“There is definitely a need for a good venue, not necessarily a bar or a nightclub. So I thought a cooking class for gay women would be a great idea.”
A cooking class that promises a wonderful gay atmosphere will be held at Salt Eldhús later this month. There well-known chef Gunnar Helgi Guðjónsson will show gay women how to make Tapas as a part of the Breaking the Ice events hosted by Inga Dóra. She came up with this idea, not because she thought making Tapas is a skill lacking in the gay community, but as perfect meeting spot for lesbians.
“I felt the need for a good venue for gay women to meet,” says Inga Dóra explaining why she started the Breaking the Ice events she hosted for little over a year now at The National Queer Organization (i. Samtökin ’78) at Laugavegur 3.
“The Icelandic lesbian community can be closed off and Breaking the Ice is as door in for all gay, bi or trans women of all ages that might find themselves alone. These can be women that just came out as gay, just came out of a relationship or have isolated themselves for some reason. They might be looking for a partner or just some friends that share their interests and these events are perfect for that,” says Inga Dóra.
Inga Dóra stresses that no one should feel shy or afraid of showing up all by themselves thinking they won’t have anyone to talk to. She has some icebreakers tucked up her sleeve, which she uses to get everyone talking and interacting, making sure no one feels alone.
“I sometimes conduct a quiz where I break everyone up in teams where each table has to work together. This is a great way for them to start talking, get to know each other better and form a friendship. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun and we offer beer and wine at a low prize and sometimes this is where some of the women meet up before going out on the town.”
There is no official venue for gay women in Iceland besides the gay nightclub Club Kiki, especially after Trúnó closed down, a small cafe and a bar where gay women used to meet for drinks.
“There is definitely a need for a good venue, not necessarily a bar or a nightclub. We’re all different people and different things appeal to us. I was single when I started the Breaking the Ice events and this was how I wanted to meet someone where I could also serve my interests and hobbies. Cooking is one of them so I thought a cooking class for gay women would be a great idea and when I heard of Salt Eldhús I knew that would be the perfect place.”
Salt Eldhús offers hands on workshops and classes in cooking where the participants work together to create each dish, while ensuring success at recreating them at home. At the end of the class the participants have a delicious meal while enjoying each others company with a glass of well-earned wine. Salt Eldhús was the realization of a dream the founder Auður Ögn Árnadóttir had cherished for quite some time. She wanted to create a beautiful place for everyone that enjoys cooking at home giving them the opportunity to grow and gain confidence in their culinary endeavors. At Salt Eldhús the aim is to create a setting for an intimate evening or a relaxed morning, and sharing the passion of cooking.
“Salt Eldhús just happens to be at the backyard of Samtökin 78, which is a great coincidence. The place is beautiful with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and Auður is such a great person. She is always looking to do something new and interesting and thought this was a great idea,” says Inga Dóra.
The Tapas evening with Inga Dóra and chef Gunnar Helgi Guðjónsson will be held at the evening of October 24th. To sign up for the class go to salteldhus.is. You will find the event under its Icelandic name, that is: Brjótum ísinn yfir Tapas (e. Breaking the ice over Tapas).
One last question. Where did you meet your girlfriend?
“I saw her first at one of the Breaking the Ice evenings, “ she answers laughing.
– By Kristín Eva Þórhallsdóttir.