Sacher Torte

Let's talk torte. Although Vienna is famous for cakes, one's fame stands high above the rest. Sacher Torte. Going to resist making any soccer/sacher world cup jokes. Make up your own. Anyway this cake was invented in 1832 by accident by a sous chef to the Hapsburg Emperor. Apparently the main confectioner was on vacation, and a visiting royal dropped in... and Sacher just threw this cake together.  Alton Brown, on Good Eats always talks about how many of America's favorite foods were just impromptu creations like nachos, buffalo wings, and chocolate chip cookies.

It's two layers, with apricot filling, covered in chocolate. It's a fairly dry cake, so it's served with a giant swirl of whipped cream. This sounds gross to some people, but it's delicious! There are imitations all over the city, but only the Sacher's know the exact 36 step process that results in the perfect one.

By the way, a Starbucks opened right across the street from the Hotel Sacher.. some people complain, but I think it's cheeky and like it.