Seattle has 21 Sister Cities, and, let’s face it, Reykjavik should at least be first among equals. Every year for the past several, the Taste of Iceland happens around this time of year (and starts this evening, coincidentally). I like the mini-festival because it is a chance to learn more about a different culture, but also because most of the events are free. Friday, Elliott Bay Book Company will host a reading with Eliza Reid, founder of the Iceland Writers Retreat, interviewed by Hugo House’s Tree Swenson. There will be a concert on Saturday night at Neumos, featuring a mixture of Reykjavik and Seattle musicians.
We’ll have some updates on Twitter throughout the weekend, but for now, here’s a rundown of what’s going on.
Icelandic Menu at Dahlia Lounge | Oct. 8-11
Icelandic chef Ylfa Helgadóttir, chef de cuisine and owner of Kopar Restaurant, will fly to Seattle to collaborate with American chef Brock Johnson at Dahlia Lounge, the Tom Douglas flagship restaurant. Ylfa has won numerous awards for her cooking and is part of the national team of chefs. Brock is known for creating elegant dishes in a variety of culinary styles. While you’re there, grab one of their Iceland-inspired signature cocktails, prepared by mixologist Sonja Peterson.
- WHEN: Oct. 8-11 | 5pm
- WHERE: Dahlia Lounge | 2001 4th Ave | Seattle, WA | 98121
- RESERVATIONS: (206) 682-4142 | Online
- MENU: 4 course meal
- COST: $75 meal | $100 meal with beverage pairing
Learning From Each Other: Gender Equality in Iceland and the U.S. | Oct. 9
Iceland ranks #1 in the world in gender equality, with the U.S. not far behind, according to The Global Gender Gap Report 2013. This panel will focus on why and how the people of Iceland have achieved near equality between the genders, and how Americans have continued to close the gap in the U.S. Click here to learn more and see the agenda.
- WHEN: Oct. 9 | 8:15am-12pm
- WHERE: Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce | 1301 5th Avenue, Floor 15 | Seattle, WA | 98101
- COST: Free
- RSVP: Eventbrite
The Write Stuff: Why Iceland Inspires Us to Put Pen to Paper | Oct. 9
Myths, magic and sagas – Iceland’s robust storytelling culture has made it one of the most coveted destinations for creative minds. Iceland boasts some of the most writers and published books per capita in the world, and Reykjavík is the first non-native English speaking UNESCO City of Literature. Eliza Reid is a Reykjavik-based writer and editor, and is one of two women founders of the Iceland Writers Retreat, an annual gathering for published and aspiring writers. In partnership with the Seattle City of Literature and the Elliott Bay Book Company, Reid will talk about what makes Iceland so unique and inspirational – both as a home and as a travel destination – for lovers of the written word. She will also share her experience as a woman cultural entrepreneur in Iceland, the country that ranks highest in the world for gender equality.
- WHEN: Oct. 9 | 6pm
- WHERE: The Elliott Bay Book Company | 1521 10th Ave | Seattle, WA | 98122
- COST: Free
Reykjavik Calling | Oct. 10
Reykjavik Calling, the electric Icelandic-American collaboration concert that originated in Seattle, returns to its roots on Oct. 10. This annual concert celebrating Seattle’s sister city (Reykjavik, Iceland) is presented by KEXP and will once again take place at Neumos. This year’s lineup will feature Icelandic artists Airplane and Spaceship andMammút paired with Seattle musicians SassyBlack, Midday Veil and Briana Marela. Catch a sneak peek of what Mammút will bring to Reykjavik Calling this year by tuning in to KEXP on Friday, Oct. 9 at 1pm PT for a live in-studio session. The concert is on a first-come, first-served basis. Must be 21+.
- WHEN: Oct. 10 | doors open at 8pm
- WHERE: Neumos | 925 E. Pike St. | Seattle, WA | 98122
- COST: Free
- Featured Artists:
Airplane and Spaceship (Iceland) | Facebook | Youtube
Mammút (Iceland) | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
SassyBlack (Seattle) | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
Briana Marela (Seattle) | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp
Midday Veil (Seattle) | Website | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
