Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.05.2016, Síða 28

28The Reykjavík GrapevineIssue 5 — 2016
Open 11:30-22:00
saegreif inn. is
Geirsgata 8 • 101 Reykjavík • Tel. 553 1500 • seabaron8@gmail.com
An absolute
must-try!
Saegreifinn restaurant (Sea Baron) is like none other
in Iceland; a world famous lobster soup and a diverse
fish selection.
WORDS OF INTEREST
Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most — if not the most — rec-
ognizable figure in Reykjavík’s modest skyline. The basalt
column-inspired structure is the largest church in Iceland
and took over 40 years to build. “Hallgrímskirkja” means
“Church of Hallgrímur,” after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a poet
and big “it” guy in the Icelandic Lutheran scene of the 1600s.
He’s best known for writing the “Passion Hymns,” a chronicle
of Jesus’s suffering and crucifixion.
Before he made a name for himself as a man of God, Hall-
grímur reportedly ran away to Denmark to become a black-
smith. There he fell into the good graces of Bishop Brynjólfur
Sveinsson (another famous Icelandic Christian), who spon-
sored Hallgrímur’s education.
While he was abroad, Hallgrímur was tasked with “re-Chris-
tianizing” some poor Icelanders who had been kidnapped
by North African pirates. Among these captives was a lady
named Guðríður Símonardóttir. Hallgrímur fell in love with
her and later put a ring on it.
(The Icelandic word for pirate is “sjóræningi” which literally
means “sea robber.”)
Hallgrímur came to a bit of a miserable end, falling victim
to leprosy, but it is said that his suffering only made him a
stronger, more faithful believer. His legacy lives on not only
through his words, but through the numerous tourists who
visit his namesake church every year to take Instagram-
worthy aerial photos of Reykjavík from the observation deck
(18,400 hashtags and counting!).
Every Single Word in Icelandic (@everysinglewordinicelandic)
is a pictographic exploration of the Icelandic language. I find an
interesting compound word, then deconstruct and illustrate it as
icons. The goal is to express how Icelandic can be deadpan literal
and unexpectedly poetic at the same time.
Guides
Reykjavík Roasters
Brautarholt 2
Start the day off with a cup of
“Kaffismiðjan” and a croissant at
Reykjavík Roasters. Pick a record
to play and make your own latte
art. You should be energized and
ready for the day.
Reykjavík Record Shop
Klapparstígur 35
Stop by the small but homey
Reykjavík Record Shop that’s
just opened on Klapparstígur.
After admiring their collection of
old and new vinyl, and perhaps
finding the perfect album to take
home, continue the walk down
Skólavörðustígur.
12 Tónar
Skólavörðustígur 15
Stop at the classic music shop
12 Tónar, at Skólavörðustígur
15 since 1998. You’ll always find
something to your liking, and if
you’re having trouble, 12 Tónar’s
super-nice staff is always willing
to give advice.
Kaffi Vínyl
Hverfisgata 76
Pick a record to play while
enjoying a cup of coffee and
perhaps order a meal from their
mouth-watering vegan menu.
Lucky Records
Rauðarárstígur 10
If you’re still in a mood for record
shopping, after pigging out on
Kaffi Vínyl’s vegan desserts,
Lucky Records has the goods.
It’s easy to get lost in time while
going through the racks in this
vinyl candy store.
Slippbarinn
Mýrargata 2
We recommend walking to
Grandi and stopping for a late
dinner at Slippbarinn. A band
performs wonderful jazzy tunes on
Wednesdays while the bartenders
mix their famous drinks.
A Concert
Check out our concert listings,
pick something nice.
Valdís
Grandagarður 21
Hungry for something sweet?
Walk on over to Valdís for ice
cream. They have a wonderful
selection of tropical and savoury
flavours (The coconut is to die
for). If it’s not freezing, head
over to the harbour and eat
your ice cream while enjoying a
wonderful view over the city (this
is Reykjavík’s most popular date
activity).
Kaffifélagið
Skólavörðustígur 10
A real fashion guru can’t function
without a double cappuccino.
Grab yours at Kaffifélagið.
Jör
Laugavegur 89
Walk down to Laugavegur and
stop by JÖR, where Kourtney
Kardashian recently purchased a
silk dress. It features cutting-edge
Icelandic designs by Guðmundur
Jörundsson, for both men and
women.
Kiosk
Laugavegur 65
Further down Laugavegur, stop
at Kiosk, filled with goods by
Icelandic designers like Hildur
Yeoman and Milla Snorrason.
Shopping at Kiosk is always a
pleasure, and the designers
can help you find your dream
garment.
Snaps
Þórsgata 1
Give your legs a rest and make
reservations at Snaps. Here
you can order a fresh mimosa
and a tasty brunch. This lively
restaurant is filled with plants
and the cool cats of Reykjavík—
join in.
Aurum
Bankastræti 4
Aurum is a colourful concept
store on one side and a gorgeous
jewelry shop on the other. You’ll
find gift merchandise, clothing
and nature-inspired jewelry by
Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir.
Gallerí Gallera
Laugavegur 33
Gallerí Gallera should be the next
stop for any art or fashion lover.
It’s filled with interesting artwork,
books and clothing by designers
and artists such as Lóa, Breiðholt
and Hugleikur Dagsson.
Hafnarhúsið
Tryggvagata 17
Make sure to get your daily dose
of art and culture at the Reykjavík
Art Museum’s Hafnarhús branch.
You can check out exhibitions by
Erró and Arnfinnur Amazeen, and
there’s a wonderful gift shop in
the lobby.
Farmer’s Market
Hólmaslóð 2
If there’s still time, make sure to
visit Farmer’s Market, known for
wonderful woolen sweaters, shawls
and more. Farmer’s Market makes
it much easier to dress to impress
in the cold Icelandic weather.
The Music
Nerd's Guide
to Reykjavík
A guide to
fashionable
Reykjavík