My recommendation definately is the Bristol. The Sacher has changed a lot, and when we were there the last time the size of the courses was tiny, the staff was always in a rush, and from our point of view the only thing that was top was the prize. If you want to visit the Sacher, then have a coffee and a piece of Sachertorte there in the Kaffeehaus, but for a nice dinner walk a few meters up to the Ring and fall into the Bristol.
Our table was excellent, the staff was lovely, and it really was the perfect setting to celebrate something special. I might have preferred a present a bit more personal, but after all it turned out to be a great feast.
The Sekt was from Bründlmayer which is always the perfect choice, and the red wine that came later was a so called "Bienenfresser", also from Bründlmayer.
We all decided to go for the "seasonal menue", and this is how it goes. On the menue you see all the courses available, and you pick either 3, 4 or 5 courses. We tried to go for 6, but they really feed you well, so 6 is just too much and we cancelled the 6. course (the Eszerhazy Rostbraten) later. Actually the course I could go best without, everything else was wonderful. (Probably the Rostbraten was wonderful too, I am just not really keen on Roast Beef.)
The Avocado Créme Brulee was (together with dessert) actually the best for my taste - which came as a surprise because usually I am not too fond of Avocado. But this was heaven! (And the lobster soup that came with it was heaven too.)
It was followed by the Foam of Parsley Soup - which was simple green in a white bowl and I don´t add a photo here. But it tasted really, really good! They put gorgeous little croutons in it, and I would go for it any time again!
Then along swam the fish (the turbot actually).
After this I started to weaken, and when the kitchen threw in an extra course to refresh the palate (Lychee sorbet) I could only smile weakly and hoped for the best.
When the main course (Tips of Veal with Mushrooms and Dumplings) arrived we were acutally quite done, and this was when we cancelled the Eszterházy. The kitchen was so kind to accept this so very late - which definately won them extra brownie points! The veal tasted absolutely lovely - just like at home (which makes you think on how much you actually have to invest into eating out when you want to eat like at home).
This wonderful chain of excellent food was rounded off with Nougat Mousse with Chili Hawai Pineapple. I ordered tea with it - and got extra chocolates on the side!!! (Okay, I confess I wrapped it up and took it home, it tasted lovely the other day.)
Summary: wonderful setting, brilliant food, lovely staff, and they are always ready to fullfill any extra needs you come up with. If you want to pamper yourself with something special: this is the place! I cannot wait for the next special moment that hopefully will take me to the Vienna Bristol!
