By Ann Abel

Sometimes, they call themselves gastronauts. They are the people who organize their travel, their schedules and even their finances around eating the world’s best food. Some chase Michelin stars or low numbers on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Others will book flights to dine at the hawker stalls of Singapore or the taco trucks of Mexico City.

Their world (which is occasionally mine as well) is an interesting one, full of intensity on all sides: from the diners, yes, but just as much from the chefs, sommeliers, managers, and servers who delight in providing pleasure. While these scenes are appearing in more and more cities around the world, there are corners that still haven’t seen them.

From the outside, it seems Burgenland would not be one of them. It is the poorest region of Austria, a country that isn’t exactly known for its gourmet dining. But if that’s what you think, you probably aren’t paying attention.

Amid the rolling hills and vineyards of this area, near the border with Hungary, there’s a small restaurant and hotel. From the outside, Taubenkobel’s white façade looks much like any house or shop in town … Read More

Ann Abel is a travel writer and editor, and was a senior editor at ForbesLife. She writes for Forbes, Departures, Conde Nast Traveller, Robb Report, Afar, National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Hemispheres, Brides, Modern Bride, Well + Good NYC, and other print and online publications.”In the name of lifestyle journalism, ” she says, ” I’ve gotten a tattoo in Bora Bora, been bitten by a massage therapist, and flown small aircraft above three continents.” She lives in Lisbon.