Traditions are important because they give you something comfortable to hold on to when the world seems daunting. One of our favorite traditions and a certain highlight of any visit to Salzburg, is Sunday morning at Café Tomaselli.
Originally opened 1705 this “Wiener Kaffeehaus” has been a respite for Salzburg locals, celebrities and visitors alike for more then 300 years. In 1850 the Tomasellis took over the cafe and today the family continues to delight the crowds with creamy coffee, decadent desserts and a true coffee house ambiance.
Our tradition originally began with nine o’clock mass at the Franciscan Church. Some may call it a bribe or a simple coincidence but anyone willing to sit through mass had their run of Tomaselli after. As the children got older and started to express their own religious beliefs, we had to relinquish the demand for Catholic contemplation before pastry.
These days they roll through Alter Markt on bikes at 1030 on the dot. They joyfully take up residence at a quaint table under one of the green and white striped umbrellas and wait for Omi and I to join them. Everything about Café Tomaselli exudes European elegance. The waiters wear crisp white jackets and sharp black bow ties even in the heat of summer. They approach you with an air of complete indifference and only on the very rare occasion have we managed to coax a smile from their stern faces. For whatever reason we leaf through the menu diligently, always landing on the same thing. Coffee and pastry or ice-cream (as it should be).
For two delectable months during the summer we focus solely on Ribesal Eis, three scoops with fresh whipped cream. Made from a tart red current, Tomaselli’s Ribesal Eis alone would be worth converting to Catholicism for.
Be sure to flag down one of the waitresses balancing a tray of pastries on a large silver tray. Take your pick of mouth watering patisserie decadence made from fresh eggs and thick butter, paper thin layers of apples piled three inches high in a strudel, ripe strawberries tucked in a fluffy layer of creme and chocolate…of course there is chocolate.
Winter, summer, spring or fall, on Sunday morning you will find us at Tomaselli. If the weather is frosty and the outside garden (the Tomaselli Kiosk) is closed, we snuggle into a booth inside. Tomaselli means slowing down and connecting, having a conversation over coffee that doesn’t involve a paper cup or a mobile device. Don’t be afraid to dawdle, everyone dawdles at Tomaselli. Have two pastries instead of one, two cups of coffee. Enjoy a little Tomaselli heaven…it’s Sunday after all.
