This past Sunday marked the end of A Taste Of Iceland Toronto.
Torontonians were able to experience Icelandic culture through music, film, food and fun! Through the art and cultural events, film enthusiasts received a glimpse into life in the land of fire and ice at the Cineplex Odeon, where three thought-provoking movies were showcased. Icelandic artist David Orn Halldorsson brought his vibrantly colored multilayered paintings to the front lobby of The Drake Hotel, wowing guests that passed by. His installation was part of Pattern Recognition, the hotel’s current art exhibition.
One of the weekend’s highlights was the contemporary “tapas-style” meal crafted by Icelandic Chef Hakon Mar Orvarsson, 1998 winner for the World Culinary Cup in Luxembourg. Foodies gathered at The Drake Hotel for filets of free-range lamb, smoked Icelandic salmon and Skyr of the Vikings, a delicious Viking inspired dessert unique to the country. Reyka Vodka’s signature cocktail, the “Sons and Daughters,” accompanied the delicacies of the Icelandic dinner. Completing the Icelandic experience, singer/songwriter Soley treated guests to an intimate performance, making it an unforgettable evening.
Introducing Torontonians to the sounds of Iceland, the Iceland Airwaves Showcase on Friday featured performances by Endless Dark, Asgeir Trausti, Soley and Apparat Organ Quartet. On Saturday, the traditional music event of A Taste of Iceland, Reykjavik Calling, brought together a mix of Icelandic performers and local bands for a night of never-before-heard collaborations. Apparat Organ Quarted kicked off the show, followed by Soley and Canadian folk Revelstoke. To close the night, Asgeir Trausti and Cai.ro hit the stage with an energetic and crowd-pleasing set. The A Taste of Iceland cultural celebrations were a huge success , and we hope Torontonians enjoyed the Icelandic cultural experience in their own city!
A big thanks to all who attended and we can’t wait to see you next year
Iceland Airwaves Showcase | Canadian Music Week | Taste of Iceland
Last night we kicked off the music portion of A Taste of Iceland Toronto with the Iceland Airwaves Showcase at The Drake Hotel. We heard from Endless Dark, Asgeir Trausti, Soley and Apparat Organ Quartet! It was a packed house and the show was amazing!
Tonight is Reykjavik Calling where Asgeir Trausti, Soley and Apparat will collaborate with local bands Cai.ro and Revelstoke! It’s sure to be a blast and it’s FREE! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at The Hoxton. We can’t wait to see you there!
A Taste of Iceland hits Toronto!
A Taste of Iceland in Toronto begins today and will be here until Sunday! In preparation for this spectacular event, we previewed the dinner last night with some local journalists and bloggers.
Chef Hákon Már Örvarsson introduced the meal and stuck around to answer questions throughout the evening.
The first main course was the house-made, cold-smoked filet naturally raised Icelandic salmon, served with grainy mustard dressing, sour cream, dill oil and Icelandic rye bread.
Next came the seared and slowly cooked filet of free-range Icelandic lamb, with glazed root vegetables, juniper berry-infused lamb jus reduction and a dust of dried, wild Icelandic herbs and blueberries.
Dessert was amazing! Skyr of the Vikings, a delicate mousse of Icelandic skyr (a cultured dairy product unique to Iceland, and a staple since the Vikings), with apple jelly and crispy oat-hazelnut crumble. It will be served with cinnamon-flavoured, poached rhubarb.
Soley, who will be performing in Reykjavik Calling on Saturday night at the Hoxton, surprised everyone with an impromptu performance!
All in all, the evening was magical and we are so excited to kick things of this tonight with The Taste of Iceland menu at The Drake Hotel! For the complete schedule of events visit, www.icelandnaturally.com, and don’t forget to share your experiences with us by using #TasteofIceland! Skål!
Icelandic Film Festival Concludes A Taste of Iceland in Boston
The free screening of three Icelandic films at the Revere Hotel was the perfect ending to an exciting and cultural filled celebration of A Taste of Iceland in Boston this past weekend. Theatre One at the Revere Hotel offered a cozy and intimate atmosphere to view the films. There was no better setting to sit back, relax and enjoy a collection of Icelandic cinema than in the plush ivory chairs against the backdrop of the cerulean velour walls, which were adorned with large silver art deco columns.
The first film shown, Either Way, was set in the beautiful and remote location just north of Iceland during the 1980s. The main characters in this film, Finnibogi and Alfred, spend their summer painting lines on the winding roads that seem to have no end. The barren wilderness becomes a place of exciting adventure, disasters and self-discovery for both men as they find themselves at a critical turning point in their lives. The subtle dry wit that was woven into the dialogue of this film both delighted and evoked laughter from the audience from beginning to end.
Herd in Iceland, the second movie shown, features the annual round-up of Icelandic horses. By law it is illegal to import horses into the island, and for this reason, Icelandic horses are a pure breed. Every September the horses are rounded up by local farmers and directed across the rugged terrain to reunite with their owners. This is a unique tradition that helps unify the country. This film captured an emotional and one of a kind aspect of Icelandic culture, landscapes and horses, which clearly touched the audience.
The final film shown, Grandma Lo-Fi, was created over an 8-year period by three musicians in their first endeavor as directors. They captured the most innovative period in the life of musician Sigriour Nielsdottir. This film is a cinematic tribute to an astounding musician and her endless creativity and passion. Out of all the films, this film was the most inspiring and awing to the audience.
From laughter, to tears and inspiration, the Icelandic film festival was an afternoon filled with many artistic, unique and thought-provoking films that were enjoyed by all who attended.
Reykjavik Calling in Boston
This past weekend, Reykjavik Calling returned to Bean Town for its fourth consecutive year, bringing together an eclectic mix of Icelandic performers and upcoming local bands. The line outside of The Paradise was just the start of an unforgettable night.
Icelandic folk singer-songwriter Soley kicked off the concert with her ethereal piano ballads and soft-echoed voice. The stage, completely dark aside from a few blue lights, set a mysterious tone for Soley’s set. Debuting two new songs, “Wedding” and “I Will Find You”, the singer created a trance-like atmosphere that hypnotized the crowd. In between songs, Soley thanked Bostonians for being so welcoming. She also got the crowd laughing after sharing that she had spent the day doing laundry with her band. Near the end of the set, American singer Kris Delmhorst joined Soley for an intense and beautiful collaboration. The connection between both singers was clear, as they praised each other’s work on stage.
Kris Delmhorst’s set quickly followed. Her music, unlike Soley’s, featured more of a traditional folk sound. Ferocious banjo solos accompanied the melodies, highlighting the talent of her musicians. Their performance got roars from excited crowd.
Following, melodic folk Icelandic performer Ásgeir Trausti got up on stage. Influenced by one of Iceland’s biggest exports, Sigur Ros, Ásgeir shared his poetic lyrics in catchy melodies. With a groove and unexplainable vibrancy to his music, he brought a whole new concept to melodic folk. It’s no wonder he is such a hit in the Icelandic music scene!
Next, New England Music Awards Band of the Year nominee Adam Ezra Group got the crowd going. Performing songs that everyone could dance and sing along to, they showed what Boston folk/indie music is all about. To close the night, Bostonians and Icelanders shared the stage to perform “Free Fallin” with a variety of musical instruments, giving an unexpected kick to the night. To say the least, Reykjavik Calling was a truly unique night of music and collaboration that will leave a lasting impression with everyone who attended.
The #Icelandic menu is available through Tuesday in Boston-area @legalseafoods for #tasteoficeland!
Last night at Reykjavik Calling for #TasteofIceland in Boston! (at Paradise Rock Club)
Three-course #Icelandic menu at @legalseafoods for #TasteofIceland in #Boston! Available all weekend! (at Legal Sea Foods)
A Taste of Iceland Arrives in Boston!
It’s a blustery, snowy weekend here in Boston, but the weather hasn’t kept Bostonians and Icelanders alike from celebrating the beginning of the third annual A Taste of Iceland in Boston! Last night, the A Taste of Iceland preview dinner was held at Legal Sea Foods Harborside, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what the Icelandic cultural festival has in store for the Hub.
On the elegant Floor 2 of Legal Sea Foods Harborside, the night began with introductions of the Icelandic guests involved in bringing A Taste of Iceland to Boston. World-renowned Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson and Chef Fannar Vernardsson described each dish in the four-course menu, including Icelandic salmon, Icelandic cod and roasted lamb shoulder, as well as the delicious tiramisu-inspired Skyr mousse dessert served with spice cake and coffee ice cream.
Guests enjoyed appetizer-sized versions of each course, motivating all to return to Legal Sea Foods throughout the weekend to enjoy the full menu. The crisp, clean taste of Icelandic Glacial Water kept guests hydrated and cleared their palates between savoring each bite. Guests also sipped the “Reyka Sour,” the signature cocktail featuring Iceland’s crisp Reyka Vodka infused with botanicals. Beautiful in presentation and delicious in taste, the Reyka Sour was a crowd favorite.
Icelandic musicians Soley and Asgeir Trausti also attended the preview reception with their bands, chatting with guests about their musical influences, upcoming shows and their excitement about the Reykjavik Calling concert on Saturday night. Soley was thrilled to return to Boston and play a full set, as she performed in the Bean last November as the opening act for fellow Icelanders Of Monsters and Men. Asgeir Trausti was excited to perform in Boston for the first time, and was looking forward to his upcoming performances in Austin, Texas next week to finally experience a Southern heat wave!
Will you be joining us at A Taste of Iceland in Boston? Like Iceland Naturally on Facebook and follow us on Twitter or Instagram for the latest events from #TasteofIceland!
