There comes a time for me on trips to foreign countries that always requires some good ole’ American food. Sometimes that time comes sooner, like in China. In Iceland, it took a couple of days while I enjoyed some very fresh fish.
In China, we had McDonald’s, and that was a lifesaver. But did you know there is not one single McDonald’s in all of Iceland? There used to be four, but the burgers never caught on, and the last McDonald’s closed down in 2009. Other American fast food franchises are also scarce. There are a few Subway restaurants, but that’s about it, except for one American restaurant institution by the name of Ruby Tuesday.
There appears to be two Ruby Tuesday restaurants in Iceland (both in Reykjavik) with one right around the corner from my Hotel Klettur accommodations. After walking the main drag in Reykjavik and not finding true American fare (though there was a Chuck Norris restaurant), I headed over to Ruby Tuesday located on the edge of the main downtown Reykjavik area. I was prepared to be disappointed by a knock-off rendition, but was pleasantly surprised to find an actual bona fide Ruby Tuesday complete with the signature salad bar.
Though the salad bar didn’t quite have all the fixins of a regular American Ruby Tuesday, it had enough to satisfy. For one, it had lettuce, a rare offering in Iceland. For two, it had ranch dressing, an even rarer commodity. (I had searched the shelves of several supermarkets in Reykjavik for ranch dressing to no avail. Next time I’m bringing my own ranch dressing.) For three, it had chicken fajitas just like they make them down home! It was a great and satisfying dinner!
