Atlantica - 01.11.2000, Page 64

62 A T L A N T I C A
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Celebrity chef Siggi Hall, star of a popular cooking programme on television,
and author of best-selling cookery books, has made his dream come true and
opened his own restaurant. Located in the charming Hótel Ódinsvé, a small
hotel in the old part of town, the restaurant has been refurbished in designer
style. The premises are bright and spacious, a harmonious, modern blend of
natural wood and simple, cream and grey furnishings. The cuisine is, accord-
ing to Hall, Icelandic, influenced by France and the Mediterranean.
The Christmas buffet at Siggi Hall’s promises to be a delicious one. The
starters, a selection of marinated herring and smoked salmon, will be served
at the tables, accompanied by schnapps on the house. Original herring dishes
include a Russian herring salad with beetroot, and fried herring with onion,
capers and eggs.
Main courses available at the buffet table include cold meats such as wild
game paté, the traditional Icelandic smoked lamb, hangikjöt, and Danish liver
paté. On the carving table are traditional Danish gammon, turkey breasts with
wild mushroom sauce and a Wild game pot-au-feu with cranberry jelly.
The grand finale includes Ris a l’amande, a creamy rice pudding, and guests
can participate in the Icelandic tradition of searching for a whole almond in
their bowls. The lucky winner receives a prize.
Located in the basement is a cosy sitting room and bar where guests can relax
after their meal with coffee and fine cognac, and a selection of chocolates.
Siggi Hall á Óðinsvéum, Thorsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík,
tel. (+354) 511 6677 for reservations.
Radisson SAS
Hótel Saga
The exclusive Radisson SAS Hótel Saga remains a
perennial favourite for those looking for a special
night out. The hotel’s celebrated Grill with its
exquisite attention to detail is comparable to
international restaurants of the highest standard.
The cuisine is French-style, and the perfectly
presented dishes include foie gras terrine and rein-
deer with beetroot gratin, chocolate sauce and
parsnip purée.
The hotel’s “Súlnasalur”, a large ballroom, is con-
sidered one of the classiest venues to celebrate
Christmas and the New Year. This winter, from 24
November to 16 December, a Christmas buffet
followed by entertainment and dancing will take
place each Friday and Saturday night. A Christmas
ball will be hosted there on Boxing Day, and New
Year’s Eve will be celebrated in style with a
gourmet four-course meal followed by a dance. A
rising tradition has been to continue festivities on
January 1, and at Hótel Saga the ‘68 generation will
gather for a New Year’s ball that evening.
Radisson SAS Hótel Saga, Hagatorg,
107 Reykjavík, for reservations tel. (+354) 525 9900.
Brasserie Borg
This elegant art deco restaurant in the trendy Hótel
Borg is a perfect central dining location at the
heart of town. With views across Parliament
square, its old world style is particularly appealing
in winter time, whether it be for a hot chocolate on
a cold December afternoon or for the renowned
Christmas buffet. Dishes on offer range from a
selection of traditional Icelandic Christmas fare to
more international cuisine.
Starters include old-fashioned marinated herring,
smoked and pickled salmon, giant prawns and
caviar with blinis. Main courses featured are
turkey with stuffing and wild mushroom sauce,
marinated fillet of lamb, smoked lamb, cold roast
beef with fried onion and ox tongue with a rich
Burgundy sauce.
Desserts include the traditional Ris a l’amande, a
rice pudding with a hot chocolate or berry sauce,
and a selection of sweets such as chocolate
mousse, sherry trifle and pecan pie. The hotel’s
nightclub, Skuggabarinn, is a favourite New Year’s
Eve venue for the young and successful.
Brasserie Borg, Pósthússtræti 11, 101 Reykjavík,
for reservations tel. (+354) 551 1220,
e-mail pantanir@brasserieborg.com
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Restaurants reviewed by
Anna Margrét Björnsson
EAT, DRINK
AND BE
MERRY
Christmas is no time for restraints, and Iceland is no exception
when it comes to the season’s feeding-frenzy. Anna Margrét
Björnsson checked out some of Reykjavík’s finest restaurants for
their traditional Icelandic Christmas buffet.
Siggi Hall at Ódinsvé
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