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Better than Starbucks & Co

21.04.2008, by Guenther Comments (1)

Photo: WienTourismus

The traditional Viennese Coffeehouse is changing. Internet and DJ sounds have arrived in many a sophisticated establishment. The 21st century has begun.

Electronic artists from Vienna have coined the international term coffee table music with their melancholic grooves and sounds. A true Viennese Coffeehouse, however, does not need any background music. The rustling of newspapers will suffice. In general, the ambience of a coffeehouse is relaxed. The waiters take charge and there is no hurry with placing orders.

Viennese Coffeehouse Literature

The coffeehouse has always been the place for poets and intellectuals. The Austrian Coffeehouse Literature was born at Café Griendsteidl in the late 19th century when man of letters Hermann Bahr brought together an exclusive group of young talents, Hugo von Hoffmannsthal, Karl Kraus and Arthur Schnitzler among them.

Turkish Coffee

Rumour has it that the Turks have invented the coffeehouse - an Austrian dressed up as a Turk, to be true, by the name of Georg Franz Kolschitzky. As a reward for his dangerous courier services during the Turkish Siege of Vienna in 1683 he was given land, a trade licence and loot, some sacks of coffee among it. That’s how legend has it. It’s more likely, however, that the Armenian spy Deodato opened the first coffeehouse in Vienna. Whatever the truth may be: thank God we have them, the Viennese Coffeehouses!

Hints:
Viennese Coffeehouses
Coffeehouses at Wien-Info