Image: © Emma Braun
Even as a child, Viennese Paul Mitsch dreamed of selling melons one day. Probably a rather unusual career aspiration for a young boy. But one that did not come out of the blue. After all, year after year he spent a few carefree weeks with his parents in the Italian vacation resort of Chioggia Sottomarina. It was there, at the southern end of the Venice lagoon, that he first came into contact with the concept of the watermelon seller. Now, some 20 years later, Mitsch is fulfilling his dream. From July 23 to August 11, fresh melons and drinks will be available in his “Melonenhalle”, a pop-up in Vienna’s Museumsquartier.
Watermelon with protection of origin
The namesake ingredient of the Melonenhalle (melon hall) is the Anguria Reggiana IGP watermelon. The centuries-old secret of cultivating Europe’s only watermelon with protected origin lies in the ideal climatic conditions of Reggio Emilia. The result is a dark, sweet watermelon with that extra crunch. The unique taste is also achieved thanks to sustainable cultivation methods and strict quality control. The Anguria Reggiana. can only be harvested from June to September. And part of this harvest now finds its way into the Melonenhalle in the MuseumsQuartier Wien.
From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., visitors have the opportunity to grab a slice of this summery delicacy. The Prosecco on tap goes perfectly with it. The Negroni Sbagliato brings an even more Italian feeling to the tables in front of the Museumsquartier. And it’s the summer drink of the year anyway. Incidentally, homemade vermouth from the Göbel organic winery in Vienna is used as the base for the glasses.
Relaxed Vibes
Melons and drinks are available in room D. Finally, you can eat at Heurigen tables under illuminated chestnut trees in front of the Melonenhalle; not in the inner courtyard, but on the Ring side. Every Tuesday there is Italo Scheibn – the finest curated Italo disco from 6 pm. And on Thursdays you can also indulge in scopa. The Italian card game simply plays much better with watermelon and Negroni Spagliato. It also starts at 6 pm. The event ends at 10 pm and the melon hall is open daily from 3 pm for three weeks. The magic will be over again on August 11, 2024. So the best time to visit is now.
The rush is certainly great. As Mitsch explains in the interview, a ton of watermelons were sold in the first three days. Supplies are constantly being replenished. Mitsch himself is behind the counter. He is no stranger to gastronomy. After all, he has already worked at René Redzepi’s legendary Noma in Copenhagen. He has also studied sustainability. The melon hall should be nothing more than a kind of summer job. Because after one season it’s over, then it’s back to his studies.
Melonenhalle im MQ Wien
1070 Wien
