Out and About
Taste of Iceland – Nov 10 to 13, 2016 (Toronto)
Back for the sixth year in a row, Taste of Iceland returns to Toronto from Thursday, Nov. 10 to Sunday, Nov. 13. Presented by Iceland Naturally, the festival offers a glimpse into the culture Iceland is known for through a menu of authentic Icelandic dishes at Jump, a concert showcasing some of the country’s hottest acts, as well as a free literary event and film screening.
Tasting Menu
Nov. 10-12 | Jump (18 Wellington St. W.)
Toronto welcomes one of Iceland’s premier chefs, Sigurður Helgason, executive chef of the highly acclaimed Grillið Restaurant. Helgason has collaborated with Jump’s newly appointed chef de cuisine, Chef Miheer to put together a four-course prix fixe menu for $75. Menu highlights include cod with cauliflower three ways, char-grilled fillet of lamb and a Brennivin-infused Icelandic mulled wine. For reservations, please call Jump at 416.363.3400 or click here.
Chef Sigurður Helgason and Chef Miheer will present an
Icelandic tasting menu at Jump from Nov. 10 to 12.
Nov. 13 | Jump (18 Wellington St. W.)
On Sunday, Nov. 13, Jump and Helgason will host An Evening in Iceland, an immersive event showcasing the best of Icelandic music, cuisine and drinks. Guests will enjoy a live performance by Icelandic folk artist Axel Flóvent during the cocktail reception, followed by the opportunity to meet and hear from Chefs Helgason and Miheer as they speak to the unique features of each dish. Tickets to the event at Jump are $115 and include canapés, a specialty cocktail, entertainment and a four-course dinner with wine pairings.
Literary Event
Friday, Nov. 11 | Ben McNally Books (366 Bay St.) | 6 p.m.
The Write Stuff: Why Iceland Inspires Us to Put Pen to Paper celebrates Iceland’s robust storytelling culture with a discussion led by Eliza Reid, Iceland’s first lady. A writer and editor, Eliza co-founded the Iceland Writers Retreat, an annual gathering for published and aspiring writers. Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for creative minds, and Reid will focus her talk on what makes Iceland so inspirational for lovers of the written word. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. To RSVP click here.
Film Screening
Saturday, Nov. 12 | Royal Cinema (608 College St.) | 12 p.m.
Of Horses and Men is a country romance about the human streak in the horse and the horse in the human. Set almost exclusively outdoors, the film showcases Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. Celebrated director Benedikt Erlingsson’s debut feature film, Of Horses and Men won The Nordic Council Prize, Scandinavia’s most prestigious film award, among many others. Presented by Iceland Naturally, this free event is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note this film is not recommended for children. To RSVP click here.
Reykjavik Calling
Saturday, Nov. 12 | Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen St. W.) | Doors open at 9 p.m. | 19+
The annual Reykjavik Calling concert returns, taking over the Horseshoe Tavern. The Icelandic-Canadian collaborative lineup will feature Icelandic artists Axel Flóvent and Ceasetone, paired with Toronto-based dynamic duo LAL. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. To RSVP click here.
Iceland’s Axel Flóvent and Ceasetone will be performing alongside Toronto-based LAL
at the Horseshoe Tavern on Nov. 12
Line-up:
9 p.m. – Doors open
9:30 p.m. – Axel Flóvent
10:35 p.m. – Ceasetone
11:40 p.m. – LAL
Icelandair’s #craYYZgiveaway
From Nov. 11-13, Icelandair representatives will take to the streets of Toronto and the surrounding metropolitan area with an exciting scavenger hunt, offering locals a daily chance to win a pair of round-trip tickets to Iceland. Additional giveaways include gift certificates for travel on Icelandair, t-shirts, Icelandic music compilations and more.
How can you participate?
- During the three-day giveaway, Icelandair will provide a password on Facebook and Twitter, along with clues to help find the location of each day’s tickets
- Clues will be given at various times of the day until the tickets are found
- The first person to arrive at the secret location and reveal the password to the Icelandair representative(s) will win round-trip tickets for two to Iceland
- For further information, “like” Icelandair on Facebook, follow on Twitter or visit the official #craYYZgiveaway terms and conditions
Stay up-to-date on Taste of Iceland events happening in Toronto by following @IcelandNatural and #TasteofIceland on Twitter and Instagram and ‘liking’ Iceland Naturally on Facebook.
About Taste of Iceland
Taste of Iceland in Toronto is presented by Iceland Naturally in cooperation with Icelandair, Reyka Vodka, Blue Lagoon, Visit Reykjavik, Icelandic Glacial Water, Promote Iceland, Brennivín, Icelandic Provisions, Iceland Airwaves, Iceland Music Export, CIUT FM, Jump and the Horseshoe Tavern.
Iceland Naturally
Iceland Naturally is a cooperative marketing organization that promotes the services, products and culture of Iceland. Through events, promotions and online marketing initiatives, Iceland Naturally introduces Iceland’s creativity and natural wonders to North Americans. The group is comprised of Iceland’s top companies and organizations: Icelandair, Icelandic Group, Islandsbanki, Reyka Vodka, City of Reykjavik, Icelandic Glacial Water, Blue Lagoon, Keflavik International Airport (KEF), National Power Company of Iceland, Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson, Promote Iceland, Icelandic Provisions and the Government of Iceland.
Hashtag: #TasteofIceland
About the Author
Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca