Häuserl in Walde

As the end of our days at AIMS nears we want to enjoy the pleasure of the company of our colleagues one last time. I hadn't been to the restaurant Häuserl im Walde once yet this summer and suggested to a few colleagues that we plan for a festive dinner there. More than a dozen of us made our way up the hill Friday evening, some by cab, some by foot on the forest path. A special room was reserved for us. The Häuserl ("Little House" in Austrian dialect) specializes in Austrian/Styrian cuisine of the highest quality. The place is admirably situated, with several terraces overlooking the leafy suburbs of Graz. It is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. As August is the time for harvesting Eierschwammerl (wild mushrooms) there was an entire page of be-shroomed entrées to choose from. Everything we had was delicious. Some of us ended with a specialty of the house, a dessert of Kastanien crème, puréed chestnuts served with a mountain of Schlagobers (whipped cream) -- no calories in that, of course! Some of us walked back, a much welcome exercise after the indulgence in a rich meal.
I have mixed feelings about leaving Europe. Since I have been away nearly two months I look forward to sleeping in my own bed at home again. The things I won't miss are the lumpy bed in my room and the noise in the Heim. Some of our younger students like to party all night (although this year it has been relatively quieter than last). I will miss the congenial company of my colleagues, the many fine musical events that were offered here, the beautiful city of Graz, but most of all I will miss the easy way of life here. It was pointed out to me that there are many more restaurants in Austria than in Germany. The Austrians have a culture of enjoying life, and that includes going out for a good meal. Austrian cuisine is lighter and more imaginative than its German counterpart. Austrian desserts, especially the Torten, are renowned for their delicacy. The general attitude here is much more laissez faire and tolerant than you will find in neighboring countries. This is the land that invented the genre of operetta, after all! The Germans are too uptight, being preoccupied with following every rule and regulation to the letter. The Austrians are willing to overlook a few things. The Swiss are serious and dour, as if they are all experiencing a permanent bad day. My colleagues and I are unanimous, I think, in our appreciation of Austrian civility and graciousness.