Having toured the cathedral and numerous side streets of central Vienna, we strolled down the famous Kärtner Straße pedestrian shopping street. In addition to the numerous shops, several cafés and confectionaries (Konditorei) vied for our attention and patronage. However, none could tempt us. Although we had never been in Vienna, I did study the map well and knew exactly where to find Hotel Sacher: across the road from the Staatsoper. The presence of the rather deserted Starbucks on the opposite corner was more of a surprise but physical proof that American and Austrian notions of what constitute good coffee are rather different.

Within visual contact of the famous "S" of Hotel Sacher, the 13-month old initiated a rather poorly timed nap and the delighted parents headed straight for the entrance. (The three-year old can be bought with chocolate cake.) As it was mid-morning, we decided not to frequent the rather posh Café Sacher in the hotel itself, but rather the Sacher Eck at the corner, as the German name suggests, of the hotel facing the Opera House, Kärtner Straße, and the aforementioned Starbucks.

Sacher Eck more resembles a bar than a café with dark, high bar stools and high, square tables in addition to the regular bar counter itself. (A number of outside tables are available but the terrace was closed off during our visit due to maintenance work to the façade of the hotel.) Tables are tightly packed but we were fortunate to find one near the passage where the stroller could safely be parked. Soon after, all tables where occupied.

The choice here is limited to drinks, cakes, and a small selection of snacks but we had no need for the menu – we did not drive over 800 km to eat anything but Sachertorte in the home of the "original". We ordered two pieces of Sachertorte with Schlagobers (cream) and two Wiener Melange, a close relative of cappuccino. Service was prompt and friendly, and we soon had our cake and coffee served in very good-looking white porcelain with expensive cutlery suitable for the grand surroundings. Each piece of cake was topped with a small round chocolate plaque confirming that this was the original Sachertorte, even though the original was without an apricot stripe in the middle of the cake. The coffee (€3.50) was fantastic and the cake even better, as it should be at an unrivalled €4.50 per piece.

Sacher Eck is directly linked to the Konditorei where Sachertorte and other delicacies can be bought. Worldwide delivery is possible, at a price and a PC is on hand for do-it-yourself orders too. Orders via the internet are also possible.