Matador Network's Blog, page 1097

Lyft riders can earn Hilton Honors

Earlier this year, both ride-sharing services Lyft and Uber announced rewards programs for loyal users. Lyft has now taken this concept a step further.

The carpool service announced a partnership with hotel brand Hilton, offering riders points towards the Hilton Honors Rewards program with each ride. As of May 14, the money you spend getting around town can double as a down payment on your next hotel stay with participating Hilton brands. Every dollar you spend counts, up to $10,000 in a calendar year.

Riders can earn three points for every dollar spent on private Lyft rides and two points per dollar spent on shared Lyft rides. Points can be redeemed through the Hilton Honors program for hotel stays, as well as concert tickets or dining and shopping excursions.

To get started, link your Lyft and Hilton Honors accounts via the brands’ new dedicated rewards website. The icing on the cake is that you don’t have to be a current Hilton Honors member — aspiring travel optimizers can apply to join the program and begin accruing points on their next Lyft ride.


More like this: The best travel rewards cards for 2019

The post Earn Hilton Honors rewards points every time you take a Lyft appeared first on Matador Network.

Best things to do in Brussels

Among Europe’s big cities, Brussels doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Yet Belgium’s capital has prime architecture, public parks, and 19 municipalities, each with its own distinct vibe. These include trendy Ixelles, artsy Saint-Gilles, and the city center with its Grand-Place on the main square, surrounded by opulent buildings. Add to that a unique artistic sense, excellent cuisine, and multilingual conversation — French, Dutch, and German are all official languages, and English is widely spoken — and you have a lot to explore in one short weekend. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Go up inside the Atomium.

Photo: brunocoelho/Shutterstock

This shiny metallic attraction in Heysel Plateau in the north of Brussels was originally built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, or Expo 58, but now serves as a timepiece. Designed to depict the Atomic Age, this set of nine spheres was supposed to be dismantled once the World’s Fair was over. However, the fixture won Belgians over and became a beloved landmark.

It was restored in 2006, and now you can go inside and up escalators to two levels. Take in the permanent and temporary exhibits, and more importantly, orient yourself with an overhead panoramic view of Brussels. To enjoy the view longer, stay for a meal of Belgian dishes or seasonal specialties within Atomium’s restaurant within its top sphere. (Reserve a table in advance, to be safe.)

2. Giggle at the Manneken Pis statue.

Photo: Felix Lipov/Shutterstock

This bronze, pint-size statue of a naked boy urinating in a fountain sounds gross, but this little guy has been a Brussels’ city center fixture since the 15th century. Manneken Pis has had some stories about him, from being a boy who saved Brussels from burning down due to peeing on the flames to being the lost son of a rich man who found him taking a whiz at a street corner.

In reality, Manneken Pis had an important job back in the early 1600s: aiding in the distribution of water through a system by standing on a column and pouring water into a stone basin up until the 19th century. He’s also been through some bumps, having survived a bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and being stolen but returned a few times. (The original one sits in the Brussels City Museum.) These days, Manneken Pis gets dressed up throughout the year in attire based on themes or events. In 2017, the GardeRobe MannekenPis opened as a costume museum that displays and stores his wardrobe.

3. Savor a proper Belgian waffle.

Photo: Ana del Castillo/Shutterstock

You’ve never really had a waffle until you’ve tried a Belgian waffle, a special treat that’s very simple but incredibly tasty. The waffles are traditionally made with yeast, which gives them an airy texture and makes them crispy on the outside but light and fluffy on the inside. Try a Brussels-style waffle, which comes topped with powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Another waffle version is the Liège, which has an oval shape and is sweetened with pearl sugar, compressed nibs of sugar.

Photo: Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock

Try either type of waffle at Maison Dandoy, a bakery founded by the owner’s great-great-great grandfather in 1829. It has several locations, including one with a tearoom at its City Center address on Rue Charles Buls; consider their speculoos, or spiced shortbread, as a crunchy topping. In Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, Mokafé is a longtime bistro with waffles and other Belgian delights, while the Waffle Factory near the Manneken Pis sculpture has traditional and experimental orders such as a LunchWaf sandwich.

4. Appreciate Art Nouveau architecture.

Photo: Werner Lerooy/Shutterstock

Art Nouveau, an architectural style centering on natural forms, can be found throughout Brussels. Belgian architect Victor Horta is considered to be the father of Brussels’ Art Nouveau, and you can see his work throughout the city. The Horta Museum is the house that Horta lived in for 20 years in Saint-Gilles, which today is a boho, multicultural area. The house’s interior reflects Horta’s work through its mosaics, stained glass, and elegant wall decorations.

You can view other examples mainly from outside. The Hôtel Tassel, a townhouse built in 1893, is where Horta first applied his theories in Art Nouveau — using an exposed metal structure, integrating décor with form, and being fluid with spacing. In the hip Ixelles neighborhood, Solvay House is a luxe townhouse built for an industrialist with eye-catching altered metal framing and glasswork. There are other game-changers in Brussels’ Art Nouveau heritage. Designed by Belgian architect Paul Hankar, Maison A. Ciamberlani is named for the painter it was built for; its façade has beautiful frescos and oriental design windows.

5. Savor locally produced chocolate.

Photo: Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock

Brussels and chocolate have a sweet relationship, and many confectionaries create exquisite bars, truffles, and other chocolaty goodness packaged in beautiful boxes. Within the city center, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is where Neuhaus created the praline; it’s said that pharmacist Jean Neuhaus came up with it while trying to make medicine make better. The shop has different locations throughout Brussels.

Mary Chocolatier, which also has multiple addresses, is a century-old artisan shop that makes everything from chocolate squares to truffles to pralines. Within the Sablon district, Léonidas Chocolates is a Belgian institution known for its chocolate dipped fruits, marzipan, and napolitains, while master chocolatier Maison Pierre Marcolini roasts his own cacao beans, and Belvas emphasizes fair trade practices and has gluten- and sugar-free choices. In Mont des Arts, Laurent Gerbaud Chocolatier holds decorating workshops that let chocolate-lovers add on kumquats, sesame seeds, ginger, hazelnuts, and other unique toppings.

6. Sip on craft beers.

Photo: Alexey Pevnev/Shutterstock

After taking in city sights, relax over a glass of one of Brussels’ most excellent liquid creations: beer. Belgium has been brewing craft beers long before they became a thing. Today, the industry produces great varieties, which you can sample at pubs, breweries, and beer halls. There’s even a Belgian Beer Weekend in early September in the Grand-Place.

Headquartered in Dansaert, the Brussels Beer Project works as a cooperative in constantly developing new beers and fostering brewing dialogue with like-minded brewers and beer drinkers. This microbrewery’s resulting creations can range from a Belgian IPA to their Grosse Bertha, a blending of the recipes of a malt-heavy tripel beer and a hefeweizen. Brasserie de la Senne is also a small brewery with an emphasis on traditional methods and producing beers with lower alcohol level content. As a nightlife spot, Delirium Café has quite the long beer list — with just over 2,000 choices from Belgium and all around the globe — so much that it earned a Guinness Book of World Records title in 2004.

7. Take in Brussels’ famous comic strip art.

Photo: Christian Mueller/Shutterstock

Belgian and other European comic strip illustrators have made their home within Belgium, and Brussels is the place where this Ninth Art becomes the centerpiece within museums and galleries, along walls and on the sides of buildings. A comic strip mural tour offers a route to check out outdoor murals featuring native Belgian designs — from The Smurfs by Peyo to Hergè’s Tin Tin to Lucky Luke by Morris. Pick up maps for the tour at Visit Brussels information desks.

The Belgian Comic Strip Center, a two-level Art Nouveau building designed by Horta, delves into the history of the comic strip but also highlights works by native and noted creators. Fans of the Smurfs will delight in viewing the story behind these small blue creatures and their appearance in print, a TV cartoon, and movies. Then each September, Brussels celebrates this artistic connection through its Comic Strip Festival.


More like this: How to take in Brussels’ famous comic strip art

The post The 7 most fun (and delicious) things to do in Brussels, Belgium appeared first on Matador Network.

What is curry and the differences

Curry isn’t actually a spice.

Granted, in America, we’re used to strolling up to the spice aisle and picking between a few different jars of curry powder. Or, for the more adventurous, going to the local farmers market and picking between two dozen different curry “blends.” Yet curry on its own isn’t an actual spice but rather a mix of spices. And if you associate curry with India, well, curry powder doesn’t exist either.

“Back home, we don’t have anything called curry powder; that doesn’t exist in India,” says Meherwan Irani, chef and owner of Chai Pani restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina. “Curry is a dish, by itself, that’s specific to South India. We don’t just go to the store and buy a mixture of spices and call it a curry.”

The name comes from the Portuguese, who used the word carel to describe the spicy, fragrant dishes they found after arriving in India. That became “curry” when the English adopted the word, and over time, it’s turned into a generic term for almost any Indian dish with a sauce.

As those countries formed trade routes and colonized the globe, curry went with them. And today, you’ll find curries everywhere from Japan to Trinidad — none of which are the same. Additionally, none are really a “curry” in the Indian sense of the word either.

Though “curry” is a vastly inclusive term, to clear up confusion around some of the more common ones you’ll find in America, we talked to some chefs to find out what makes a Thai curry different from a Jamaican curry different from an Indian curry.

Note: These are by no means the only curries in the world. Trade and colonization brought curries throughout much of Asia, giving us Singapore street noodles, Malaysian kari ayam, and other coconut-and-peanut-based curries. You’ll also find curries in Japan and parts of China, though the curry flavors aren’t nearly as prevalent as they are elsewhere. Even Norway has some curry dishes, like curried lamb and curried salmon. And, really, with enough turmeric and garlic, you could add curry to almost any cuisine. Though the name is used almost generically now, it still makes one’s mouth water any time you hear it. Just know that not everything that’s a curry is the same, nor should be your expectations.

India

Photo: StockImageFactory.com/Shutterstock

Characteristics: Traditional Indian curries are generally based on coconut milk with a salt or acid component like lime juice, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, onions, and two spices, usually turmeric and curry leaves, sometimes cumin. Further inland, dried coconut replaces coconut milk, and you’ll find other meats like chicken used instead of fish. Coastal Indian curries will be more coconut milk and turmeric based, with a yellowish color. Inland curries use more tomatoes and are redder in color.

“Though even in India,” Irani warns, “you’ll find three different people arguing over what a curry should be.”

Origins: Curry was primarily developed in southern parts of India, and though you might see recipes for North Indian curries, this is more just a generic term for sauce-based dishes from that region. As Irani said, it’s really only one dish, not an entire collection of dishes. And definitely not a spice blend. Initially, it didn’t have much in the way of tomatoes, onions, garlic, or ginger, but when Europeans came to India, they brought those ingredients, simultaneously borrowing and helping to develop food in another land.

England

Photo: Lisovskaya Natalia/Shutterstock

Characteristics: British curries are, for the most part, Madras curries, which are heavy in tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger. They’re also often spicy and still have a coconut milk base. Because of the abundance of tomatoes, curries in England also usually redder than other curries.

Origins: The British East India Company had a trading post in Madras (now Chennai), so the style of curry they learned was the one native to that region. There are a number of popular legends of how, exactly, the spices came to be used in the UK, but as Irani put it, “Some enterprising businessman must have figured out a way to get the spices that made up the curry in Madras — usually turmeric-based — and made up a powder.”

That powder was then exported back to England, and housewives who wanted to cook in the Indian style would use the powder, add it to milk or coconut milk, and call it a curry. That’s changed over time with immigration, but the original British curry falls along those lines.

Jamaica and the West Indies

Photo: Craig F Scott/Shutterstock

Characteristics: Caribbean curries, unlike in India, are generally prepared with pre-made curry blends high in turmeric. They often include cumin, paprika, cardamom, garlic, and fenugreek. Those are then made into a paste or powder that’s added to a protein and set to marinate before cooking. The powder is also added to the pan before cooking, creating popular dishes like curry goat and curry chicken.

“Jamaicans, we like to see that bright yellow,” says Hugh Sinclair, a native Jamaican who goes by Chef Irie and hosts “Taste the Islands” on public television in South Florida.

You’ll find this style of curry throughout the British West Indies, varying slightly from island to island. But places like the Cayman Islands (which used to be part of Jamaica) and other islands nearby will have very similar styles.

Origins: Jamaica’s curries were heavily influenced by British colonial rule, and as such, they’re based more on pre-made curry mixes than anything families make themselves. That said, once slavery was abolished and Indians came to the islands to work in the sugarcane fields, more Indian-style curries became prevalent. So while the traditional Jamaican curries are more popular, you can find Indian styles throughout the country.

“In Jamaica we have a large Indian population, and in Indian households they’re making their own curries,” says Sinclair. “They’re mixing the spices in real time when cooking the dishes like they would in mainland India.

Trinidad and Guyana

Photo: Fanfo/Shutterstock

Characteristics: “Tridadian and Guyanese curries are darker in color from the beginning, before they get applied to the protein,” says Sinclair. “They add masala ingredients, often times jeera, and ground or roasted cumin. This is totally different than Jamaican curry, really only people who are Indian make curry with jeera.”

Because these former colonies in the southern Caribbean have far more Indian influence than islands farther north, you’ll find curries served with roti, potatoes and curry goat, lobster, chickpeas, duck, and other proteins native to the islands.

Origin: Though Trinidad and Guyana were also British colonies, the main curry influence came with the wave of Indian immigrants who arrived in the mid-19th century. This is why curries in this region are more like traditional Indian curries, where Jamaican-style are more British.

Thailand

Photo: Alexander Prokopenko/Shutterstock

Characteristics: Thai curries are generally soupy, coconut-milk based dishes made with a curry paste and some kind of protein. The three main varieties are red, green, and yellow, originally only differentiated by the types of peppers used to prepare them. Over the years, though, that has changed, and the general makeup of Thai curries are as follows:

Red — Red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, turmeric, and shrimp. This is the most common Thai curry and also the spiciest.
Green — Green chilies, coriander, kaffir lime, basil, lemongrass, shrimp, and garlic.
Yellow — Turmeric, coriander, lemongrass, red chilis, galangal, and garlic. It’s the only one that doesn’t typically use shrimp and is why most vegan curries you see on menus are yellow. It’s sweeter than others as well.
Massaman — This dish originated close to Malaysia in southern Thailand and usually includes peanuts. It’s also thicker than most Thai curries, with a sweeter, milder flavor.

Origins: Before the British made their way through on trade ships, Thailand had its own native curry dishes called kaeng. But as the opium trade in Asia grew, curry powder became a popular “cover” cargo, and ingredients like turmeric, cumin, and coriander began to find their way into Thai curries. That addition was the main advent that created the Thai curries we know today.


More like this: 11 Indian curries that are infinitely better than chicken tikka masala

The post From India to Thailand, a guide to the world’s curries appeared first on Matador Network.

Best places to eat near Vatican City

There are a handful of religious sites around the world that every traveler should see, regardless of their beliefs or background. Vatican City is one of those. While you walk on the holy cobblestones, however, you’re far more likely to hear echoes of vendors barking “tickets” and “skip the line” than you are to hear angels singing soothing melodies. But if you know where to look, the Roman area around the Vatican offers secluded beauty, incredible food, and locations where you can take some of your best photos, even in the midst of all the bustle. Once you’ve enjoyed the art and history of the Vatican museums, take a moment to wander, eat, and relax in one of the most romantic parts of Rome: the Borgo Pio neighborhood, just adjacent to the Vatican border. Leaving behind Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” can be hard, but so is finding a quiet place to eat near the Vatican that isn’t a tourist trap.

Stop for classic quick-service Roman cuisine and espresso.

Photo: Diego Fiore/Shutterstock

This “rione” — a word dating back to Augustus’ era, used for territorial subdivisions in Rome’s historic center — is loaded with restaurants, small food shops, and cafes. It’s not only a nice treat for your taste buds; this concentration of old yellowish buildings dotted with brown shutters and covered in greenery is a joy for the eyes and for those who love saturated pictures — no need to edit, after all.

The Borgo Pio neighborhood evolves each year with new restaurants and street food vendors cycling in to replace others that have moved up or moved on. Many are quick and designed for both travelers and locals on the go. With prices ranging from 5 to 8 euros, EGG, a small pasta all’uovo (egg pasta) shop located at Vicolo del Farinone 25, has everything you’d expect from an Italian takeaway spot: cheap dishes, to-go boxes, and a team that works impressively fast to serve everyone in a timely manner. Choose your freshly made pasta from the counter and pair it with one of the sauces listed on the chalkboard. You can sit inside, but everything here is better enjoyed outside with large Americano.

Italians drink espresso right after lunch, and this is mandatory after one or two plates of EGG’s pasta. To embrace this ritual, proceed about 500 feet to the old and semi-decadent Bar Latteria Giuliani, simply referred to as Latteria by residents. Don’t expect fancy single-origin coffee brands, hipster light bulbs, and acoustic music. This place is a quintessential Italian bar; croissants with chocolate and jam fillings are displayed together with classic paninis and sandwiches, and a small stand on the counter presents an exquisite variety of candies, all while soft radio music plays in the background. The etiquette of ordering a coffee in Italy is a process in itself — for now, just remember to say “Un caffè, per favore.” You don’t need to add “espresso” because it’s implied. Enjoy your coffee while standing at the counter or take a seat.

Photo: Hedera/Facebook

A dry and caffeinated tongue needs refreshment, and that’s where the gelato shop Hedera comes in. Hidden behind a blanket of ivy, this elegant ice cream boutique serves artisanal flavors made from high-quality ingredients (the percentage of fruit in its flavors is 51 percent minimum) that change based on the season. If gelato has been the foundation of your diet for the past few days, you can always indulge in a cannolo, the classic Sicilian delicacy. Hedera’s take is made with ricotta gelato, extra dark chocolate, candied cherries, and Bronte pistachios.

Opt for a more formal meal.

Photo: Osteria Nuvolari/Facebook

Borgo Pio is lined with staples serving classic Roman cuisine including places just around the corner from the Vatican tour office.

Da Romolo’s menu of pizzas and piatti make it the place to impress. It has been in the neighborhood since 1927 and pairs wines with its dishes so well that you’re sure to feel like a connoisseur by the time you pay the bill.
Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale has a dozen tables and they fill up very quickly. The reason is simple: The pasta here is made fresh and the quality is extraordinary, the carbonara in particular. The doors open at 12:00 PM, so be sure to come on time. Otherwise, the wait is usually around 15 minutes.
Arlù doesn’t look like the traditional osteria Romana (Roman restaurant) and the result is a warm and intimate restaurant that we’d suggest for a dinner date. Far from a tourist trap, Arlù is a tiny gem that shines through beautifully presented dishes and attention to detail.
Ostaria Novolari is a classy and modern osteria on a parallel street of Borgo Pio. Starters are delicious — try the pumpkin flowers with ricotta cheese and lard, and the artichoke — as are the mains. Combine your meal with one of the many bottles available on the wine list.
Il Mozzicone sits in front of the ivy wall and the old fountain, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy pasta or pizza alfresco.

Borgio Pio beyond the food

Photo: BOPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock

The building where Hedera is located is among the most photographed ones around the neighborhood. American ivy grows on it 10 months a year, adding to its Romanesque ambiance and making it particularly photogenic and unique. If you can, come in the fall when the leaves are every shade of orange. However, if you happen to be here in the spring or summer, when the ivy is green and fully grown, don’t expect it to be any less spectacular. The space in front of the building is actually considered a square, called Piazza del Catalone. Here, refreshing and drinkable water flows non-stop from a tiny fountain that dates back to the 1800s. Refill your bottle or take a sip of the so-called Acqua Marcia.

Even a simple photo of the whole of Borgo Pio from the top of the street can be rewarding. Plus, some shop signs here are very old and classic — making it worth capturing them before they’re replaced. Don’t be scared to explore every little alley as you’ll find hidden pots of flowers, small doors, trees, and historic gems like the arch on Vicolo delle Palline. Artisanal shops are scattered here and there throughout Borgo Pio, Borgo Vittorio, and the other streets in the neighborhood where workers produce and repair handmade goods in their quiet workshops. Peek inside or ask if you can enter and take a few photos. You might hear some incredible stories.

Photo: Elena Odareeva/Shutterstock

Once you’ve finished exploring Borgo Pio and its side alleys, it’s time to see it all from a different perspective. Besides the Vatican, the main attraction of the area is Castel Sant’Angelo. Built between 123 and 139 AD, this castle is a short walk from Borgo Pio. Above the castle, the Terrazzo dell’Angelo offers a breathtaking view of St. Peter’s Square and the Tiber River.

While crowds and pesky ticket vendors are taking a toll on the area around the Vatican, there is still so much to love about these streets. Listen carefully over your bowl of freshly made pasta or gelato — you might just hear those angels singing.


More like this: 7 underrated churches in Rome that you need to check out

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Yuengling-themed hotel coming

Pennsylvanians love their local Yuengling beer, but it’s not Pennsylvania that will be getting a Yuengling-themed hotel, it’s Florida. According to a Facebook post from United Residents for Better Neighborhoods Tampa Bay, “Yuengling Beer Company is moving forward with a large mixed-use development at 11111 North 30th Street just south of USF next to its main brewery. The project includes 200 hotel rooms, a microbrewery, a beer garden, a tasting room, 12,700 square feet of restaurant space, a Yuengling museum, and 5,900 square feet of conference space.”

Yuengling itself, however, hasn’t been very forthcoming with information. According to WTSP, Wendy Yuengling, one of the four sisters who now runs the family business, released a statement saying, “As consumer interest in locally crafted beer continues to grow, we are always looking for ways to engage our loyal fans and re-envision the Yuengling experience in Tampa. This new development will not only offer visitors an enhanced brewery hospitality experience but will also increase our presence in the local community.”

The project is reportedly in its early stages, but we’re sure it’s already creating quite a buzz in Tampa.

H/T: Food & Wine

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Traditional Andalusian food

Like the region itself, Andalusian cuisine is a melting pot of different cultures and civilizations with diverse influences but a prominent traditional Spanish spirit. Famous for fresh seafood, exceptional meat, exotic spices, seasonal ingredients, and virgin olive oil (or liquid gold as locals call it), the wondrous Andalusian gastronomy is an experience not to be missed when visiting southern Spain.

1. Salmorejo

Photo: Zoe Jane McClean/Shutterstock

Originating from the southern city of Cordoba, salmorejo is one of Andalusia’s most popular dishes. It’s a cold, velvety tomato soup made with breadcrumbs and olive oil that’s often served with diced jamón Ibérico (Iberian ham) and sliced boiled eggs. Salmorejo is not to be confused with the similar gazpacho. In Spain, salmorejo is typically served in a bowl while gazpacho is meant to be drunk from a glass. It’s a typical starter for every meal, and is a commonly enjoyed in the hot summer months.

2. Churros con chocolate

Photo: Anna Hapova/Shutterstock

Andalusia’s most famous comfort food is hidden in plain sight. Just walk around any Andalusian town and keep an eye out for the tiny shops and food stalls called churrerías. You’ll see locals enjoying a cup of coffee along with some churros con chocolate for breakfast. Churros are long sticks of thick, deep-fried dough that are served with a bowl of hot liquid chocolate as a dip. A box of fresh churros is the perfect way to start off the day or boost your energy levels after a long night out.

3. Tortilla de patatas

Photo: etorres/Shutterstock

Tortilla de patatas, also called tortilla Española, is nothing like the Mexican tortilla. It’s basically a quiche with soft potatoes as the base that’s enriched with ingredients like goat cheese, vegetables, chorizo, or ham. It’s served in triangular pieces like a pie. A piece of tortilla de patatas is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a light lunch on the go while roaming Andalusia.

4. Jamón Ibérico

Photo: VasiliyBudarin/Shutterstock

Iberian pigs are found only in Spain and live a free-range lifestyle. It’s an exclusive delicacy, and this exquisite treat is usually reserved for the most special occasions in Andalusia. Jamón Ibérico platter consists of thin slices of cured ham served with sprinkles of virgin olive oil and breadsticks on the side. Different labels and names indicate the quality of the meat, depending on the animals’ origin and their diet. The highest quality jamón Ibérico is pata negra (black hoof), made from black Iberian pigs that feed solely on wild acorns for the last few months leading up to their “sacrifice,” as locals call it.

5. Cola de toro

Photo: Studioimagen73/Shutterstock

Found primarily in the tapas bars and restaurants of Seville, cola de toro is one of the most extraordinary traditional Andalusian dishes. The recipe is quite simple: chunks of bull tail is slow cooked for several hours in a stew of red wine, vegetables, olive oil, and spices. The meat is served in a delicious thick sauce with a side of potato wedges, and the whole thing is so tender that it melts on the fork.

6. Migas

Photo: Isaphoto2016/Shutterstock

Don’t let the simplicity of this colorful tapa fool you. Translating to “crumbs,” migas shows the North African influence on Andalusian cuisine. Migas is made with a base of flour or breadcrumbs that’s fried and scrambled with vegetables and meat. There are many different variations of the dish to be found across the region, including migas with jamón, chorizo, sausage, peppers, onion, and seafood. If you’re a vegetarian traveling to Andalusia, keep in mind that hams are not exactly considered to be meat here, so be very explicit about your order.

7. Huevos a la flamenca

Photo: Paul_Brighton/Shutterstock

This is essentially Andalusia on a plate. Huevos a la flamenca is an egg cassoulet made with tomato sauce, spicy red peppers, onions, garlic, and smoked paprika topped with diced jamón serrano and chorizo sausage. The dish is typically served hot out of the oven in a clay pot and makes for an exceptional brunch or light-lunch meal.

8. Flamenquines

Photo: Hans Geel/Shutterstock

Even though flamenquines look like the croquetas found in almost every tapas bar in Andalusia, the recipe and taste are altogether different. Flamenquines are roulades made with pork loin, jamón, and sometimes goat cheese and vegetables. The slices of ham and the chunks of cheese are rolled in thinly sliced fillets of pork before being covered in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. Served with french fries and mayonnaise or garlic sauce, this dish is the perfect accompaniment to a cold afternoon beer.

9. Fried seafood

Photo: Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock

No list of traditional Andalusian dishes is complete without at least one mention of the region’s splendid seafood. In every Andalusian town you’ll find freidurías, which are tiny shops that fry fresh fish and critters on the spot. This is the original Spanish fast food. The portions are served in little boxes or paper rolls with french fries or breadsticks as on-the-go snacks. Make sure to try the gambas fritas (fried shrimp), calamares (squid), chocos (cuttlefish), and puntillitas (baby squid).


More like this: 15 Andalucían expressions to know before you go to Spain

The post 9 dishes that prove Andalusia is the best region in Spain for food lovers appeared first on Matador Network.

Garbage collectors open library

The saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and garbage collectors in Turkey have truly taken that phrase to heart. In the country’s capital of Ankara, they have opened a library composed of discarded books headed for landfills.

Photo: Çankaya Belediyesi/Facebook

Since word of the library has spread, people have started donating their unwanted books to the cause. The library was initially intended to be used solely by employees and their families, but as interest grew, it officially opened to the public.

The library, hosted in a former brick factory, now houses over 25,000 fiction and nonfiction works, sorted into 17 categories. It’s a great spot for sanitation workers of the Çankaya district of Ankara to take a break.

Photo: Çankaya Belediyesi/Facebook

Following the success of the library, workers have converted a garbage truck into a small mobile library to bring books they collected to nearby schools and other district libraries.

H/T: For Reading Addicts

More like this: The 7 coolest libraries around the world

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How to compliment a Philadelphian

We may act tough here in Philadelphia, but we like a bit of flattery just like the next town. We know what makes us great but that doesn’t mean we tire of hearing it from out-of-towners. If you intend to make friends here in Philly, all you have to know is how to compliment the locals, so take note.

1. Ask if what we’re wearing is vintage.

If done properly, this will instantly bring on a smile and some mutterings about the thrift store it was purchased at.

2. Say things like “You are SUCH an Eagles fan.”

Or maybe, “You look like you’d be an Eagles fan.” We’re proud of our team and not ashamed of the stereotype that comes with it. Hearing that we’re living up to it warms our cold Philly hearts.

3. Tell us how we’re a better city than New York.

We like to act like we don’t care how often we get compared to our ultra-hip neighbor, but a little flattery is always appreciated in that department. Tell us we’re more chill, and that our city is much easier to get around in. We’ll act like we don’t care but inside we will be filling up with pride.

4. Ask us our favorite place to get anything other than cheesesteaks.

Philly folks love their food and take it to heart when you notice that we’re not just pumping out hoagies. It shows that you’re actually interested in what we have to offer other than that one thing you saw on the Travel Channel that one time.

5. Bring us a decent beer.

Philadelphia is producing some of the finest beers a person can drink. We’ll happily accept your offer to buy us a drink, but God help you if you come back with a Miller Lite. We’re not above dumping it down the sink when you’re not looking. Honestly, we might do it while you’re watching.

6. Explore neighborhoods other than Rittenhouse, Old City, and Center City.

We get it. Even as locals we know that these are pretty neighborhoods to be in, but there is just so much more to Philly than this little area. Show us that you’re actually engaging in our city by telling us about that awesome spot you found in Brewerytown or why you have Kensington on your itinerary.

7. Acknowledge how good our hair looks.

Men, women, children — there are no boundaries to compliment Philly folks on their hair. Chances are, we spent some time on it. And we’re so glad you noticed, thank you very much.

8. Get excited about our history.

It can be any aspect of it. Gush over the Liberty Bell, get hyped about the Italian market, or ask us questions about any of the beautiful, historic structures in Philadelphia. We’re proud to be home to so much of it.


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La minga on Chilean island

A flying house is not a common sight, especially one that’s gliding over grasslands pulled by 12 galloping oxen. Yet, not a single face in the crowd of denim and cowboy hats suggests that the sight is unexpected. Mysticism and solidarity saturate Chile’s Chiloé Island, and here lies a tradition conjured up from both — a minga.

The very word minga embodies the heart of island life. It means “an exchange of help for benefit,” and can be applied to everything from helping your neighbor plow and plant potatoes, sheer their sheep, or even move their entire house. In Chiloé, sweat for sweat is fair trade on any scale.

Tug of houses

Photo: Ashley Carmen Lockyer

When a Chilote, a resident of Chiloé, needs to move house, they mean it literally. Their entire community comes together to help carry their home to greener pastures. How it’s done has made the minga de tiradura de casas, Minga tug of houses, legendary.

First, workers build a sled underneath the house. Parallel wooden beams run from front to back and act like skis. This part is much easier than it sounds. Many Chilote homes are constructed on stilted foundations to rise above the island’s spongy, wet marshlands.

Next, farmers strut out their burliest oxen. They line the animals up in pairs, place a padded collar over their shoulders, and harness them onto the front. The house transforms into a giant sleigh. Often a farmer will stand in the doorway with a whip, like a coachman on a gigantic horse and carriage.

Photo: Ashley Carmen Lockyer

“Adelante!” Forward! With a few whistles and taps, the now mobile home coasts across fields dragged by oxen. A crowd of onlookers runs just to keep pace — or sometimes to jump out of the way.

If needed, the home can be maneuvered onto a raft and towed over the sea. By working together, nothing stops the Chilotes.

Keeping spirits high

While the oxen work, people assemble food shacks at the house’s landing site to feed crowds that can number in the hundreds. Vendors light gas stoves and serve up traditional favorites like empanadas, milcao potato cakes, and cazuela de cordero (a hearty lamb stew).

Mingas are day-long fiestas and important social fixtures. People come together from across the remote countryside to catch up on news and strengthen relationships.

Secluded by the ocean, Chilotes have always depended on soil and sea to sustain them, and each other’s help to survive. The island’s human history dates back nearly 7,000 years, four millennia before Egypt’s first pyramid was built.

No man is an island, especially on this island.

The Huilliche and Mapuche indigenous people who first lived here interacted with the Inca, and the concept of minga may have originated from Inca ideas of communal service for the greater good. The tradition is at least 500 years old.

The Mapuche gave Chiloé its name. It translates to “place of seagulls,” giving a sense that islanders have always felt more anchored to the sea than the mainland. Unpredictable Pacific storms, short growing seasons, and a gloomy climate have long forged solidarity among its isolated inhabitants.

When the Spanish settled here in the late 1500s, they too found themselves marooned. Ships rarely arrived from their large northern colonies as the island offered no riches to make voyages lucrative. The stranded colonists married into local communities and absorbed their traditions, including the minga.

This allowed a unique mythology to brew here with little outside influence for centuries. Mysticism from the Catholic settlers, Jesuit missionaries, and indigenous cultures soaked into the soil of Chiloé.

The sinister cause of a minga

Shrouded in fog amid temperamental seas, the island’s ambiance inspired supernatural beliefs. Amongst Chileans, Chilotes are famous for their collection of ghouls and history of dark magic.

Chiloé’s tourism brochure makes a good read for a dark and stormy night. Caleuche, a ghost ship that blinds seafarers with its light, is still feared by Chilote sailors. A coven of island warlocks were once so influential that they collected a yearly fee from residents lest they face “an accident.”

These dark forces are exactly why Chilotes go to such lengths to move houses. Bad fishing or farming seasons may be attributed to supernatural forces, in particular hauntings or curses.

And, moving into a new house is not an option. A protective, uniting island spirit is said to dwell inside each home. To abandon your house is like discarding your spiritual protection. It attracts mala onda, bad energy.

So, when you need to move, the whole house moves with you.

The ultimate housewarming party

Photo: MarcelloCerauloPortfolio/Shutterstock

By providing live music and food, homeowners show gratitude to their community for the heavy lifting. That is their side of the agreement — their trade in the minga. It’s also understood that they’ll join the work crew the next time someone needs to haul house.

In excited sprints and cheers, the house makes the journey to its new spot. A minga may take several days from building the house’s sleigh to reaching its goal, with a big party taking place on the last day.

As the home grates to a halt at its final location, a live band breaks out in country music. They play Chile’s national square dance cueca, done Chilote style. Clap clap. Clap clap. Two repeated claps call everyone to the dance floor.

“Whoooo-eeee!” Men and women face off in pairs, and holler at one another while dancing their square sets. Men sweep their cowboy hats at the ground to playfully chase the feet of the women. The ladies scold them by whipping a handkerchief back. This is not formal cueca parlor dancing, it too has adapted to lighthearted and social island life.

How to find this living legend

Mingas are widespread across farming communities on the Chiloé archipelago. However, they are rare, being such rigorous labor, and are becoming less and less common as outside social influences and opportunities draw people away from the countryside.

This lonely island and its culture are no longer as isolated as they once were. It’s now just a 30-minute ferry ride away from Puerto Montt, a major transport hub.

Modern mingas are held to celebrate and pass down the Chilote way of life, to ensure it endures like its islanders always have. During Chile’s summer holiday season, from December to March, several are organized to promote and protect the culture.


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More visitor permits for The Wave

“The Wave” is one of Arizona’s most coveted photo-ops, made very tantalizing by the fact that only 20 permits are issued every day (10 walk-in permits and 10 online permits). Now, however, the Bureau of Land Management is considering increasing that number to 96 in response to heavy demand.

From April to October, the busiest time of the year for the area, as many as 150 people apply for the 10 walk-in permits daily, meaning most applicants are rejected. The Bureau is currently asking for public feedback on the change, which would make the area accessible to a greater number of hikers.

The limit was initially imposed to protect the geological feature’s fragile nature. It was created by wind that eroded the rock to resemble an ocean wave.

There is no trail to get to the wave and a six-mile hike is required to get to the sandstone formation. According to The Wave.info, “You should be able to use a map and compass or GPS to help with navigation.”

To enter the lottery for one of the 10 online permits you should apply at least four months in advance. Accessing The Wave — and Coyote Buttes North — costs $7 per person per day and per dog per day. To acquire a permit in person, show up at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah, from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM. Your chances of obtaining a walk-in permit are higher between December and February.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

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