Music, Cuisine, Culture - Taste of Iceland returns to Toronto November 9 to 12 2017

From a media release:

Taste of Iceland returns to Toronto for four-day cultural celebration
Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine, music, art and literature from November 9 to 12, 2017

• Check out the program

Toronto, ON – This November, Taste of Iceland returns to Toronto for its seventh annual celebration of Icelandic culture. Presented by Iceland Naturally, the interactive four-day festival showcases the best of Iceland’s cuisine, art, music and literature, offering attendees an experiential glimpse into the renowned Icelandic culture. Taste of Iceland runs from November 9-12 at various locations throughout the city.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the festival’s seventh year in Toronto, an inclusive city that always has such a positive and enthusiastic response to Icelandic culture,” said Kristjana Rós Guðjohnsen, festival director. “This year, we’ve added a discussion on Iceland’s influence on the global art scene, rounding out our cultural lineup showcasing Iceland’s food, music, film and literary programming.”

Icelandic Tasting Menu | Nov. 9-12 | Leña

Taste of Iceland welcomes the highly lauded culinary expert, Chef Viktor Örn Andrésson, previous member of the Icelandic National Culinary team and recent bronze medal winner in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or 2017 Finale. Andrésson will present his Icelandic menu at Oliver & Bonacini’s Leña (176 Yonge St.) in collaboration with the Executive Chef, Julie Marteleira. Working alongside one of Canada’s most highly revered and respected chefs, Anthony Walsh, Marteleira brings extensive experience crafting vibrant dishes inspired by international flavours and techniques.

Award-winning Icelandic mixologist Kári Sigurðsson will create a collection of signature cocktails to accompany Chef Andrésson and Chef Marteleira’s menu. Sigurðsson is known as the mastermind behind Reykjavik’s best cocktail bar Apotek, and will utilize some of Iceland’s signature spirits such as Reyka Vodka and Brennivin. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Chef Viktor Örn Andrésson and Julie Marteleira will present an

Icelandic tasting menu at Leña, accompanied by mixologist Kári Sigurðsson from Nov 9-12.

Reykjavik Calling | Nov. 11 | Horseshoe Tavern 

Presented by radio partner CIUT, the esteemed Icelandic-North American collaboration concert Reykjavik Calling will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen St. W). This open-to-the-public concert will showcase two of Iceland’s top musical performers, Mammút and Fufanu, with additional local talent joining the roster. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Iceland’s Mammút and Fufanu will perform at Horseshoe Tavern on Nov. 11

Shortfish: Icelandic Premier Film Screening | Nov. 12 | Royal Cinema

Stockfish, the Icelandic film industry’s premier festival, will screen its Short Film Programme on Sunday, November 12 at Royal Cinema (608 College St). The short film division of the Stockfish festival, aptly dubbed Shortfish, focuses on highlighting up-and-coming Icelandic filmmakers. The free screening will feature six short films and will run for approximately 75 minutes. Following the screening, a Q&A will be held with Marzibil S. Sæmundardóttir, the director of Stockfish film festival, where audience members will have the opportunity to learn more about the inspiration behind each film. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

The Write Stuff: How Iceland Inspires Lovers of the Written Word

Iceland’s robust storytelling culture has made it one of the most coveted destinations for creative minds. The Write Stuff is a free admission literary discussion led by Iceland’s first lady Eliza Reid. As a Reykjavik-based writer and editor, Eliza helped found the Iceland Writers Retreat, an annual gathering for published and aspiring writers. 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. Timing and location to be announced.

Björg Stefánsdóttir, director of the Icelandic Art Center

The Icelandic Art Center Presents: Iceland’s Thriving Contemporary Visual Arts Scene

For the past decade, Iceland’s contemporary art scene has thrived, from burgeoning cultural institutions to niche, eclectic galleries. Björg Stefánsdóttir, director of the Icelandic Art Center, will lead a discussion on Icelandic visual arts and how Icelandic art has spread across the world, both through the artist-driven community and The Icelandic Art Center. Stefánsdóttir’s presentation will be free admission. Timing and location to be announced.

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

About Taste of Iceland
Taste of Iceland in Toronto is presented by Iceland Naturally in cooperation with Icelandair, Reyka Vodka, Blue Lagoon, Visit Reykjavik, Icelandic Glacial Water, Promote Iceland, Brennivín, Icelandic Provisions, Iceland Airwaves, Iceland Music Export, Royal Cinema, CIUT FM, Leña and Horseshoe Tavern.