Taste of Iceland Brings Food, Music and Arts to Seattle October 13 – 16

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Celebrating nine years in Seattle, Taste of Iceland, presented by Iceland Naturally, is back in Seattle Thursday, October 13 through Sunday, October 16 with immersive experiences featuring the best of Icelandic food, music, literature and artistry.

Foodies can enjoy cuisine crafted by famed Icelandic chef Siggi Helga as he takes over The Carlile Room while music lovers will be treated to Reykjavík Calling, a free one of a kind musical showcase at Neumos. Literature and art aficionados won’t miss out either – as Steinunn Sigurðardóttir constructs a large-scale installation at the Nordic Heritage Museum while three Icelandic scholars and writers share their stories at KEXP.

Seattleites can indulge in the rich traditions of Iceland’s cuisine at The Carlile Room, where award-winning Icelandic Chef Siggi Helga of the iconic Grillid will join forces with The Carlile Room’s Chef Dezi Bonow to create a menu that expertly blends Icelandic ingredients and flavors.

“I’m thrilled to have the unique opportunity to collaborate with the culinary prowess of The Carlile Room to bring the tastes of Iceland to Seattle,” said Helga. “Seattle has long been a food destination in the Northwest and I am looking forward to bringing the distinct tastes of Iceland to a city that enjoys savory and bold culinary styles.”

The menu features Arctic char and char roe with oyster emulsion, cod with cauliflower three ways,chargrilled fillet of lamb with celeriac, kale and crowberry sauce, and a white chocolate brownie desert with Icelandic Provisions Skyr ganache, bilberry’s sorbet and meringue.

The delicious food offerings will be complimented by signature hand-crafted cocktails by local mixologist Felicia Chin-Braxton featuring Reyka Vodka and Brennivín.

The four-course menu is $75 and reservations can be made by calling (206) 946-9720 or online at The Carlile Room.

Siggi Helga began his career at Iceland’s Perlan restaurant in 1998, and shortly after, he was voted Comme of the Year in 1999. His impressive culinary career has brought him into famous kitchens in England, Ireland, New York, and beyond. In 2015, Helga placed 8th in the world-renowned Bocuse d’Or culinary competition in France, further underscoring his talent. Since 2015, Helga has served as executive chef of the Radisson Blu Saga hotel in Iceland where he oversees three restaurants.

Chef Dezi Bonow is a homegrown Seattle chef, born and raised one block away from the Fremont Bridge. Bonow started as a pantry cook at Dahlia Lounge in 2003 and worked his way up the line to become Sous Chef at Dahlia Lounge three years later. In early 2011, Bonow was promoted to Chef of Palace Kitchen and in 2015, took the helm as Chef of The Carlile Room.

The Carlile Room is located at 820 Pine St, Seattle, WA. For more information, visit http://www.thecarlile.com/

MUSIC:  Reykjavik calling returns – FREE EVENT 

Saturday, October 15, 8:00pmreykjavik calling — free concert presented by KEXP 90.3 FM at Neumos.

Music lovers rejoice! Tatatse presented by KEXP returns this year with a free concert at Neumos. The musical event highlights KEXP’s long-time commitment to cultivating the incredible sounds of Iceland and exposing it to a broader audience.

This year’s showcase features Icelandic bands Fufanu and JFDR, and Seattle-based bands including Kinski and more!                    

One of Iceland’s most sought-after musical groups, Fufanu, made its debut last year at Iceland Airwaves music festival, and received accolades from both near and far. And JFDR, aka Jófríður Ákadóttir of Samaris, will be performing her brand new solo material. 

A four-piece rock band from Seattle, Kinski is known for following its instincts of exploring visceral guitar rock, to sonic and heady avant-psych rock, and sparse, atmosphere-bending instrumentals. Kinski is composed of guitarists Chris Martin and Matthew Reid-Schwartz (who also plays the keyboard and flute), bassist Lucy Atkinson, and drummer Barrett Wilke.

Taste of Iceland will also be introducing one extra surprise musical guest for the evening, with an announcement on October 12.
Reykjavik Calling is 21+ only and limited to venue capacity.  Doors open at 8 p.m., with the show beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Neumos is located at 925 E. Pike Street, Seattle, WA.  For more information, visit www.neumos.com.

Taste of Iceland is partnering with Seattle’s Nordic Heritage Museum to bring “The Weather Diaries” exhibit to life, exploring themes of fashion in the Western Nordic region, and how the region’s unpredictable weather plays a role in the artists’ inspiration.

As part of the exhibit, Icelandic artist, Steinunn Sigurðardóttir, will incorporate her large installation, The Space In Between, into the exhibit.  The extensive piece will be installed over five days ending with an artist reception on October 13 where guests can meet and mingle with the artist. The reception is open to the public.

Artists Reception – Open to the Public – Oct. 13 6-8 PM

The Nordic Heritage Museum is located at 3014 NW 67th Street, Seattle, WA. For more information, visit nordicmuseum.org 

KEXP Studios are located at 472 1st Ave N, Seattle WA 98109.

More information about the festival is available HERE

Stay up-to-date on Taste of Iceland events happening in Seattle by following @IcelandNatural and #TasteofIceland on Twitter and Instagram and ‘Liking’ Iceland Naturally on Facebook.

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