Good Taste is the Worst Vice

Austrian Airlines

There are many reasons I'm looking forward visiting Vienna again: watching D eat his body weight in schnitzel, spending more time exploring the Kunsthistoriches, having another crack at the Silvio Nickol wine list.  And... another trip on Austrian Airlines. It's probably unfair to compare ... continue reading...


Coi, San Francisco

On my recent work trip to San Francisco, I visited a restaurant that's been on my list for a long time - Coi.  Chef Matthew Kirkley was previously at L2O, one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago (which since closed). I'm happy to report that his cooking has only gotten better and more elegant ... continue reading...


Five favorite food books

I love to read - something engrossing and well-written, and preferably on the lighter side for a little escapism.  And I reread my favorites, especially on a long flight or to relax on vacation.  Among the books I reach for most often are a few that never fail to make me hungry: Mediterranean ... continue reading...


Brown sugar cayenne roasted chickpeas

Given everything happening in the world these days, there are plenty of reasons for anxiety.  And I tend to worry a lot, which is definitely not productive! This recipe is a good way to redirect that energy into something more positive - and pretty tasty.  It's kind of soothing to stand in front ... continue reading...


A day in the Wachau Valley, Austria

Our last day in Austria brought rain but also a new adventure - exploring the wineries of the Wachau Valley.  Austrian whites, especially Grüner Veltliner, have become increasingly popular in the US over the past decade or so; the reds (Zwiegelt and Bläufrankisch) are less common. We were met at ... continue reading...


Hotel Sacher Wien

A few things I learned about the Hotel Sacher, our home in Vienna: Shares its name with the famous Sachertorte, and though the cake was actually created elsewhere you can still get a wonderful version at the Cafe Sacher The lobby office is filled with photos of its famous guests, including ... continue reading...


Hallstatt, Austria

If it's true that a picture's worth a thousand words, most visitors return from Hallstatt with the equivalent of about a million words on their cameras. It's one of the most picturesque - and most photographed - villages in the world. It also has a long history - with evidence of salt ... continue reading...


Imperial Vienna

There are still plenty of reminders of the Habsburg Empire in Vienna today - it's part of the charm of the city. We popped into Café Demel for cups of Schoko-Baileys, rich, boozy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.  It still proudly bears the designation "K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker" - K.u.K. ... continue reading...


Steirereck, Vienna

One of my favorite vacation luxuries is a long lunch, whiling away a few hours with wonderful food and wine before stepping into the afternoon sunshine for a postprandial stroll. So on our last day in Vienna, we arranged for lunch at Steirereck, located in the Stadtpark just outside the ... continue reading...