Comments on: Bernhard’s Austrian Cookbook

By: Holly Kaufman

Holly Kaufman — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:58:11 +0000

I’m very sorry to hear of the trouble you all have had. I did not order the book however likely would have as I also felt he was quite genuine. As his site was up for several years before the ‘cookbook thing’ I tend to thinking something has happened rather than this being a purposeful rip-off. It would be nice to know though.

As many of you, although I did print ones as I used them, as I expected they would be on the site I saved few if any. I will take a look. Should I find any, I will post here which ones I’ve found and we can go from there.

Best of luck to those who have not yet recovered their money.

By: L. Barkley

L. Barkley — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:21:37 +0000

Hi,

I hesitated on ordering the cookbook… Thank God!!

But I am dismayed the site is gone…why? Well I am a cook and have worked with Austrians and had a great collection of the recipes we used, which I lost in a house fire. I was happy to see Bernhard’s site as the recipes were legit and accurate.

So this past week I have been trying to acces the site to check on some recipes and voila… I find all of you… so sad.

Sad because I didn’t save any of the recipes thinking I could always check the site.

Sad because so many of you have been ripped off by an indiscriminate Arshguier! (spelling! but you get the point!)

Sad because most people I met in Austria are not like this and it represents their county poorly.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:25:37 +0000

Interesting to come across your site. Looks like we all had exactly the same experience.

I never contacted Paypal over this as I assumed I had no redress (and from the posts here I was right). However, I think I may contact the bank and see if they can do something.

It’s a shame because the site seemed genuine (and very useful) and the guy helpful and friendly.

Anyone know of any other good sites devoted to Austrian food? Or better still, a good Austrian cookbook?

By: Enomis

Enomis — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:31:10 +0000

I am THRILLED to discover more people out there who feel the same way I do! Over the past year I have repeatedly tried to find Bernhard and recover my $ from Paypal - both to no avail.

Not much consolation but I do feel better having read through this blog and discovered all of you. First time I’ve been able to laugh about this.

Thanks KaySquirrel!

By: Phil

Phil — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:48:31 +0000

I was so close to pre-ordering the cookbook. I hesitated because it was after the release date and wondered if the pre-release price was still valid. I sent an email and never received a reply. Glad I didn’t follow through!

By: Anna

Anna — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:52:12 +0000

You are very brave KaySquirrel,

My congratulations on your perseverance and success, but I’m sorry to hear at what cost and anguish.

Don’t Chefs have to get certification and maintain it???? Like doctors, lawyers, teachers etc….. ????? More so in Europe, I believe they are part of professional guilds. Perhaps he should be reported thus.

Did anyone copy down his recipes? It would be nice to make our own public website with all his recipes… I would visit often. I didn’t copy any with faith it would always be online.

All the best to everyone and hoping you all find resolution as KaySquirrel did.

Sincerely,

Anna

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:25:25 +0000

I too pre ordered the book and I have never been scammed before when ordering thru Paypal. (Because it was thru Paypal I preordered)

..and Bernhard.. If you’re reading this…beware the streetcar!

By: Reggie

Reggie — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:43:33 +0000

Hi Kay,

I found your page because of the Bernhard Baumgartner fiasco. I am very sorry to hear about your troubles with not receiving the book. I had really enjoyed some of his home-style recipes also, and I seriously considered pre-ordering the book, but I decided to wait until the book was actually published and available. Based on what you have written, the book offer was apparently false.

Reggie

By: Eliana

Eliana — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:36:28 +0000

I also bought the book. Very disappointing.

Question.. did he really exist? Has anyone in Austria ever heard of him other than on the internet?

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:56:05 +0000

I, too, almost ordered one of Bernhard’s cookbooks, and I really enjoyed the recipes on his now-defunct site. If he’s defrauding folks through his cookbook offer it really seems an odd and inefficient way to do so. I’m hoping the situation is one of those unfortunate ones where someone with good intentions was affected by something out of his control and as a result dropped the ball somewhere along the line.

In an ideal world all who pre-ordered his book would get their books or their money back, and Bernhard’s website would reappear, too. I really wish I’d printed some of his recipes…