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Wrenkh
Bauernmarkt 10
01.533.1526
www.wrenkh.at
The first time I was in Vienna, I felt as though I'd stepped inside a giant sausage and there was no way out. With sausage or Wurselstands on every street and corner of the city, there's no escaping the smell of sausage.
It was a great surprise then to discover that not only is vegetarian food readily available in Vienna, but that there are some pretty good choices. And Wrenkh has to be the best. This is the type of comfortable, attractive cafe that I'd eat at weekly if it was in my neighborhood. The furnishings are light and contemporary, the diners are interesting, the staff is friendly, and the food is terrific. I went back twice for the goat cheese and tomato confit over quinoa. It was simply perfect, with flavors perfectly balanced. The pumpkin tortellini with honey apple was tasty as well. Wrenkh generally offers about six vegetarian entrees at about 10 to 14 euros per.
Other vegetarian eats in Vienna: The Hotel Bristol even has a small vegetarian section on the menu, and the vegetarian lasagne isn't half bad.
Maceo
15, Rue Petits Champs
Paris, France
+33.1.42.96.37.86
www.maceorestaurant.com
It's no longer too tough to find a vegetarian menu in Paris - think Guy Savoy, Pierre Gagnaire, Alain Passard. What can be a little more difficult to find is a vegetarian menu that will get two people out the door for less than 500 euros. Maceo, from the owners of Willie's Wine Bar next door, is a hit with vegetarians in Paris for precisely that reason. While there are a la carte offerings and seasonal menus for omnivores, the "Menu Au Vert" is not only the best value, but often has the most interesting offerings. It's so appealing, my meat-eating friends often go with the green selections.
A winter menu offered preserved baby vegetables with goat cheese and parsley with a creamy veloute of chesnuts with truffle juice. The was followed by wild mushrooms and polenta with pear and fourme d'Ambert served with winter vegetables in curry sauce (above photo). A choice of cheese of dessert concludes the meal. And all for 32 euros.
The upstairs dining room at Maceo is a historical monument. The ceilings are 12' high and have beautiful moulded plasterwork. Tables are well spaced for intimate conversations. Maceo is definitely worth a visit.
Sadly, Blossoming Lotus, the wonderful little vegan restaurant in Kapa'a on Kauai closed Dec. 31, 2008. It will be missed, but there is another Blossoming Lotus in Portland, Oregon. I've not been to the Oregon location, but the menu looks just as good, with plenty of raw food options as well. Here's the website. Check it out when you're in Oregon and let me know how it is. http://www.blpdx.com/cafe.php
The first time I was in Vienna, I felt as though I'd stepped inside a giant sausage and there was no way out. With sausage or Wurselstands on every street and corner of the city, there's no escaping the smell of sausage.
Other vegetarian eats in Vienna: The Hotel Bristol even has a small vegetarian section on the menu, and the vegetarian lasagne isn't half bad.
