Fresh Icelandic Spirit Lands in Washington, D.C.

ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 26, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all Vikings. The Greater Washington metro area welcomes all things Icelandic, as it plays host to "A Taste of Iceland" from April 12 through April 15, 2012. The multi-day event will feature Icelandic cuisine, music, film and culture. This sneak-peek of Iceland will whet the appetites of Washingtonians – just in time, as Icelandair reopens its non-stop service from Dulles to Reykjavik.

"Icelandair looks forward to celebrating its second year of seasonal service from Washington-Dulles International, starting March 29, 2012 with a 'Taste of Iceland' event in Washington, D.C. With the increased demand from the Nation's Capital, Icelandair will increase flights up to six per week beginning June 11, 2012. This year Icelandair celebrates 75 years of aviation with the largest network in its distinguished history and still offers the most convenient flight path to over 20 destinations in Europe. Icelandair also gives travelers the ability to stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare," said Thorsteinn Egilsson, General Manager for Icelandair The Americas.

The multi-day cultural extravaganza will include dishes designed by a World Culinary Cup Winner, music by to two of Reykjavik's most exciting bands and two of Iceland's hottest film exports.  All events are open to the public – many of which can be enjoyed free of charge.  "A Taste of Iceland" is presented by Iceland Naturally, a partnership that includes Icelandic USA Inc., Icelandair, 66 North, The Blue Lagoon, Reyka Vodka, Icelandic Glacial Water, Islandsbanki, the City of Reykjavik, Keflavik Airport, Landsvirkjun and Promote Iceland.

 "A Taste of Iceland" highlights include:

• Enjoy a Unique Icelandic Dinner Collaboration at RIS Restaurant
  Chef Thrainn Freyr, World Culinary Cup Winner and Bocuse d'Or competitor, will delight area foodies from Thursday, April 12 – Sunday, April 15, 2012 with his acclaimed Icelandic cooking.  Chef Thrainn will join Sous Chef Sarah Biglan at RIS in the heart of Washington's West End.  RIS will feature a special four-course menu, showcasing fresh ingredients sourced locally in Iceland.  The menu will be offered for $65.00 and will include Icelandic Arctic Char, Wild-Caught Icelandic Cod, Icelandic Free-Range Lamb and a Viking Skyr Tiramisu.  Attendees can also enjoy the "Reykjavik 101," a custom cocktail developed by RIS's Bryan Smith, featuring Reyka Vodka.
  
  RIS is located at 2275 L Street, NW.  For more information visit, www.risdc.com, or to make a reservation call 202.730.2500.

• Reykjavik Music Storms D.C. and Maryland – FREE SHOWINGS!
  Of Monsters and Men (OMaM) and Lay Low will continue their North American tours during "A Taste of Iceland" when they perform at the Fillmore Silver Spring on Saturday, April 14, 2012.  OMaM, the six-person band out of Reykjavik released their EP, "Into the Woods" in December.  Their album is set to release in the U.S. April 3, 2012.  Radio station, KEXP 90.3 FM in Seattle, WA, has noted, "Of Monsters and Men convey a sincerity and authenticity that's nearly impossible to find anywhere else. When you do, you want to capture it and share with everyone you know."  Joining them on stage is Lay Low.  Lay Low, debuting her third album this year, is the alter-ego of Icelandic singer and songwriter, Lovisa Elisabet Sigrunardottir.  Lay Low is "one of the best new artists I've heard in years," said fellow musician Lucinda Williams. For a free download of Lay Low's song "The Backbone," click here.

• Summerland and Inni Showing at the AMC Loews Uptown 1 (3426 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.)
  Enjoy free screenings of two Icelandic hit films. Summerland (1:00 p.m.) and Inni (2:30 p.m.), the famed Sigur Ros live film following 2007's tour documentary Heima. AMC Loews Uptown 1, 3426 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. Free admission; first come, first served.

• Win a Trip to Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavik!
  To celebrate Icelandair resuming service from Washington, D.C. out of Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Reykjavik beginning March 29, 2012, Washingtonians can visit http://www.icelandnaturally.com and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Reykjavik on Icelandair. For more information about Iceland Airwaves, visit www.icelandairwaves.is. 

"In 2012 Iceland and the United States commemorated 70 years of diplomatic relations between the countries. Iceland has a long-standing cooperation with the United States, based on a strong friendship between the two. Culture, defense and business are among those celebrated close ties.  We hope to inspire Washingtonians with 'A Taste of Iceland' in the capital and at the same time motivate them to make the trip to the land of fire and ice and see for themselves what makes Iceland unique and fun," said Gudmundur Arni Stefansson, Iceland's new ambassador in Washington, D.C.

For further information on "A Taste of Iceland" in the Washington, D.C. metro area, log onto www.icelandnaturally.com/wdc2012, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/icelandnaturally or follow @IcelandNatural on Twitter.

SOURCE Iceland Naturally