Eat with a view

Anyone anywhere in the world should be happy with surroundings such as those you find sitting down at top floor Akureyri restaurant Strikið. Eyjafjörður is not a bad looking fjord and Akureyri is not a bad looking town and this place offers the perfect spot for a panoramic view of both.

The sea and the mountains feature strongly in the menu taking us around the island reminding us that despite looking barren at times Iceland does have its moments of great abundance. This is showcased in the numerous variations on fairly traditional Icelandic ingredients and tasteful use of imported influences to make things interesting. Little happy surprises are everywhere and just to mention one, the peach on minke whale is a touch of genius. Whether you come for the lunch menu or a full dinner you should find something to arouse your desire. I was very happy with my spotted wolffish and langoustine served with new potatoes and chorizo, and a dry petit cablis which worked perfectly. I would also always be tempted to try the catch of the day in a place like this and their take on seafood in general left me curious for more. I also had the lamb which was cooked to a melting in the mouth perfection and went down well with a thick chinati from Villa Banfi. They also serve a beef tenderloin with a slow cooked beef cheek for those with a serious craving for red meat. All this is then topped up with a selection of sinful desserts of which the mango ice cream was my easy downfall. Strikið also offers a cocktail menu worth mentioning and indulging in if you have the time, check it out for fun and maybe a couple of nice surprises. As an old cocktail lounge veteran I am happy to see those new cool mixes appearing in boatdrink glasses here and there around Iceland. Anyway, Strikið is a great place to visit with a formidable chef at the helm and a steady hand doing the service. I left feeling pleasantly fulfilled and looking forward to coming back.

# www.strikid.is