Have you ever had the feeling that foreign food just doesn't feel "foreign" anymore?

A few nights ago I felt restless. Everything was going better than ever in my life, it was a gorgeous evening, I felt healthy and happy and there was nothing in the world I could complain about...but I still had this hidden craving in me that I couldn't quite work out.

Normally, eating would solve this problem (I mean, it solves every problem doesn't it?), so I began deciding what food I was in the mood for. I felt like something different - something that would distract me from my state of vagueness and make me feel alive and exciting, something that would make me feel like life was this adventurous place full of mysterious secrets and hidden pleasures, something that was not like anything I had ever experienced...something foreign.

But when I considered my local options I became distressed. Thai, Indian, Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, Mexican...true all foreign and very tasty...but considering how often I eat them and how much they've become a part of our society's dining culture....they just didn't feel foreign enough.

So where did that leave me? Wandering the city streets hungry and alone (ok so not entirely alone, with Demis but alone in the sense of not being able to decide where to eat and thus feeling isolated by modern restaurants)?

Well I didn't have to wander too far because we soon found Una's Coffee Lounge.

When you walk into Una's you feel as though you have been insanely transported to Austria. It's loud, casual, alive and most importantly...it feels foreign. It's decked out like a traditional Austrian beer hall...with tables scattered wherever there's space (we ended up sitting squashed in a corner against the wall but they can accommodate most seating preferences...it is busy though so be prepared to be put where you'll fit!), simple yet authentic food menu scribbled on the wall (not a massive variety but there's something for everyone and it's all very traditional and inexpensive), wide range of drinks (mainly beers) and straightforward staff who know the food and can deal with busy places (they knew the menu back to front and could give good recommendations...the beer my waitress suggested was very very tasty).

We happily drank our beers and ate our schnitzels and even though it seemed hectic all around us, I felt at peace - my craving had been satisfied. Sure the menu on the wall was a bit too faraway to be visible, the toilets weren't fantastic and being able to pay only with cash can be slightly inconvenient...but the staff don't rush you and the vibe is great - and anyway, one doesn't always seek comfort when dining.

You may be seeking....a romantic dinner for two, a night of luxury, a social gathering, a way of avoiding an issue, a case of experimentation, an escape from boredom, a celebration, an end to hunger...or in my case - something foreign. But I'm now comforted by the fact (and feel foolish to have doubted) that because all restaurants are different and unique in their own way, one will always cater for your craving (you may need to go for a really long walk to find it but it will be there!).

I'm sure one day we all may find ourselves roaming the streets, feeling isolated (it's our nature to want isn't it?)...but let's remember that there will always be our own version of an Austrian beer hall to throw ourselves into.