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Underrated ice skating rinks in NYC

With temperatures suddenly dropping from warm to cold, making us bundle up when we were just outside in single layers, having a fall season is a long lost dream. Winter is basically here, official or not. Now that it’s the start of November, both people and businesses alike are already prepping for the holidays and the rest of winter. One good thing about it being cold out again is that it signifies the start of the ice skating season. The Rink in Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park are the two rinks that most people have heard of in New York City. But both are in the middle of people-heavy areas, especially during the winter, and the lines can get unbearably long. Avoid the stress and visit one of these five ice rinks alternatives.

1. Bryant Park

Photo: Bryant Park/Facebook

Bryant Park is a fun place to visit and relax in its own right year round, but there’s something about it during the wintertime that’s utterly magical. Usually open around the end of October until early January is the Bank of America Winter Village, which really brings the small space to life. A holiday market full of shops, food stands, and more is packed inside the park and along its perimeter, along with Santa’s Corner, where people can take a photo with the big man himself. At its center is the outdoor ice skating rink. Weather permitting, it’s open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Admission is free, but if you don’t have your own skates, it’ll be $20 per pair. There’s an express rental that costs an extra $10 so you can skip the lines, as well as helmet rentals, socks for purchase, bag check, lockers, and a skate sharpening service. If you’re a beginner or just want to brush up on the basics, there’s a skate school that offers lessons on certain days at the rink for a fee. Be sure to visit at night, though, when all the lights shine bright and with a purple-esque glow.

Where: Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018

2. World Ice Arena

Corona Park is gigantic, with so much park space that it seems never-ending. There’s the Mets’ Citi Field Stadium to one side of it; the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to the other; the Queens Museum, Queens Zoo, and New York Hall of Science to another; and the Queens Botanical Garden down the road from them all. Rounding out the eclectic mix is the World Ice Arena, an indoor skating rink with all the charm and size of other ice rinks in NYC — but without the crowds.

If you’re worried about making a fool of yourself by falling and eating ice, this is the place you should go skating in peace without fear of embarrassment. No one will pay any mind, but if you do need help, there will always be someone ready, willing, and able. Skating is open-year round with an admission price of $7 for all ages on weekdays and $10 on weekends (this pricing starts at 7:00 pm on Fridays). Skate rentals cost $6.

Where: 13104 Meridian Rd, Flushing, NY 11355

3. The Rink at Brookfield Place

Photo: The Rink at Brookfield Place with Gregory and Petukhov/Facebook

Located right on the water in Battery Park is Brookfield Place, a shopping and office-building complex. Various companies find their homes in the offices while a luxury mall and huge pavilion (both indoors and out) take center stage. From the riverside, you’ll get views of all the tall buildings in Jersey City, and when the sun sets, the colors reflecting off both the buildings and the water beneath them make for an idyllic sight. You’ll even get a nice view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Come winter, Brookfield opens up a small ice skating rink right outside, called the Rink. This year it’s estimated to open sometime in November, and it’ll go until the cold weather ends. Skating here is divided up into 90-minute sessions throughout the day and will cost $15 for admission and $5 for skate rentals. It’s important to remember that you’ll only be able to skate during the specific session you booked.

While you won’t have unlimited time on the ice, the rink does also host special guests and events from time to time — this December, Olympians Melissa Gregory, Denis Petukhov, Kaetlyn Osmond, and Jeremy Abbott will be visiting for a “skate with the stars” event, as well as joining in on a night of performances, music, and dancing.

Where: 3 World Financial Center, 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281

4. Riverbank State Park

The uptown area of Manhattan is garnering more and more tourist attention, and rightfully so. It’s got Riverside Park running straight up on the west side of the city, Harlem, and Highbridge, among a plethora of other things to see and do. Right on the water in Hamilton Heights is Riverbank State Park, which has direct, unobscured views of New Jersey across the Hudson and the George Washington Bridge. The park is a nice way to spend an afternoon no matter what season you visit, but winter is when you’ll want to go for the ice skating. The rink is outdoors but has an overhead roof to protect skaters from any snow or rain. The season runs from early November until mid-March. With $5 admission for adults, $3 for kids, and $6 skate rentals, it’s one of the more affordable options you’ll get in the five boroughs.

Where: 679 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10031

5. Chelsea Piers’ Sky Rink

Photo: Chelsea Piers Sky Rink/Facebook

Chelsea Piers is a sports and entertainment complex that, if you grew up here, you either loved or hated as a kid. You didn’t like it if you went too often, but if you only went once in a blue moon, then even the prospect of going was exciting. Every sport imaginable is offered here, from swimming to dance to rock climbing. In addition to sports is the indoor ice skating rink, so you can skate without feeling the outside weather. Sky Rink is a huge rink that could fit an entire hockey team (or several) and its fans. It also offers up some pretty sweet views of the Hudson, so whether you’re hugging the handrail or doing figure eights, you’ll have a reward to make it worth it. The entry price is $12 for all ages, $6 for skate rentals, and $5 for helmets.

Where: 61 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011


More like this: The 7 restaurants in NYC with the best views

The post 5 ice rinks that aren’t in Rockefeller Center or Central Park appeared first on Matador Network.

The best 2018 Bonfire Night parties

“Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot!” The old adage refers to the celebration known in the UK as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night. On November 5th, all over the country, great bonfires are lit, fireworks are set off, and straw-stuffed effigies are burnt. But what do these celebrations that now involve children’s rides, street food stalls, and laser displays have to do with a dramatic plot against the King of England, and a man called Guy Fawkes?

On November 5th, 1605, a terrorist plot was foiled in London. Guy Fawkes, along with 12 other young men, were stopped from blowing up the Houses of Parliament. Their motivation was religion; Catholics were persecuted by the government, and thus they wanted to retaliate by killing the King, James I. Yet on the night of the 5th, some of the plotters got cold feet. Early that morning, the King’s forces found the stash of gunpowder barrels underneath Parliament, along with a shifty Guy Fawkes. Fawkes was tortured and executed for treason.

But while the bonfires and burning effigies of November 5th are historically commemorating the safety of the King, Fawkes himself is in some ways a venerated rebel, and thus Bonfire Night seems more of a celebration of his stand against an oppressive government. Regardless of the motivation, Guy Fawkes Night parties around the UK are not to be missed. Prepare for pyromania — fire spinners, burning barrels, torchlit processions, fancy dress — as well as famous music and theatre acts, food stalls, and funfairs.

1. Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival — London

Photo: Fireworks Festival Alexandra Palace/Facebook

Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is one of the most popular Bonfire Night events in the UK, with a pyrotechnic extravaganza lasting for over two days. The fireworks will light up the sky to the soundtrack of Fatboy Slim DJing, accompanied by a giant bonfire, a laser show, and a funfair. And although it’s no longer October, there’s also a German beer festival thrown in for good measure.

When: November 2nd — 3rd. Fireworks start at 9:00 PM on Friday and 8:00 PM on Saturday.

2. Battle Bonfire Night — Battle, East Sussex

Photo: Battel Bonfire Boyes/Facebook

Records of a bonfire celebration in the town of Battle go, quite incredibly, all the way back to 1646. Now there are over 30 “bonfire societies,” including one called Battel Bonfire Boyes. Each have a different traditional costume, and lead the torchlit procession through the town. The classic costume is that of the Anglo-Saxon, but expect matadors, cowboys, clowns, and ancient Egyptians too. A bonfire and fireworks follow, as well as the burning of an effigy, which in past years has included David Cameron in a camper van, Olaf from Frozen, and a personification of swine flu.

When: Saturday November 3rd

3. Tar barrel rolling — Ottery St Mary, Devon

Photo: Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels/Facebook

Locals in Devon have their own unique Bonfire Night tradition. The tar barrel rolling at Ottery St Mary is gleefully defiant of health and safety, with flaming barrels of tar hoisted onto the backs of locals and hauled through the streets. Seventeen barrels are carried in total, which gradually increase in size until midnight, with the last one weighing at least 30 kilograms. There’s also a towering bonfire, fireworks, and a funfair.

When: Monday November 5th

4. Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations — Lewes, Sussex

Photo: Mitotico/Shutterstock

Ever wanted to burn the effigy of a much-hated politician or celebrity? Lewes bonfire night celebrations are famous for their topical, often politically-charged effigies such as David Cameron with a pig or Sepp Blatter, created by six local bonfire societies. In fact, there isn’t just one celebration here. The six societies have their own processions, traditions, costumes, and fires, and are then joined by around 30 visiting societies with several marching bands. In case that wasn’t enough, there is also the eerie procession of 17 burning crosses to commemorate the 17 martyrs burnt at the stake in Lewes in the mid-1500s.

When: Monday November 5th

5. Light Up the Night — Wembley Park

Photo: Wembley Park/Facebook

There’s an unusual twist to Wembley Park’s celebrations this year, as the festival is combining Bonfire Night with Diwali for a spectacular celebration of light. There’s a fire laboratory, light parade, and a fireworks display, but also Indian street food, a Rangoli art exhibition and, something that should become a staple at all bonfire celebrations, a Bollywood Brass Band! But for fear of these celebrations being too mundane, organizers have also included a giant mechanical Bollywood elephant.

When: Saturday November 4th, 4:00 PM — 7:00 PM

6. After Dark Fireworks Spectacular — Don Valley Bowl, Sheffield

Photo: After Dark Fireworks Spectacular/Facebook

This is Yorkshire’s biggest bonfire event, attracting up to 20,000 visitors. It features street food stalls, fire spinning, and a giant bonfire. At 9:00 PM the sky lights up with a magnificent fireworks display set to music. The live band is kept a secret until the last minute, though it will be difficult to top the aptly named Blazin Squad or Girls Aloud who headlined in the past.

When: Monday November 5th, 5:30 PM — 10:00 PM

7. Hopetoun House Fireworks & Bonfire Night — Edinburgh

Photo: Hopetoun/Facebook

Self-proclaimed to be the “Greatest Fireworks Show on Earth,” Hopetoun House hopes to dazzle with this year’s fireworks display choreographed by award-winning 21CC Fireworks. There will also be circus-themed entertainment, food and drinks, and a bonfire. What’s more, the whole event takes place with one of Scotland’s most beautiful country houses as a backdrop. Be prepared for a very refined celebration.

When: Saturday November 3rd, 4:00 PM — 8:00 PM

8. Glasgow Green Fireworks

Photo: mountaintreks/Shutterstock

The fireworks at Glasgow Green are the biggest fireworks display in Scotland, and the event is free. It might stick to the traditional format of food stalls, funfairs, and fireworks, but the staggering pyrotechnic display is at the top of its game. The spectacular explosions are set to the backdrop of the beautiful Winter Gardens and People’s Palace.

When: Monday November 5th

9. The Rocket Firework Train — Denbighshire

Photo: D. Pimborough/Shutterstock

And finally, for all those who, like me, suffer in the cold and wish there was a Guy Fawkes Night celebration conducted indoors, this is for you. Hop aboard the Rocket Firework Train, a gleaming vintage steam train, and spend an evening enjoying onboard refreshments as it puffs along the scenic Llangollen Railway line in Wales. On arrival at Glyndyfrdwy Station, you can purchase hot drinks to enjoy while watching an unforgettable fireworks display, all while avoiding muddy shoes and frozen toes.

When: Saturday November 3rd , 6:00 PM — 8:30 PM


More like this: The most amazing Diwali celebrations around the world

The post The coolest Guy Fawkes celebrations in the UK this year appeared first on Matador Network.

The best ski towns to shop and eat

There’s nothing worse than getting invited on a ski trip, where all of your friends will be bonding and making memories for a week on the slopes, and having to decline because you’re unable to ski. But don’t be so quick to skip out on the group’s winter vacation; depending on where they’re going, you may be able to have a great time tagging along, even if you never sit down on a chairlift. If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing, there are plenty of ski resorts in the US and Canada that offer non-ski activities, from snowshoeing and yoga to shopping and dining. So while the crew focuses on powder laps and crushing lines all day, you can hit the après bar.

1. Crested Butte, Colorado

Photo: Anthony Dezenzio/Shutterstock

Color-filled mining shacks dot the streets of this Rocky Mountain town. You may not be a skier, but if you still want to get some exercise and be outside, you’re in the right town because this is one of the places where mountain biking got its start. Rent a fat bike, a bike with wide tires suitable for snow, and cruise Elk Avenue like a local admiring and reveling at all of the historic buildings. Since you’re biking, and not driving, you can sample some rum at the tasting room of the Montanya Distillery. On day two, you could hit the Adventure Park, complete with bouncy trampolines, while day three brings the possibility of an aerial dance class. Even off the slopes, this town is filled with ways to move your body and spirit.

2. Kicking Horse, British Columbia

Photo: 2009fotofriends/Shutterstock

In the high mountains of British Columbia, close-ups of snow-clad rocky crags aren’t just reserved for those who ski. Snuggled at the top of the peak, Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Canada’s highest dining experience at 7,700 feet, is perfect to recharge and relax. It’s also an excellent spot to gaze and graze on British Columbia’s foodie delights while sipping wines from the up and coming Okanagan region. To keep that safari-esque journey alive, check out a Walk with the Wolves tour or view wild local bison. Naturalists love the expansive Columbia River wetlands, so don your snowshoes — moose sightings await.

3. Park City, Utah

Photo: Johnny Adolphson/Shutterstock

Old town. Main street. Park City. This historic silver mining town became one of the first ski resorts in America, and now is the site of the annual Sundance Film Festival. Start your day with real killer coffee – and quite possibly the best fluffy hotcakes ever — at Five5eeds. Then you can spend days, as many do, wandering Main Street, which is a shopper’s delight. If you want to get on the snow — but not on skis — you can go snowmobiling or tubing. If you’d rather be indoors, options include bowling and checking out art galleries like Trove. Then it’s time to enjoy some of the best ski town food in the Wasatch mountains. Start with Yuki Yama Sushi, full of palate-pleasing fish flown in daily. Later on, hit up the culinary classic Riverhorse on Main, another must on your chill foodie tour. Plus, Park City made our list of the Coolest Towns in America for 2018, so you know it can’t disappoint.

4. Squaw Valley, California

Photo: Lee Jorgensen/Shutterstock

The Village at Squaw Valley in the Lake Tahoe, California area is not a bad place to hang out if you aren’t skiing. For one, the best lunch for skiers is at the base, so your skiing friends can meet you at lunchtime. Enjoy a sandwich from Wildflower and an icy beer before your friends head back up the chairlift. Or you can swap the beer for kombucha and follow up with some yoga in the Village, before perusing the shops there. Or you could hit up the Nordic Center at Squaw to rent some cross-country skis and tour the valley floor. Just a 15-minute drive away is the town of Truckee, a former mining town that’s now packed with restaurants, stores, and coffee shops like Wild Cherries, where you can sip an almond milk latte, read a good book, and watch the snowfall.

5. Sun Valley, Idaho

Photo: CSNafzger/Shutterstock

You don’t come across many places where the locals share their favorite trail tips. Sun Valley and the neighboring town of Ketchum take trail friendliness seriously, and the uber-athletes who make this their home will even show you the way. Along with plenty of sunshine, grab a bike, cross-country skis, or snowshoes, because routes abound — leaving right from downtown. This is a window shopping mecca, so stroll downtown Ketchum or take the Hollywood strut through old-school charming stores of the outdoor mall surrounding the Sun Valley Lodge. Don’t miss the newly built luxury digs, Limelight Hotel Ketchum, not only for your stay but for legendary après drinks, eats, and, most importantly, that grudge match of shuffleboard with friends. Redeem post-game friendship over moon-lit cross-country skis.

6. Quebec City, Quebec

Photo: Richard Cavalleri/Shutterstock

Skiing is big in nearby Mont-Sainte-Anne. But off the mountain, you can’t get more historic than exploring North America’s only fortified city. Quebec City is a world heritage site. With the St. Lawrence River below, this is the route early explorers took. It’s where fur traders traveled and it was the site of heated moments between France and Britain. So while your friends on the ski hill freeze — and they will freeze skiing in Quebec — you can step out of the Chateau Frontenac, follow the cobblestone streets and walkways to the historic Plains of Abraham where construction of the city started back in 1608. After visiting the British fort shaped like a star, you can peruse the many shops or warm up with a cafe au lait and contemplate your day’s historic tour. Then meet up with your friends for dinner at any one of Quebec City’s elegant and unforgettable restaurants.

7. Whistler, British Columbia

Photo: ppa/Shutterstock

The peak of it all. Whistler Village is packed with shops, bars, restaurants, and plaza cruising — since it’s pedestrian-only. If the shopping and dining isn’t enough, you can spend the day getting massages and relaxing in a sauna or hot tub at Scandinave; work out, swim, or play squash at the Meadow Park Sports Centre; ice skate at the Winter Olympic Plaza; cross-country ski or snowshoe at Lost Lake; or catch a new movie at the Village 8 Cinema.

Then go up the mountain, where the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the world’s longest unsupported span, is a must-ride for massive mountain views. Then the newly built Cloudraker Sky Bridge will get your eyes popping and maybe your feet shaking too. Finish your wire-hanging tour by whipping through big cedar trees with flakes and smacking your face on a zipline. Retreat to Whistler’s newest hotel, Pangea Pod, which offers good sleep at a price your wallet will appreciate.


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The post The best ski towns in North America for people who don’t ski appeared first on Matador Network.

Best train ride in New Zealand

New Zealand has so much natural beauty to offer, it can almost be overwhelming. One of the best ways to appreciate the stunning scenery of New Zealand’s South Island is to travel by train, from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west coast.

The TranzAlpine Railway takes about four and a half hours, but given the epic views constantly scrolling past your window, you’ll wish it took a lot longer. Covering around 140 miles one way, it traverses the sprawling Canterbury Plains, yawning gorges and valleys, the Southern Alps and lush beech forests. It stops at several towns between Christchurch and Greymouth, but you can also use it to connect with various bus routes to explore the island. With one trip on the TranzAlpine, you’ll quickly realize why it’s not only considered the most scenic train route in New Zealand, but also one of the most beautiful in the world.

The TranzAlpine route operates daily all year round, and tickets can be purchased here. A one-way ticket from Christchurch to Greymouth starts at 133 USD for adults, and 90 USD for children.




1

The TranzAlpine Railway route

The TranzAlpine Railway departs from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west coast. The train makes stops in Rolleston, Darfield, Springfield, Arthur’s Pass, Otira, Moana, and Kokiri.

2

A fancy ride

You probably care more about what’s outside the train than inside, but it’s good to know that the carriages from where you watch the landscape go by for hours are comfortable. In addition to a cafe car serving snacks, drinks, and light meals, each carriage is equipped with bathroom facilities, reclining seats, footrests, and tables. Side and roof windows are un-tinted, non-reflective, and panoramic, all to allow for the best viewing experience. There’s even an optional GPS-based commentary system to teach you about your surroundings in real time.

3

Open viewing carriage

The views from the seats are spectacular, but if you want to stretch your legs and get a chance to take some truly incredible pictures, there’s also an open viewing carriage at the end of the train. There’s really nothing like passing through New Zealand’s Southern Alps and alpine forests while standing in the fresh air, watching the mountains go by.

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4

Exploring New Zealand made easy

If your goal is to see as much of New Zealand as possible in one day, and experience the country’s rugged nature without roughing it on a long hike, the TranzAlpine Railway is one of the best options. The train makes stops in Rolleston, Darfield, Springfield, Arthur’s Pass, Otira, Moana, and Kokiri between Christchurch and Greymouth. And just because the train stops, that doesn’t mean the journey’s over. Greymouth is a great launching point for exploring the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers to the south, along the West Coast.

5

The Waimakariri River

The Waimakariri River runs through a narrow canyon before approaching Canterbury Plains. As the train crosses the bridge over the river, and goes through a series of short tunnels, you’ll be in the heart of a truly unspoiled region of New Zealand. The area marks the beginning of the ascent into the mountains.

6

Springfield and the Torlesse Range

Springfield may be a small town with a population of just 219, but the area is home to some of the South Island’s most beautiful scenery. As the train passes through Springfield, it skirts the Torlesse Range, an imposing mountain range defined by its high-altitude grasslands. From the plains around Springfield, the Southern Alps rise up, making it one of the route’s most popular views.

7

Cass and the Craigieburn Mountains

The Cass River flows alongside the Craigieburn mountain range before meeting the Waimakariri River. The TranzAlpine journey will take you through this beautiful part of New Zealand’s wilderness, between the locality of Cass and over the bridge that crosses the river.

8

Lake Sarah

Surrounded by mountains, Lake Sarah is one of the most memorable parts of the TranzAlpine journey. As the train descends down the high plains from Cass to Craigieburn, you’ll see the lake at the foot of the Sugarloaf mountain. The lake is replete with trout and it’s common to spot fishermen from the train window standing on the bank, casting their lines in the water. The area is especially magnificent in the winter months.

9

Craigieburn Straight and Arthur’s Pass

Traveling through the Craigieburn Straight will give you some of the trip’s most iconic views. On the way up to the plains of Craigieburn, you’ll pass through 15 short tunnels and over four dramatic viaducts, including the famous 236-foot-high Staircase Viaduct. From across the high plains, you’ll have a perfect view of Mt. Binser and the outskirts of Arthur’s Pass National Park.

10

The Southern Alps

For many years, the Alps were a barrier in New Zealand, forming a boundary between territories and making travel difficult. Now, journeying through the Alps is what brings many travelers to New Zealand in the first place. Whether their peaks emerge slowly from a mist, stand sharply against a clear blue sky, or you catch their reflection in a lake, glimpsing the mountains for the first time - and then carving your way through their valleys and canyons - is truly unforgettable.

11

Snow-capped peaks

One of the trip’s most unique elements is the diversity of the scenery you’ll be exposed to. From lakes and rivers to grasslands and steep mountainous ascents, there’s never a dull moment aboard the TranzAlpine. Most passengers, however, embark on the journey expecting to marvel at the peaks of the Southern Alps, and they certainly won’t be disappointed.

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The post The TranzAlpine is New Zealand’s most epic train ride appeared first on Matador Network.

Win a free, $1,000 sundae

The idea of a golden ticket has thrilled Americans since Roald Dahl introduced Willy Wonka to the world in 1964. Nevermind the fact that Willy made four golden-ticket-winning kids disappear forever, getting a golden ticket for buying sweets is forever good in the American consciousness. Now, you have the chance to get one of your own. Serendipity 3 in New York City is holding a golden ticket contest, and the winner gets a $1,000 sundae covered in 23-karat gold and served in a Baccarat crystal goblet.

To win, all you have to do is buy pints of Serendipity’s new ice cream line and be extremely lucky. Starting November 5th, 7-Elevens in the New York area are selling eight flavors, including Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, Strawberry Fields Sundae, Forbidden Broadway Sundae, and Outrageous Banana Split. Some of those pints will have a golden token that can be redeemed for the $1,000 Golden Opulence Sundae at the Serendipity 3 restaurant in NYC.

Serendipity has been around for nearly 65 years. It’s been featured in movies and attracted celebrities like Andy Warhol, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, and Beyonce. Much of the news about the restaurant over the past decade revolves around the obscene overindulgence that is the Golden Opulence Sundae — which holds the Guinness World Record for Most Expensive Sundae thanks to the gold, Tahitian vanilla ice cream, Parisian candied fruit, and rare chocolate that it’s made with.

Serendipity’s golden ticket is helping to kick off its first out-of-restaurant ice cream line. It’s no Golden Opulence, but it’s easy for ice cream fans to appreciate a big scoop of Humble Pie or Birthday Cake-flavored ice cream if all they have to do is hit the nearest 7-Eleven.

Pints with golden tickets will be on shelves starting November 5th. These tickets, presumably, come with no chance of Willy Wonka making you disappear.


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The post You can win a free $1,000, gold-covered sundae starting November 5th appeared first on Matador Network.

NYC is becoming an urban vineyard

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who thinks of New York City as prime real estate for grape vines. Nevertheless, a charity-driven urban farming project called Village Vines is working to turn the concrete jungle into a giant working vineyard.

The ambitious viticulture movement started in 2015 when Devin Shomaker received a phone call from someone in Brooklyn. At the time, Shomaker was in the process of opening Rooftop Reds Vineyard in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. It’s the world’s first commercial vineyard and winery on a roof, complete with Bordeaux-variety grape vines and a view of the Manhattan skyline. Shomaker’s business venture inspired the Brooklyn caller to ask about any classes Shomaker might be offering on urban farming and winemaking. At the time, Shomaker had enough on his hands with his new business, but the idea stuck with him.

Fast forward around three years. A beer bar called BierWax in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn was facing a grape problem on its patio. The vines were fine most of the year, but they created a mess as soon as the fruit started dropping to the ground in the fall — something owner Chris Maestro was warned of when he took over, he told amNewYork. To deal with the grapes, Maestro got in touch with Shomaker and Rooftop Reds, and in September of 2018, a team gathered at BierWax to harvest the vines. They managed to collect around 70 pounds of fruit in two hours. Village Vines officially had its first large haul of fruit.

From left to right: Malcolm Baker, Chris Maestro, and Devin Shomaker (Photo: Courtesy of Malcolm Baker)

As the juice from the first harvest ferments, Village Vines is working on the process of incorporating. Malcolm Baker, the director of Village Vines, says they expect to earn 501c3 non-profit status in 2019. The ultimate goal is to work with residents and businesses to help grow vines around the five boroughs, like a person-to-person grape collective in the middle of the most densely populated city in the US. At the end of the season, Village Vines will harvest the grapes and the growers will hand over a list of their favorite local non-profits. A portion of the profits from the Village Vines wines will go to charities on that list.

“As far as I am aware, no one has tried growing grape vines and making wine to generate money for charities in NYC,” Baker told Matador Network. He added that Village Vines “empowers residents to make changes to their community by simply taking care of a grape vine every day and making a choice at the end of the season regarding what local charity or non-profit they want their work to support.”

Village Vines currently has two methods of growth: the Heritage Vine Program and the Adopt-A-Vine Program. The former is like what happened at BierWax: viticulture experts from Village Vines teach people how to care for grape vines already growing on their property. The Adopt-A-Vine is for people or communities who want to be involved, but don’t already have the necessary plants. For a donation of $40-200, Village Vines provides a grape vine and a year of consultation services.

“People are always excited and typically loaded with questions when I tell them I manage a project that makes wine for local NYC charities,” Baker said. “The look of shock usually continues when I tell them we are sourcing the grapes from people’s properties in NYC.”

The urban vineyard and winery concept has already been proven with Rooftop Reds. To skeptics, Baker posed two questions: “Why can’t we grow grape vines on top of roofs, because it hasn’t been done?” and “Roof space is probably the most under-utilized space in NYC at the moment, why not plant grape vines on them for charity?”

Photo: Rooftop Reds/Facebook

Along with BierWax, the other companies that have expressed early interest in Village Vines include Nitehawk Cinema, Cayuga Capital, architecture firm ODA, and the Faherty clothing brand. There’s already wine aging from this year’s harvest — around 100 pounds of fruit total — that Village Vines will base an event around in the spring of 2019.

“Most people don’t think you can grow anything in NYC,” Baker said, “and this is a large part of the project: to push urban agriculture to new heights.”


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The post A winery is turning all of New York City into a vineyard for charity appeared first on Matador Network.

The most trusted airlines

The Trusties are out! Don’t know what those are? Don’t worry, we literally just made the name up as a quick way to refer to the Trusted Traveler Awards, a new honor bestowed on airlines by the travel search company Skyscanner. This month it released its first-annual list of most trusted airlines for online booking and reservations, publishing a list of seven airlines who ranked the highest.

Photo: GagliardiImages/Shutterstock

American Airlines was first on the list, who, while maybe not everyone’s favorite during the crowd-and-weather-plagued holidays, apparently at least provides a pleasant and seamless booking process.

Other award winners included Delta Airlines, the only other US carrier to earn itself a Trustie. Rounding out victory lane were German mega-carrier lufthansa and its low-cost subsidiary Eurowings.

Further down the list of honors was Transavia, a European airline that’s part of the Air France/KLM group, UK-based short-hop specialist Flybe, and German-based Condor.

“It’s all based on traveler feedback,” said Hugh Aitken, Skyscanner’s senior director of strategic partnerships. “That’s not to say others don’t offer a great (booking) experience. That’s just saying these are the ones who rated the highest.” Aitken said Skyscanner partners with 99 percent of airlines in the world, so the field of competitors is pretty comprehensive.

Photo: VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock

Skyscanner based the awards on the highest-ranking airlines in its Partner Quality Ratings. For those unfamiliar, Skyscanner monitors billions of airfares 24 hours a day to help find people the best deals, and is a staple among frequent fliers. Though you can’t book a flight directly through Skyscanner, the site asks customers to rate their booking experiences with airlines after each transaction, netting over a billion responses in the past year.

The survey looks at factors such as customer service, ease of booking, ease of website use, price accuracy, and clarity of optional extras and costs, with those receiving the most positive reviews earning the vaunted Trusted Traveler Award. Skyscanner established the ratings in 2016 to help customers book on more than just price.

“These days travelers aren’t just looking for transparency in pricing, they’re increasingly making choices based on the quality of the booking site and after-sales customer service,” Aitken said.

But it’s not just you, the air-traveling public who benefit from Skyscanner’s research. Airlines look to Skyscanner for ways to improve their booking experiences too.

“Our partners use this data to learn how to improve the data experience,” Aitken said. “We’ve seen enough data, gotten enough feedback and enough scores, and can tell airlines [if we’re seeing a lower score on] a certain type of device, mobile or desktop. Then they look at ways to improve that.”

So if the update on your Delta app helped you book flights faster than it used to, you might have Skyscanner to thank.

Whether you’re one who looks at nothing but price when you book, or actually think about things like stress and aggravation, it’s helpful to know what to expect when making airline reservations. Whether it’s on a big US carrier or a regional carrier overseas, the trust you put in an airline can make a big difference. And an airline with a shiny, sexy Trustie award in its trophy case is almost always a good decision.


More like this: How to handle every travel disaster that happens during the holidays

The post These are the most trusted airlines in the world appeared first on Matador Network.

Whale watching on the West Coast

Whales are not just the largest animals in the world. They are also intelligent, intriguing, and graceful creatures — and observing them in their natural habitat is a unique and exciting experience. On the west coast of North America, you can see whales all year, but winter is the height of whale-watching season. Whether observing gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, or humpback whales, you can find them all in the Pacific Ocean. From California to the state of Washington, here are the best places to catch the whale migration on the West Coast.

1. Farallon Islands — San Francisco, CA

Photo: Pete Niesen/Shutterstock

A trip to Northern California offers the chance to see the great migration of the gray whales. The best whale-watching spot exists about 25 miles offshore in the Gulf of the Farallones. The Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is home to a wide variety of marine life and also boasts the largest seabird breeding colony within the continental United States. A good way to see them is on a tour with the non-profit Oceanic Society, where part of the fee goes towards supporting conservation efforts. The warmest time to venture on a whale-watching tour is from September to October when the blue whales make their journey. However, the peak time to spot a whale happens in mid-January or mid-March — depending on whether the whales are migrating north or south.

2. Point Lobos — Monterey Bay, CA

Photo: randy andy/Shutterstock

No matter what time of year, humpback and blue whales can both be seen in migration on the Monterey coast. However, the best moments to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants are between mid-December and April. Along the coastline, visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to see the whales migrate past Pinnacle Point. Point Lobos is known for being “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world.” Point Lobos is a three-mile drive south from the seaside city of Carmel. Occasionally, you can see more rare types of whales in migration, including the minke whale, beaked whale, and fin whale.

3. Highway One — Big Sur, CA

Photo: Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

On the southern coast of California, you have the unique chance to see three different types of whales in migration. Gray, blue, and humpback whales all make the journey past the coastline twice per year. From December to February, around 23,000 gray whales cross the high seas. In the summer and early fall, blue whales make the journey. The highly endangered humpback whales are visible between late spring and early winter. One particular spot to have a close-up encounter with humpback whales is at the junction of Highway One and Partington Ridge, where a deep canyon offers frequent views of the whales.

4. Channel Islands — Santa Barbara, CA

Photo: Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock

South of Santa Barbara and west of Ventura is the Santa Barbara Channel. Within the channel are the Channel Islands, which are known as “the Galapagos Islands of North America.” The best time to see the thousands of Pacific gray whales migrating through the channel is anywhere from late November to April — although you can spot humpback and blue whales from June to September. In all, 29 species can be seen in the channel, among them gray, blue, humpback, minke, sperm, pilot, and killer whales.

5. Torrey Pines and Cabrillo National Monument — San Diego, CA

Photo: Gloria V Moeller/Shutterstock

From mid-December to April, gray whales embark on their 10,000-mile trek north. If you want to see mother gray whales with their calves, head on a whale-watching tour at the later end of the season when the whales return north with their babies. Gray whales can be seen from land at several lookout points. The Torrey Pines State Reserve or Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography are great land spots to catch sight of a gray whale. At the Cabrillo National Monument, you can find the Whale Overlook and Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which both offer great views of the whale migration — although binoculars are highly recommended.

6. Point Vicente — Ranchos Palos Verde, CA

Photo: Elena Stepanova/Shutterstock

Just south of Los Angeles, you will find Rancho Palos Verde. Between Torrance and Long Beach, Ranchos Palos Verde has one of the premier spots for watching the whale migration. The best view can be found at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. This museum heavily features Pacific gray whales, whose migration can be viewed from December to April. The museum and surrounding park offer many viewpoints to catch the migration. You can enjoy their sunset room and outdoor picnic tables while observing a variety of whales and dolphin species.

7. Lime Kiln Point State Park — San Juan Islands, WA

Photo: Rocky Grimes/Shutterstock

Just north of Seattle, you’ll find the San Juan Islands, a region made up of 172 islands and reefs located between the mainland US and Vancouver, Canada. If you miss the whales in the winter, you can come here in late spring to observe killer whales. Orcas are most prevalent from May to October. One of the best spots to catch a whale sighting is the Lime Kiln Point State Park, which has been referred to as “Whale Watch Park.” Whales are known to venture very close to the edge of the park’s rocky cliffs.


More like this: This humpback whale’s epic leap caught whale watchers by surprise

The post The best places to see the whale migration on the West Coast this winter appeared first on Matador Network.

The best spirits not sold in the US

The United States is lucky when it comes to spirits. There’s a seemingly ever-growing number of domestic distillers putting out some of the best whiskey, gin, vodka, and brandy in the world, and importers bring in a wide variety of options from abroad. But you’re not experiencing the true span of all there is to drink out there if you’re only drinking the things you can find in the US. There are bottles out in the world that can’t be found stateside and are worth seeking out when you travel abroad. These are the bottles to keep an eye out for and smuggle home as a souvenir the next time you leave the country.

1. Luxardo Liquore St. Antonio

Photo: Luxardo

Named after the patron saint of Padova, a city in northern Italy, Liquore St. Antonio is a green Italian amaro that can only be purchased in Europe and Canada. It’s slightly sweet with a black licorice flavor, and it’s infused with angelica, achillea, galanga root, and bitter oranges. It’s bitter, but not as bitter as other popular Italian amari like Fernet-Branca. The sweetness is balanced out by its strength at 40 percent ABV. It’s best sipped straight after a meal or put in cocktails.

Cost: $15-30

Seek it out if you like: St-Germaine, pastis, and Italian amari

2. The Balvenie Peated Triple Cask 14 Year Old

Photo: The Balvenie

Sometimes, traveling to a country to buy a spirit isn’t enough. Sometimes you have to travel to a country’s airport to hit the duty-free shop. The Balvenie sells a travel retail exclusive Peated Triple Cask 14 Year Old. Limiting sales to an airport’s duty-free shop isn’t unique, but trying to find a travel exclusive bottle that’s both different enough from others and affordable can be difficult. This bottle is both of those things if you’re the type of drinker who appreciates a big, peaty whisky. The 100-percent peated malt, which is rare for the Speyside region it’s produced in, is aged in a first-fill bourbon cask, refilled bourbon cask, and sherry cask.

Cost: $83

Seek it out if you like: peaty whisky

3. Compass Distillers Aquavit

Photo: Compass Distillers/Facebook

Fresh off a Double Gold Medal at the 2018 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, the aquavit from Compass Distillers is eastern Canada’s first and only locally made spirit of its kind. Just because it’s winning awards in the States doesn’t mean it’s available there, though. Compass Distillery Aquavit is only sold in Canada, so fans of the traditional Scandinavian spirit will have to head to the Great White North to get a taste. It’s made from a base of corn and wheat liquor and redistilled with a botanical mix that includes caraway, fennel, and dill.

Cost: $35

Seek it out if you like: aquavits like Linie and Krogstad

4. Black Bull 10 Year Old Ex-rum Casks

Photo: Black Bull Scotch Whisky/Facebook

Even experienced Scotch drinkers in the US might not know about Black Bull. The brand started in the mid-1800s and was popular in the states in the 1970s, but it’s experiencing a revival of sorts these days using a similar blend of Speyside and Highland single malts that the first Black Bull did. It’s also experimenting with new cask finishing techniques, which you can taste for yourself if you go to the UK. This bottling is made by finishing the Black Bull 10 Year in casks that previously held rum. A few other Scotches like Glenfiddich and Balvenie are experimenting with rum cask finishes, but it’s still rare.

Cost: $42

Seek it out if you like: unfiltered, high-ABV Scotch

5. Havana Club 7 Year

Photo: Havana Club/Facebook

Cuba is one of the premiere rum-producing countries in the world. Thanks to a more than 50-year embargo on anything coming from the island nation, however, zero bottles of Cuban rum are sold in the US. Havana Club is the most famous of these rums — and for good reason. It’s a well-balanced spirit with toasty oak and vanilla flavors that’s meant to be sipped neat or on the rocks. You can find it in countries around the world, and when you do, grab the 3 Year as well for good measure.

Cost: $20-30

Seek it out if you like: rums from Appleton Estate and Flor de Caña

6. Glenfiddich Reserve Cask

Photo: Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich Reserve Cask is another bottle that’s worth taking a trip to the duty-free shop for. It’s an affordable and a hard-to-acquire bottle from one of the most awarded single malt Scotch brands. Reserve Cask is aged in ex-Spanish sherry casks and blended in a large Solera vat. It’s mild and easy drinking — one of those bottles one might say is too easy drinking.

Cost: $65

Seek it out if you like: sherry-cask single malts Scotch

7. The Macallan Estate Reserve

Photo: The Macallan

The Macallan is one of those brands that Scotch drinkers love and non-Scotch drinkers love to give as gifts. Estate Reserve is a bottle only sold in duty-free shops that’s a special treat for both of those types of people. It has a deep woody finish with ginger, vanilla, chocolate, and citrus notes. It’s too pricey to be labeled a steal, but it’s something that you (or the person you gift it to) will be happy you picked up on your travels.

Cost: $200

Seek it out if you like: Scotch

8. Amaro San Simone

Photo: Amaro San Simone/Facebook

Piedmont isn’t just about risotto and Nebbiolo. Amaro San Simone is an aromatic drink named after a monastic brotherhood that dates back to 16th-century Turin. It’s both sweet and bitter, making it easier to drink than some of the most bitter of Italian amari. It also has a lower alcohol content of 26 percent ABV. Amari fans will be drinking it at the bars all over Turin, and if you get a taste, you’ll understand why you need to bring a bottle back home for yourself.

Cost: $20

Seek it out if you like: Campari and Montenegro

9. Campari Cask Tales

Photo: Campari/Facebook

This isn’t your everyday Campari. The bottling was released to mark the 150th birthday of Davide Campari, and the spirit is aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The extra barrel ageing adds depth and a slight smokiness. It’s possible to get a taste at exclusive cocktail bars, but for a bottle, you have to hit the duty-free shops in Frankfurt, Sydney, Copenhagen, and a few other European destinations.

Cost: $30

Seek it out if you like: barrel-aged cocktails made with Campari and other Italian amari


More like this: 9 spirits you can only drink outside the US

The post 9 international spirits worth smuggling back in your suitcase appeared first on Matador Network.

Every American pizza style, ranked

Pizza symbolizes everything great about America. It came to us from another country, but over generations, we’ve changed it, adapted it, put our own twists on it, and made something that, to most of us, is even better than the original. Sure, you can still get fantastic pizza in Italy, but will it have pepperoni curled into grease pools? Or avocado on top? Or square slices rimmed with deliciously-burnt cheese? Likely not.

Americans across the country have made regional tweaks to pizza, creating styles you can often only get by traveling the nation. From the Provel crackers in St. Louis to the coal-fired pies of New Haven, here are America’s 10 most distinctive pizza styles, ranked in order of deliciousness.

10. Miami

Photo: Reys Pizza/Facebook

Characteristics:

No, nobody figured out how to top a pizza with voter fraud and cocaine. This only-in-Miami style is also known as Cuban pizza. It’s served on thick, doughy crust and topped with an excessive amount of mozzarella and gouda cheese with the toppings baked into the pie.

Why it’s ranked here:

The only — and I mean only — time this stuff is even remotely palatable is at 5:00 AM when you’re absolutely not driving home from a club that had an all-night open bar. Otherwise, it’s a heavy, greasy mess that’s topped in the gut-bombing category only by Chicago deep dish. Though, eating one late night is definitely a cultural experience.

Where to get it:

Rey’s Pizza, which has various locations in Miami and some open 24 hours.

9. New England

Photo: Dimitrios Cuisine/Facebook

Characteristics:

Often referred to as Greek-style pizza, this New England favorite was said to have originated from Greek immigrants who settled in the area. It has a thick, oily crust and is baked in an oil-covered pan rather than on top of the pizza oven. It’s a hybrid of New York style and deep dish. Toppings often include Greek staples like feta, capers, and kalamata olives. But you can find thick, traditional cheese slices pretty much anywhere.

Why it’s ranked here:

Even though it’s not quite as overwhelming in the grease department as Miami style, it still leaves a noticeable layer of oil on your hands any time you try and pick up a slice. It’s filling, but even cheese slices leave you with a serious bundle of regret in your stomach — all for a pizza that tastes more like oil than sauce.

Where to get it:

Literally anywhere called “____ House of Pizza” in New England. The best are Village Pizza in Greenfield, Massachusetts, and Dimitrio’s in Cambridge.

8. California

Photo: California Pizza Kitchen/Facebook

Characteristics:

This style originated in the Bay Area and gained popularity at famed LA eatery Spago, then it caught on as your favorite airport pizza chain. It has a characteristically thin, soft, almost sweet crust that’s like a slightly thicker version of the classic Neapolitan style. Pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven and then topped with a bunch of healthy stuff like avocados, arugula, and chanterelle mushrooms that really have no business being on a pizza. This is what happens when you have to market pizza to a state full of people who’d actually do a maple syrup cleanse.

Why it’s ranked here:

We can get behind the creativity of putting organic pesto sauce and kale on a pizza, but when it comes down to it, no part of the pizza eating experience needs to be healthy. This seems like the pizza equivalent of that time Vegas tried to pass itself off as a family destination.

Where to get it:

Spago and Wolfgang Puck in Los Angeles. Pizzetta 211 and Pauline’s in San Francisco. Any airport terminal with a CPK.

7. St. Louis

Photo: Imo’s Pizza/Facebook

Characteristics:

Cracker-thin crust topped with a blatantly sweet marinara sauce and Provel cheese, cut into squares. What is Provel cheese, you ask? Technically it’s a combination of provolone, cheddar, and swiss. But it’s really more of a primordial dairy ooze that somehow climbed ashore from the Mississippi River.

Why it’s ranked here:

St. Louis-style pizza might be the most divisive style in the country. Proud St. Louisans can eat it five times a week, but I’ve seen visitors spit it out in a garbled tirade of “Who the f*** eats this?” mumbled into their paper napkin. But if you grew up with parents whose idea of “quality time” was plopping you in front of the television with a Totino’s and Mama Celeste’s, St. Louis style tastes like home.

Where to get it:

Imo’s is the quintessential spot on any trip to The Lou. Shockingly, it hasn’t really caught on anywhere else.

6. Buffalo

Photo: Forgotten Buffalo/Facebook

Characteristics:

The difference between the Buffalo and Detroit styles is far less than the distance across Lake Erie. Though Buffalo style is lighter in the burnt-cheese department, the big difference is the pepperoni, which is almost exclusively the small, edge-curling variety that traps little grease pools inside. This makes each bite a potential explosion of orange that will forever stain your treasured Jim Kelley away jersey.

Why it’s ranked here:

On a bone-chilling Buffalo night — of which there are many — nothing warms your soul faster than seeing a long rectangular box handed over the counter. It’s the kind of pie that leaves Buffalonians with an extra layer of winter fat but still isn’t as oily as Detroit style. If you don’t love grease-pool pepperoni, it’s probably not for you.

Where to get it:

Imperial Pizza, which has several locations around western New York.

5. Detroit

Photo: Buddy’s Pizza/Facebook

Characteristics:

Detroiters really do love burning stuff. That’s why the defining characteristic of this square, thick, Sicilian-crusted pizza isn’t the shape. Nor is it the generous coat of oil on the pan that leaves a savory layer of grease on the outside. It’s the fact that they cook the pies just long enough to leave burnt oil and charred cheese on top, adding a delicious crispy texture to the otherwise chewy, doughy pizza.

Why it’s ranked here:

Detroit style might not be known nationally, but its distinct characteristics make it far more flavorful and complex than other pan-cooked varieties. You’ve still got to love pan pizza to enjoy it, but for fans of the thick crust, it doesn’t get any better.

Where to get it:

Buddy’s is the go-to in Detroit. Outside the city, seek out Jet’s Pizza. Or, if you happen to be in Telluride, Colorado, head into Brown Dog for the best Detroit-style pie west of Lake Michigan.

4. Chicago deep dish

Photo: Lou Malnati’s/Facebook

Characteristics:

Hoards of Chicagoans arguing over who makes the best one. Also, a flaky, pie-like crust often made from cornmeal, then stuffed with enough cheese to clog arteries in your ankle. Topped with a hearty layer of chunky tomato sauce that’s roughly the consistency of your blood after eating this thing. Some argue it’s more of a pie than a pizza. Of course, some argue we faked the moon landing, so we’ll leave semantic discussions for another time.

Why it’s ranked here:

If you’re in the mood for an entire dairy farm’s worth of cheese on a pie crust, then nothing tops a Chicago deep-dish pizza. If you want anything that loosely resembles a pizza, it can be pretty disgusting. It’s all about expectations. Note: Chicago also has a thin-crust variety, but it’s really the White Sox of pizza, so we left it off the list.

Where to get it:

Lou Malnati’s or Gino’s in Chicago. We’re not taking sides, no way. Giordano’s, which, like every chain restaurant in the world, also has three locations in Orlando.

3. New York

Photo: eyangphoto/Shutterstock

Characteristics:

Thin crust, spicy tomato sauce, and a reasonable layer of mozzarella cheese. Plus literally millions of people who will tell you it’s the best pizza in the world even though they’ve never been north of 125th street.

Why it’s ranked here:

The best New York-style pizza is a tough slice to beat. The problem? The style is so ubiquitous that horrible pizzerias nationwide drive down the average by leaving pies in the window for three days then reheating the rancid, congealed mess as two-for-$5 lunch specials.

Where to get it:

Literally anywhere in America that touts itself as a New York pizzeria, including hundreds of places in New York City. We won’t even dare try recommending the best, but Mariella Pizza is an Oprah favorite. The best NY-style slice I ever had was at the Downtown House of Pizza in Ft. Myers, Florida. And NYPD Pizza at the Phoenix airport might be the best airport food for its value in America.

2. New Haven

Photo: Pepe’s Pizza/Facebook

Characteristics:

New Haven style is often referred to as “apizza.” Not because people in Connecticut like adding extra letters to things — three “C”s? Really? — but because Neapolitan immigrants to the area pronounced their pizzas “ah-beets!” It’s a thin-crust pizza, like in New York, that’s cooked in a wood-fired oven to a crispy char. In Connecticut, they’ll sometimes top it with clams, which is bizarre. Then again, this is a state that’s home to Yale, the Maury Show, and the WWE.

Why it’s ranked here:

More naive diners have actually sent New Haven-style pizzas back because they claim they’re “overcooked.” Which is kind of like sending back gazpacho because it’s cold. If you like a crispy pizza, though, nothing beats New Haven style, a thinner, less-greasy take on Detroit. It’s not for everyone, but for fans of char, nothing is better.

Where to get it:

Frank Pepe’s was the New Haven original back in 1925, but you can’t go wrong at Sally’s, Modern Apizza, or BAR. If you’re not in New Haven, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza has locations in eight states, and though not technically New Haven style, it’s as close as you’re getting.

1. Brooklyn

Photo: Speedy Romeo/Facebook

Characteristics:

“Wait,” you say. “Isn’t Brooklyn technically part of New York City? How does it get its own style?”

Well, how does New York get three hockey teams? We don’t know. But what we do know is this super thin, crispy-crust pizza with toppings spread to the edge of the pie and cooked in a wood-burning oven is the best American iteration on the Italian classic.

Why it’s ranked here:

In addition to being downright delicious, it takes the best aspects of every American pizza and combines them into one borough-specific masterpiece. The bubbly crust of California. The wood-firing of New Haven. The char of Detroit. The rich sauce and thin cheese of New York. You get it.

Where to get it:

Domino’s! Just kidding, but remember when they did that? That was weird. Lucali is probably the best spot, though you’ll have to get over the thought of dropping more than $30 for a pizza. Speedy Romeo and Totonno’s are also quality, less-expensive options. Apizza Brookyln in the Miami suburb of Kendall is also an outstanding option.


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