photo : Mikro Tobias Schaefer
If you have ever been in an Austrian tavern during the mid-morning, you’re sure to have seen a huddle of serious sounding men and women. Ever wondered what they are deliberating and debating?
The answer is simple – it’s the Austria versus Slovenia scandalously savoury saga!
Frühschoppen
Throughout this wonderful land, men and women meet every day for Frühschoppen – or brunch to those of us in the English-speaking world. And if that doesn’t mean anything, think ‘eats’ at about 11:00!
Seated round their Stammtisch (a highly prized and polished table, ready laid with beer mats and a mega-sized ashtray), locals debate the sad fate of one of the country’s delightful delicacies. This is a political crisis of gargantuan proportions. The very essence of Austrian pride is under threat!
Many a Weissbier is downed whilst the deliberations drone on. What could possibly cause such consternation?
Käsekrainer
Posing great risk to the national cultural heritage; the economy of the country; and the pride of the people, is a bid by neighbouring Slovenia to get the European Commission to issue a ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ (PGI) status on their beloved super sausage!
The Käsekrainer is Austria’s sumptuous staple street fayre, filled with cheese and served with a hunk of bread – most commonly found being sold on the sausage stands of Vienna. A sausage starter before partaking of another Viennese delight - the sweetness of Sachertorte, no less.
The sneaky Slovenians want to ensnare the sausage (minus the cheese) as their own, claiming it’s named after an area in Slovenia known as Kranjska. But what they can’t deny, is that Kranjska was a Province under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, without whose enigmatic attentions the poor sausage would probably not have survived so long!
The Dastardly Deed
The ‘Slovenian Offensive’ was launched in April this year, at which time it was noted that there would be a 6 month wait until the European Commission decision be known. We’re now halfway through this tortuous waiting time – no wonder the Herren and Damen are in heated argument as they sip their shandy. Wouldn’t we all worry if this delicious delicacy couldn’t be bought when on our hiking, biking or skiing holiday to amazing Austria?
Now is the time to act. Your call to action – book a holiday in Austria right now and go give your support to these fearful folk!
Need help finding somewhere to stay? Give me a call and I’ll gladly do what I can!
Or check out my good friends at the Austrian National Tourist Office to see what they have on offer.
