Monday, March 15, 2010

Nashmarkt Sights

Always inspiring and intriguing with it’s variety of fresh foods, spices, and flowers, Naschmarkt, the largest open-air market in town, is one of Vienna’s most popular tourist destinations. Every visit there reminds me that I should become a more adventurous cook and take better advantage of the spectacular opportunities the Naschmarkt offers. The best time to visit is during the week on a warm and sunny day when it is not crowded and the marvelous fragrances of the teas, spices, cheeses, breads, pastries, sauerkraut, olives and other foods waft in the breeze, entice you closer and capture your imagination.

Gegenbauer offers what many believe is the world’s largest variety of vinegars. Shopkeepers will place a drop of vinegar on that web-like part of your hand between the knuckles of your thumb and first finger. Then you can lick it off to taste. What is your vinegar pleasure—apricot, asparagus, fig, lemongrass, melon, pear, raspberry, red pepper, sour cherry, or something else?


Need some oil? From the exotic argan oil to the delectable walnut oil Gegenbauer offers a large selection to complement their vinegars.


Spring flowers are appearing:



Oberlaa offers beautiful and delicious treats:




Freshly-squeezed juices:


Marbleized Easter eggs brighten a rainy day:


Beautiful fruits and dates:







What rich colors these spices are! And the aromas! Wow!



Egg-shaped gingerbread cookies with their intricate cross-stitch and lace-like designs:



Marvelous cheeses, some stinky, some not, but all delicious:



Old wine barrels serve as tables:


I love the striped awnings:


3 comments:

  1. Fantastic! I struggled down the Nashmarkt before Christmas, it's a sensory overload! I could visit every day and not get bored, thanks for the reminder.

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  2. Hi Bully,
    You are so right...sensory overload is exactly what happens. I wish I had said that but it escaped me. Thanks for your comment!

    Martha

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