Patent Paradox

 
Empress Sissi would have rubbed her eyes in disbelief: the new arrival in Vienna, Orlando di Castello, is virgin white, as playful as a Tyrolean farmgirl and as hardhitting as loutish rapper 50 Cent. Since autumn 2009 the intentionally contradictory multiconcept, which spans an area of 175 sq m, has been bewitching guests with its crass contrasts – delicate floral wallpapers, upscale Baroque-style chairs, mirrored surfaces and metal studs. The consistent branding of the 85-seater location is bold and eyecatching at the same time. For the name of the concept, ODC for short, not only adorns the tablecloth and staff T-shirts but even the walls on a trim. The food presentation is as impressive as the interior design is idiosyncratic. In addition to selected breakfast and dinner menus (starters €4-12.80, main courses €7.80-24.60), the restaurant serves delicate Francophile taste bombs (from €3.50) by patissier Pierre Reboul. For example, impressive layered works of art made from chocolate, various mousses and fruit with names like Beauty and Miss Pompidou. A prominent Austrian name lies behind the ambitious concept: Karl P. Wlaschek Jr. is the son of probably the richest man in the Alpine republic, Karl Wlaschek Sr., founder of the Billa supermarket chain. Wlaschek also runs the Café Central at the Daun-Kinsky Palace, one of Vienna’s most impressive Baroque buildings.
 
www.orlandodicastello.com
 

 
| 23 April 2010 |