Welcome to day five of our Vienna Advent Calendar. Today, we journey through the sweet and sumptuous history of Vienna's Sachertorte, a dessert that's not just a treat for the palate but also a symbol of Vienna's rich cultural heritage.
Make sure to watch our Advent Calendar video shorts. We reveal images and insights about this famous cake, accompanied by the lively and festive 'Faschingsbrief - Polka Op. 203' by Johann Strauss II. This polka perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Vienna's Fasching season.
Fasching, Vienna's carnival season, is a time of joy and celebration, marking the opening and closing of the city's renowned ball season. It begins on November 11th and culminates in a grand celebration before Ash Wednesday. During this period, Vienna transforms into a city of dance, music, and culinary delights, with the Sachertorte being a highlight at many ball events. This delectable dessert, with its rich layers of chocolate and apricot jam, becomes the centerpiece of many a festive table, enjoyed by dancers and guests alike.
Our story takes us back to 1832 when Franz Sacher, then a young apprentice, created the first Sachertorte for Prince Metternich. His son, Eduard, later refined the recipe at the Demel pastry shop before establishing the Hotel Sacher. This dual heritage led to a storied rivalry between the Hotel Sacher and Demel, each claiming the authentic recipe. The "Cake War," a legal battle in the 1930s, eventually resolved this dispute. The Hotel Sacher was granted the rights to call its cake "The Original Sacher-Torte," while Demel could name theirs "Eduard-Sacher-Torte."
A visit to the Sacher Hotel, located just across from the Opera House, is a cherished tradition for many. Here, locals and visitors savor a slice of the legendary Sachertorte, often accompanied by a glass of sparkling Sekt, before or after enjoying a performance at the Opera. The Sachertorte's blend of rich chocolate and tangy apricot, coupled with the effervescence of the Sekt, creates a perfect culinary harmony, mirroring the elegance and vibrancy of Vienna's cultural scene.
Beyond its disputed origins, the Sachertorte has become an iconic symbol of Viennese café culture, beloved worldwide. Both versions of the cake are celebrated for their rich taste and history. This story adds to the mystique and allure of this famous dessert, making it a must-try for visitors to Vienna.
As the notes of Strauss's 'Faschingsbrief - Polka Op. 203' echo the festive atmosphere of the Viennese balls, we invite you to immerse yourself in the story of the Sachertorte. Watch today's video to see a pastry chef at the Sacher Hotel artfully prepare a Sachertorte, showcasing the skill and tradition behind this beloved Viennese treat.
Thank you for listening to our podcast today. We hope you enjoyed delving into the delicious history of Vienna's Sachertorte. Join us for our next podcast, where we will embark on a journey with Nikolo, a symbol of kindness and generosity in Vienna. Don't forget to share this podcast with your friends and subscribe for more captivating stories. Bussi Baba for now, as they say in Vienna!
Embark on a Delicious Journey through Vienna's Culinary History!