. Unfortunately we didn't find many works from the guy himself, just some sketches and then a lot from similar artists. Dali was a surrealist painter, and if you don't recognize his name.. you may just be familiar with him from his famous painting,  The Persistence of Memory, with all the drippy clocks...

The Persistence of Memory, 1931, Salvador Dali

The only reason I still recognize it is because of its appearance in an episode of Arthur way back in the day.. I think Buster was having bad dreams or something along those lines. If no one else remember I am sure Brent will. Ah well, excellent way to spend an afternoon. 

cheese stuffed things.

As much as I miss some grocery things from home, like 1% milk in a bag, Doritos, and Mommy's surprise, I have definitely grown to some uniquely European things that I will definitely crave once back in North America. What is the solution? Eat as many as you can before you leave.

Unfortunately I need to clean out the cupboards and eat the food I have been storing for the past 4 months, which means a lot of soup and pasta. Even so, I am going to enjoy these few new favourites from the grocery store until the day I leave.

Number 1 - Kasekrainer. Believe me, I am no fan of sausages.. but oh man when it come to one of these baby's, I will have two (not really my heart would stop). I wouldn't really classify it as a sausage, more of a glorified hot dog with cheese in it. And as they don't have Schneider's or Maple Leaf here, fancy hot dogs is what we do. AND the best part, they are already cooked, all you have to do it heat it up in a frying pan. Sizzly cheese stuffed meat sticks.. I know you wish you had some.

2 - Feta stuffed Olives. I should have split these two up, but seriously.. I like cheese and anything stuffed with it is a winner in my books. These are purchased from the Naschmarkt here in Vienna, along with vine leaves, falafels and the best pita bread and hummus around. As a new fan of olives, I am unsure of the availability of freshly stuffed cheesy olives in Canada.. I will be looking further into this. 


3 - A large variety of dark beers. Canada requires more selection, and so does Long Sault. 


4 - Bakeries, on every. single. corner. I will always choose the Schokocroissant. Always.


5 - Manner cookies. These are something I can bring home, and I will.

I am sure there will be more when I find that want it and can't get it. Isn't that the way it always is? 

A Kasekrainer and salad is pretty near my favourite meal these days.

after 4 months in a city...

After four months in this city, I am still experiencing what is truly 'Viennese'. This fine Father's Day morning (also the 40th anniversary of my grandparents, Wiepo and Audrey, Congratulations!), I ventured out to experience something that is uniquely Viennese. Not specifically food, but one of those things you just have to taste before I leave here in approximately 16 days.


The Vienna Boys Choir, or Wiener Sängerknaben has been around since its debut in 1498. The Choir was formed to accompany the church mass. Typically the boys are selected form Austria, but nowadays they come from all over. Franz Schubert was even a choir boy way back when! The group became an official, and professional musical group in 1924, and today travel the world performing. Lucky enough for me, I am living in the city in which they originate, and got a free-standing spot for this morning's mass. 


Let me tell you, these boys can sing! And they are all in the ages between 10 and 14.

I didn't get to record it myself, but here is a YouTube link of some of the performances on tour. One more.. 'Austrian' song.. and one, well.. less-so Austrian.

Wiener Sängerknaben - In The Jungle
Wiener Sängerknaben - Edelweiss

Happy Father's Day all you amazing father's!!
shannon xx