Martinigansl

[morgenhund]

What's the tradition about? Fall is almost upon us. With fall comes Martinigansl season in Late October to mid November. In Austria Martinigansl is the goose served to celebrate St, Martin. It is a rich meal typically of Goose, Potatoes and Red Cabbage. I prefer Maroni (Italian Chestnuts) to be served along with the Goose. Other side dishes vary from location to location. That said it is one of my favorite meals in the fall, one that I look forward to all year long. There are many ways to prepare the goose, however my favorite is a stuffing of rice, pears and apples. That said most of us are at the mercy of whatever restaurant is serving us our goose. Who was St. Martin? Martin of Tours was a Bishop of Tours, whose shrine became a famous stopping-point for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. Around his name, much legendary material accrued, and he has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian Saints. He is considered a spiritual bridge across Europe, given his association with both France and Hungary. From the late 4th century to the late Middle Ages, much of Western Europe, including Great Britain , engaged in a period of fasting beginning on the day after St. Martins Day, November 11. This fast period lasted 40 days, and was, therefore, called Quadragesima Sancti Martini, which means in Latin "the forty days of St. Martin." At St. Martin's eve and on the feast day, people ate and drank very heartily for a last time before they started to fast. This fasting time was later called "Advent" by the Catholic Church. The food traditionally eaten on the day before fasting is goose .According to legend, Martin was reluctant to become bishop, which is why he hid in a stable filled with geese. These geese then betrayed St. Martins hiding place by making noise. To get his revenge he proceeded to cook the geese.Recipes and history (in German): http://www.martinigans.at/ Restaurants serving Martinigansl on lokaltipp.at. Call before you go to make sure they have Martinigansl on the menu.Sources: Wikipedia, Martinigansl.at

[morgenhund]

Thanks Snowdog for this little article introducing people to Martinigansl - which soon comes into season!

[Snowdog]

Thanks Snowdog for this little article introducing people to Martinigansl - which soon comes into season!

I will be posting a Martinigansl dinner soon.

[manu]

For those who don't know it, Martinigansl is a must - not only a nice excuse to all have dinner together, but GREAT food that is simply... great.
I wait impatiently every year for this appointment!

[Ellie]

Sounds wonderful! Which restaurant(s) you think is great for this Martinigansl?
So far I have not find great restaurant for Viennese food. The food is ok, but not great... Unfortunately...

[morgenhund]

Not the cheapest but I can recommend Entler in the fourth district - they take advantage of the season to incorporate a lot of foie gras into their other menues for diners not plumping for Martinigansl.

[Snowdog]

Sounds wonderful! Which restaurant(s) you think is great for this Martinigansl?
So far I have not find great restaurant for Viennese food. The food is ok, but not great... Unfortunately...

I will again be scheduling this years dinner at Martin Sepp in Grinzing.

Now for great food, here are some teasers

Glacis Beisel in the Museums Quatier, you need to make a reservation
http://www.glacisbeisl.at/
Plutzerbrau
http://www.plutzerbraeu.at/
AMERLINGBEISL
http://www.amerlingbeisl.at/

Let me know what you like and dislike and price point I will try and steer you in the right direction. You may also want to PM Chefsmith

[Miss_Muppet]

mmm... this is will miss.
Martiniganzl is awesome.

[Snowdog]

mmm... this is will miss.
Martiniganzl is awesome.

Sorry you will not be there. Heard about your move from one of your posts. You will be missed.

[julesmile]

Snowdog, I can't wait for the MartiniGansl at Martin Sepp in Grinzing....The last year it was more than delicious!!! I even went again after that with guests from Spain...the Gansl menu is more than delicious and also their red wine:) Thanks in advance for organizing it:))

[Slartibartfast]

Thanks Snowdog you are a true Gent for arranging this... last years was most excellent... I plan to attend...