Foodie Friday: My Reykjavik places

 Reykjavík is the love of my life....
 This is where most of my childhood memories have taken place. This is where I have loved and lost and most of all, lived for the greater part of my life.
 Yet the main reason why I love Reykjavík is that it never ceases to amaze and fascinate me. What I love the most about this city is that despite being small it is bursting with opportunities and fun things to see and do. Here are some of my favorite foodie places in Reykjavík...

Lemon 

photo link

 Fairly new in town. Open from 7 am each morning (which is why I love them) Lemon is a juice bar that serves fairly good coffee as well. For me, this usually means I can grab a coffee and some porridge en route to work in the mornings (a great, and more satisfying alternative to the "instead of breakfast" granola bar).

Sandholt 

photo link

Sandholt is one of the oldest bakeries in Iceland. Family run from the start, this charming bakery has always been close to my heart. I worked there for some time and this is where I discovered my passion for well made, good food from quality ingredients. Their sourdough breads are amazing and the mango coconut cake is a treat not to be missed. Also give the handmade chocolates a try! 

 

Frú Lauga  

photo link

A lovely farmers market in the city center, on  Óðinsgata, right off of Skólavörðustígur. I can completely lose track of time in there and more often than not emerge with bags filled with goodies. I love the atmosphere in this little shop, almost like stepping into a time machine that takes you to a simpler time. Fresh, locally grown produce is their main focus, although there are some imported gems to be discovered, such as Amedei chocolate, olive oil and fruit from Sicily and England. I go there during the summer to get my dose of fresh, Icelandic rasberries. 

Sjávargrillið

photo link

My all time favorite restaurant in Reykjavík, I have yet to be disappointed by Sjávargrillið. Fresh fish, great atmosphere and friendly service. My fail safe pick for a fun and delicious dinner out.

Happy weekend, 

- A

Foodie Friday: Easter

 Hi guys, 

With Easter just around the corner, I wanted to dedicate this week´s post to one of my favorite holidays. Basically any holiday that involves good food and good people instantly becomes a favorite of mine. But Easter feels extra special as for me it also signals  the beginning of spring. The fact that the long cold Icelandic winter is finally coming to an end. 
That, and the chocolate of course!
Many cherished childhood memories of mine are bound to this holiday. When we were little my sister and I would excitedly search for the Easter eggs the bells had brought us(In France bells bring the Easter eggs). 
We would get the most amazing chocolates: easter bunnies, easter hens and  little chocolate eggs in colorful foil wrappers. 
Maybe this explains my  love of this holiday, as well as my obseesion with chocolate. 

Although I´m technically a grown up now, picking out a chocolate egg for Easter is still a great source of joy for me. It´s a small piece of my childhood self I have managed to hold on to. But now, according to age, my choices are a little bit more grown up( Still, I will never be too old for Kinder eggs and Easter bunnies). This year I´m thinking of splurging on one of these beautiful eggs: 

Handmade chocolate eggs from my favorite bakery here in Reykjavík: Sandholt. Yup, I think that´s it. 

Making your own easter eggs is also really fun, I´ve tried that myself once. The upside to that is you get to decide on the design of the egg, what kinds of chocolate you want to use, the decorations, the size. The Possibilities are endless.A homemade easter egg also makes a great gift! Here you have a step by step guide on how to make your own easter eggs and just for fun, here is a list of traditional easter foods around the world 

Have a great weekend

X

-A 

Paris...

Oh Paris! 

I´m researching places to do an exchange semester next year and keep coming back to the same place. Paris,my absolute favorite place in the entire world. There are few other places in the world where I feel as inspired, happy and peaceful.  The city of love. The city of good food and fashion. I never ever tire of Paris, I wish I would never have to leave. I would love to spend the rest of my days (or at least a couple months) taking strolls through the city with a café au lait and a croissant in hand, going to the Louvre every weekend and hanging out at jazz clubs. 

I miss the macarons. You can get good macarons here in Iceland but there is nothing like the real thing .....

I miss the amazing bread. The bread at Sandholt bakery here in Reykjavík is a close second. 

The cheeses. Cheese is one of my favourite foods, especially french cheeses, the goat´s cheese, Fourme D´ambert, brie......Oh mon dieu!! 

I miss the wonderful atmosphere, which is only to be found in my beloved Paris, the comfort I get from walking through the exhibits at the Louvre in peace and quiet. Finally I really, really miss my wonderful family and I am hoping to see them this summer. I dream away to Paris at least once a day, there are so many wonderful things there and I have so many wonderful memories bound to Paris. Paris mon amour.

 

Oh my! I think it might be time to take a look at flights! 

I regularly read the Cherry blossom girl blog, she is a french blogger and the other day I saw a photo of her wearing this suit: 

It´s a Paris suit! The print is a street map of the city. I absolutely must have it! Then I can wear my heart on my sleeve, for real. Unfortunately it´s a little bit outside my budget. 

Guess I´d better start saving up!!

Have a great day

X

-A