We were sadly nearing the end of our stay in Austria and it hit us today when we realsed that about this time tomorrow, we’ d be lining up for our Emirates flight back to Dubai. We were tired but happy souls enchanted by the land and we just wanted to make it last a bit longer. So whilst I was tired I knew that today was a relatively easy one.
Walking through Vienna we walk past the Muesum of Fine Arts where every Thursday night people can book a table and have dinner under the glass dome. I’ve noticed Austrians like to combine food and other interests which suits me just fine.
Spices
Chanterelle mushrooms
Sweet peppers and other marinated vegetables
We then head over to Naschmarkt where Nasch or Naschen means “to taste”. Since the 16th century, the Narschmarkt was originally where milk bottles were sold and from 1793 all fruit and vegetables were sold here but today it sells an array of items. It’s open every fay from 8am-6pm but some of the restaurants and cafes are open past midnight. I make the mistake of buying some delicious looking things by the weight by some fast talking stall owners and E26.50 later I’m handed a container of marinated vegetables. I can think of other things I’d rather spend E26.50 on so I warn anyone that is considering buying these (and yes they must have seen me coming as I love those sweet stuffed peppers!).
A huge variety of juices
Cheeses, nuts and sweets
Sauerkraut stall
We pass by stands selling fresh fruit, spices, meat and fish and it’s quite similar to what we have back home, certianly like the Victoria Markets in Melbourne. Alexa our guide points out a famous Sauerkraut stand which is said to be the best place to buy sauerkraut (there’s no name, apparently locals just know it as the sauerkraut place) and it comes in large barrels.
There’s a famous vinegar store “Weiner Essig Brauerei Gegenbauer” which sells an amazing number of vinegars. on the right are apple vinegars and in the centre there’s a cherry vinegar which is mainly used as a digestive. You can sample these vinegars by taking a dropper bottle and then placing a drop of it on your hand and licking it. Apparently 13 kilos of fresh raspberries from the Viennese forest are used to produce 1 litre of raspberry vinegar. The key is the staying power of the vinegar on the palate. If it disappears, then this is an indication of flavouring agents rather than the actual fruit that is used.
Cherry vinegar-used as a digestive
We then make our way to restaurant Palmery where we are having what they call a light lounge lunch. Now we’re suspicious and we know there’s no such thing as a light lunch in Vienna and we’re right to be. There are 3 courses and they’re all goodies.
Beetroot, smoked halibut & salmon, trout with foam of apple horseradish
Pink roast breast of Duck with Poppy seed pancake, red cabbage, cassis and kumquats
I adored the perfectly cooked and tender duck with the cream cheese and poppyseed filled pancake which is as thin as a crepe. The red cabbage here is lip smackingly good and I try to find space to finish this with the duck and pancake. Again I find the tart kumquats rather incongruous but from recalling our trip to Finland, in Europe they seem to like pairing fruit with meat.
Grilled Pike Perch with salt potatoes, spinach and lemon butter crumble
Vacherin Mont D’or with truffled honey, nuts and grapes
I wish I had room for this dessert which is a cheese lovers plate. The vacherin Mont D’or cheese is a seasonal cheese in France and Switzerland which is only available from September to March and is made from the winter milk of cows who have been brought down from their pastures for the season. It is similar to Emmentaler and Gruyere, but treated differently, so that the cheese is almost liquid when fully ripe as witnessed by the display on the plate. It is rather brie like in flavour and it is paired with truffled honey, physalis and grapes and is deliciously rich. I find that with the added richness of the truffled honey that I try my best but can barely make a dent into it – I blame the delicious duck.
Iced cranberry tartlette
Alas, we have just one last day to go on our Austria trip!
So tell me Dear Reader, how long does it take you to get over the post holiday blues?
Naschmarkt
Between Karlsplatz and Kettenbruckengasse
Vienna, Austria
Restaurant Palmery
Burggarten 1010 Wien
Tel. +43153310330
www.palmenhaus.at
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30 Comments | Add your own
this is some fine-looking cuisine! it’s always disappointing to return home from an awesome trip and be greeted with an empty fridge. at least you have good memories (and pictures).
This is my favourite Austria post yet! A tasting market is just right up my alley!
Oh the cheese.. the cheese!
There are so many lovely things in your post… but my favorite is that melty gorgeous cheese… I just wanted to reach in and have a spoon of that rich goodness… although all that lovely fish with beet and apple looks pretty tempting!! You paint a lovely picture, Lorraine!
Another place on my must visit list. Fabulous!!
I always lament leaving but then enjoy the comforts and familiarities of home when I get there – it’s usually the going back to work that brings on the blues!
If I went to Vienna it would take me ages to get over the post-holiday blues! Your trip sounds amazing Lorraine!
Thank you for your wonderful post about Vienna, it is a magical place. I loved my time there. Coming home is not so bad. I spend several months each year in Europe, but I love coming home to catch up with friends and do normal things.
Debra
I was in Vienna many years ago backpacking through Europe and had one of the most wonderful time in Austria. Thanks for bringing back the memories and definitely hope to re-visit the place again very soon. Well, it takes me forever to get over any post holiday blues. Happy traveling and blogging and keep the stories coming! ;D
Just leave me at the Naschmarkt and I could quite happily spend the whole day there. That’s a huge lunch, don’t know if I could live in Austria for too long as I’d come back the size of a semi-trailer.Lol.
I love to travel and always lament having to come home, not because I don’t love my home but I totally love the adventure of new places and cultures. It takes me weeks to get over my holidays as I mentally re-live my experiences. There’s one spot in Positano where it was a picture perfect day and we were strolling along the cobbled streets and came upon an archway adorned with climbing roses,looking out to the sea. Ohhhhhhh, magic!!
How I miss Vienna.. I wish I had time to visit the markets!! Damns! I miss East Europe!!!
That room is gorgeous! I really need a holiday :-/
Just overnight after waking up in my own bed! Love that cheese dish!
duck!!! yum~~
and look at all those marinated goodies^^
Lorraine, your trip sounds amazing! And the food – WOW!
Sounds like fantastic trip and every dish looks so delicious! I would love to have that plate with Mont D’or cheese!
Gorgeous photos Lorraine. I never feel homesick when I go away, but always feel ‘holiday-sick’ when it’s time to come home and it usually start the day before the flight home. I take an extra week off work just to get over it.
Oh God, I love this post! I travelled widely in my youth and one of my favourite things was always the markets. Thank goodness Australia’s markets are pretty awesome now. As for post-holiday blues, I pretty much get them on the way home …(
Oh that duck has me drooling, it looks so tender & tasty. And that cheese plate.. wow! Although i’d leave the gooseberries – one of the few fruits I can’t stand.
Hmm… getting over the holiday blues takes me until I begin planning for the next one
Oh wow, that cheese dessert dish jsut made my stomach and heart flip flop. So divine!
Post holiday blues? Two months on and I still got ‘em…
I was stuck on the duck breast until I came to that cheese! Made me want to dive right in
Post holiday blues – I try to delay them by always getting back home several days before I have other commitments to attend to (like work) and plan to do some catching up with friends and family – kinda extends the fun.
Until the next holiday!!!
Oh wow love that food!!! Post holiday blues can last ages…I even find 1 year later sometimes I can reminisce all over again…Dzintra♥x
Such lovely photos – makes me wish I could just jump on a plane and go to Vienna.
It normally takes me ages to get over my post holiday blues, am still in that mode now post Florence!
Love the Naschmarkt! We have a trip to Vienna planned early next month and will definitely check out some of your suggestions, thanks ^_^
I heart Austria – sigh … Post holiday blues usually last about 3 days, then I am too busy again.
Until the next holiday!
Apart from our honeymoon,2oyears ago, we have never had more than 2 nights away from the kids. Our breaks have been visiting the relatives on a rural property in QLD. That is not a holiday, just a change of scene.
Oh wow, that cheese plate… I have no words.
Your pics are gorgeous, Lorraine. My favorite way to explore a different country is through their markets and you’ve done a great job of sharing your adventures with us.
OMG that plate of cheese looks positively sinful! Pass one my way, sweetie.
Hi grace-I know, I’m facing an empty fridge now!
Hi Liss-hehe I knew that you would like this!
Hi deana-I know, it looks amazing doesn’t it? Thankyou!
Hi Mary-Fantastic!
Hi SuperShan-I know, isn’t that the worst?
Hi Loll-It was great and so hard to recover from!
Hi Debra-You’re more than welcome! You’re very fortunate!
Hi Ting’er-You’re very welcome! I would love to revisit one day! Thankyou so much!
Hi Matilda-hehe I know, lots of lovely little stands! Hehe there is definitely that risk! That sounds like a most magical memory!
Hi msihua-yes it’s a fantastic place isn’t it!
Hi Reemski-stunning isn’t it!
Hi Moya-hehe lucky you!
Hi Yuki-I know, but trust me, they can add up!
Hi Diana-Thankyou so much!
Hi 5 Star Foodie-it’s fantastic and such a pretty setting!
Hi Toni-Thankyou! Oh good idea with that extra week!
Hi MaidInAustralia-Thankyou!
yes I love visiting markets too! they’re endlessly fascinating 
Hi Phunk-that was amazingly good!
Yes they’re quite tart aren’t they! hehe good idea! 
Hi Hannah-It was huuuge too! I think you could totally feed 2 or 3! Aww you poor thing!
Hi Sarah-Hehe I know, isn’t it pretty? Ahhh I like that!
Hi sandra-hehe true!
Hi My Dolce Vita-Aww you poor thing-1 year later!
x
Hi Su-yin-thankyou! I know, I wish it were closer! Ahh I can imagine!
Hi Sasa-Have fun and I can’t wait to read about it!
Hi Cakelaw-3 days? Wow that’s great!
Hi InTolerantChef-Hehe! Aww still that sounds nice?
Hi Alex-Isn’t it stunning?
Hi Faith-thankyou!
Yes I agree, such a great glimpse into the people and culture through markets 
One coming your way! 
I loved Vienna and the highlight of our trip was a Nepalese restaurant where we stayed. I also loved the Naschmarkt. No remedy for holiday blues, save plan for the next trip away!
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