The Icelandic Feast at Tapas Barinn
My travel partner and I wondered into another restaurant that didn’t strike our fancy. However, we spotted Tapas Barinn and gave it a shot. The restaurant definitely has a Spanish decor and is true to the tapas style plates. Jinelle and I wanted a selection that would allow us the opportunity to taste the food jewels of Iceland. We decided on the Icelandic Feast, which features seven dishes and an aperitif of Brennivin.
The Icelandic Feast includes the following:
Starts with a shot of the infamous Icelandic spirit Brennivín
Smoked puffin with blueberry “Brennivín” sauce was the most unique. The blueberry sauce is savory and compliments the smokiness of the bird.
On the Right: Smoked Puffin with Blueberry Brennivin Sauce
Minke Whale with sweet potato mash and malt sauce (on the left). The meat is the texture of beef tenderloin and taste very similar, not fishy at all. Mink Whales are not endangered and populations are at normal levels for human consumption.
Icelandic arctic char with candy beets salad, asparagus and elderflower-hollandaise. This fish is the cousin of salmon, light pink in color and just as delicious. Available in the US.
Lobster tails baked in garlic
Pan-fried blue ling with lobster sauce. The Blue Ling is a cousin of Cod, mild flavored, white, and flaky. Not sure where to find it in the US.
Grilled Icelandic lamb tenderloin with beer-butterscotch sauce. This is the best way to taste Butterscotch. Kudos to the Chef for this creative sauce!
And for Dessert:
White chocolate “Skyr” mousse with passion coulis
Skyr is the Icelandic dairy dessert, much richer that yogurt, technically cheese, contains more protein and 1/3 less sugar than regular yogurts. Its used to make ice cream, cheese cakes, and other dairy based desserts.
The experience at Tapas Barinn, was delicious and enlightening. In addition to beautiful plating, they offer you a post card that explains each dish, which is great touch. Check out Tapas Barinn when you are in Reykjavik.
If you think the food is adventurous, check out our glacier excursions here.
