Austria
For centuries the heart of an empire which played a pivotal role in the political and cultural destiny of Europe, Austria underwent several decades of change and uncertainty in the twentieth century. The interwar state, shorn of its empire and racked by economic problems and political strife, fell prey to the promise of a greater Germany. But postwar stability has seen the growth of a genuine patriotism, while the end of the Cold War has put the country, and its capital, Vienna, back at the heart of Europe. The ethos of Austrian society is solidly bourgeois, although the Socialist party has been the strongest influence in government over past decades; and despite endless scandals, and the deep divisions created by the Waldheim controversy, an almost Scandinavian emphasis on social policy continues to be the guiding principle of national life. Austria is primarily known for two contrasting attractions - the fading Imperial glories of Vienna, and the variety of its Alpine hinterland. Vienna is the gateway to much of central Europe and a good place to soak up the culture of Mitteleuropa before heading towards the M
It's difficult to make hard distinctions between places to eat and places to drink - most establishments offer snacks and meals of some kind. Similarly, it's possible just to have a drink in most restaurants. Town-centre Kaffeehauser or cafes tend to be the most expensive places to eat, while food served in bars can be great value. Light meals and snacks include pizzas from about oS70; all restaurant and cafe menus have filling central European standbys such as spicy Serbische Bohnensuppe (Serbian bean soup) and Gulaschsuppe (goulash soup) for around oS50. Main dishes (Hauptspeisen) are dominated by veal - Schnitzel - often accompanied by potatoes and a vegetable or salad: Wienerschnitzel is fried in breadcrumbs, Pariser in batter, Natur served on its own or with a creamy sauce. In general you can expect to pay oS80-140 for a standard main course, though set lunchtime menus (Mittagsmenu), even in more costly establishments, always offer a wide range of cheaper dishes. Desserts (Mehlspeisen) include a wide range of sweets and pastries: various types of Torte (including the famous rich chocolate Sachertorte); strudel
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Foodstuffs Austria, Cold War, Bohnensuppe Serbian, July August, Gasthofe Gasthauser, Europe Austria, Desserts Mehlspeisen, Schnell-Imbiss Bufet, Town-centre Kaffeehauser, Innsbruck Vienna, establishments offer, larger towns, wide range, tourist offices, expect pay,
Approximate Word count = 755
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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