A taste of Austria!

Last Monday, Capital Cooking got to attend the press and trade tasting event hosted by the Austrian Trade Commission at the chic L2 Lounge at Cady's Alley in Georgetown. We got to sample some of Austria's best delicacies including wine, cheeses and plenty of gourmet products. The best part is that these amazing products are now finding their market in the U.S.! Of course we were thinking of drinking and our first stop was the bar! I will admit, when I think of bubbly that hails from Europe, my mind doesn't instantly go to Austria. So I was in for a pleasant surprise when the bartender served up a glass of their sparkling pinot noir ('Secco' Sparkling Pinot Noir, Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, NV).  

It was similar to a rose wine in appearance but its refreshing and unassuming palate made it my new summer drink of choice! Next stop was over to sample some of the wonderful Austrian cheeses, meats and stuffed olives which were all major crowd pleasers. No matter what kind of cheese you like: creamy, pungent, mild or anything in between, Austria has something for you.
 
The caliber of the cheese tray was no surprise, but things really got interesting when we started to check out some of the boutique culinary items that Austria produces. Everything from chokeberry seed oil to quince vinegar was on display from some of Austria's finest producers. The event was a great combination of standard Austrian specialties and creative surprises-- we are just glad they're going to be available on this side of the Atlantic!