I feel like the theme of this trip should just be, “really incredible things that I don’t have the words to describe.” But I’ll be danged if I won’t try to find the words. After all, I’ve never been one for silence, right Mom? (Miss you, pretty lady!)
Let me begin by saying, my husband is not into food. He obviously eats, but you’ll rarely (like, totally NEVER) find him animatedly describing some insanely delicious delicacy he just had the pleasure of eating. He’s just not that impressed by food. Just one more way we are a healthy balanced marriage because me, well, I LOVE food. Good, quality, well-prepared food. So when my husband asked me on our first night in Iceland where I wanted to eat, I had a well-researched answer ready for him. Matarkjallarinn for Langoustines.
Obviously.
And obviously, indeed. This place was so, so fun, and so stunningly tasty. It’s a charming, basement Bistro in the heart of the touristy part of Reykjavik. People are dressed in everything from nice jeans to cocktail wear and everyone is laughing, drinking and having what is, without a doubt, the best meal of their lives. It’s got fabulous atmosphere with a few well-placed holiday decorations, dim-lighting and a charming piano player in the corner. And yes, song can, and likely will, break out amongst the locals – we got to hear a rousing Icelandic version of what we assume is “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause” and Elton John’s “Daniel.” (Trying as discreetly as I could to NOT be that annoying person with their iPhone out, I did manage to capture part of this on video for you to enjoy as well.)
David had the grilled fish plate and I had the langoustines. In case you didn’t know, langoustines are the love child of sweet snow crab and tender baby lobster. At least that’s what they reminded me of tonight. They’re 3-4 inches long and look like mini lobster tails. Mine were served with clarified butter, mayo, lemon wedges and a fresh green salad. I gave Dave the first taste and he said, “You’re going to regret sharing that bite with me.” The look on his face also told me everything I needed to know – langoustine is a gift from God. They were fall-apart tender and while having the taste of lobster, they had the incredible sweetness of a fresh crab leg. At one point during the meal I uttered the word “amazing” to which Dave replied, “That word isn’t good enough for langoustine.”
And a foodie is finally born.
Perfect ending to the perfect first day in Iceland.
Love from the North Atlantic,
Stacey & Dave
P.S.
If you’re a gluten-free foodie like me, be sure to ask for the langoustine without breadcrumbs. The menu didn’t mention them, so I had to scrape them off of my dinner, but it was still worth it!
