I try to convince myself not to stop whenever I see Icelandic Horses. I pass more than I don’t; this trip, I did stop more than on past trips. This group was the best. Hanging on the side of the road, waiting for passersby. They were curious, came to greet me, and posed like a boy band. I had a few minutes with them before others started to show up, too. They remind me of my dogs. I always thank them. They truly seemed to enjoy their session.

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Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur translates to Best Hot Dog in Town – which is the name of a Hot Dog Stand in downtown Reykjavik. I have eaten there and many other Hot Dog locations, more than one might have in three visits to Iceland. These hot dogs are available in the equivalent of our Cumberland Farms, warm, fresh, and ready to eat right next to the register.

There was a chance I was going back this year, but the timing was not working out, so the plans were scrapped. A couple of weeks back, I was watching ‘The Fight Attendant’ on HBO with my wife. Part of Season 2 was shot in Iceland. While my wife paid attention to the show – I zoned out. The next thing I knew, I was on a website where I could order Icelandic food and deliver it to my house, nammi.is. Less than a week later, nicely packed on ice, a 10-pack of Pylsur, a container of Hot Dog Mustard, and Remoladi were at my house. It was like Christmas, and DHL was Santa.

Researching how to cook them authentically was easy, and it all worked out quite well. Warmed bun, the sauces, my wife made the fried crispy onions just as they do in Iceland – perfection. I even shared some with the family. Now why Icelandic Hot Dogs? Made from Lamb, Pork, and Beef. They are not like American Hot Dogs – and I love Hot Dogs – and I know we say hot dogs are ‘All American,’ but these are superior, at least to me (and for the most part, anyone I have ever talked to that has tried them). They taste fresh. You do not taste sodium and whatever else you usually taste – just meat. An article on a site called Magazine – Iceland Hot Dogs – Everything You Wanted to Know says it best:

“What sets Icelandic hot dogs apart is that they are made mostly from Icelandic lamb, along with pork and beef. And, this isn’t just any lamb, pork, or beef. This is organic, free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free – pick your positive metaphor – Icelandic lamb, pork, and beef. The sheep in Iceland literally roam the countryside until the fall eating berries and leaves. Pigs and cows in Iceland live on small loving farms in one of the cleanest, most pristine environments on Earth. And, the hot dogs are made with natural casings so they have the pop when you bit into them!“

So to wrap up this story, they are gone. My family and I ate them all over the weekend -more me than them. I can only share so much. I am unsure if I helped my missing Iceland or made it worse. I would never admit, though I could not honestly deny, that I may have teared up at that first bite. My Son’s review was, “Holy F*#k, that’s a good hot dog.” No offense to any of my favorite restaurants, but for a few days, the Rice Household was host to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – The best Hot Dogs in Town, maybe the state, perhaps the country?

You can get the recipe here.

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I am sharing some more from Iceland to help announce I have booked my show. First the photos, Icelandic Horses. They are everywhere, only out numbered by the sheep. We stopped a few times and hung out with them. They will come right up to you, or the edge of the fence and let you pat them, feed them, admire them, as long as you do not call them ponies. I guess that is a thing, they are short, less intimidating horses, so there are t-shirts and posters all joking about not calling them ponies. We stayed one night next to a horse farm and were given bread by the farmers to feed them. They roll around in the dirt, run and jump, pretty much just big happy dogs.

So, the show…. on August 3rd, Thursday night I will be having a photo exhibit featuring the Iceland Photos. It will be 6:30-9pm at Thayer House in Medway. This will be my first ticketed event, I hope that does not deter people, this is larger than something I can handle at my gallery (I hope), I will have music, I am looking into refreshments, I will be on hand to talk about the photos, come and just look, but of course I will be selling them too. Taking orders, etc. It will be $10 ($5 for kids 16 and under and Seniors) and if you purchase tickets prior to the event I will give you a free 4×6 from the series. You can by tickets online (there is a small handling fee but it is easy) or you can meet up with me, I will have hard tickets to sell in a few days. Please feel free to send me any questions. The link to the tickets and all the info on my Iceland page that will update as the days go on. Click here: timricephoto/iceland

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