I’m not sure when exactly it happened, but it seems that a majority of the food blogs I read and friends I meet are talking about juice. Not the only-on-the-weekend accompaniment to brunch kind, or the beverage of choice had by sippycup-wielding toddlers kind, but a different sort altogether. The slightly thick, very raw, unprocessed, and sometimes green kind that is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables. Yup. Juicing….it’s a Thing. A lifestyle. The premise of a much-talked-about documentary. And despite the fact that fruit doesn’t grow too extensively on trees here, (let’s be honest, leaves have a hard time doing so 8 months out of the year) juice has found its way to Vienna. A few months back I wrote about a lovely place that opened in town on one side of the Ring. Well, this wasn’t just a one-off. Now the other side of town has us covered too.

You may know of Rauch as the company that–until now–has served Austrians and many others (in over 90 countries !) juice from a carton. Although with humble beginnings, family owned and based in Voralberg, this is no corner shop business, my friends, and it’s definitely not the usual enterprise for me to cover here on ye old blog, as I tend to like to share local, unique, and charming places. Except as it turns out, the super-Firma Rauch has gone and opened one very charming, unique, and locally angepasst juice bar on one of my favorite Vienna streets in a beautifully-restored historical building. Oh, and on a corner no less. How do you like them apples?

Upon entering, you’re greeted by a bright and cheery atmosphere with citrusy scents. I love it here. Seems like that was the goal, as the industrially and modernly designed space has ample seating, inviting patrons to stay and enjoy their beverages. It’s fun to watch yours be made at the counter and then linger a while, either at the bar stools next to the extensive windows, watching the frenzy of Neubaugasse beyond, or in the back on the cozy couches.

I also have to admit that I really, really love the concept of juicing. Getting most of my recommended servings of fruit and vegetables down in one gulp? Convenient, delicious, and fun. Serving juices, smoothies, and yogurt and milk-based shakes plus sandwiches, coffee, and tea, this is a lovely place to pop into for a bite and a sip, especially if you are like me and lacking the counter-space in your kitchen at home to buy a juicer yourself. Healthy ‘fast food’ options in Vienna’s shopping area for the win!

While of course many of the drinks are made with produce grown in far-away places with seasons quite different from um, Vienna in February, there are some options with winteresque items. There’s also the glass storage room with crates of fruits and vegetables lending to a “just picked” feel. Nice touch.

I went with the Adonis, which is a juice made from carrots, pomegranate, oranges, and cilantro. In Greek mythology, Adonis is the God of beauty and desire. “He is an annually-renewed, ever-youthful vegetation god, a life-death-rebirth deity whose nature is tied to the calendar.” Oh is he then? Take that, winter.

Also take note! Another location is opening soon at Wien Mitte: The Mall. All that remains to be seen is if “Juicing” will become ‘denglified‘ or ‘verdeutscht‘ like so many other words. My money is on yes. ”Mama, tuama Juicen!”* “Gestern hob i so an guaden Saft gejuiced!”** I can hear it now.

Go, Austria, go!

Rauch Juice Bar
Neubaugasse 13
1070 Wien
http://www.rauch.cc/at/rauch-juicebar/

Pictures #3, 4, and 5  from Rauch website.
*/**This was my attempt at writing in Austrian dialect. How did I do?