Hello!
November has arrived in Vienna. Outside, the colours are fading, the trees are shedding their leaves and the sky is practising fifty shades of grey. Dino is putting up a colourful fight. With golden pumpkin, beetroot red and a venison ragout that refuses to be impressed by bad weather.
I think that's an excellent form of resistance. Red & Gold. Pure Savoy!
First up is the cream of pumpkin soup. Vegan and golden yellow – it's long been part of the family. It has thoroughly earned its regular spot on the menu. I think we should start reserving it a table of its own.
Alongside it is the onion soup. A soup with character. The onions have taken their time revealing their sweetness, and the result warms you right to your fingertips. If you shed a tear or two, you can always blame the onions.
Then comes the colour: beetroot risotto with goat's cheese and walnuts. A deep red that has no intention of hiding. Add creamy goat's cheese and walnuts with a satisfying crunch.
And because a little wildness does no harm in November either, the venison ragout with red cabbage and croquettes stays on the menu. Gently braised, with a rich sauce and golden-brown croquettes. A reunion worth having.
To finish: cheesecake with quince compote. The quince is rather a wilful fruit. Quite unapproachable when raw, but with a little attention it becomes positively charming. Dino clearly knows how to handle difficult characters. I should ask him for advice sometime.
And with the game, we are still recommending two robust reds: Big John Cuvée Reserve from Scheiblhofer and Cabernet Sauvignon from Weingut Puhr. Two wines that don't shy away from November but meet it with a steady gaze. I'll be joining them. By the glass.
I'll say it as it is: November outside may be grey. Here, it stays colourful. It makes my heart sing!
