Iceland review - 2016, Síða 126

124 ICELAND REVIEW
SPECIAL PROMOTION
T Í U D R O PA R
Eat Meat & Fish
People often talk about this or that place as an ‘institution,’ but Tíu Dropar really can
claim that mantra. It’s one of the oldest cafés in Iceland and has a distinctive grandma’s
kitchen feel and coffee, cakes and light meals to match. When we talk about grandma’s
kitchen, we’re not talking pink lace and doilies. This is a cool grandma. Maybe she was
even a hippie, back in the day.
The name Tíu Dropar means ‘ten drops’ and comes from an Icelandic expression for
indicating how much coffee one would like: “Do you want coffee?” someone might ask.
“I’ll just have ten drops,” the other might respond. Unsurprisingly then, Tíu Dropar is
known for excellent coffee. It’s also known for its generous servings, whether a simple
slice of moist chocolate cake, or a plate groaning with bacon and eggs—you get value
for money.
At night, when grandma leaves the kitchen, the French take over, turning it into Le
Chateau des Dix Gouttes. It’s out with the coffee and in with the extensive wine list and
gourmet cheeses. Tíu Dropar is downstairs at Laugavegur 27. 551-9380.
Visit Hafnarfjörður and you can’t miss the Viking Village and its beautiful old-style wooden
buildings which house a hotel and two restaurants. The restaurants Fjörugarðurinn and
Valhalla are interconnected and can seat up to 500 guests. Both offer à la carte menus and set
menus for groups. The menu has a Viking flair and includes Iceland’s famous sheep face and
þorramatur (often pickled or putrefied winter ‘delicacies’). Luckily the Vikings were also famous
for their steaks, and the menu includes fish dishes, pasta and more. Fjörugarðurinn is decorated
with wood carvings, stuffed birds, fish tanks and hide-covered seats, while Valhalla is smaller
and cozier, with space for about 40 guests. The kitchen is open daily from 6 pm to 10 pm and
there’s usually live entertainment, with hordes of Vikings and Valkyries jaunting about, sing-
ing. Groups love being ‘victims’ of Viking raids, but they have to book, unlike a thousand years
ago… 565-1213. fjorukrain.is
V I K I N G V I L L A G E R E S TA U R A N T S A N D H O T E L
In the heart of Akureyri, North Iceland, lies the unique restaurant Rub23, owned and
operated by one of Iceland’s most renowned chefs, Einar Geirsson. Specializing in sea-
food, the menu offers a wide variety of fish and sushi dishes, as well as juicy steaks and
delicious desserts. What makes the restaurant unique is the homemade spice mixtures
customers can choose from, so-called rubs, which are either sprinkled on or rubbed
into the food. The customer first chooses a particular ingredient, fish or meat, and then
a rub. The menu also includes the chef ’s favorite combinations. Funky, fresh and full of
flavor, make sure to dine at Rub23 the next time you’re in Akureyri. 462-2223. rub23.is
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