Dear Readers,

As we are approaching the colder time of the year, let’s investigate some of the comforts of good food. Did you know that Austria is said to be Europe’s “organic farming country number one?” In this issue, find out why that is and meet a tireless advocate of healthy, organic food – Austrian chef and D.C. local Nora Pouillon.

Curious where Austrians love to spend their afternoons and evenings during the months of fall? Learn about Austria’s longstanding Heurigen tradition and the unique delicacies that are served there. In addition, we introduce you to two Austrian chefs, who have built successful careers in the United States. Find out how Austrian pastry chef Michael Radeczki ended up on the beautiful island of Hawaii and explore Kurt Gutenbrunner’s restaurants – a great source for delicious Austrian food in New York City.

Furthermore, we also continue our two series, Meet the Consul and Austrian Places. In this issue, you will meet the Austrian Honorary Consul in San Francisco, Dr. Peter Fredericks. Markus Reiterer, together with his wife Mathilde, will introduce another special place – this time with a connection to the birth of Alpine skiing. Curious? You’ll find his story on page 20.

In addition, we bid farewell to a dear colleague here in Washington, D.C. - Hanno Settele, Chief Correspondent of Austrian Public Broadcasting (ORF) in the U.S. will move back to Vienna after some ten years of service in this nation’s capital. We have asked him a few questions about his time here in the United States.

We are also delighted to have The Washington Post music critic Cecelia Porter share her thoughts on the Wiener Festwochen, a special cultural festival in Vienna that takes place every year for five or six weeks during the months of May and June. I hope you will enjoy this issue of Austrian Information. As always, I am looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

Yours sincerely,

Alice Irvin
Editor-in-Chief
Director, Austrian Press & Information Service