Austrian woman at VOX gathering expresses, "I don't mean to offend the Germans, but ..."
In the charming city of Graz, Austria, 32-year-old Armina, a psychological couple counselor and yoga teacher, recently hosted a memorable dinner. Armina, who lives with her husband Sebastian (also 32), welcomed guests into her old apartment for an evening filled with delicious food, warm conversations, and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
The evening began with Armina serving an icebreaker — an apple strudel spritz — before delving into a three-course menu. The appetiser, aptly named "Animal fun on the crispy board," featured a diverse selection of cowpea, beef, and bagel, setting the stage for the main course.
For the main event, guests were presented with PPP — an acronym that stood for Peppery Poultry Paraphernalia. The dish consisted of tender chicken, a zesty paprika sauce, and parpadelle pasta, which was a hit among most attendees. However, some found the sauce to be a touch too sweet.
The meal concluded with a dessert that paid homage to the region — Styrian Gold. This delightful concoction combined pumpkin seed oil, a locally sourced ice cream, and an apricot mirror, resulting in a unique and delicious finish to the meal.
Guests were also given the opportunity to customise their dishes with a pipette, allowing them to dose their own dressing. Conversations at the dinner became more lively after the first sip of alcohol, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and enjoyment.
Armina's cuisine is known for its hearty flavours and Mediterranean influences, a testament to her multicultural background. Her psychological trick for stress-free preparations involves using "Today's joy" lists instead of traditional to-do lists.
Christian (37), one of the guests, left contentedly, stating he didn't miss anything. He particularly enjoyed the combination of the zucchini-pumpkinseed oil cake, apricot mirror, and chocolate ice cream. Another guest, Maria, found the paprika sauce too sweet for her taste.
Armina, who has lived in Graz for some time after moving from Germany, finds Austrians to be more heartfelt compared to Germans. This warmth was evident in the hospitality she extended to her guests, earning her a respectable 33 points for her top hosting skills.
As the evening drew to a close, satisfied guests left with full bellies and fond memories, many expressing their eagerness for another gathering at Armina's welcoming home.
Armina's home-and-garden, adorned with Mediterranean flair, provided an ideal setting for the food-and-drink-themed dinner, where she served a unique three-course menu. The lifestyle she embodied, combining psychology, yoga, and cooking, was reflected in her hearty and flavorful cuisine. Guests appreciated the opportunity to customize their dishes and praised the dessert, Styrian Gold, which showcased regional food-and-drink products.
