Bruno Takes on the U.S., Remains Proud of His Austrian Roots

Where: Vienna

July 10, 2009 at 10:27 AM | by cmb | 0 Comments

Maybe you've heard of this Bruno guy, a proud gay Austrian fashion reporter who's been terrorizing the Midwestern United States for the past year? Sasha Baron Cohen took a whirlwind tour of the U.S. as Bruno by creating more than 30 fake companies to trick unsuspecting interviewees into taking part in his film. All of his hard work pays off tonight when the movie opens nationwide, to the dismay and embarrassment of some of his interview subjects.

If you fell for his Bruno schtick, then needless to say you'd have a pretty grim view of Austria. To counteract this, we've done a little research to compile a mini-guide to Austria's very fashionable capitol; we're sure Bruno would approve.

Where to Stay:
The luxurious teigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, located in old town, is the ideal location for a first visit to Vienna. It is within walking distance to some of the city's top attractions like the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Kohlmarkt shopping centre and St. Stephen's Cathedral. The hotel features all of the must-have modern amenities including in-room WiFi. Rates for a standard room begin around $260.

Where to Eat:
Steirereck is one of Vienna's best restaurants, located right in the center of town. Known for serving both traditional and "modern" Austrian cuisine, their specialties include asparagus with pigeon, saddle of lamb for two, prime Styrian roast beef and red-pepper risotto with rabbit. Prices are a bit high, ranging from $25-$35 for a main course, so make this your special dinner night. For something a bit more affordable, head downstairs where the Steirereck Meierei offers a selection of Viennese and Austrian specialties, most of which are made with cheese.

What to Do:
Vienna is famous for throwing lavish Balls each year, including the annual Life Ball, a celebrity fundraiser for HIV/AIDS research. It has become Europe's largest annual charity event by "reinventing the great Viennese Ball tradition with glamorous, outlandish performances and inspirational speeches." In past years, designers including Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood have all displayed their best work on attendees like Eva Longoria, Kylie Minogue, Liza Minnelli, Kim Cattrall and Heidi Klum. Life Ball takes place each spring, and you can find more information at their official website.

Related Stories:
· Austrians seem more bemused than bummed at Sacha Baron Cohen's unflattering 'Bruno' movie [AP]
· Bruno Cheat Sheet [MTV]
· Movie Set Travel [Jaunted]

[Photo: IMDb]

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