William has suggested that Aussies are a bit strange with their fetishes for Vegemite and other strange substances but I can assure him that each group of expatriates brings with them their own set of addictions.
In Vienna we have Bobby’s where the English can indulge their needs for a wide range of English Marmalades, Honeys, Mustards, Teas and an astonishing range of unique – and sometimes terrifying foodstuffs – including Porridge.
Indeed this is where I buy my personal Winter Porridge because as far as I am aware it is the only place in Vienna that sells it. The Viennese do not eat Porridge.
Bobby’s also these days sells a range of American stuff including Hershey Bars -which are apparently essential to sustain life in America. Much as Cherry Ripes are to Australians.
Incidentally – Cherry Ripe is on Facebook and has 5,652 people who like it. I thought it would be more than that. I think this shows a lack of commitment. Virtual Vienna Net is an online expatriate site which exists to provide a support network for English speaking expatriates and one of the main topics of conversation is always where – for example – one can find the closest source to where one lives of Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise.
Or where to find the exact match for particular American products so that one can precisely reproduce Momma’s crunchy Apple Cinnamon donuts because the kids cry every night without them if they are not EXACTLY like they are in Peoria.
The French are OK because the Viennese invented the Croissant and they are everywhere (but they are not as good as French Croissants).
I have managed to find substitutes for most things – except of course Vegemite and Bushells tea for which there are no equals. But there are many things that are very different and one just has to live with.
Bacon here for example is very different to Australian Bacon. I am not sure why but it just is and you just have to get on with it.
But on the matter of the might Sao about which William was so disparaging. To some people the Sao is just a dull, lifeless, tasteless cracker.
Now I need some support from my readers on this but my view is that the Sao as a biscuit is peerless, Without equal. The Prince of biscuits. On a scale of 10 it is a 10.
It has the perfect texture and taste and is a chameleon. It lends itself to any occasion – gracing any table. It is perfect as an accompaniment to cheese but can take center stage as the base for sliced tomato with cracked pepper and sea salt – with a cup of Bushells Tea. Bliss. Or – in versatile mode it can bookend a Sao Vanilla Slice!
Sure it does not have the Panache of an Iced Vo Vo but that is like comparing a Ferrari with a Holden Ute. And it is the Holden Utes that are the backbone of the nation and get the job done.
A Magical biscuit.
Anything fried sustains life in America and I wouldn't be surprised to see deep-fried chocolate bars become currency in certain communities.
ReplyDeleteVegemite is sold at a few grocery stores here, but I've never had the guts to try it.
(This week marks the 150th Anniversary of the start of the American Civil War; Redneck tempers are running quite hot. Let's hope for secession!)
When I was looking toward expatriating to Vienna, my greatest concerns were Dr. Pepper and root beer. Happily, Bobby's sells them as well. Badger, want something yummy? Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a tall glass and fill with root beer. Add spoon. We call that a root beer float.
ReplyDeleteI haven't eaten a Sao for a very long time but, then,I can't remember when I last ate a TimTam either. Sob!
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Jessica: They eat deep fried Mars bars in the UK. Don't bother trying Vegemite. Stay indoors this week.
ReplyDeleteSK Waller: We had the same sort of thing in Australia with Coke. We called them 'spiders' ??
Annie: Why are you denying yourself the finer things in life?
I've never even heard of a Sao. Hershey's is awful, IMO. Mayonnaise = yak. I think I would much prefer the Viennese chocolate and the croissants (and the coffee!). Think I need to come for a visit to test that theory.
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