Icelandic
Gourmet Products and Other Good Things
Skólavörðustígur is one of
Reykjavík’s most fun streets, home to
arts and crafts shops, galleries, gold- and silversmiths,
delicatessen, coffeehouses and health food
stores. Gourmets should drop in on Ostabúðin
on Skólavörðustígur 8. Once
a cheese shop, it has evolved into the best delicatessens
in Reykjavík.
> The Icelandic kitchen
Ostabúðin has an excellent variety of
cheeses, particularly Icelandic cheeses, and a wide
selection of gourmet products. Popular foods are smoked
and dried sausages, and cured and smoked meats. There
are also goods made from game, for example reindeer,
blackbird and goose, as well as delicious pâtés,
lax, cured salmon, salmon caviar, herring and much
more. Then of course there is Iceland’s unique
lamb meat, which is in a quality-class all its own.
> Lunchtime
At noon, it is time for a healthy meal at the right
price. Light dishes include salads, baguettes, sandwiches,
and soup. Daily specials, made from the best available
ingredients in season, are very popular with the lunchtime
crowd. If you see something else in the shop that
attracts your lunchtime palate, the staff will do
its best to arrange a meal. Moreover, prices are always
good value for quality.
> Kitchen of the sun
Ostabúðin also has a choice selection
of gourmet foods from Southern Europe, for example
olive oils, spices, cheeses, sausages, and much more.
Focus is naturally on Icelandic food, but to ensure
a good variety, quality products from other countries
are on offer. Overall, the assortment of foods is
exciting.
> Traveling party
Everyone staying in Reykjavík should drop
in at the Ostabúðin. It is ideal to buy
some great food to take along on your travels. During
lunch, there are excellent, wholesome meals available
at reasonable prices. In addition, it is a great shop
to buy quality gourmet products to bring home. Ostabúðin
also provides a catering service that is tailor-suited
to each customer. Above all, visit the Ostabúðin
and have a taste of what looks good.
Ostabúðin
Skólavörðustígur 8,
Tel: +354 562 2772
Sweet and Good From the Master's Hands
Who has not experienced the feeling of ‘longing
for something sweet and good’? Chocolates or
good cake. Yes, surely everyone - at least most.
If you would like to give yourself and others a real
treat when in Reykjavík, then visit the Sandholt
bakery and coffeehouse.
> Sandholt
Sandholt bakery and coffeehouse is located on Reykjavík’s
main shopping street, Laugavegur. In the minds of
most in Reykjavík, Sandholt’s bakery
is a cultural institution. It has been operated since
1920, and owned by the same family from the beginning.
Heading up the family business today is a young man
that is considered by many to be among the best pastry
chefs in Europe.
> The Master
His name is Ásgeir Sandholt, born in 1976.
He first planned to be a visual artist and started
studying oil painting. However, the baking industry
drew him to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors
and become a pastry chef - but he has not lost
his artistic nature. He studied in Copenhagen, where
his natural abilities first appeared. In 2000 he became
Nordic Champion in cake decorating, a title he also
won in Iceland. Since 2002, he has been a member of
Iceland’s National culinary Team, and his cakes
have been named Cake of the Year in Iceland four times.
Above all, Ásgeir is a brilliantly artistic
pastry chef. His cakes are considered particularly
creative, and most importantly, delicious. Ásgeir
has a nimble touch when working with various nuisances
of chocolate, spice and fruit. He creates gently complex
flavors, combined with fresh lightness, which together
characterize the cakes he bakes.
> Laugavegur 36
While in Reykjavík, stop by at Laugavegur
36, the home of Sandholt bakery, and taste one or
more of the master’s cakes. Good bread is also
available, along with other refreshments. Ásgeir
Sandholt also makes fantastic, handmade chocolates,
which can be purchased in stylish boxes, ideal for
taking home. It is not easy to describe the delicious
cakes and chocolates - one must personally experience
Ásgeir Sandholt’s creativity. The Sandholt
bakery is a place that is most certainly worth visiting,
and you will undoubtedly look back on the experience
with sweet memories. www.sandholt.is
