I'm not really sure where "downtown" Vienna is located, but I headed into the city today. Some might say, I went downtown. I don't know if I would say it. I think I have a bit of cabin fever and I just needed to get out for a while.
I've been thinking about sweet potatoes a lot lately and the only place you can find them is downtown -- no, wait -- at the Naschmarkt. This was my first visit since it's been really cold and I definitely noticed that the crowd was smaller. The last time I was there, the place was overflowing with sweet potatoes. You couldn't turn around without bumping into one. But this time they weren't quite as plentiful. I guess I should have bought them during the fall.
Oh well, there were enough. I loaded up on sweet potatoes and bought a new pair of mittens. I have gloves that I like, but I've been wanting a pair of mittens that have the top part that you can remove so you can actually use your fingers. I hope you know what I'm talking about because I'm too lazy to get the camera.
However, I did snap some nice photos at the Naschmarkt. They're not for the faint of heart. If you prefer a little mystery with the food you eat, maybe you shouldn't continue. because there's no doubt with this food.
I'll start you out with some cute bread -- just so you won't have to see anything you don't want to see. Unless, of course, you're just scanning through the photos. In which case, you get what you deserve.
The pig is a symbol for good luck, so you see all sort of pig-paraphernalia around New Years. One of the bakeries at the Naschmarkt was selling bread shaped like a pig's head. Pretty cute, eh?
But just a little further down at the butcher, you can find real pigs' heads. Notice the one on the right has a cigar in his mouth.
Have you ever had shrimp scampi and wondered what it looked like before it was on your plate? Wonder no more.
If you're more of a fish kind of person, here's your dinner. The one on the bottom looks surprised, the one above it is a little angry and the one above that one is just down-right sad.
If you're eating fish in Austria, it may not look much different when it arrives at the dinner table. I'm pretty sure they serve it with the head intact.
I've saved the most disturbing for last. This was actually the first thing I photographed at the Naschmarkt. I've never seen anything like it. I'm not sure what it was, but the hoof is still there!
7 comments:
Wow...the market looks very interesting...love the pig bread! Stumbled on your site after seeing your comment on Sew, Mama, Sew! I made 12 aprons this holiday season. I would definately choose the Friday Night Apron pattern over the Sunday Dinner Apron. I made 2 of the Sunday and the rest were Friday NIght. The Friday night one is simpler, cuter and fits better. If you want to check out my site you can see the difference and contact me if you want more particulars since I've made both. Good luck and enjoyed your photos! Austria looks cold...brrrrr!
I should probably be more troubled by the severed pig's heads and the whole leg-of-something...perhaps I need sensitivity training.
(Thought you'd like to know that I got seasons 1 and 2 of The Office for Christmas. YAY!)
P.S. Will you let me know when the two little envelopes I mailed to you arrive? That will give me a clue how long it takes to get from here to there, I'm curious about such things.
That leg would most likely be the hind quarter of a central European Cervidae. Deer for the lay-person. I've sniffed out a few deer in my day and although only taste would confirm it, I'm pretty sure it is fresh deer. YUM!
Brings back memories.... I didn't get may birthday presents, but when I was in 5th or 6th grade someone gave me a 45 rpm record --- Petula Clark singing Downtown....
Teddi - Thanks for the tip. I'm now waiting to receive my very own Friday Night Apron pattern.
Gina - The Office -- that is exciting! The first thing I thought when I saw the leg-of-something was, "Would it be appropriate for me to take a photo of this for the blog?" I kept walking, but ended up going back for the photo.
Daisy - If Sharkdog had been with me, he probably would have gotten that taste. I don't think he's ready for the Naschmarkt.
Mom - If you want another record, I know where to look -- the Naschmarkt. On the flea market side of things, there are several places that have boxes and boxes of old records.
The pigs' heads--both sets--crack me up; the seafood looks delectable (seriously!); and I bet the hoofed thingy was a deer.
I miss this kind of thing! I've heard rumors of an Asian market here in OKC, but I've yet to go exploring. I do miss markets, though.
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