October 3rd, 2018

// Taste of Iceland returns to Toronto for eighth annual cultural celebration

Taste of Iceland returns to Toronto for eighth annual cultural celebration

Another year of inspired Icelandic food, artistic discussion and rising musical talent, November 1-5

TORONTO – This November, Toronto welcomes the return of Taste of Iceland, the highly anticipated cultural celebration now in its eighth year. Presented by Iceland Naturally, this interactive five-day festival showcases Iceland’s inspiring culture, including delicious cuisine, lively music and innovative design. The festival runs from November 1-5 at various locations throughout the city.

We are very excited to once again bring Icelandic culture to the city of Toronto,” says Margrét Helga Jóhannsdóttir, Festival Director, Taste of Iceland. “Each year, Toronto welcomes us with enthusiasm for our unique culture and  helps bring the festival to life. We hope this year's Taste of Iceland will emanate the best of our country’s music, culinary and design scene and inspire even more Canadians to visit Iceland.” 

Icelandic Tasting Menu | Nov. 1-4 | Leña
Taste of Iceland returns to Leña (176 Yonge St.) and welcomes Chef Fannar Vernharðsson, one of Iceland’s most highly regarded culinary experts. He is currently the head chef at at Mathus Garðabæjar and is a former executive chef at Vox Restaurant in Reykjavík. Vernharðsson has been a member of the Icelandic culinary team since 2011. He will work alongside Leña’s Executive Chef, Julie Marteleira for her second season with the festival. To purchase tickets click here.

Premier mixologist Teitur Ridderman Schioth, among the elite bartenders of Iceland, will add a flavourful twist to the week’s festivities. As a winner of the national Brennivín cocktail competition, Schioth has led the charge with some of Iceland’s most innovative cocktail bars. Sponsored by Reyka Vodka, Schioth’s curated festival cocktails can be experienced alongside Vernharðsson’s tasting menu, from Nov. 1-4, or on their own for an added evening of revelry at the Cocktail Kickoff on Friday, Nov. 2. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.


Chef Fannar Vernharðsson, Mixologist Teitur Ridderman Schioth and Leña Chef Julie Merteleira
Icelandic Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Social | Nov. 1 | Pong Bar
Open to the public, this mixer welcomes entrepreneurs, investors and academics to gather on Nov. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Pong Bar (187 Bay St.). The social is presented by The Icelandic Canadian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) in partnership with the Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa, the Icelandic Trade and Investment Office for North America and Iceland Naturally. Entrance is complimentary and tickets can be reserved here

Reykjavik Calling | Nov. 3 | Hideout
Presented by radio partner CIUT, the esteemed Icelandic-North American collaboration concert Reykajvik Calling, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Hideout (423 College St.). The lineup will feature Iceland’s Vök, a sub-heavy, electronic band with a pop/indie twist; and Berndsen, a champion of jagged, electronic sounds woven with hypnotic analog Theremin solos. The rising Icelandic talent will be joined by a local Toronto act. The concert is open to the public and admission is free. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.


Iceland’s Vok and Berndsen
Shortfish: Icelandic Premier Film Screening | Nov. 3 | Royal Cinema
Stockfish, Icelandic film industry’s premier festival, will screen its Short Film Program on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Royal Cinema (608 College St.). Stockfish, originally established in 1978, aims to create a platform in Reykjavik to encourage collaboration between domestic and international film communities. This helps provide the general audience with an opportunity to see some of the most up-and-coming art-house films and filmmakers in the world. This year’s six Shortfish screenings were all finalists at last year’s Stockfish Film Festival. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Design Talk | Nov. 5 | The Spoke Club
For the first time during Taste of Iceland, design expert Halla Helgadottir, accompanied by Jeremy Vandermeij (Executive Director, DesignTO), will be leading a lecture on creative design. Helgadottir is the managing director of the Iceland Design Centre and will incorporate her wealth of knowledge and skill into this year’s Design Talk. Her extensive background in graphic design and design thinking along with her creative insight will be shared with the public on Monday, Nov. 5 at the Portland Room in The Spoke Club (600 King St. W.). Click here to RSVP on Facebook.


Halla Halgadottir, Director, Iceland Design Centre and
Jeremy Vandermeij, Executive Director, DesignTO
Stay up-to-date with all Taste of Iceland events happening in Toronto by following @IcelandNatural and #TasteofIceland on Twitter and Instagram and liking Iceland Naturally on Facebook.

About Taste of Iceland
Taste of Iceland in Toronto is presented by Iceland Naturally in cooperation with Icelandair, Reyka Vodka, Blue Lagoon, Visit Reykjavik, Icelandic Glacial Water, Promote Iceland, Brennivín, Icelandic Provisions, Iceland Airwaves, Iceland Music, CIUT FM and Leña Restaurante.

Iceland Naturally
Iceland Naturally is a cooperative marketing organization that promotes the services, products and culture of Iceland. Through events, promotions and online marketing initiatives, Iceland Naturally introduces Iceland’s creativity and natural wonders to North Americans. The group is comprised of Iceland’s top companies and organizations: Icelandair, Icelandic Group, Islandsbanki, Reyka Vodka, City of Reykjavik, Icelandic Glacial Water, Blue Lagoon, Keflavik International Airport (KEF), National Power Company of Iceland, Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson, Promote IcelandIcelandic Provisions and the Government of Iceland.

Website:         IcelandNaturally.com
Twitter:           IcelandNatural
Instagram:      IcelandNatural
Facebook:      Iceland Naturally
Hashtag:         #TasteofIceland

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