Atlantica - 01.06.2011, Side 9

A t L A n t i c A 7
The Frozen Trove
Downtown Reykjavíker Sari Peltonen collects the unusual, entertaining and hip from the green pastures of Icelandic culture.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Earning a diploma might not strike one as the most fun
holiday activity, but there is one school that might prove
the exception to the rule: the world’s only Elf School. Having
dedicated more than 30 years to research and interviewed
700 people who have encountered the fairy creatures,
Magnús Skarphédinsson (brother of Minister of Foreign
Affairs Össur Skarphédinsson) is the top specialist in all
things elf. Over the course of an afternoon, he will introduce
you to the creatures of Icelandic folklore (and reality for 26%
of the nation, according to a 2006 research study) covering
everything from the stories to the science—did you know
that the elves are from 8 to 80 cm tall? Or that there are in
fact thirteen species in total plus two of dwarfs and three
of hidden people? School starts at 3 p.m. on Fridays, with
graduation level reached in 3-4 hours. For more information
and to enroll, call +354 588 6060.
COFFEE KIDS
You can easily spot Fjallkonubakaríid by the wall of strollers that line the main street
outside the bright yellow wooden house. The deco in Reykjavík’s first and foremost
family friendly café mixes fresh Nordic cool with an old fashioned-bakery, decked
out in fresh mint shades. The menu carries all the Icelandic classics, from enormous
pink-glazed snúdur to kókómjólk. It is a great place to sit down for coffee and cake,
whether you have children or not—but for those with kids (or friends with kids) it
is a heaven-sent boon: a playroom in the back and lots of pint-sized company mean
oodles of fun for the little ones. And with “dad mornings”, regular fairytale readings
and other events, friendly staff who don’t bat an eyelid at even the loudest howls, as
well as changing stations, baby chairs and all the other essentials, the café has every
angle covered. Laugavegur 23
HOLY BAGUETTE
As fresh as the day’s new bread, St. Paul’s is the latest addition to Reykjavik’s old
harbor. The tiny little takeaway bar serves gourmet style sandwiches, baguettes, bagels
(fillings all made fresh in the shop) and a daily soup—exactly what lunch in Reykjavík
had been lacking until now. The shop is run by Liverpudlian Paul Maguire—musician,
former cook and long-time Reykjavík resident. Famed amongst friends for his kitchen
wizardry, Maguire came across the space by chance and the next thing he knew was
opening the pantry doors for business. His chance is Reykjavík’s blessing—for a taste
of the Maguire magic try the trademark Bacon-Brie-Cranberry baguette. Open Monday
through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tryggvagata 16