Back for the fourth year in a row, Taste of Iceland takes over Toronto from Thursday, Nov. 13th to Sunday, Nov.16th. Presented by Iceland Naturally, this multi-city festival offers a glimpse into the cuisine, music and culture Iceland is known for, and will offer a menu of Icelandic delicacies at Luma, a free showcase of the countrys hottest up-and-coming musical talent at the Reykjavik Calling concert, and film programming curated by Reykjavνk Short & Docs Film Festival.
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| Chef Viktor Φrn Andrιsson |
Icelandic Cuisine – Nov. 13th to 15th
Acclaimed Icelandic chef Viktor Φrn Andrιsson will wow our taste buds with exquisite Icelandic delicacies, as he presents a tasting menu at one of Oliver & Bonacinis top restaurants, Luma. Recently named 2014s Nordic Chef of the Year, Andrιsson has collaborated with Anthony Walsh, corporate executive chef of Oliver & Bonacini and Michael Wilson, Lumas own chef de cuisine.
The trio put together a four-course prix-fixe menu for an affordable $55, focused on authentic Icelandic dishes with diverse flair and texture. The menu looks exquisite; you can take a peek here.
Reykjavik Calling Free Concert
Saturday, Nov. 15th
The Horseshoe Tavern, 19+, doors at 9 p.m.
A selection of Icelandic artists representing the best of the countrys music scene. Line-up is as follows:
9:15 p.m. Uni Stefson
Uni Stefson is the introspective solo project of Unnsteinn Manuel Stefansson, originally of Retro Stefson. The singer explores the emotional range experienced during dark Icelandic winters to create an enchantingly mellow sound.
9:45 p.m. Hermigervill
Hermigervill delivers his unique electronic creations in a set that is truly live: quirky, unpredictable and sincere categorize Hermigervills performance style.
10:30 p.m. Young Karin
Young Karin is made up of Logi Pedro Stefαnsson and Karin Sveinsdσttir, who met at a song contest last winter. Since then, the Icelandic duo received notable praise for their hip-hop and avant-garde infused pop productions.
11:30 p.m. LYON
Toronto-based singer-songwriter LYON released her first EP Indian Summer last year and continues to wow audiences with her infectious blend of heartfelt lyrics and synth-pop sound.
12:15 a.m. Retro Stefson
Retro Stefson is an upbeat, buoyant band that blends European, South American, African and North American music into all parts perfect. Theyve been performing together since middle school, and have honed their stage presence into a must-see performance.
Rememmber this is a free concert, show up early and rsvp in advance. To RSVP, click here.
Icelandic Films Free Admission
Saturday, Nov. 15th
The Royal Cinema, 2 – 6 p.m.
The Royal Cinema will screen two Icelandic film programmes curated by the Reykjavνk Short & Docs Film Festival, further highlighting Icelandic culture and creativity.
The first is a series of short films (108 minutes):
Come to Harm – dir. Bφrkur Sigώσrsson – 18mins
Sker – dir. Eyώσr Jσvinsson – 11 mins
Good Night – dir. Muriel d’Ansembourg – 24 mins
Dawn – dir. Valdimar Jσhannsson – 4 mins
In Search of Livingstone – dir. Vera Sφlvadσttir – 16 mins
Revolution Reykjavik – dir. Νsold Uggadσttir – 19 mins
No Homo – dir. Guπni Lνndal Benediktsson – 16 mins
This will be followed by a series of documentaries (65 minutes):
Herd in Iceland – dir. Lindsay Blatt – 28 mins
You Have to Look Good – dir. Alma Σmarsdσttir – 22 mins
Holding Hands for 74 Years – dir. Sigriπur ήσra Αsgeirsdσttir – 15 mins
These are free screenings, too. For tickets, please click here.
With a delicious sounding menu and a great line-up of free music and film events, Taste of Iceland is not to be missed this year. Who knows, this festival might even inspire you to take a trip to Iceland to experience the culture up close and personal. Already tempted to visit Iceland? If so, check out Rent.is where you can find a variety of campervan rental opportunities so that you can enjoy an Icelandic road trip. That is not all though. This festival is also an excellent way to experience arts and culture from outside of Toronto without having to go very far!
To learn more about Taste of Iceland and its presenter Iceland Naturally, visit their website here.
