A Lovely Vegan Start To The Year.

A new decade beckons...

Honestly, at the moment I cannot tell you what day of the week it is. These last two weeks have morphed into one giant holiday and for some reason every one of those days felt like a Sunday. Good, that means we are relaxing. We have had two different lot of friends come to visit and we have been busy showing off our bit of paradise. Nice to see it fresh through the eyes of those that have never been here.

Yesterday evening we had booked a table at a local Buschenschank and as we wanted our friends to sample a typical Burgenland meal, Bob and I weren't too fazed about having to eat bread and onions. A Buschenschank is molded on carnivorous meals and far be it from us to change that. Only one meal after all.

When the waiter did come around to take our order, Bob and I started to ask for our ususal go-to vegan option ( bread, raw onions, salt and pumpkin seed oil ) but he asked if he could bring a bit more than that. Of course, I said yes but reminded him that we are vegan. ' I know ' he said and left for the kitchen. Marvelous, the word has spread...

When the food came around, copious meat platters for our friends, two marvelous plates of delicious vegan foods appeared. Sliced pears, rocket, a selections of nuts, onions, pickle, gherkin, freshly baked rye-bread and more. Our mouths literally dropped in awe. The owner had especially prepared two portions of vegan food for us. Wasn't that wonderful?

Only this morning, after ruminating about this in the middle of the night, did it dawn on me that she had planned ahead once she'd seen our names on the booking sheet. We weren't expecting it and would have been delighted with mere bread and onion, but what she prepared for us didn't only taste divine but it made me realize that she wanted to prepare something special and tasty for us...veganism might just have a chance in Eisenberg.

Biggi

A Picturesque Review Of The Week.

Autumn is in full swing.

Only last Friday we had the pleasure of attending a groundbreaking vegan Buschenschank in Eisenberg. It can be done and judging by the onslaught of happy people, it might not be amiss to have it more often.

I had the ' Xavar-Brot ' and I have to confess it was so delicious that I only remembered to take a photo halfway through. Yes, the portions were huge and the wine was good.

All over the vineyards the tone de jour is a mellow yellow and its lovely cousin, orange. Despite the fog on this particular morning, the depth of color is unwavering. A treat to walk past it.

A rose awakening from a rather cold slumber with pink cheeks and glistening dew.

As vibrant as a red rose can be, I must admit that I prefer the pink beauty as it shows elegance, style and class.

Some of the corn fields have not been chopped yet and at least the local deer will be able to feed themselves for a little while longer and fatten up for the winter to come...

Biggi

White Wine And Vegan Pumpkin Seed Spread.

A Buschenschank with a difference.

We went out to a local, well almost local Buschenschank yesterday and had a fabulous time. It is one of the nicer ones around, in atmosphere, food, wine and ambiance but after last night it has garnered another description...innovative.

The other day I saw a documentary that did get my attention beyond its sixty minutes with the outcome of ( at least for a little while ) a few of my eating habits being changed. Yes, meat has been sidelined in our kitchen and we've been feasting on delicious meat free dishes. Of course the true test of one's convictions arrives when going out for a meal at a Buschenschank....a place enshrined with meat dishes.

Fair enough, I was going to skip a day of healthy eating and order something with only a touch of meat. A Grammelschmalzbrot. We arrived at the place and ordered wine which left me enough time to dilly dally over the menu. Oh, I do that regardless of what I eat or not eat. Gemini.

Funny how our mind, once it's set chooses to ignore the obvious. I was on the brink of ordering my Grammelschmalzbrot when Bob asked me to take a closer look at the menu. He of course was privy to my menu planning...

There it was, sandwiched between Schmalzbrot and cream cheese spread. Oh yes, even printed in capital letters;

Vegan pumpkin seed spread.

To say I was stunned is an understatement. How wonderfully progressive of this Buschenschank to put something a bit more inventive than a cheese bread for non meat eaters. Of course I ordered it but I savoured the idea of it even more.

When it was time to pay the bill, the owner came over to cash up from us and as I was so happy I firstly thanked him for their innovative drive and also ask him why they'd thought of it.

" Quite a lot of people ask for a vegan dish and we've put one on the menu. "

Those are the rare moments when realize why among a string of establishments within walking distance, this particular one, Herczeg Buschenschank..., full of customers, and even rarer, happy customers.

Biggi

A Killer Bratlfett Sandwich.

Meat by proxy.

The weather turned back at the last minute from joining the wintry climes and thus the sun was out en force. Divine, delightful and a great last day for my uncle and aunt on their holiday. Even though Eisenberg provided rain and cold for most of it they were undaunted merely taking it in their stride.

Margit's Heuriger was a great choice to eat in yesterday because whilst sitting there with family I discovered ( or rather re-discovered ) yet another gorgeous side to Eisenberg's vineyards.

Bob was working and at first I didn't want to go without him but like any woman worth her salt, I changed my mind and drove there at four. Yes, early bird specials for my family...it suited me just fine because I had a pot of vegetables to consume and a cat to console. A few hours for a snack, a chat and an Achtl of white wine was just what the doctor ordered.

Funny how life works sometimes. The owner of the Heuriger has driven past me for the last six years while I was on my daily walks. A wave, a hoot and a nod for years but hardly any close-up greetings. Once we met up outside the bookshop at the mall and honestly, I have to admit that I hardly recognized him without his car.

The others ordered big meals, warm meals but I wanted a Grammelschmalz Brot. In fact I had been dreaming of it all afternoon long. All well and good but they were out of it.

" Don't worry, I can highly recommend the Bratlfett Brot. You'll like it. "

Oh, when the meals came all the plates were piled high with food apart from mine. Mine had a long slice of rye bread covered with a thin layer of this Bratlfett and sliced onions. All I can say is that after the first bite my taste buds went rapturous with sheer joy. Oh my, what a fabulous taste indeed. A meal so very simple yet with an abundance of flavour, a flavour that wasn't on track to antagonize the wine's essence but rather it enhanced the wine.

Gosh, I nearly forgot to tell you what a Bratlfett actually is...when you do a roast pork ( one with a layer of fatty skin on it ) a lot of the fats congeal at the bottom of the roasting dish. A melting pot of flavours often thrown out due to weight concerns. Well, this layer of fat is smeared on a slice of freshly baked rye bread and garnished with onions. Try it sometimes, you won't be sorry.

Biggi

Burgenlander's Are Capturing The Heart & Palate Of Jaded Wine Lovers.

Burgenland, a wine paradise.

There is just something so special about our wines. Oh, I am sure other parts of the world make astounding wines but I have lost my heart to Burgenland and all it entails. Wine, nature and fabulous people.

Where to begin...somehow a few of the new guard of vintners have found a way to translate each bit of clay, earth and old vine into every sip of wine. No pretense, no window dressing just honest, often plain but oh so nice and moreish. If you don't quite believe me ( perhaps I am a bit biased ) then listen to the wine connoisseurs and wine critics around the world.

A handful of young vintners ( a few from our village and the next ) are putting a buzz into wine reviews, wine tastings and most importantly, putting a spring back into jaded wine critics and making their praises simply fly off the pens...

Rather ironic really that Burgenland is the new it place to be when for ages the rest of Austria has thought of Burgenland as its poorer cousin. Of course our region was and is not associated with avant garde city life and all the travails it entails but that is the quintessence of what makes our area so wonderfully livable.

With the advent of these new superstar vintners, Burgenland is leaving its mark on the rest of the world. Just this week, a local winemaker from the next village, Christoph Wachter has set the London wine circles alight. Wow, he hosted a Buschenschank in London and apart from introducing Londoner's to his excellent wines, he showed them a slice of paradise...which must be a welcome change from the hectic rush that life in a metropolis is. Bravo!

Biggi

A Grammelschmalz & Peanut Butter Sandwich.

A South African challenges the culinary staples of Burgenland.

Let's be honest, most of you who have only read about our bit of paradise, also known as Burgenland, have never tried Grammelschmalz. Or have you?

A slice of rye bread, topped with lashings ( some Buschenschanks tend to err on the side of caution and only put a hint of it on the bread ) of Grammelschmalz and decorated with thinly sliced raw red onion rings, makes the perfect addition to a delightful glass of chilled Grüner Veltliner. Harmonious and useful at the same time. Definitely helps defray the effects of too many Achtels.

What might Grammelschmalz be? Well, it is tasty melted pork fat mingled with bacon bits and a eaten as sort of a sandwich spread. Believe me, it has the makings of manna thus naturally making it addictive which tends to be the reason we only buy it now and again.

Once an older Eisenberg resident told me that after the 2nd world war when times we so very tough, how envious she was of a kid who took Grammelschmalz sandwiches to school. In hard times, food trumps possessions.

Monday saw a container of it fall into our shopping trolley and two guesses who engineered this event. As I love it too, I pretended not to notice. Not noticing is a great trait in a marriage at times.

About ten minutes after getting home from our shopping expedition into Grosspetersdorf, we ravenously fell upon our purchases. Honestly, who doesn't? I saw Bob take out the Grammelschmalz and the peanut butter and couldn't believe my eyes when he paired the two together onto a slice of crusty rye bread...at least he didn't add slices of red raw onion to it!

It seems to hit all his taste buttons at once as since Monday there hasn't been a day without this combo sandwich. Will they offer it in Buschenschanks? Possibly not and for two reasons...Burgenlanders aren't into peanut butter plus eating it makes your palate stick together and it might not be such fun to carry on in conversation or taste the divine wines of our region.

Let me know what you think once you've tried it...

Biggi

A Grammelschmalz Brot Saved The Day, Or Rather Today.

An evening out with family...

Why is it that we ( perhaps I use the royal we ) can count so many things endlessly and without making a mistake but when it comes to top-ups or re-fills of our wine glass, all arithmetic is forgotten? As Bob likes to say to me;

" Your parents should ask for a refund on your school fees. "

Eight of us, or eight clan members went to Bruni's last night. Actually more of an early bird special as the time was arranged for five p.m., due to some clan members having reached
wise elder status and we were all back home before nine p.m.

Bob and I were fashionably late ( for some reason I tend to catch up on all household duties minutes before we have to leave, which drives Bob crazy ) and when we got there, our clan elders had wisely ordered a liter of red and a liter of white wine for the table.

Full of good intentions and healthy exuberance, I had decided to keep a sharp eye on how much I'd drink, but like all good intentions, it flew out the window when my sneaky cousin Klaus kept on topping up my glass.

Before we had actually put our orders through I had asked Bruni to bring a Grammelschmalz Brot for the table. A few eyebrows were raised at my gluttonous behaviour but they soon changed their tune when they tried a morsel of it and just like that a huge portion of Grammelschmalz Brot was gone and more importantly helped line a lot of stomachs!

Goodness me, we had a great time sitting around a big table, with wine, memories and laughter. Bruni made sure we were well hydrated with water and wine.

The beer drinking crowd has an advantage over us wine lovers. They have the famous beer mats, which are not only there to catch the overflowing beer foam, but also to paint a dash on it for each glass had. Next time I attend a clan meeting, I shall come prepared with beer mat, pen and Grammelschmalz Brot.
Oh dear, that reminds me, the next meeting is this afternoon, an Oktober Fest a la Clan...!

And just to put your mind at ease, I didn't overdo things too much last night, as any top ups were rather just dash ups...luckily I had an elegant wine glass which would look stupid being overly full.

Biggi

A Saturday Filled With White Wine Harvesting, Pressing & Insights.

Another gorgeous Südburgenland day.

Some say that the harvest is early this year, some that it is late, but everyone agrees that it is much less than last year. Weather having muscled in on the action throughout the growing period. Bob and I helped my parents to harvest the white grapes. The ' we ' seems a bit stretched as I had two hours of English extra lessons and only got there towards the end of part one.

The de-stemming part which was followed by the best part, a lunch break at one of our local Buschenschanks, Wiesler - Schreiner. Apart from having had fantastic weather, yesterday we were blessed with a fantastic lunch. The bread was fresh and still crackled when one cut the crust and the glass of chilled Welsch Riesling oiled it perfectly.

Did I mention that we sat at the foot of Eisenberg's wine hill? The greens are starting to turn yellow and orange and it brought home the feeling of being on holiday. Yes, we live a life that really doesn't need a holiday.

A couple who are here on a week's holiday had helped with the harvesting and they had the Eisenberg twinkle in their eyes.

The Eisenberg twinkle: When they start to question their own lifestyle and work out the possibility of moving to Eisenberg for good. Some even start to number crunch!

It happens again and again when stressed out people take a holiday in our area, thinking that for a change they'll go into the boring rural backwaters, only to realize and understand that the lives we lead here are what countless others are yearning and searching for their whole life.

On that topic, earlier in the morning as I was going for a walk with a friend, we stumbled across a mini meeting of three people and two dogs. A woman, who looked to be in her mid-thirties, was asking about houses for sale.

" Oh, there are a few lovely houses for sale in and around our village. "
was my input...

" I need to be sure that there is enough going on in the village so that I won't be bored. "

...well, she isn't ready (yet ) for an adventurous life in our neck of the woods...

Biggi

Once Is A Coincidence, Twice Perhaps Too, But Three Times Isn't!

That's when you wish you'd let it go to voice mail...

Honestly, there are sometimes long stretches of time, when we don't go out at all...and which has Bob going up the wall! No Frühschoppen, no ' oh, they're having a party ' and no Buschenschanks for a few months on end.

As you might have gathered, I am rather fond of being at home, while Bob does like the odd night out. These last few weeks though, have been a constant frequenting of Buschenschanks and Frühschoppen ( well, that one we did work at ) and not because we are Buschenschank hoppers but because in Bob's case, the stars aligned in his favour and in my case, it was a bit of socializing and showing off our beautiful area.

As out of the way as we are, there is a proliferation of entertainment about. Buschenschanks, music festivals ( Mike & Heli's speciality ) and popping over for a B.B.Q.

Learning to say:" No, but thank you for asking us. " is vital for a long and healthy life as otherwise, before you know it your dance card is full and evenings at home far and few between.

Yesterday evening we attended the Buschenschank at Schloss Kohfidisch with my parents and guests from Australia ( take note of letters 6 & 7, which constitute a whole world of difference sometimes unnoticed by post officials ) and sat in the front garden, surrounded by history and good cheer.

Yes, it was packed to the rafters and for a Wednesday evening, a nice compliment to the hosts. Say what you like, but sitting and sipping a glass of Grüner Veltliner in a regal setting leaves even staunch republicans in a content state, imbibing history and enjoying life.

For a while now, I have been going for weekly walks with a lady from Eisenberg and she usually phones me on Wednesdays to arrange a suitable day and time. Lo and behold, the last few times that she has phoned, yours truly has answered the phone at a Buschenschank, which even if I didn't tell her, she would have guessed from the background chatting of all and sundry, who with each subsequent glass of wine, hold court a little bit more audibly.

" Oh, are you out, aaagggaaaiiin? "

but, she was laughing and even rescheduled our walk for Saturday instead of today...did I mention that I start off at 6.30 am?

Biggi

How Do You, Drink Your Wine?

Oh, one glass at a time!

Last night was one of those perfect summer evenings, an evening which folks in Denmark would give their eye's teeth for. The sun was setting and the temperature was cooling down to a more acceptable 25 degrees. A balmy evening indeed and one which lent itself for an excursion to a great local Buschenschank, Weinbau Stubits.

This particular one is within walking distance ( I know they all are, but this one could be reached in a pair of sandals or high heels ) and neither of us had to be the designated driver. A clear family favourite!

Sitting outside under the yet to be seen stars had to be celebrated with a glass of chilled white local wine. Chilled, being the operative word, is unfortunately interpreted differently around our village.

" I'd like an eighth of your Chardonnay. Oh, it is cold, isn't it, because otherwise just bring me an eighth of your coldest white wine. "

" Of course, but we've also got ice cubes."

Gosh, I nearly broke out in a song. Honestly, ice cubes are still not common here and the mere thought of putting one in your glass of wine, raises many eyebrows and gives cause for plenty of utterings...oh, those South Africans!

Only after the Bobster gave me a nudge under the table, did I calm down enough to order this glass of Chardonnay & ice cubes. Well, even though our waitress, who is the owner's daughter, offered the ice cubes, she did pause to ask me:

" Eh, did you say you'd like a glass of our ( obviously quality ) Chardonnay, with an ice cube in it? "

Say no more, say no more...in order to not cause too much consternation at the bar, I asked her to bring me the ice cubes separately.

Back to my question, how do you like to drink your wine, when it is warm outside? Putting those ice cubes in it might offend the wine aficionados but at least it allows one to sip at the wine, and not drink it quickly. The alternative is too dreadful to imagine...a warm glass of Chardonnay, Welsh Riesling or Gürner Veltliner would give me cold shivers!

By the way, their Chardonnay was excellent with a hint of honey and their Welsh Riesling made a perfect foil with its hint of tartness or was it lime? Oh dear, I might have to drag the Bobster there again, in order to be sure...

Biggi

A Buschenschank Is One Of Burgenland's & Austria's Treasures.

In a world where authenticity is scarce, a Buschenschank is an authentic marvel

A Buschenschank is a fabulous thing. It is a brush with a way of life that seems to have been shunted to the back benches of society. Yet, a Buschenschank is a symbol of that Nirvana we all search for. Simplicity, companionship, honesty and a place to recharge the soul and if not at least your well being.

By the virtue of their decree, a Buschenschank can only be opened for a few weeks per year and in order to run one, you need to have your own vineyard too. That alone guarantees you a zero carbon footprint wine.

Did I mention that some of them have an internationally award winning array of wines?

The food served in them runs along similar lines yet each one has its own distinctive way of serving and arranging. Most of it is and should be made on the premises and only family members do help out. Serving and preparing the food etc. Often it is held in the adjacent wine cellar with solid wooden tables and benches. A fabulous experience in itself. Anyone can drink a glass of wine but not everyone can drink it where it was made.

A Buschenschank isn't run to make a huge profit but to showcase the local wines and to keep up a tradition that dates back to the good old days.

During the winter months, we villagers have a glass of wine and some local fare at the various establishments open, but in the summer months, most Buschenschanks are filled with eager tourists, and I include the Viennese and the odd Londoner in them!

As soon as you see the prices charged you can somehow relate to the happy smiles settling on many a tourist's face. When a glass of quality wine, wine that you know has only traveled a few yards and not across the oceans, only costs on average 1.40 Euros, you'd also be in ecstasy. Of course there are more expensive wines on the menu such as those that have won Best red in Austria.

The draw to tourist from near and far is to my mind underestimated by the political powers that be and it almost seems that they want to put their signature on it via making an establishment jump through bureaucratic hoops

instead of congratulating them on making our province full of wonderful tourists destinations & marvels.

Nowadays, most travelers have seen the world five times over. A world where in each city, the restaurants are superb, but all similar. No more individuality and in most restaurants you would be hard pressed to name the country you are in.

Instead of always extolling the virtue of the Heidi-like mountains in Austria why not promote one of the real treasures of Austria and Burgenland? A day, weekend or holiday spent in the marvel that is Burgenland, will refresh even the most jaded traveler.

Why not book a stay at another Burgenland, A Kellerstöckl, while sampling the various Buschenschanks?

Biggi

We Got A Present Of Chopped Wood.

Wood for the winter in perfectly sized pieces.

It was rather unexpected but welcome nonetheless. A kindly soul, who I have taken to the doctor's a few times, brought two trailer loads, full of chopped wood. As a Thank You.

When you consider that he is a septuagenarian, it is unbelievable to know that not only did he chop the wood into small pieces, but that he also felled the tree in the forest. A few winters ago, Bob and I had the opportunity to chop our own wood to size. On TV it looks as easy as pie, but in real life, it's not so easy. Never mind splitting the wood with the axe, the hardest part ( for me ) was actually connecting my axe with the wood. Needless to say, Le Bob was prudently out of reach...

Anyway, we have enough wood, correctly sized for our wood burning kitchen stove ( a relic from the previous owner of our house ) to make our kitchen cozy and to have many pots of soups simmering away.

We do have a pellet oven for the central heating, but somehow, there is nothing more cozy than an old fashioned wood burning stove. I still remember that my Grandparents had one of these stoves and there was a compartment for hot water somewhere on the stove top. I think it had a copper lid and knowing my Grandmother, it was polished and sparkling.

Cooking on any wood burning stove is not for sissies. There is no temperature dial to turn up or down, except for perhaps opening the air shaft a bit more and fanning the fire. A fried egg could become a surprise egg.

A few weeks ago, Bob and I went to a Buschenschank at a castle. Schloss Kohfidisch is about 10 km from us and having a quick brush with a regal ambiance is nice.

We sat in the old kitchen area of the castle and even though nobody was cooking on the stove, it was just so cozy sitting next to it and imagining the meals that had been cooked on it through the centuries.

Bob and I were having a lovely time at the Buschenschank...eh, the plate of nibbles was Bob's and he was guarding it from those wifely fork-attacks with rather too much enthusiasm!

As you can see, this wood stove is huge, but when you consider that the castle has many wings, it is amply sized. If these walls could talk...

Biggi

Frozen Grapes & A Torch, Both Not Necessary,

A trip to a local Buschenschank.

At least it wasn't sour grapes! This weekend we've got a full house again. Our friends are over from London for a long weekend and as Bob was saying, he can't believe how quickly time flies, as he was counting down the months leading up to this visit.

Our friends are far from novices, in fact one could call them veterans ( Gerhard, if you are reading this, I remembered the word in the middle of the night ) of Eisenberg. This is already their fifth visit and hopefully not their last.

That's the great trait of quiet and reserved people, they absorb and take note. The last time they were here, the four of us joined in a walking expedition with a great bunch of friends to a wine festival on the upper Eisenberg or as I call it- Millionaire's Row - and last night, every now and then they would ask me:

" Isn't that so and so? "

We had all looked forward ( in fact counting the weeks and days ) to having a nice evening at Weber's Buschenschank and that we had. It seemed like everyone was there and for Bob and I it was special to be able to greet and be greeted. Isn't that what dots the i in life? Throughout the evening, and dare I mention that we had such a good time that we stayed almost till closing time, folks would come up to our table for a chat.

It was rather funny the way they called their last round. The lights went off for a while and yes, we noticed. Gosh, that took me back to my student days and the way a last round was announced. Much more awful back then, as the lights would suddenly glare up and we would all blink like deer caught in the headlights.

As you can imagine on a warm summer's night, the wine tasted especially nice and because I didn't know if they had ice cubes I took a tupperware of frozen grapes along to drop into my wine glass. As it turns out, they had plenty of ice so I took home my melting grapes...

I had planned ahead like a good girl scout knowing that we would all enjoy the local wine. The only way we would get home, was to walk home. I had put a torch into my little rucksack and told everyone to wear comfortable shoes. The walk home is a few kilometers after all and walking at funny angles is better done with a sturdy pair of shoes.

One of our neighbours and friend to boot realized that he had had a glass to many and decided to leave his car there, joining us for our trek home. He must have noticed what fun I had shinning the torch because he let me do it for about 500 meters and then told me to switch it off.

" Just all stand still for a while and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. I promise you'll see the road just fine. "

and he was right. Without my torch, we could admire the star filled sky, see the odd vine and still get home without a mishap or a stumble. Life doesn't get much better. Good food, good wine and great friends...

Biggi

The Honesty System & The Old Fashioned Handshake Are Still The Best.

Don't laugh, that's how it was done for a long long time.

I am sure it is practised more than I know, but at the moment I have just had the experience here in Südburgenland. Mostly in the local Buschenschanks, honesty stands above anything else.

Going out for a nice evening at a Buschenschank is always fun and entails copious wine and vittles. Copious when compared to normal restaurants because a glass of wine costs on average 1,50 - 2,50 Euros. Unheard of in the restaurant business! Don't forget, this is not your ordinary plonk either but the real McCoy as only vintners are allowed to hold a Buschenschank.

At the moment you might be picturing our little " hamlet " and thinking how many people could there possibly be at the place...you'd be surprised how hectically busy they are for the few weeks that they are open. A restaurant can only dream of these numbers. Often you don't find a seat and have to wait and sharing a table is the norm but coincedently a wonderful way to meet new people.

I don't want to slate restaurants in other parts of the world, but here in our Burgenland, only two or possibly three waiters are serving the whole place and speedily too ( up to 100 people easily ).

But now for the good part: As a customer it is your duty, or rather privilege to remember what you ordered when it comes to sorting out the bill. The waiters don't keep a tally although, they might secretly do so and just want to find out who is honest and who is not!!!!

Last night was a perfect example. Bob and I were settling our bill and as of course the Stubits's wine is so nice, we had more than a glass. Coupled with the fact that we both walked there, we tasted a few of their wines. As our waitress took out her writing block and waited for us to peel off what we had had, she must have misunderstood, because she forgot to add 4 glasses of wine.

Eagle eyed that we are, we pointed it out to her and she thanked us while adding the extra items. Honestly, if I know that I haven't paid for something, I feel awful and will make a point of sorting it out...

Don't you find, that if the other person expects you to be and behave with honesty, you automatically step up to the plate? Might be worth a thought, although if we all step up to the plate of integrity and honesty, where would that leave the lawyers of the world...

Here is a link to all the various Buschenschanks in our Gemeinde.

Biggi

Eisenberg Has Just Been Chosen As One Of The 30 Most Beautiful Places In Austria.

The secrets is finally out that we live in paradise...

Personally, I can't get enough of our little village and its surrounds and even after four years of living here, I still give a silent ( sometimes audible ) thanks to the man above for letting me live here. I can't help it, it is just so wonderful.

When we announced that we were to move to a tiny village in Burgenland and let me tell you, that no one I know had an inkling where or what it was, eyebrows were raised and private comments were uttered. Granted, in Eisenberg we don't have car showrooms, supermarkets, bank(s), shops or fancy restaurants. Good golly me, we don't even have traffic lights and come to think of it the nearest one is about 25 km away!

But as it turns out, we don't need all of these things right under our noses. Should we have the urge to see one or all of the big city sights, we can hop into our car ( or even a bus for that matter, which drives as far as Vienna a few times per day ) and have a few hours of it or until our vat of lights, noise and stress is full. You know, the nicest bit about going to a big town or city once a week, is knowing that we can escape home to Eisenberg and its tranquility.

As the writer for the Kurier found out herself, we live in surroundings that are just too breathtaking. A wine area of such beauty and luckily bounty too, that not much else is desired. Yet our area has cycling routes to even tire out a seasoned cyclist, walking paths to delight any ambler, walker or nordic walking addict not to mention a newly added canoe route.

Walking in and among nature is not only good for the soul but interesting and exciting because often a buck or hare will appear out of the woods. Being able to walk alone ( in Pietermaritzburg it was a bit too dangerous ) and at any time of the day is a treat and I take full advantage of it.

Eisenberg is beautiful in each and every season. Walking most days, I get to witness the changing plumage of trees en route even when they are bare in winter they have a eloquence despite it.

We are a hop and a skip away from Hungary, where nature just carries on being divine. Driving on the other side of our Eisenberg into Hungary is a continuation of picture perfect blue skies and green fields adjacent to the golden rolls of straw that this time of the year brings. The hills framing these spectacular sight are filled to bursting with vines... the Old Masters would have delighted in putting up their easels.

Our village is a wine producing one and going out to the various Buschenschanks is such fun and of course delightful to be able to sample the wine of vintners who are winning awards and are causing the wine glitterati to sit up in a pleasant surprise.

Eisenberg welcomes tourists and there are many nice places to stay, even cozy & romantic Kellerstöckls ( cottages ) in the vineyards. Just this week, there is the added bonus of hiring a fully stocked picnic basket and sitting under a shady tree to do justice to it...

Could life get any better? Eisenberg, one of the 30 most beautiful places in Austria!!!!

Here is a link to our Gemeinde / District / Paradise...

Biggi

A Nice End To A Hot Summer Evening.

In the middle of our heat wave.

When it's so hot, venturing out during the day is only done when really necessary. Staying out of the boiling sun ( 38 degrees ) is vital and I for one have devoured three books already in as many days. As it is the tourist season, I did go out for a few hours each day to clean the holiday cottages. Hot as blazes but when you change your mindset it goes by in a flash and is even fun.

We had dinner plans last night. Doesn't that sound grand? Well, our friends had their last night here in Burgenland and we thought we'd have a last supper with them. When in Rome, do like the Romans and when in Burgenland do like the Burgenlanders...a Buschenschank of course.

Alas we had to drive there because it was about a 5 km round trip and if it weren't for the heat, we would have walked there. Walking is more fun, as you don't have the hassle of choosing the designated driver. With Bob and I, the choice seems easy, but...

The nicest thing happened on the way there. Driving down our road we saw a friend of ours. She had just returned from a weeks walk to Mariazell ( a shrine of sorts ). A whole bunch of friends do this annual walk and I think that they walk at least 30 km each day. Anyway, as we stopped to say hi, she told me that she had put in a good word for me...I was pleased as punch, that she had thought of me and also because a good word to the man above never hurts anyone.

Our Buschenschank of choice was in Eisenberg: Rennhofer. We were sitting on the veranda, sipping wine, looking out onto a vineyard and just having a good time. Our friends are from South Africa and each time they visit, they cannot believe how we all sit around without security fences, without burglar bars on windows and often without locking the car or even your house. It couldn't happen in S.A.

The Buschenschank was great and we discovered their house wine, which tasted good and more importantly was price at 1 Euro per glass. Have you ever...! ( by the way, in most Buschenschanks you keep a tally not your waitress ) It was wonderful sitting there and seeing the stuffy afternoon air being shafted over by the cooler breeze of the evening.

Our table had two bees that thought they were part of our party and kept on buzzing about our plates and heads. Gosh, they need to eat as well yet it was a bit annoying having a buzz not caused by wine.

When Bob and I got home a bit later, we congratulated ourselves for having chosen and having the guts to have made a change to our life. We love our life here and even though it has challenges, it was the best thing that we have ever done. Four years this month and loving every minute of it.

Biggi

My Own Unique Selling Point Of Grammel Schmalz & Bratenfett.

Another fabulous Buschenschank experience.

Of course we go out when it's just the two or four of us ( my parents ) but when guests are here, our Buschenschank time is amplified. What a novel and good idea for visitors to see one of the facets of that gem called Burgenland...and why we love it here.

Most newly initiated Buschenschank frequenters say almost the same thing:

• The wine is excellent and so affordable!
• The simple & honest food is a refreshing change from the usual constricted restaurant fare.
• The scenery and weather are amazing.

The casual atmosphere is conducive to having a great time and when the wine is so affordable, ordering more of it becomes a breeze instead of a squeeze.

A few years ago, two of our friends came for a weekend, went with us to a Buschenschank, saw the low prices of our delectable Eisenberg wines and ordered each wine on the menu! legendary...

Eight of us were at the Kopfensteiner's Buschenschank last night and had a great time. Sitting outside under an evening sky and chatting away is one of life's pleasures. Lately, my staple food at these outings is bread topped with Schmalz of some sort. Be it Grammel or Bratenfett.

Just in case it got lost in translation...it is a bread topped with pure fat. Usually the drippings left after making roast pork and they are mixed with crackling or as is. Yum yum indeed. Of course some women take a look and instantly refuse to eat it because of their waistlines. Years of conditioning ( or brainwashing ? ) regarding fat!

Once you taste this combination, you can't stop. A simple yet divine tasting morsel. Last night I went a step further and ordered a plate of four different toppings served with freshly baked rye bread. Oh yes, it was good.

I could see a few odd looks but then I casually dropped my unique selling point...

" You know, this is the best thing to ward of wrinkles. If you don't eat fat your skin just crumbles. "

Hook line and sinker...suddenly, everyone accepts my offer of a tasty sample, even one of the men at the table.

Life is groovy or should I say gravy...

Biggi

Dear Men, Husbands and Boyfriends: Thank You For Putting Up With Our One Flaw!

All of you deserve a medal.

It was a typical May-Day yesterday. A day of leisure, family and good food. Bob had gone off to spend most of the day with his other family ( fire brigade ) and we went to a proper castle to have lunch. Schloss Kohfidisch had a Buschenschank and I had wanted to try it out for a long time and it surpassed my expectations.

Alas, I have not spent much time in castles but driving up to this one and entering the Buschenschank was special. An occasion coupled with imbibing the history of walls and tables. We sat in the kitchen, mind you the kitchen of yore with super large Aga like stoves and more than likely the place that everyone congregated during the cold winters. Gosh, if those walls could have even whispered the going on's of a few centuries ago...

The food was great and as is the case with Buschenschank fare, laden with delightful yet tasty calories. Say what you want about our parallel parking abilities / driving abilities or cooking skills, but almost all of us are ace at counting calories. Not only counting them, but intrinsically knowing the " stickabilty " of meals: a second on our hips, a day on our hips a tad longer...

My food tasted so divine, that I finished each and every bit of it and resisted using my fingers to lap up bits. We sat at the long table in the kitchen which could easily have seated about twelve or more. As we paid, another party came and sat next to us. I didn't need to be a profiler to know that they were from Vienna ( overdressed for the countryside ). The women were perusing the menu with great care ( perhaps counting calories ) and then one of them uttered that age old line.

" Oh, I don't know if I should eat this...perhaps I'll start my diet tomorrow "

We've all done it and when I heard her say it, I felt deflated.

Even before they had ordered, she had set the tone. The men of the party, were nicely filled out and clearly they were looking forward to enjoy their vittles.

I am sorry for those times that I have uttered these sinful words. Men, how often have we spoilt your meals at restaurants with our constant niggling about what to eat. When you guys want to show us a good time and feed us ( men are honeys and always think we are too skinny...as opposed to us, who are brainwashed to automatically think we are too fat ) we do deal breakers such as:

• " Do you think they use a lot of butter in this sauce? "
• " I would like to order a salad, but leave out the dressing. " ( gosh even a rabbit would revolt )
• " Honey, how many calories do you think these dish has? "
• " Oh, I would love to eat this Schnitzel, but I don't know. I shouldn't as I don't want to put on weight."
• " Do you really want to order this? Think of the how rich it is..."

it is a sheer miracle that you men haven't wished us to Jericho. Collectively we have ruined rather a few of your dinners out. Kudos to you, that you still venture out with us.

Dear men, would you rather we enjoy our food without a care in the world and perhaps sport an extra pound or two, or would you like us to be stick thin and carry on eating rabbit food?

Dear men, you need medals galore for putting up so long with our one & only flaw...

Biggi

A Jolly Nice Weekend Indeed.

The constant sunshine did it.

Weeds to some, extreme beauty to me and I have to constantly beg Bob not to start mowing the lawn. Somehow, a little corner of our yard has turned into a colourful, medicinal display of wild flowers.

Maybe I should go on a course to learn how to harness the powerful natural healing potential of certain plants and flowers.

Look at this hovercraft in our garden! If only I could have captured the sound of this stunning bumblebee. This was on a shady side of the garden, so the photo is a tad bit dark.

The shrub standing guard at our front gate has decided to lure everyone with its vibrant red blossoms. The birds have been privy to it even before the red siren call, but now the bees are abuzz too.

What is a sunny Burgenland weekend without having a wine-stop at a local Buschenschank? You could tell how good the vittles and wine were, by the crush of people there. Good golly gosh, we almost had to wait for a table!!! Now that's a good sign.

Bob and I were rather clever and walked to meet my parents there. No car...no guilt! The walk was extremely picturesque and not so long. This was on the way home.

How better to end off a divine and leisurely weekend but to see in the sunset? The trees give it another dimension of divinity.

Biggi

A Red Beauty, A Yellow Rose & A Sunny Day In Eisenberg.

A lovely day, six weeks before Christmas.

When I saw this red beauty towards the end of my Sunday walk, I couldn't believe it. So vibrant, so proud, so prominent. Against the backdrop of its green neighbour, this tree's colours jump out the photo. This tree is opposite the Eisenberg Vinotheque. Co-incidence or not?

Same tree, different angle...still stunning in its simplicity. Yet, the red is so world class.

A yellow rose. Not seen as often, as most like to have the red and pink roses. This rose shrub blends in perfectly with the Autumn coloured vines in the background. This rose is in the Buschenschank garden of Kopfensteiner Wine Estate. Well worth a visit....they have a red wine, that was crowned one of the best in Austria 2014.

The most breathtaking white rose, stunningly positioned in front of the Eisenberg vineyards ( you can see the look-out platform in the background ) is also a resident in Kopfensteiner's garden. Beautiful.

This hedge caught my eye as I walked passed it. How does nature achieve such vibrant and eye catching colours? As per usual I took rather a lot of photos in order to get a good one...As I was clicking away, I heard a delicate cough out of an open window. The owner of this hedge made himself known, and I almost ran away...

The vineyard slide....imagine taking a slide down that steep slope! The village seen through the fog is Eisenberg Weinberg.

The vines in this area produce the famous Blaufränkisch grapes, grapes that make the wine which puts any wine lover into a state of euphoria.

Can you see how steep the vineyards are? Imagine picking grapes or even tending to them all year round...far from easy.
Half way up the hill are two heavy vehicles. Would you rather drive the top or bottom one? Just imagine the feeling in either of them. No, not for me!

Biggi