Reykjavík Grapevine - 23.05.2008, Blaðsíða 42

Once again I was put in the difficult position of reviewing a restau-
rant in Iceland as a vegetarian. The Lava restaurant at the Blue La-
goon, offers just two such options on its current menu, leaving it
difficult for the reviewer to fairly judge its seafood focused à la carte
menu. With this in mind, my dining companions ordered the Mus-
sels poached in white wine with chilli, spinach and tomatoes from
the appetizer menu and was quick to comment that the generous
portion of tender and juicy mussels, complimented by the flavour of
chilli, the freshness of the spinach and hearty broth in which it was
served, was the best they had tasted. The Soup of the Day was of the
creamy and particularly flavoursome mushroom variety.
After a satisfying appetizer, the Ravioli Stuffed with Spinach
and Mushrooms in Walnut Sauce and Vegetable Risotto from the
Salad and Pasta menu followed. The creamy ricotta, spinach and
mushroom filled ravioli, which came in a distinctive and unusual
tasting walnut sauce, while interesting did not win over my com-
panion. For starters my friend felt that the dish contained too many
flavours and that it would be better suited to the winter months. A
new menu is, however, on its way. On the other hand, the tomatoey
risotto consisting of bell peppers, red onion, olives, dried tomatoes
and risotto in a tomato based sauce, was more of an appropriate op-
tion for the warmish weather. Though, again, this meal was a little
overcompensated for in the flavour department.
Judging by the quality of the mussels, however, the reviewer
would assume that the variety of seafood courses, the ingredients
of which are sourced both locally and from New Zealand, would
be of an excellent standard. In short, come here to sample some of
Lava’s seafood offerings as the restaurant does not, understandably,
specialise in vegetarian cooking. Its location makes it an ideal spot
for a meal, a couple of drinks in the upstairs bar and lounge area, or
for a function. The modern design – a unique structure built against
a rock face with views of both the lagoon and surrounding area –
along with its warm service make for a relaxing and enjoyable din-
ing experience after an afternoon in the lagoon.
Address:
Blue Lagoon
240 Grindavík
Tel.: 420 8806
Kitchen open until 21:00
Reviewed by
Zoë Robert
Lava Restaurant
Af lífi og sál is a brand new restaurant which opened it’s doors the
first of this month. This bistro is located in a cosy port just off of
Laugavegur. The restaurant itself is on two floors, with a balcony
on the second floor overlooking the port. The interior is simple and
relaxing and together with the enjoyable music creates a welcoming
atmosphere.
The bistro offers a ‘floating menu,’ that is to say they have a dif-
ferent menu in the evening than in the daytime. During the daytime
the emphasis is on lighter courses as well as lower prices. You’ll
find everything from soups and salads to Icelandic opened-faced
sandwiches and crêpes. In the evening they switch to a sophisti-
cated and more traditional menu, offering a variety of fish and meat
courses as well as inviting appetizers and desirable desserts. The
prices are a bit higher in the evening, but that only reflects the trans-
formation from bistro to restaurant.
For starters, my companion for the evening and I decided to
share two courses. First, we had grilled portobello mushrooms with
a cheese mix, served with a salad and green and red peppers. The
smooth and salty taste of the mushroom made this the perfect ap-
petizer. Next we had the antipasto which came with a mixture of
meats, cheese and olives. It was so good that neither of us really
wanted to share it with the other.
As for the main course, I had the giant carp with lemon and
caper butter, served with tomato salad and shrimp risotto. To be
honest the carp was a bit to salty for my taste and I’ve never really
been a fan of risotto, so I was a bit disappointed with the course. My
companion had the baccalo with tomato and toasted garlic, served
with salad, olives and shrimp risotto. By his account the dish was
tasty and fulfilling, and even further complimented by the excellent
Pinot Grigio we had with it. Overall, the meal was very enjoyable
despite the let down by the carp.
Throughout the evening we had excellent service from our
attentive waitress and we left feeling full and satisfied. I promised
myself to return later and try out the daytime menu.
Af lífi og sál
Address:
Laugavegur 55b
Tel.: 551 1511
Reviewed by
Sverrir Hjálmarsson
Photos by GAS
B10 | Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 06 2008 | Reviews
© Cafe Victor | Hafnarstræti 1-3 | 101 Reykjavík |
tel: 561 9555 | www.victor.is | info@victor.is
Situated in the heart of Reykjavík

Seafood-grill mix with risotto, salad and 2 types of sauce

Grilled Salmon with salad, lemon sauce and baked
potatoes

Grilled Halibut baked in garlic butter with salad and
corn of the cob

Oven baked Bacalao in a tomato-basil sauce with capers
and olive’s

Hashed sh (Icelandic specialty) in mild curry sauce
with rye bread
Fish and chips with sauce and salad

Icelandic lunch Menu
Life music