Ep 2. Vienna

In the second episode of season 2 of Extraordinary Places to Eat, viewers are transported to the beautiful city of Vienna. The host, Fred Sirieix, takes us on a culinary journey through the streets of this historic Austrian city.

Fred starts his food adventure with a visit to a coffeehouse, a traditional Viennese institution. He meets with Gerti Pollak, the owner of Cafe Hawelka. Founded in 1939, this coffeehouse has been a hub for writers, artists and intellectuals. Fred admires the old-world decor and the handwritten menus. He enjoys a home-baked Apfelstrudel, a Viennese classic made with flaky pastry and filled with apple, cinnamon and nuts.

Later, Fred meets with chef Andreas Senn in the historic district of Spittelberg, famous for its narrow cobbled streets and Baroque architecture. Andreas takes Fred to his restaurant, Pichlmaiers zum Herkner, which serves Austrian cuisine with a modern twist. In the kitchen, Andreas makes Tafelspitz, a traditional Austrian boiled beef dish. He explains that this is a national dish and is served in almost every Viennese restaurant. The dish is served with root vegetables and horseradish sauce. The tender meat falls apart and melts in Fred's mouth.

Next, Fred visits the Naschmarkt, Vienna's largest outdoor market. Here, he meets with Robert Fuchs, who owns a stall selling fresh fish from the Adriatic Sea. Robert introduces Fred to the Austrian delicacy of smoked trout. Fred watches as Robert expertly fillets the fish and then serves it to him with a salad and bread. The smoky flavor is delicate and delicious.

Fred then heads off to try some Viennese schnitzel, a dish made from a thin slice of meat, usually veal, that is breaded and fried. He meets with chef Ewald and his wife Caroline, who run the restaurant Figlmüller, famous for its schnitzel. The couple explains the history and tradition behind the dish, and the importance of using high-quality ingredients, such as free-range chicken and locally sourced bread crumbs. Fred is impressed with the crispy and tender schnitzel, which is the size of a large pizza and enough to feed two people.

Fred ends his food journey with a visit to a Heuriger, a traditional wine tavern found in the vineyards surrounding Vienna. Here, he meets with winemaker Willi Opitz, who serves him a local wine and a platter of cured meats and cheeses. The tavern has a cozy and rustic atmosphere and is decorated with traditional Austrian artifacts. Fred enjoys the flavorful wine and the combination of the salty meat and rich cheese.

Throughout the episode, Fred discovers the rich culinary heritage of Vienna and the importance of tradition and quality ingredients. From coffeehouses to Heurigers, from fish markets to wine taverns, Vienna's food scene has something for every taste and occasion. The beauty of the city, the friendliness of its people, and the passion of its chefs make Vienna an extraordinary place to eat.