The Amiable Nights in Vienna

A very famous Arabic song of the 1940s, The Amiable Nights in Vienna (ليالي الأنس في فيينا), describes the ambiance of Austria's largest city and capital, which I visited few years ago and found every detail of the song's description still alive and kicking!

I spent 22 days in Vienna and another 22 days in the following year; so, 44 days, in total, of exploration. I was greatly pleased by the historic records, pieces, arts, buildings etc. that are still kept as they once were. The city speaks Love, exhibits Love, and sparks Love. It seemed like every bit of me was found in a place:
My love for music: in Joseph Haydn House/Museum (Haydnhaus - Wien Museum), which is renovated so beautifully with a lot to do for music lovers (even composing your own music) and a lot to see, such as records of the first concert in history etc.
My love for the Jewish culture: in amazing sites where I both dined and shopped.
My love for food: in every step I took.
My love for culture: in every step I took, too.
My love for history: in Schönbrunn Palace, Empress Sisi's Museum of her extraordinary possessions.
and the list goes on..

However, despite everything I found interesting in Vienna, there are food-related stuff that I cannot just involve in my general opinion - they deserve specificity!

First (the foodie in me talking now), I have never ever ever tasted a risotto as good as the one I tried in Vienna, although allergic to shrimps, I could NOT not eat it. Yes, it was that good!
It's served in Fabio's, an Italian fine-dining restaurant.

Risotto with saffron, lime, scallops & shrimp

 Second, the night market (which is also open during the day) on Sundays (I think/can't remember) was remarkable. It was heavenly for a food-lover like myself. Not only did I grab whatever food I saw, but I also had an unforgettable conversation with a very humble and friendly Russian seller, who I wish would come across this blog lol, Aliy. Aliy not only sold nuts, herbs and spices, but also took the time to tell me about the benefits of each one of them.

Aliy at his own shop

Dried hibiscus flowers I bought from his shop

Third, Spoons Cafe! Located within nature in Donauturmstraße. Had the best cheese dumplings in there (I adore cheese, by the way)!

Cheese dumplings covered in MORE cheese

Last but not least, of course... THE sachertorte!
I do not and will not ever understand anyone who says "it's just a chocolate cake." It's not. This cake was created to satisfy a royalty's craving by Franz Sacher, whose son is the owner of Hotel Sacher in Wien. The very famous cake's recipe remains a secret, only served as extraordinary as it was made by Franz in few places - you would know the difference in taste if you try it in several places. Also, not only did I pig out on it, I brought my own sachertorte to Dubai!

The perfect trio - sachertorte, cream and gelato

Stamped and packed!