Gourmet Iceland Hot Spot Reykjav�k � Sommelier Foreign travelers visiting Iceland�s capital of Reykjav�k marvel at the number of great restaurants in the city. Reykjav�k is well known for its nightlife, and is considered by many foreign travel journalists as one of the most exciting cities in Europe. And then there is the coffee house culture - a world of its own that has become an important part of the daily lives of city dwellers. But how have the restaurants in Reykjav�k achieved this enormous popularity, and high level of quality? There are three main reasons: chefs have access to extremely fresh and high quality ingredients, in particular fish from the unpolluted sea surrounding Iceland, and lamb that graze wild in the mountains; Icelandic chefs have studied around the world and brought home exotic experiences; and finally, Icelanders travel extensively and therefore demand excellence when they go out to eat. One of the most notable restaurants in Reykjav�k today is Sommelier, an eatery that American food journalists have praised in numerous publications such as the magazine Food and Wine. That which characterizes Sommelier Brasserie is the simplicity of the cuisine: the ingredients are allowed to express themselves fully through the use of select spices. The cooking reflects influences from Asia, as well as from California. The hallmark of Sommelier is its extensive selection of fine wines, many of which can be ordered by the glass. The wines are specially chosen to accentuate the house cuisine. One of the two restaurateurs, Haraldur Halld�rsson (Harry), is one of the best wine waiters (sommelier) in Europe, and generously assists his guests in their choice of wines. Dining at Sommelier is not just dinner, it�s a life experience, a feast for the taste buds, a place where guests enjoy a magical merging of wine and food. If you are traveling to Reykjav�k, take the opportunity to dine at Sommelier Brasserie. It is open evenings, Monday through Saturday. Sommelier Brasserie Hverfisgata 46 101 Reykjav�k Tel: (+354) 511 4455 Fax: (+354) 511 4456