History
The White Chimney Sweep
The typical atmosphere of the restaurant created itself in the 1920s when actors, singers, painter and sculptors discovered it. They awakened in the owner the ardor to spoil her guests in every possible manner.
Hertha Hammer’s ambition and work ethic came from her international gastronomic background and this, combined with her charming and affectionate personality, made her the perfect task master. She loves her guests as a mother loves her talented children. And for many, this is an opportunity to celebrate Mothers’ Day everyday and to go to "Rauchfangkehrer" as often as its doors are open. On the piano, where only rarely a hired musician played, sat the many prominent Viennese band leaders entertaining the "Rauchfangkehrer" guests. Rudolf Bibl was once asked to play "Hoch Soll Er Leben" for a Birthday celebration. He complied and then played for almostan hour all the requested melodies in the styles of Gershwin, Bach, Mozart, Wagner and Lehar.
Bernstein and Visconti were regulars during the Falstaff rehearsals. Paola von Belgium refreshed herself with Nurejew and Margot Fonteyn with the internationally renowned "Brandteigshokoladecremekrapfens", a name no foreigner can pronounce, but a dessert that is ordered by everyone who arrives with a recommendation to visit the "Rauchfangkehrer".