Of the many attributes that characterize a city, local cuisine is often at the top of the list. Philadelphia has its cheese steak sandwiches, Chicago and New York both vie for the best slice of pizza, and Nice, France has its eponymous tuna salad. Other cities have less well-known culinary specialties, but the local food item is no less important to the city’s identity.
Vienna, Austria is one such city. For the Viennese, it is the Sachertorte that has tempted the taste buds of many visitors and locals since 1832. The delicate combination of rich dark chocolate, cream, and apricot preserves are what make the deceptively simple cake a manifestation of all things pleasureable and edible in the world.
Invented by Franz Sacher, who at the time of its creation was a mere 16 year old apprentice chef, he kept the recipe secret throughout his continued training, his career as a delicatessen and wine merchant, and through the end of his life. His son Eduard opened a hotel in 1876 and served the cake in the hotel restaurant. While the recipe stayed a closely guarded secret, it also quickly put the cake on the cultural and gastronomic map of Austria and Europe. The recipe still remains under lock and key. Cake made by the original recipe can only be purchased in Vienne, Salzburg, and a specialty shop in Bolzano, Italy.
The chance to sink your fork and your teeth through such splendid sweets is made most memorable in a quick trip to the ‘city of music.’ Easily accessible by train, plane, car, or bus, the city is a must-stop for the discerning chocolate lover. On your visit, if you’re looking for a pension or hotel Vienna Austria has many options. In the search for hotels Vienna is unrivalled in terms of grandeur, selection, and proximity to the famous Sachertorte. Guten apetit!
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