A Taste of Iceland Brings Icelandic Cuisine & Music to Seattle Oct 10 - 13

SEATTLE, Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- October 10^th marks the return of A Taste of Iceland, a four-day festival designed to give Seattle a taste of what life is like up North.  The series of events, produced in partnership Tom Douglas' Dahlia Lounge, KEXP 90.3 FM and Neumos will showcase the best of Icelandic culture, music and cuisine. While the Nordic country may seem worlds away, those who have experienced A Taste of Iceland in the past or have attended the annual Reykjavik Calling concert, know that Iceland's culture is not so different from Seattle's -- both characterized by innovative cuisine and vibrant music scenes.   

This year, A Taste of Iceland invites locals to indulge in Icelandic cuisine at Tom Douglas' Dahlia Lounge where guest Icelandic chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson and Dahlia Lounge's executive chef Brock Johnson will be serving an exclusive new Nordic menu featuring ingredients sourced directly from Iceland. Iceland's most talented musicians including Sin Fang, Hermigervill and Borko will also take the stage at Neumos with Seattle favorites Kithkin, Vox Mod and Kaylee Cole for the fourth annual free Reykjavik Calling showcase.

Details of this year's events are as follows:

Icelandic Menu at Dahlia Lounge
Thursday, October 10 – Sunday, October 13

Award-winning Icelandic chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson takes over the kitchen at Seattle's Dahlia Lounge to offer an authentic Icelandic menu developed in collaboration with Dahlia Lounge executive chef Brock Johnson. Dahlia Lounge is known for delivering the quintessential Seattle restaurant experience, but during A Taste of Iceland the dining room will transport diners to Iceland with a pre-fixe new Nordic menu featuring ingredients such as wild caught cod, free-range lamb and Icelandic skyr sourced directly from Iceland. To complement their meal, diners will also have the option to order a signature cocktail, created by Dahlia Lounge's Amber Gephart using Iceland's small-batch Reyka Vodka.

Chef Vigfusson, recognized as one of Iceland's most talented young chefs, has garnered international attention as head chef of LAVA Restaurant, located at Iceland's famed Blue Lagoon. He was named Icelandic Chef of the Year in 2007, won the One World culinary competition in 2008, and is currently the captain of the Icelandic National Culinary Team.

"I'm excited to give Seattleites a literal taste of Iceland with this menu," said Vigfusson. "The new Nordic wave in cuisine has become an international phenomenon. This event gives diners a chance to experience what all the excitement is about without ever leaving Seattle. We will be using some of the best ingredients Iceland has to offer for dishes that are authentic, but modern. I guarantee guests will love the flavors and might even discover something new."  

The four-course Icelandic menu will be offered for $65. Dahlia Lounge is located at 2001 4^th Ave., Seattle, WA 98121. Reservations can be made by calling 206.682.4142 or visiting http://tomdouglas.com.

Reykjavik Calling – Free 21+ Concert at Neumos Presented By KEXP 90.3 FM
Saturday, October 12 | 8:00 p.m.

One of the area's most celebrated annual showcases returns to Seattle for a fourth year, blending the unique elements of Iceland's burgeoning music scene and the Seattle sound locals know and love. Presented by KEXP 90.3 FM, Reykjavik Calling will be held at Neumos. This annual showcase boasts some of the most talented young artists emerging from Iceland and Seattle including Icelandic folk-artist Sin Fang and electronic multi-instrumentalist Borko, as well as local favorites such as Vox Mod, who recently performed at the 2013 Capitol Hill Block Party.

This year's event features collaborations between the following Iceland/ Seattle pairings.

"I was part of the inaugural Reykjavik Calling in 2010 and am thrilled to be back in this city," said Sin Fang. "Despite the distance between us, artists from Seattle and Iceland are remarkably similar. The Seattle and Iceland music communities seem to share the understanding that music isn't just something you play in the background, it's a way of life."

"The opportunity to collaborate with talented artists from around the world is definitely something every musician gets excited about," said Vox Mod. "It's going to be an incredible experience, and I can't wait for the audience to hear what the artists from Seattle and Iceland are able to create."

Admission to the Reykjavik Calling concert is FREE and limited to venue capacity. Neumos is located at 925 E Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. For more Information about the show visit www.icelandnaturally.com.

A Taste of Iceland in Seattle is presented by Iceland Naturally, in cooperation with Icelandair, Reyka Vodka, 66° North, Blue Lagoon, Icelandic Glacial Water, Promote Iceland, Visit Reykjavik, Icelandic Seafood Brand, Dahlia Lounge, Neumos, KEXP 90.3 FM, The Stranger, Seattle Met and Seattle Weekly. 

For a complete schedule of events during A Taste of Iceland in Seattle, please visit www.icelandnaturally.com, become a fan on Facebook and RSVP to the A Taste of Iceland event at www.facebook.com/icelandnaturally and follow @IcelandNatural on Twitter.

For information about conducting business with Iceland, contact Hlynur Gudjonsson, Consul and Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Iceland at [email protected] or by calling +1 646 282 9360.

NOTE: The Icelandic menu, cocktail recipes, artist and chef bios, and photography are available upon request.

About Iceland Naturally:
Iceland Naturally is a cooperative marketing organization that promotes the tourism, services, products and culture of Iceland. It represents the true essence of Iceland, its creativity and spectacular natural wonders. The group is comprised of Icelandair, Icelandic Group., Islandsbanki, Reyka Vodka, City of Reykjavik, Icelandic Glacial Water, 66° NORTH, Blue Lagoon, Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Landsvirkjun, Promote Iceland and the Government of Iceland.   For more information, please visit www.icelandnaturally.com.

SOURCE Iceland Naturally