Iceland review - 2016, Page 144

142 ICELAND REVIEW
Eat Meat & Fish
Yes, the clue’s in the name. This is a bar devoted to the 1998 cult movie, The Big Lebowski.
Strange to base a bar on a box office disappointment, you might say—but that would be
missing the point. Like the movie, the Lebowski bar has found a place in people’s hearts and
become a true cult classic.
Maybe it’s the American diner-like décor with all the clever attention to detail. Maybe
it’s that there’s plenty of space (a bit of a rarity in Reykjavík bars). Perhaps it’s the real
bowling alley. Or the regular events, including karaoke, open mic, quiz and more. It’s most
likely all of the above.
You don’t need to have seen the movie to appreciate a very cool establishment with an
extensive, good value and tasty menu and an inexhaustible selection of milkshakes, cock-
tails and white Russian variants. But if you do happen to love the movie, you’ll love the
Lebowski Bar even more. Located at Laugavegur 20a, 101 Reykjavík. 552-2300. lebowski.is
L E B O W S K I B A R
The humble cod just got trendy. Icelandic Fish & Chips, a self-styled
‘organic bistro’ by Reykjavík’s harbor, has garnered a loyal following since
it opened in 2006. It’s obvious what this simple eatery, with both eat-in
and take-away service, features on its menu. But it’s the details that make
it so popular. The fish itself, not just cod but catfish, haddock, plaice or
whatever the fisherman has just hauled in, is battered in spelt and barley
flour and cooked in canola oil, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. The chips are
Maldon-salted wedges of baked potatoes, cooked in olive oil and herbs.
And instead of fat-laden tartar sauce, patrons can choose from a variety
of skyronnaises—creamy dips made from Icelandic skyr. Those interest-
ed in a larger meal will enjoy both whatever rich soup of the day is on
offer (served with spelt bread and hummus), and the whipped skyr and
berry dessert, served in a champagne flute. This is healthy, tasty food at
a good price in a charming environment. Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík.
511-1118. fishandchips.is
I C E L A N D I C F I S H & C H I P S
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 inter-
connected 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 head and þorramatur (often pickled or putre-
fied 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, singing. Groups love being ‘victims’ of
Viking raids, but they have to book, unlike a thousand years ago…
Víkingastræti 1-3, 220 Hafnarfirði. 565-1213. fjorukrain.is
F J Ö R U K R Á I N