Ms. Lillian Langseth-Christensen, Part I of IV

While planning a trip to Vienna this spring, I happened to mention in a casual cocktail conversation that I had been conducting in-depth food research on all things Viennese. My cocktail companion suggested I check into the works of Lillian Langseth-Christensen who wrote for the now-defunct Gourmet magazine during the 50's and 60's and a Google search later that evening lead me to a treasure trove of her works.

It was through Ms. Chirstensen that myself and my traveling party received full explanations on the purpose and origins of the five daily meals of the Viennese (yes, there are really FIVE!). Ms. Christensen gave us full license to indulge in all five every day, in an attempt at a kind of cultural assimilation regardless of our stomachs' desire to participate. We're just living like true Viennese, we'd rationalize, just trying to keep up with social mores. Oh, sheer delight for any gourmand!

For those of you planning a trip to Vienna anytime soon, the full primer on eating like a Viennese can be found here. And for those of you not planning a trip to Vienna in the near future...well, I don't want to tell you how to live your life or anything but I will and you should!

Reasons why will follow in next post...to be continued!