Going through some of my old posts, I realized that I had begun to write a series of entries on Iceland, but I had never finished or published them. My published posts entries were about the political upheaval in that country during my visit, and I neglected to post about any of my other adventures. Without further ado, here is the first of those posts.
Originally written 17 February 2009.
Contrary to what one would believe after reading this blog, I did not spend the entire time I was in Iceland watching protests and being a political junkie. I visited a number of museums and sites, and took a bus tour of the famed Golden Circle. And I ate plenty of food, and did not have a disappointing meal while I was there.
The night I originally wrote the first part of this post, I had eaten dinner at Shalimar, an Indian restaurant which apparently has claim to being the northern most Indian restaurant in the world. Upon walking in, I found myself in a rather small eatery, anticipating a treat based on the smells wafting forward from the kitchen. I had the Murgha Vindaloo, which is apparently a chicken curry vindaloo from Northern India. It came with naan and rice, which were both also delicious. The rice was spiced with curry, cumin, dill, and a few unidentified spices, as well as containing carrot shavings. To say it was delicious would be an understatement.
I experienced more traditional food (albeit with an Asian fusion twist) at Fiskmarkaðurrin, where the lamb is delicious, and the meal was topped off with white chocolate cheesecake, and I won’t tell you about the appetizer lest Greenpeace decide to campaign against me. The seafood bisque at Café Paris, the hotdogs from the street vendors, and the large tubs of plain skyr I keep buying at the 10-11 were also simply delicious. While eating out, I noticed that the portions were all been perfectly sized. Typically, when dining out in the States, unless you have company to share your food with, ordering an appetizer, and entrée, and a dessert is out of the question. You’ll no longer be hungry by the time you finish the appetizer. In Iceland they seem to have the concept of portion size down. You can eat an appetizer, entrée, dessert, along with a beer and coffee and not feel like a glutton.
Speaking of coffee, while I was there I didn’t have a bad cup. I became hooked on Kaffitár for the duration of my stay. For the first time in my life, I found black coffee palatable. Perhaps it’s because at home I either brew my coffee strong enough to dissolve a spoon, or when I go out I tend to just grab whatever is convenient, and this being New England, that’s Dunkin Donuts, which is admittedly, swill. Back home now, I’ve taken care to go to local coffee roasters, and have cut the sugar out.
Anna instructed me to take pictures of anything delicious I ate. Sadly, I got so caught up in the culinary experience that I did not.
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