by Kate Seaman
On my trip to Europe over spring break, I was immersed in a completely different food culture than I’m used to. I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Germany, Prague and Austria.
On my trip to Europe over spring break, I was immersed in a completely different food culture than I’m used to. I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Germany, Prague and Austria.
During the trip, I visited museums, palaces, historical districts and ate some of the best food I have had in a long time. Usually on vacation, I eat whatever is, in the words of my father, “local flavor.” I try to eat whatever I can’t get at home and try not to be picky about vegetables or meat. Sometimes, that has led to trying foods I didn’t like. But this trip was different: There wasn’t a single meal for which I could resist another bite.
In Germany, there were many potato-induced dreams. I had no idea that potatoes could be prepared so many different ways: sliced small, baked, mashed, flavored, plain, salted and even in dumpling form. Every potato preparation was amazing, but there was more to Germany than just potatoes. The sausage was absolutely amazing. Bratwurst, krautwurst and breakfast sausages were filled with spices that were subtle, yet familiar to tastebuds immediately.
In Prague, meat was dominant. Although I was only there for 36 hours, I ate a range of different meat: veal, pork and beef. (Just a disclaimer, Prague was awesome, but I don’t recommend it for vegans or vegetarians; there are very limited options). They were all amazing, and there were flavors I hadn’t tried before that I absolutely loved and are impossible to explain in words.
There is no doubt about it: No one does wiener schnitzel or dessert quite like the Austrians. I had a chance to go to a restaurant that dubbed itself “home of the schnitzel.” The night I ate it, I had dreams of dancing schnitzel, that’s how good it was. If you ever have the chance to go to Austria, get a hot chocolate or a sachertorte; I guarantee that you will not regret it. A sachertorte is a chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam on top and coated in dark chocolate icing on the top and sides. Both of these chocolate treats are decadent and rich in flavor and unlike anything I have had in the U.S.
I loved my trip and took hundreds of photos, but the food and the dancing schnitzel will be engrained in my dreams for years to come.
In Germany, there were many potato-induced dreams. I had no idea that potatoes could be prepared so many different ways: sliced small, baked, mashed, flavored, plain, salted and even in dumpling form. Every potato preparation was amazing, but there was more to Germany than just potatoes. The sausage was absolutely amazing. Bratwurst, krautwurst and breakfast sausages were filled with spices that were subtle, yet familiar to tastebuds immediately.
In Prague, meat was dominant. Although I was only there for 36 hours, I ate a range of different meat: veal, pork and beef. (Just a disclaimer, Prague was awesome, but I don’t recommend it for vegans or vegetarians; there are very limited options). They were all amazing, and there were flavors I hadn’t tried before that I absolutely loved and are impossible to explain in words.
There is no doubt about it: No one does wiener schnitzel or dessert quite like the Austrians. I had a chance to go to a restaurant that dubbed itself “home of the schnitzel.” The night I ate it, I had dreams of dancing schnitzel, that’s how good it was. If you ever have the chance to go to Austria, get a hot chocolate or a sachertorte; I guarantee that you will not regret it. A sachertorte is a chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam on top and coated in dark chocolate icing on the top and sides. Both of these chocolate treats are decadent and rich in flavor and unlike anything I have had in the U.S.
I loved my trip and took hundreds of photos, but the food and the dancing schnitzel will be engrained in my dreams for years to come.