Chicago – Apr 28 2015

It’s officially Spring time in Chicago, so dust off the cobwebs and put away the boots (we hope) because our next event will be al fresco!!
Please join us and our lovely co-hosts, Kristina Reed, Alexander Facklis and Cynthia Xerogianes for our monthly apres work networking event at the gorgeous Godfrey-one of the city’s premier cocktail-focused rooftop bars!This beautiful lounge features a cozy yet spacious indoor area (which hopefully, we won’t need to use!) as well as an amazing outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Michigan and the Hancock building.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Featuring DJ John Grammatis
Proper attire required please

Private event

 

TRIP WITH SHERRY – EuroCircle Journeys Across Africa – Oct 2015
3 Countries in one EuroCircle Adventure!
Namibia, Botswana, Zambia. From the Kalahari Desert, through the Okavango Delta, we walk with the San bushmen, visit Chobe National Park, search for the Big 5, float past hippos in a dugout canoe, raft the whitewaters of the Zambezi River or bungee jump down the Victoria Falls! Scared?

INTERVIEWS:
Larisa Pevtsova, From Russia to Chicago, Larisa’s Life through the Lens
The Size IS Everything says Chef Alan Braux
Mattias Strömberg – From Sweden to Budapest with South Korean Flair
Hanna Doyle – How does a woman from subarctic Oulu end in humid subtropical Houston, TX
Florian and Romana Prelog – Creating the European haven @ the Prelogs (Austin)

Heidi (Pajavaara) Mendoza – Working in Denver as a Finnish-born interior architect

Please introduce yourself.

Heidi Mendoza (maidenname Pajavaara) / Current hometown: Castle Rock, Colorado, US / Place of Origin: Helsinki, Finland / I am an Interior Architect/ My Family: son Tino (born in Finland) 22 years old, daughter Siena Blue (born in Irvine, CA), husband Dave Mendoza (family originally from Madrid, Spain, he was born in NJ, US)

How did you end up in Denver, CO of all places?

I lived in Finland when I met my husband Dave. After year of long distance dating I took a leap of faith and moved to Orange County CA with my son Tino.

My husband did a road trip through Colorado when in College and fell in love with the Rocky Mountains. After we lived in Orange County CA for 6 years he introduced me to Colorado and we decided to move here after I graduated from Design school and Siena was born.

What is the best and worst about Denver for you?

I like the Urban feel and atmosphere of Denver. Denver is also not a too big of a city. Denver has a great art/ design community which is important to me.

How do you make your living now – and how would you like to develop that career?

I am an Interior Architect. I work on both residential and commercial projects and would love to expand my business even more to cover national and even international projects.

What is the essence of Denver to you – what do you absolutely want your friends to see or feel in Denver vs. Helsinki?

I usually take my friends for a drive around the city so they can get a feel of it. Larrimer Square is my favorite spot. I also take my friends to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to feed the giraffes as well as places like Garden Of God’s, and a drive to mountains/ Estes Park is a must. In Denver a must see is Denver Art Museum, Washington Park etc…

What do you absolutely miss from your country/heritage (food, culture, movies etc) …or elsewhere?

I do miss Finland quite a bit. I miss my family and friends naturally, but I also miss the food, salmiakki, the culture, the beautiful summer especially Mid summer when the sun does not set. I miss the beautiful nature.
I miss the unique people and culture of Finland. The Finnish logic whether it comes to thinking, planning or building (if you have been to Scandinavia, you know what I mean). I am very proud of my heritage and think that Finland really is a wonderful country in so many ways.

What do you miss the least from your own country?

The gloomy and dark November.

When you think about what did you think about life in Denver before you moved there – did you misconceptions that turned out to be wrong?

I did. My first reaction was a total panic. I grew up watching Dynasty and though that Denver was a red neck cowboy town, but I pretty much fell in love with Denver and the mountains at first sight.

What should everyone know and understand about your country and its culture?

Finns may appear shy and serious, but their humor is dry and sarcastic, and they are opinionated and competitive. Finns are very educated and knowleagble about things going on in the world.
Finns are not the most talkative, but you never have to “read between the lines”. Listen carefully when a Finn speaks, every word is carefully though of and sincere.
While Helsinki, the capital, is one of the coolest cities in the world, you should wonder out and discover the countryside. There are many beautiful places between Helsinki and Lapland.
Also, First thing after entering a house or an apartment: shoes off. I hate the American habit of entering homes with their shoes on!!!

What would be your ideal life – with no monetary issues to make it happen!

I would love to spend 3 months per year in Europe

Would you move back to your country/Europe fulltime – yes or no (why and why not)?

Yes. It’s is in the planning stage already. While I like US very much, Europe is my home and I miss the lifestyle. At least if the current plans don’t come true I would love to retire in Europe

How to connect with Heidi:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.mendoza

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Redzine/167265173334627?pnref=lhc

Website: http://www.iredzine.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidimendoza

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiMMendoza

Other: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+HeidiMendoza69

New York – Apr 30 2015

EuroCircle’s Spring Kick-Off and May Day Rooftop Party

Join us as we officially kick-off spring and celebrate May Day (vappen, vappu, valborg) at this brand new venue rooftop before it opens to the public.  Tonight the space is private just for us.

Say EuroCircle at the door for no cover!
Dress Code: Dress to Impress
Drink specials throughout the night will be a $10 vodka drink special and $10 champagne by the glass
Great music will be played by DJ Universe and EQ Knoch (Hot Cookies)

We look forward to a fun night out to kick-off spring and May Day!

Klara Vappen (Swedish)
Hauskaa Vappua (Finnish)

Harriet Kulmala, Finland
Husain Ansar, Hong Kong
Sherry Kumar, Serbia
Sylvia Edwards, Barbados
Boriana Pavlova, Bulgaria
Maryli Karske, Finland
Francois Belizaire, Haiti
Kenneth Darpoh, USA
Demi Grace, United Kingdom
Alexandra Spirer and the EuroCircle New York Team

New York – Apr 15 2015

“SPRING” INTO ACTION WITH LUXURY & FASHION
Hosted by Star Vodka, EuroCircle & Bentley of Manhattan Motors and the Launch of BWI Magaziine

This is a ticketed event with proceeds going to Benefit Animal Aid USA

  • 1 Hour Open Bar with STAR VODKA & OCOO BEAUTY DRINK Cocktails
  • Fashion provided by IVON REYES COUTURE
  • Jewelry by Mina D. Jewelry
  • Specialty Spring donuts by DOUGHNUTTERY

Celebrating “Drop Top” season with Bentley of Manhattan Motors Newest Convertible

Star Vodka & Ooco Beauty Drink Cocktails
Food is available for purchase throughout the evening!

Animal Aid USA is made up of 100% volunteers! These volunteers rescue an average of 150 dogs per month from kill shelters and they need YOUR help in donating!!

Featured EuroCircle hosts:
Mina Deutsch, USAMina D Jewelry
Husain Ansar, Hong Kong
Boriana Pavlova, BulgariaBulgarian Women’s Club

We look forward to seeing you for a fun night out for a great cause!

Best,

Alexandra and the EuroCircle New York Team

TRIP WITH SHERRY – EuroCircle Journeys Across Africa – Oct 2015
3 Countries in one EuroCircle Adventure!
Namibia, Botswana, Zambia. From the Kalahari Desert, through the Okavango Delta, we walk with the San bushmen, visit Chobe National Park, search for the Big 5, float past hippos in a dugout canoe, raft the whitewaters of the Zambezi River or bungee jump down the Victoria Falls! Scared?

INTERVIEWS:
The Size IS Everything says Chef Alan Braux
Mattias Strömberg – From Sweden to Budapest with South Korean Flair
Hanna Doyle – How does a woman from subarctic Oulu end in humid subtropical Houston, TX
Florian and Romana Prelog – Creating the European haven @ the Prelogs (Austin)

Atlanta – Apr 01 2015

EuroCircle’s April Fool’s Day Drinks @ Davio’s

Greetings Atlanta EuroCircle members,

Our April Get-together will take place next Wednesday (April 1st) at DAVIOS in Buckhead located in the Phipps mall area.

We will meet in the bar area and will most likely also have access to the outside patio, especially if the weather is good. We will have drink specials and I’ll find out about the appetizers at a later date.

More info to follow  – please save the date for next Wednesday April 1st! Members, please LOG IN with your email and password to sign up and find more details. (if you are not a member yet, register below — it is FREE.)

Share this EuroCircle event and invite other Europeans to join EuroCircle.com – it’s free.
REGISTER HERE AS A NEW MEMBER

Salutations,
David
Atlanta EuroCircle

Check out some of the latest interviews at our website:
The Size IS Everything says Chef Alan Braux
Mattias Strömberg – From Sweden to Budapest with South Korean Flair
Hanna Doyle – How does a woman from subarctic Oulu end in humid subtropical Houston, TX
Florian and Romana Prelog – Creating the European haven @ the Prelogs (Austin)

Philadelphia – Apr 08 2015

Tickets: ADVANCE TICKETS ARE A MUST! THIS VENUE LIMITS ATTENDANCE TO 25 SEATS
AND NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.
GET TICKETS

Border Crossings is a collaboration between EuroCircle and the Geographical Society of Philadelphia. We aim
to humanize people and places around the world through substantive presentations and conversations with those
intimate with the cultures, in a casual setting with a cash bar. So please grab a glass of wine, and enjoy our presentation.

You are cordially invited to a private talk and reception with His Excellency, Zygimantas Pavilionis,
Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania. Tonight, you will witness history in the making, as we discuss
the growing fears of this Baltic state that it could be the next target of Putin’s aggression.

Tensions are running high in Lithuania, and global news outlets are watching the region closely.
His Excellency will give a brief presentation on the current situation in his country, then answer questions
from the audience.

BIOGRAPHY: Zygimantas Pavilionis (Phonetic: pa-vill-i-OH-nis)
Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania

Ambassador Pavilionis, 41, is married to Lina Pavilioniene and has four sons. In 1993,
Pavilionis joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was instrumental in achieving
Lithuanian accession into NATO and the European Union. Between 1993 and 2009, he
has held various high-level positions in the Lithuanian MFA, most focused on Lithuania’s
relationship with the European Union. Most recently Ambassador Pavilionis acted as
Ambassador –at-Large and Chief Coordinator for Lithuania’s Presidency of the
Community of Democracies and Chief Coordinator for Transatlantic relations. He has a
Master’s Degree in Philosophy and PhD in Political Science. He pursued both degrees in
Vilnius University, Lithuania.

NOTE: Please plan to arrive early, as it may take some time to park. This event is closed to printed
ticket holders only. Tickets will not be sold at the door. There will be a wine reception at the end of
the presentation. Cash bar.

 

TRIP WITH SHERRY – EuroCircle Journeys Across Africa – Oct 2015
3 Countries in one EuroCircle Adventure!
Namibia, Botswana, Zambia. From the Kalahari Desert, through the Okavango Delta, we walk with the San bushmen, visit Chobe National Park, search for the Big 5, float past hippos in a dugout canoe, raft the whitewaters of the Zambezi River or bungee jump down the Victoria Falls! Scared?

INTERVIEWS:
The Size IS Everything says Chef Alan Braux
Mattias Strömberg – From Sweden to Budapest with South Korean Flair
Hanna Doyle – How does a woman from subarctic Oulu end in humid subtropical Houston, TX
Florian and Romana Prelog – Creating the European haven @ the Prelogs (Austin)

The size IS everything says French Chef Alain Braux


I am excited to share this interview with Chef Alain Braux. Alain was kind of enough to come to downtown to meet me at Alta Cafe since I can walk there easily from Rainey Street (I do NOT drive…I know, that’s crazy in Austin). He grew up in southern France, Nice.  So of course I assumed he learned to cook at his parents’ restaurant but that’s not quite how life worked out for him.

Alain, did your mom teach you to cook?

No, actually my mother was not much of a cook even if she encouraged me to cook. After my parents divorced and money became tight, I had to drop out of school and went to work as my mother’s salary was not enough for all of us to live on. I always liked baking so that was my way of helping her as much as I could. In my younger years, my grandmother Mamie had influenced my thinking towards food a lot – not so much the fancy skills but how to live on a tight budget and eat well. Eating well does not mean eating a lot – there is a difference.

My grandparents ran a small farm for the owner – and in return they paid no rent and to help put food on the table, she gardened, raised chickens, and rabbits..! She grew nearly anything we ate. And it was farm fresh, literally. She went to the garden, or sent us – the food was very fresh and tasty. I learned from her how to pick the best ingredients. The only thing I could not learn was to kill the chickens or the rabbits.

Where and how did you start in food business?

I started as a pastry apprentice at Auer in Nice, worked at different positions over the years all over France at different hotels, restaurants and bakeries, even in Belgium.

Then, while I was taking a professional class at the Lenôtre School near Paris, I was offered a pastry chef position at Dumas Pastry Shop in New York City. From New York City I worked my way up the ladder in Houston, Sarasota (FL) and Austin. Then, my French wife and I decided to open our own Amandine French Bakery and Cafe in Austin. We owned our business for over 10 years but had to close in 1997.

I realize you have written so far 5 books.  How did that start?

Upon closing our business I realized I was very interested in how food affects our health. I decided it would be interesting to combine my extensive knowledge as a French chef and my newly found passion for nutrition. So, I decided to study Macrobiotics and Holistic Nutrition. I eventually got a position as Executive Chef and Nutrition Therapist at People’s Pharmacy.

About 5 years ago, I decided to share my own experience with high cholesterol. I wrote and self-published (on Amazon CreateSpace) my very first book: How to Lower Your Cholesterol with French Gourmet Food. This book is based on my knowledge of the Mediterranean diet. I caught the writing bug and have not stopped writing about food and health since.

I specialize in allergen-free food and desserts: gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. I help clients with weight loss, diabetes and other health issues with the Paleo diet. I can also work with vegetarians and vegan clients. Although I don’t work at PeoplesRx anymore, I am available for private consultation to people with assorted food allergies and health issues.

I want to make clear that our readers understand you are an accomplished and well-versed professional so let’s just list here some of your former jobs, ok?

Ok, well we talked about some of them already. Here are a few of the most notable:

  • Grand Hotel du Cap d’Antibes near Cannes, France
  • Moulin de Mougins, Mougins, France with chef Roger Verger
  • Wittamer, Bruxelles, Belgium
  • Lenotre, Paris, France
  • Hotel Negresco with chef Jacques Maximin, Nice, France
  • Dumas Pastry Shop, New York, NY
  • Delices La Cote Basque, New York, NY
  • Texas French Bread, Austin, TX
  • Amandine French Bakery, Austin, TX

How is it work in these great restaurants?

It is a lot of work, you learn a lot and in this industry but it is crucial to learn by doing it yourself. It can be very intense. You learn about superb quality, work very long hours, no weekends and Holidays and spend a lot of time on your feet. But it was necessary at the time for me to learn my skills as a pastry chef. My interest and love for food and nutrition came later.

By nature, I question everything (hmm…sounds like a few other French men I know) which does not always work well with famous chefs with large egos but ma passion helped me overcome these obstacles. As a perfectionist in my profession, I do it well or I don’t do it.

I assume I like teaching since you like writing as usually these two skills go hand in hand?

Yes. I am very much an introvert but I love teaching people who want to learn the food trade. I can be demanding as a teacher but it’s all for a good cause. If you were to see my house, my walls are lined by cookbooks and nutrition books – there are piles of them everywhere. I love reading and learning. There is always something new to learn all the time. I have taught at a few places in Austin, for example retail classes at Central Market and Whole Foods Markey as well as professional Pastry and Baking Arts at the Culinary Academy of Austin and Food as Medicine at the Natural Epicurean School of Culinary Arts.

Any advice for aspiring chefs?

I think I mentioned before that the best and in fact the ONLY way is on the job learning by doing. It’s always best if you can work directly with the great chefs and learn your trade daily in a real working kitchen. There is no secret for success. It is not a reality show. Real life in the kitchen is hard, you work long and inconvenient hours – it is not for everyone and without the passion for food, you will not survive that world.

So how do you eat yourself?

Surprisingly, my daily diet is very simple. It is not how much you eat – what is most important is the ingredients’ quality. I keep things simple but healthy. I eat a couple of eggs with cheese or bacon in the morning, a fresh fruit, and my special mocha (cocoa/coffee) drink with almond milk and a teaspoon of grass-fed butter. No refined sugar. Very little processed food. For lunch I usually have a nice organic mixed greens salad, with 4 ounces of fish (wild, never farmed) or grass-fed beef and a fresh fruit. Low carbs. My home-made salad dressing is also simple and healing. Extra virgin olive oil, apple cider, French mustard and sometimes miso. I also add sea salt and cayenne pepper. My dinner is light and smaller than lunch. I sleep better that way. A fruit, nuts and a square of dark chocolate. I like my food to be tasty so spices and herbs really count! And again, I make sure everything is of the best quality I can afford. Nowadays, my night treat is a rice/nut cracker (gluten free) with roquefort cheese. Sometimes I add a glass of red wine.

You are divorced. Is there a special lady in your life?

I am at very good terms with my ex-wife who is about to remarry. I have not found that special lady yet. Since I am a romantic Frenchman, I do miss having that special person in my life. However, I don’t want to be thought of being someone’s personal chef. Although food is my passion, cooking for me is work. That is why I keep things simple at home. I’d like to meet someone to share ma passions with food (of course), music, arts, travel and a simple but healthy life, “la belle vie en somme”. I am an introverted and quiet guy and prefer to be with someone who shares my interest in a healthy lifestyle, does not smoke and is not a big drinker. For a Frenchman I must confess that I do not know much about wines. Although I do enjoy a glass of nice red wine once in a while, I am not a big drinker. I hope to find that special lady one day – unless she finds me first 
Do you have kids?

Yes, we have a son, Gilles. He is in his 30s and lives close by in Austin. He recently started his own business – a private chauffeuring and limousine service. He is very close to me – and contrary to me, he’s totally a people person. You need to be in his line of work and he’s very good at it.

How are the cooking lessons nowadays days for you?

Well, I teach at the Natural Epicurean Academy of culinary Arts – Lead Vegetarian Recipe & Menu Chef. Don’t forget I am a classically trained French Chef. I am also a Certified Executive Pastry Chef with the American Culinary Federation and a Certified Master Baker with the Retail Bakers of America. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition and have studied macrobiotics, subsequently serving as a Macrobiotic Counselor. However, I eat meat. I avoid gluten, dairy and refined sugar – and all processed food. I’d happily teach some more but I hear even Whole Foods is shutting down their school and there are rumors about other local institutions shutting down their classes which is sad.

Anything you’d like all of us to learn from you?

Lesson 1: Size IS everything. I know everything is bigger in Texas but let’s face it. Portion control is very important.

Lesson 2: No processed food, no refined sugar, no processed dairy (avoid industrial dairy loaded with growth hormones, antibiotics and genetically engineered grains). That means raw milk, yogurt, butter and cheese if you can handle dairy. If you are lactose intolerant, drink almond, coconut, soy (organic only), hazelnut, rice or hemp milk.

Lesson 3: Avoid grains and beans. They contain anti nutrients and can be inflammatory.

Lesson 4: Think quality, not quantity.

Lesson 5: Healthy food should be beautiful and tasty, not bland and boring.

Lesson 6: It is possible to eat well for about $10 a day – very well.

My professional motto is, A Votre Santé! – To Your Health!

Okkido, now I feel sufficiently unhealthy. Ugh…got to start eating right. I know for a fact that what Alain says makes sense. I have to really face the reality. Alain follows the paleo diet which is what my neighbors do..and they look very healthy.

How to connect with Alain Braux and get his books:

www.alainbraux.com

And Healthy Chef Recipes

Chef Alain Braux @ Low Carb Magazine – Free PodCasts

Chef Alain Braux @ Facebook

Chef Alain Braux @ Twitter

Chef Alain’s professional email!

Keep in mind, Chef Alain does private consulting for nutrition and cooking. If you’d like to arrange a healthy meal at home for your friends…ask him to take care of it.

Denver – Apr 22 2015

Europeans in Denver who want to socialize – join us for happy hour drinks and food at Charcoal restaurant in Central Denver!

TRIP WITH SHERRY – EuroCircle Journeys Across Africa – Oct 2015
3 Countries in one EuroCircle Adventure!
Namibia, Botswana, Zambia. From the Kalahari Desert, through the Okavango Delta, we walk with the San bushmen, visit Chobe National Park, search for the Big 5, float past hippos in a dugout canoe, raft the whitewaters of the Zambezi River or bungee jump down the Victoria Falls! Scared?

INTERVIEWS:

Heidi Mendoza – Denver, CO
The Size IS Everything says Chef Alan Braux
Mattias Strömberg – From Sweden to Budapest with South Korean Flair
Hanna Doyle – How does a woman from subarctic Oulu end in humid subtropical Houston, TX
Florian and Romana Prelog – Creating the European haven @ the Prelogs (Austin)

Denver – Mar 26 2015

SACC PRESENTS: Euro Networking & “Take Stress from Chaos to Calm”

This is an event that everyone interested in European networking or Mindfulness should attend. Please bring a friend! Dr. Annika is an inspirational speaker who will motivate and encourage the audience to make changes in their life – both big and small. She talks about life, stress, health and how it all connects, making it fun and easy to grasp. You always get tools and inspiration for happiness at work and in life as Take-home messages”

With Scandinavian countries consistently being ranked among the happiest and least stressed in the world, Dr. Annika is on a North American speaking tour to share her health tips and promote a happier and less stressful life.

6:00 – 7:00 Networking
7:00 – 8:00 Dr. Annika Presentation
8:00 – 9:00 Networking and Book Signing

Join us at the comfortably elegant social atmosphere at Beacons in Cherry Creek, and enjoy Swedish appetizers and 1 drink (wine or beer) for $25.00/person.

GET TICKETS

About Dr. Annika

Dr. Annika Sörensen is an MD, specializing in family medicine and Scandinavian health promotion strategies. After practicing in the Swedish Public Health System for 25 + years, she recently changed her focus from disease to health with an emphasis on stress, health promotion, work assessment, and other business and personal related issues.

On top of her business, AskDrAnnika.com, Dr. Annika is the author of the top-rated stress management book, Take Stress from Chaos to Calm, which is both a resource and workbook dedicated to improving the lives of company leaders and professionals following Scandinavian health and wellness principles. Based on the success of her first book, Dr. Annika recently published her second, My De-Stress Diary. Again receiving rave reviews, Dr. Annika was surprised to learn that many North Americans are not implementing her simple but actionable stress management tips into their everyday lives.

Florian and Romana Prelog – Creating the European haven @ the Prelogs (Austin)

Since March 6th Austin, TX has had its first Austrian owned restaurant as far as I know. Prelog’s is a contemporary, French fusion Kitchen and Bar that aims for European style impeccable service.

Please introduce yourself/ves.

My name is Florian Prelog, my wife is Romana P. Prelog. Both Romana and I both have been in the upscale fine dining/hotel industry since we were 15 years old. We love what we do.. we have been working in restaurants, hotels, ships (Seabourn is in a class by itself) and palaces. We always wanted to open up our own business to be able to share the love for the culinary arts and hospitality industry.

How did you end up in Austin, TX of all places?

When I visited my brother – who lives in Seattle – I met Brady, a friend of the Prelogs family who lives in Austin. When I cooked for him he told me that Austin needs an award-winning chef. I came to visit the city and promptly fell in love with the people, the flair and the food!

My brother and his family help us out wherever he can and supports our dream.

You have this new restaurant – how would you like to develop it or possibly open another one, like a café/bakery?

We have many ideas! We have also started working on further projects … but that is all we can say for now 😉

Do you see the differences between nationalities easily – Austrian vs. Americans?

You know 😉

What do you miss the most – and the least from Graz, Austria or Europe?

Our family and friends, the culture and the landscaping … but hey, Austin has a lot to offer!

What is your absolute favorites as far as food/drinks go in Austin?

We love Lenoir! Josephine house, Mulberry and Fabi & Rosi are great places for us! We love to go out for a nice dinner.

Workwise – how do you see Austrians being different from Americans – also culturally, what stands out in your chosen profession?

There is a BIG DIFFERENCE between Austrians and Americas regarding hospitality education and pride people take in their profession!

)When you think about what did you think about life in the USA before you moved there – did you have misconceptions that turned out to be wrong?

We never thought or planned on moving to the States. This past year was truly a year of learning and understanding the laws.It was very hard!

Knowing more about life and having lived with your decisions for a while – would you still choose to be there and why?

Yes because it is the right timing – and the right place to do what we love the most!

Your favorite food? I know to me Austrian food was a lot of meat, sausages, great and a bit heavy with fantastic pastries What do you want people to experience at your restaurant?

European flair, a little bit from everywhere with great taste and presentation where the diner feels the love for food.

How is the expatriate community there in Austin?

So far I have met many Germans, only a few Austrians. I hope all Europeans come to see us!

I am curious how the standard of living is in Austin in your opinion compared to Austria. Where else have you two lived and worked?

Short but sweet: In the USA you earn more…but the benefits in Austria are great! There is no place I have lived before where the benefits and the social security are as good as in Austria.

Romana and I lived and worked in Spain, Cayman Islands, Dubai, at sea (Romana), Scotland , Germany and at sea (myself).

Connect with Florian and Romana Prelogs:
PRELOGS
360 Nueces St & W 3rd St
Austin, Texas 78701

www.prelogs.com
Prelogs @ Facebook

“Sacher’s savoury fare — from classic Tafelspitz to contemporary French fusion cuisine — is not to be missed. Ornate fin-de-siècle-style décor and princely service create an Old World setting that counterbalances the very modern dishes of the chef Florian Prelog, like pickled char with sweet apple ricotta and spicy horseradish.” – New York Times (2013)

“The Café Sacher in Innsbruck shines in new splendor…. The chef and manager Florian Prelog, a graduate of the Institute of Tourism in Bad Gleichenberg, interned with some of the best chefs in the world and worked in numerous experiences abroad, including the luxury liner Queen Mary. Florian is a passionate chef and is now in charge of an eight- member team in “his” kitchen.” – Falstaff (2011)

“Florian is a rare find in the culinary industry.” – Johann Lafer, Michelin rated chef and German television cooking star (2013)