Thursday, May 19, 2011

MUNICH'S FAMED HOFBRAUHAUS

"When in Rome do as the Romans do," and when in Munich...Do the Hofbrauhaus! Yes, it's touristy, but a visit to this incredible European city wouldn't be complete without it (even if you're not chugging! ;). It is one of Munich's oldest, largest and most famous beer halls. From the moment the doors open at 9:00am until they close at midnight, the atmosphere is like a non-stop and very rowdy party filled with mostly tourists, but a lot of locals too. It's also one of the few Beer Gardens that has live Oompah music during lunch and dinner...talk about a fun way to experience the culture here!They do serve food, but I would recommend just going for a liter of beer and a gigantic German pretzel...you'll be set!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

AUSTRIA'S AMAZING DESSERTS!

If you ever get the chance to jet set to Austria...be prepared for a major sugar rush! You cannot travel there and not treat yourself to some of their amazing desserts, including the World Famous Sacher Torte! I was just watching Anthony Bourdain on "No Reservations" in Vienna, Austria, and on the show he went to the Sacher Hotel and had their famous chocolate cake. There is a Sacher Hotel in both Vienna and one in Salzburg. This past December, I went to the one in Salzburg and tried some of this cake, and like Tony says..."It is damn good!"Here it is...the original Sacher-Torte, which has been the most famous cake in the world for the last 175 years! It's a chocolate cake which is thinly coated (by hand) with apricot jam, and topped with chocolate icing. The cake comes with a side of unsweetened whipped cream. And when in Austria, you must wash it down with a "Wiener Melange" (coffee with milk)! It is heaven on earth...I promise!
Before trying the torte- go ahead and order some traditional Hungarian goulash...just the way your grandma would make it!

More on my trip to Munich, Germany and Salzburg, Austria to come!