Charles Koh
Returning for a seventh year, Taste of Iceland invites Seattle-area residents to explore Icelandic food, music and culture at events October 9-12
September 9, 2014 —Taste of Iceland, presented by Iceland Naturally, returns to Seattle Thursday, October 9 – Sunday, October 12. The multi-day festival offers Seattleites a chance to discover the wonders of Icelandic culture and lifestyle through a series of events where our two countries and communities complement one another perfectly.
Those looking to experience Icelandic culture through the arts can explore modern takes on Norse Mythology at the Odin’s Eye Art Exhibit at Seattle’s Nordic Heritage Museum, explore the intersection between sustainability and art at Pacific Lutheran University’s two Nordic exhibits in Tacoma, discover Icelandic literature at Reykjavik Writing Jam and enjoy a FREE musical showcase at Neumos featuring some of Iceland and Seattle’s most popular artists at Reykjavik Calling.
Events this year include:
FOOD
Icelandic Menu at Dahlia Lounge
Thursday, October 9 – Sunday, October 12
Dahlia Lounge welcomes Icelandic Chef Viktor Örn Andrésson, Nordic Chef of the Year 2014 who is working in collaboration with Chef Brock Johnson to craft a prix fixe, four-course menu showcasing some of the finest Icelandic ingredients such as salmon, cod and free-range lamb. Diners can also enjoy two signature Reyka Vodka cocktails with a dash of Brennivín created by Dahlia Lounge Mixologist Amber Gephart.
Chef Viktor Örn Andrésson is head chef at the internationally renowned Blue Lagoon’s LAVA Restaurant. He was named Nordic Chef of the Year 2014, the Icelandic Chef of the Year in 2013 and has been a member of the Icelandic National Culinary Team since 2009. Chef Örn is no stranger to culinary competitions; in 2010 he received gold and silver medals at the Culinary World Cup, and has participated in two Bocuse d’Or championships. Chef Andrésson derives culinary inspiration from the climate and geography of Iceland, which drives his love of preparing local and seasonal foods, including the high-quality, fresh food provided in abundance by the north Atlantic sea; a passion clearly reflected in the Icelandic menu at Dahlia Lounge.
“What I love about Taste of Iceland is that we are offering our Seattle guests, who otherwise may not have the chance, an opportunity to experience and enjoy genuine Icelandic cuisine,” said Chef Andrésson. “We are fortunate to have an abundance of amazing natural resources in Iceland – fresh seafood, produce and quality meats – which is a very important part of our culture. Our menu at Dahlia Lounge is one that I expect will truly delight diners and hopefully inspires them to visit Iceland in the future.”
The four-course menu is $75 and reservations can be made by calling 206.682.4142. Dahlia Lounge is located at 2001 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98121.
MUSIC
Reykjavik Calling – Free Concert at Neumos Presented By KEXP 90.3 FM
Saturday, October 11 | Doors at 8:00 p.m.
At Reykjavik Calling, Icelandic musicians take the stage with some of Seattle’s most-loved artists for a concert at Neumos. This FREE, cross-cultural musical showcase introduces Seattle to the vibrant music scene that has secured Iceland’s position as a musical powerhouse. Presented by KEXP 90.3, the FREE concert will feature performances and never-before-heard collaborations from the following Iceland/Seattle duos:
From Iceland From Seattle
Sin Fang Seattle Rock Orchestra Quintet
Soley Say Hi
Júníus Meyvant Eric Anderson of Cataldo
“We’re thrilled to present Reykjavik Calling, a cross-cultural exchange pairing artists from two of the most vibrant music scenes in the world, Reykjavik and Seattle, for an evening of magical music making and collaboration,” said Kevin Cole, Senior Director of Programming at KEXP.
The Reykjavik Calling concert is 21+ only and limited to venue capacity. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Neumos is located at 925 E Pike St, Seattle, WA, 98122. For more information, visit http://neumos.com
ART
Odin’s Eye
Friday, October 10 – Sunday, November 9
The Odin’s Eye art exhibit seeks to build an inspirational bridge between Americans and Icelanders as artists visually interpret the Norse Mythology through various mediums. Participating artists include from Iceland: Gunnella, Kristín Ragna Gunnarsdóttir, Sindri Már Sigfússon, Ingibjörg Birgisdóttir. From the US: Lulu Yee , Derek Weisberg, Pandora Andre-Beatty and Michael Linton Simpson. The exhibit is sponsored by Icelandair Cargo and Iceland Naturally.
“I lived in Iceland for 4 years and am fascinated with the connection Icelanders have with nature, their colorful heritage, their folklore, hidden people, elves, the Norse Gods,” said Lulu Yee, artist and curator of Odin’s Eye. “Iceland is a nation of great storytellers, and I wanted to work on a group show which addresses an aspect of the Icelandic heritage, while at the same time, viewing it through the lens of a foreigner who has had little exposure to those stories.”
The Nordic Heritage Museum is located at 3014 NW 67th St, Seattle, WA, 98117. For more information, visit http://nordicmuseum.org/
Literature
Reykjavik Writing Jam
Friday, October 10 / 7:00 p.m.
Presented by the Seattle City of Literature and Reykjavik UNESCO City of Literature in partnership with Elliott Bay Book Company, Icelandic writer Bragi Ólafsson and Seattle poet and novelist Karen Finneyfrock will join together to read stories based on characters of the other’s creation. This “character jam” will be accompanied by a “zine jam” hosted by ZAPP, Seattle’s Zine Archive & Publishing Project. Each guest who attends this event will be invited to craft their own zines of Karen and Bragi’s work with a variety of materials, and walk away with a one-of-a-kind art object.
Elliott Bay Book Company is located at 1521 10th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98122. For more information, visit http://elliottbaybook.com/ and http://seattlecityoflit.org
Art and Geothermal Presentation in Tacoma
Nordic Eco: Steps Toward Sustainability
Wednesday, October 1 – Wednesday, November 19
Special Event with Guest Speaker Árni Gunnarsson, National Power Company of Iceland: October 1, 2014 at 7 p.m.
The topic of Icelandic leadership in the field of geothermal and hydroelectric energy production will be punctuated at the opening on October 1st when featured guest Árni Gunnarsson speaks on the history of the industry in Iceland. This event bridges together “Nordic Edo: Steps Towards Sustainability” with the art exhibit, “Elements of Power: Capturing the Icelandic Landscape” as Iceland’s ability to harness renewable energy sources is directly tied to the landscape features recreated in Sigrun’s art installations.
The Pacific Lutheran University, Scandinavian Cultural Center is located at 12180 South Park Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98447-0003. For more information, visit http://www.plu.edu/scancenter
Elements of Power: Capturing the Icelandic Landscape
Wednesday, October 1- Wednesday, October 22
Artist Meet & Greet: Thursday, October 16 / 5 – 8 p.m.
The exhibit, “Elements of Power: Capturing the Icelandic Landscape” will explore Icelandic glaciers, rivers, lava fields and northern lights through the medium of touchable textiles. Sigrun Lara Shanko, the featured artist, has garnered attention worldwide for her long running series of silks infused with themes from the Viking Age.
The Pacific Lutheran University, Scandinavian Cultural Center is located at 12180 South Park Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98447-0003. For more information, visit http://www.plu.edu/scancenter
Find An #IcelandSecret and Win a Prize!
Seattleites are urged to keep an eye out for secrets about Iceland at each event and elsewhere around the city. Once you find a secret, share it via Instagram and Twitter using the hashtags #IcelandSecret and #TasteofIceland for a chance to win an Icelandic prize!
Taste of Iceland in Seattle is presented by Iceland Naturally, in cooperation with Icelandair, Reyka Vodka, Blue Lagoon, Icelandic Glacial Water,Promote Iceland, Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson, KEXP, Dahlia Lounge, Seattle City of Literature, Reykjavik UNESCO City of Literature, Nordic Heritage Museum, Elliott Bay Book Company and Pacific Lutheran University.
For a complete schedule of Taste of Iceland events, please visit www.icelandnaturally.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/icelandnaturally and follow @IcelandNatural on Twitter.
