Reykjavík Grapevine - 15.07.2016, Síða 44

Music 44The Reykjavík GrapevineIssue 10 — 2016
Austurstræti 16 Tel. 551 0011 apotek.isAPOTEK KITCHEN+BAR
ICELANDIC
GOURMET
MENU
Freshly caught seafood and free range lamb
– with a modern twist
6 COURSE
DINNER MENU
STARTS WITH A “REFRESHING“ SHOT
OF THE NATIONAL SNAPS BRENNIVÍN
FOLLOWED BY A BITE-SIZED TASTE OF PUFFIN
OCEAN PERCH
Slow cooked ocean perch, beetroot purée, spicy
butter, serrano ham, beetroot
MINKE WHALE
Shallot vinaigrette, crispy Jerusalem artichokes
SEA TROUT
Yuzu mayo, tru­e mayo, crispy quinoa, apple
PLAICE
Samphire, green asparagus, blood orange, lime beurre blanc
RACK OF FREE RANGE ICELANDIC LAMB
Lamb fillet, leeks, pickled onions, browned celeriac, baked
carrots, spinach and dill cream
Dessert
SKYR FANTASIA
Skyr fromage, Skyr mousse, strawberry & lime gel,
lime sponge cake
7.990 kr.
One could be used to the idea that
a greenhouse is meant for grow-
ing cucumbers and tomatoes. But
when thinking more creatively, a
greenhouse can also be used as a…
concert venue! If you like the sound
of that idea, you are welcome to en-
joy the Picnic Concerts held in the
greenhouse just outside the door-
step of the Nordic House.
Kristbjörg Kona Kristjánsdót-
tir, a representative of the Nordic
House, says that the Picnic Con-
certs are intended to be some-
thing special for guests to enjoy on
beautiful summer Sundays, and in
harmony with nature. “We wanted
to add some cultural experiences
to the Reykjavík city center,” she
says of the magical concerts. “So
we created a cosy hangout place
where people can listen to live mu-
sic and relax. Vatnsmýrinn, where
the Nordic House is situated, is a
nature reserve and a bird sanctu-
ary. While listening to the concerts
outside, guests can simultaneously
hear birds singing and water flow-
ing. One can just feel the nature
around him. The music becomes a
part of the nature and the nature
becomes a part of the music.”
Musicians like Myrra Rós, ÍRiS,
Anna Jónsdóttir, Markús and the
Diversion Sessions and the Mag-
nús R. Einarsson tríó can be heard
in the greenhouse over the next
five Sundays. Kristbjörg explains
that the musicians were picked
because their music fits into the
atmosphere the Nordic House
wanted to create. She adds that it
wasn’t hard to find musicians who
were willing to perform in a green-
house: “Most of the musicians we
contacted were excited to play in
such an unconventional venue as
a greenhouse, and even though
some of them are playing with big
bands regularly, they were open to
creating something new to fit in
the environment.” She adds: “All
the musicians are Icelandic and
therefore unique. For example,
Myrra Rós has built her own little
world on the Icelandic music scene
with bold and personal folk music,
ÍRiS creates mysterious electronic
music and Markús Bjarnason plays
friendly and humorous music.”
Kristbjörg says that for now,
about 50 people have showed up
to each concert. Overall, she esti-
mates, “we expect to get around
five hundred guests this year to
visit the concerts. Everyone is wel-
come and if the greenhouse is full,
we pull out chairs and blankets for
people to enjoy the music in our
lovely green garden. Some people
prefer lying on the grass while en-
joying the music while others like
being up close and personal with
the artists.”
Most events held in the Nordic
House have free admission, and
the Picnic Concerts are no excep-
tion. “The Picnic Concerts have
been a yearly event for a couple of
years now and will keep on being
the Nordic House’s contribution
to anyone who wants to come and
enjoy Icelandic music during the
summer season. So The Nordic
House funds the concerts and pays
the artists,” confirms Kristbjörg.
Talented Icelandic musicians give
free concerts in the Nordic House
greenhouse every Sunday at 3pm.
Music And Nature In
Perfect Harmony
Words GEIDI RAUD Photos ART BICNICK
OPEN 7-21
BREAKFAST,
LUNCH & DINNER
T EMPL AR A SUND 3 , 101 RE Y K JAV ÍK , T EL : 5711822, W W W.BERGSSON. IS