Matador Network's Blog, page 476
April 27, 2022
Photos: How Air Pollution Could Drastically Change Some of the Most Iconic Views in the World
Places around the world are seeing changing weather patterns, more natural disasters, and higher pollution levels due to climate change. HouseFresh, a company that tests air purifiers and specializes in indoor air quality, created some powerful imagery that shows what some of the world’s most iconic views would look like if pollution levels continue to rise.
To figure out the suspected levels of pollution, HouseFresh used Insider, RTE, and The Times to put together a list of some of the world’s best skylines, then used IQAir to find the levels of pollution for each city at a PM2.5 concentration. Photos shown were made to reflect the views in each city if pollution reached the levels of Ghaziabad, India, named the second-most polluted city in the world by IQAir. HouseFresh then used images that align with the smog levels experienced in Ghaziabad.
New York CityLondonRioHong KongTorontoParisRomeSeattleSydneyTokyoPollution levels mean more than cloudy skies and worse air quality; rising sea levels and flooding would displace people from their homes, especially in coastal cities. Vulnerable cities across the US could see temperatures reach as much as six degrees warmer. And some cities, like Mexico City, are even sinking.
While these may be terrifying thoughts, there is some hope. Consider flying on airlines that are trying to offset their carbon emissions and using more public transportation. Even small lifestyle changes can have meaning. 
Everything You Need To Know About Peyote, the Natural Hallucinogen From Texas and Mexico
Revered by some and feared by many others, peyote is one of the most recognized psychoactive plants in the world. This cactus plays a central role in the traditions of indigenous groups all across North America. It’s also one of the most consumed natural hallucinogens and the center of innumerable controversies among governments and groups fighting for their self-determination rights. It is spiritual medicine and one of the so-called master plants associated with shamanic practices in ancient religions.
The importance of peyote is undeniable. Not only is it a fundamental part of the worldview and spiritual life of different indigenous groups, but it has also been the center of countercultural movements and heated discussions between governments and people fighting for their self-determination. More than a hallucinogenic plant, peyote is a cultural element of great importance for peoples indigenous to North America as a physical and spiritual medicine, as well as a tool for personal growth for those who consume it responsibly.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering trying peyote.
What is peyote and where does peyote come from?Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a plant that grows in northern Mexico and southern Texas, mainly in the desert strip that surrounds the Tropic of Cancer. In Mexico, peyote is principally extracted from the Wirikuta Desert in San Luis Potosí.
It’s a small cactus that’s bluish green in color, and, unlike so many other cacti, it does not have any spines. Peyote is a widely used hallucinogenic plant, and it’s also recognized for its medicinal properties and has historically been used to treat arthritis, stomach problems, asthma, influenza, diabetes, and poisonous animal stings and snake bites .
The lack of spines leaves the little peyote vulnerable to predators in its natural habitat. It instead has an unpleasant taste to try and prevent desert animals from eating it. Behind this peculiar taste are more than fifty substances known as alkaloids, many of which have psychoactive properties that alter the perception of reality when consumed in adequate amounts. The best known of these substances — and the one responsible for the effects associated with the consumption of peyote — is mescaline.
What does it feel like to do peyote?
Photo: Apple_Mac/Shutterstock
The active substance of peyote is mescaline, an alkaloid capable of causing strong hallucinations and uncontrolled states of ecstasy. The experience differs depending on the amount of mescaline consumed. A low dose can cause euphoria with extended periods of concentration and relaxation, accompanied by strong feelings of empathy. Higher doses cause visual hallucinations characterized by the presence of bright colors, geometric figures, and synesthesia (the perception that your senses are mixing with each other).
The strongest hallucinations involve loss of time-space context, depersonalization, and what many describe as the presence of the divine.
A trip with peyote can be enriching, but also dangerous. When consumed as a hallucinogen, peyote produces some physical reactions such as changes in heart rate and blood pressure, suppression of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. All of these symptoms are mild in nature and rarely pose a risk to the consumer. The biggest problem with the consumption of peyote is related to the psychological alterations it produces. These can cause changes in personality and states of excessive euphoria that could put the life of the user at risk if they are not under proper supervision.
This is why people familiar with using peyote have so many preparation rituals around the consumption of the plant. If you’re going to consume mescaline, do it with someone who has had previous experience with the drug rather than trying it on your own.
While studies are limited, research hasn’t found negative effects from longterm peyote use.
How is peyote used?
Photo: kikpokemon/Shutterstock
To experience the effects of peyote, one must consume the mescaline from several heads of the plant. Up to three heads of peyote is considered a low dose (depending on the size of the heads and the concentration of alkaloids). Marakame and other priests often consume more than 10 buttons to experience deep alterations of consciousness.
Peyote is extremely bitter, and is usually accompanied by a sweet drink to make the taste more bearable. It is usually consumed fresh, but it can also be dehydrated, preserved with honey, or prepared as an infusion. The effects of peyote start appearing one or two hours after consumption and can last up to eight hours.
In traditional medicine, peyote can be applied topically — either fresh or as an ointment — to relieve pain in muscles, bones, and joints, as well as to treat skin infections and superficial wounds.
Who uses peyote?
Photo: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock
Ritual consumption of peyote is associated with the Wixarika or Huichol people in northern Mexico, but also with the Náayeri, the Tapehuánes, and the Rarámuri. In the United States, some Native American groups, such as the Kiowa, Diné, and Comanche, have also been historically associated with ritual uses of the plant. According to pre-Hispanic accounts, the Chichimecas and Toltecs in Mexico long knew about the hallucinogenic properties of peyote. There is plenty of proof that different groups have used peyote on a regular basis for at least 5,000 years.
Today, the Native American Church, founded in the late 19th century, is responsible for the largest consumption of peyote in the world. Popularly known as the peyote religion, the church has followers throughout the United States and Canada who mix Christian ideology with elements of Native American religions.
The Wixárika and other Indigenous groups treat peyote as a sacred plant and consume it for spiritual growth. However, Western societies have in most cases treated it as an illegal and dangerous plant.
In colonial Mexico, scholars demonstrated academic interest in traditional medicine and herbalism practiced by Indigenous peoples, but peyote was always viewed with disfavor. This is because the relationship of Indigenous groups with the plant contrasted with the use of other medicinal herbs. The visions and knowledge obtained from peyote and its importance within the indigenous cosmovision were not well received by the Catholic Church. Its use was immediately condemned and the plant got labeled as dangerous, sinful, and illegal. In Mexico, the Holy Inquisition vetoed any use of peyote by the 17th century, and the colonial government implemented measures to eradicate the plant and its consumption.
For the past several decades there has been a boom in spiritual tourism related to peyote. Although it is not possible to divide the world between people who should or should not have access to peyote, new age practices centered on the plant — carried out excessively and inappropriately — promote conflict between indigenous groups and local authorities, putting in risk the future of ritual practices and the self-determination of the indigenous groups associated with peyote.
Is peyote sustainable?
Photo: Vogelfotograf/Shutterstock
Peyote is threatened by habitat loss, but also by the increased demand of plants for psychotropic and ritual experiences. Like all cacti, peyote has an extremely long life cycle and the lack of regulation in its extraction could put the natural populations of peyote at risk, and also affect the health of entire ecosystems.
Most of the indigenous groups who are historically related to peyote have special harvesting techniques that consist of cutting off only the upper part of the plant (the sections called buttons or heads), leaving most of the stem and the roots intact. These cuts — common in the vegetative reproduction of many other cacti — allow the stem to regenerate and produce even more peyote heads in a relatively short time. Removal of the entire plant should be avoided at all costs.
How To Spend a Perfect Weekend in Black Charlottesville
In an effort to tell modern, accurate and inclusive Black stories in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau recently launched Discover Black Cville. This community-led initiative promoting inclusive and accurate history was originally started in 2020 and has now been rolled out on a national level. With the goal of helping visitors of all backgrounds feel more welcome, Charlottesville is putting the spotlight on its Black-owned tourism businesses and attractions.
Often overlooked by what most perceive as only a college town, the city is ready to bring diverse communities together through its culture and charm. With a convenient location and close proximity to other nearby cities, a weekend in Charlottesville is one well spent. Here are six ways to enjoy a perfect weekend Discovering Black Cville.
Stay at The Draftsman HotelThe Draftsman, An Autograph Collection property is a Black-run hotel conveniently located in downtown Charlottesville. A short walk will take you to many attractions including the train station, Downtown Mall, and The Dairy Market– the first food hall concept in Central Virginia. The Draftsman’s modern and stylish decor depicts Virginia’s present while also celebrating the original voices of the past. The rooms are spacious and well-lit with elegant baths. Be sure to relax in the dapper seersucker robes provided.
The Draftsman Lobby
Dine at Black-owned RestaurantsWith its vibrant food scene, it should come as no surprise that Charlottesville was recently named one of “America’s Next Great Food Cities”. Amongst those restaurants and diners are unique places such as The Ridley (located inside The Draftsman) – one of Charlottesville’s newest Black-owned restaurants. This hip space pays homage to Dr. Walter Ridley, the first Black student to graduate from the University of Virginia. Be prepared for an upscale dining experience from brunch to dinner with a menu that highlights fresh seafood offerings. If you’re in the mood for traditional soul food, be sure to visit Angelic’s Seafood located in the Dairy Market. Take one bite into her fried fish and you’ll know why the signature seafood breading is now being sold separately. The hearty meals are also very affordable. You’ll leave with a full belly, but not an empty wallet.
The Ridley
Visit Ix Art ParkAlong with the national launch of Discover Black Cville, a new mural was also unveiled at the Ix Art Park. Created by local artists Jae Johnson and Laura Lee Gulledge, “Dreamin’ Queen” can’t be missed. In the park, you can also escape into The Looking Glass– Virginia’s first and only immersive art space. This larger-than-life experience was created through the collaborative effort of more than a dozen local artists. The interactive enchanted forest and kaleidoscope cave is tucked away in approximately 6,000 square feet of fun.
Take a walking tour of downtown CharlottesvilleOperated by the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, this tour is intriguing and inspiring. The center’s mission is to honor and preserve the rich heritage and legacy of the African-American community of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. After walking the history-filled streets, participants are sure to leave with a greater appreciation for, and understanding of the contributions of African Americans and peoples of the Diaspora locally, nationally, and globally.
Tour the historic Thomas Jefferson’s MonticelloMonticello was home and eventually the burial site of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President. As the only house in the United States designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this National Historic Landmark is well worth visiting. Uncovering an uncomfortable past is often the only way to move toward a better future. With guides who retell the dark tales of both the enslaved and free Blacks who lived and also worked on this 5,000-acre plantation, emotions are sure to be evoked. Monticello gives a worthy lesson on the life of Jefferson and the lives of those who helped to build and maintain its grounds.
Photo: N8Allen/Shutterstock
Enjoy the taste of wine at more than 40 wineriesWith Virginia being one of the country’s top wine-producing states, Charlottesville is home to more than 40. Whether it’s for a casual celebration or a special occasion, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of wines offered throughout the region. Popular spots like Eastwood Farm and Winery as well as Blenheim Vineyards will satisfy everyone from beginner to the connoisseur. Charlottesville is also home to Matt Harmon, a Black local winemaker, and founder of Harmony Wine. Salud!
No matter the season, a trip to Charlottesville will be an enjoyable one. As the city continues to move beyond its’ somewhat troubled past, it’ll certainly continue to climb the list of the top destinations. Whatever you desire on a getaway, Charlottesville is sure to provide.
Countless Fireflies Will Soon Light Up the Great Smoky Mountains. Here’s How To See Them.
Fireflies (also known as lightning bugs) are known for putting on one of nature’s great light shows, synchronizing their “lanterns” to create amazing patterns while flying around during their mating rituals. Many people know the season for viewing the fascinating creatures is worth the wait, and that’s why Great Smoky Mountains National Park puts on an annual firefly-viewing event. Tickets are so coveted that the park has created a lottery system and limited vehicle entry to 800 available parking passes.
Winners of the lottery will be able to purchase a parking pass for $24 per vehicle, and each can hold no more than seven passengers. Passes are required to access the Elkmont viewing area, known for having the largest swarms of synchronous fireflies in the Western Hemisphere. After check-in, visitors can leave their vehicles to watch the natural light show. ADA parking is also available for first-come, first-served. The best place to find the unique beetles are Jakes Creek and Little River trails.
Peak mating season lasts for about two weeks. To figure out the best time for viewing, scientists predict the dates using temperature and measuring moisture in the soil. However, there’s no way to guarantee the fireflies will put on a show — and unfortunate events like rainfall or cooler temperatures that fall below 50 degrees can shut the display down.
The lottery for the parking passes opens on April 29, 2022, at 10:00 AM EST and closes on May 3, 2022, at 10:00 AM EST. The application fee is $1. If selected for a parking pass, lottery applicants will be informed by email on May 12. Shows for the event will run from June 3 through June 10. Each pass will be valid for a randomly chosen specified date with an assigned arrival time between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.
Upon arrival, attendees will need to cover their flashlights with red or blue cellophane and turn them off once they’ve found their viewing spot. Leaving trail pathways and catching fireflies is prohibited.
If you’re lucky enough to receive one of those coveted parking passes, get ready for a brightly lit, priceless experience.
For the Best Weekend Trip To Napa, Seek Out the Wineries Making World-Class Merlot
Napa is famous for its cabernet sauvignon. And with that fame comes a string of visitors who seek out the wines they’ve heard others were enjoying. But for a trip that highlights another side of Napa, you should seek out the wineries making merlot.
If you’re a wine drinker, then there’s a good chance you already have an opinion about what’s being made in the country’s most famous wine region. Maybe you even have a set opinion on merlot — perhaps one subconsciously (or consciously) influenced by a single line from the movie Sideways. Napa’s merlot hasn’t historically gotten a whole lot of credit as more than a blending grape despite producers making world-class varietal merlot in the region.
Joshua Lowell, general manager at Sullivan Rutherford Estate, says the times are changing (albeit slowly). And the winery is investing prime real estate into ensuring its merlot can stand up in quality, price point, and every other aspect as its cabernet.
Photo: kaband/Shutterstock
Lowell moved to Napa more than 20 years ago. He started working at Sullivan Rutherford Estate about three and a half years ago to help breathe new life into the historic brand after Juan Pablo Torres-Padilla purchased the winery.
Like much of Napa, most of the Sullivan Rutherford Estate property was planted with cabernet sauvignon. Yet digging into the wine library, Lowell, Torres-Padilla, and others at the winery noted that production was focused on merlot when Jim Sullivan first planted in the 1970s. What’s more, some of the old merlots had aged really well, in particular the wine from 1982 and 1984, which are not considered especially great vintages in the region.
“It was intriguing to see and ask, ‘ok, why did they plant merlot in those early days,’” Lowell says.
The past became a guide to the future.
“I sat down with ownership and said, ‘I believe we can make merlot just as compelling as cabernet sauvignon, but it doesn’t make sense from a business standpoint unless we’re willing to charge as much for it as we do cabernet,’” Lowell says.
The team released a reserve merlot wine made from the 2013 harvest that ended up being one of Lowell’s favorite wines. “I thought that there was a huge opportunity for merlot,” Lowell says. “I don’t agree with the notion that merlot should just be this soft, simple, crowd-pleasing red wine.”
Today, Sullivan Rutherford Estate sells estate merlots and reserve merlots from 2015 and 2018. And there’s more to come. Four and a half acres of older cabernet vineyards were recently replanted with merlot. Eventually, Sullivan Rutherford Estate will be making up to 800 cases of high-end merlot that’s priced and valued similarly to the reserve cabernets.
Napa Valley merlot: a brief history
Photo: FreeProd33/Shutterstock
Merlot originally comes from Bordeaux, and was first mentioned by name in 1784, according to Napa Magazine. The grape became popular over time as one that can add a silkiness to red blends, with full-bodied dark and red fruit flavors like plum, blackberry, strawberry, and raspberry. Merlot made it to the United States with other French grapes and winemaking styles. California slowly, and then very quickly, became the country’s premier grape growing and wine making region in the mid 1800s. Merlot plantings, however, remained limited over the following century until a brief spike in popularity.
According to Guild Somm, merlot plantings in California went from between 2,000 and 4,000 acres in the 1980s to nearly 50,000 acres in 2000. Merlot at that point was popular at restaurants and bars as a by the glass offering, and there were a few premium producers putting out varietal merlot wines. A 60 Minutes segment in 1991 on “The French Paradox” popularized the idea that red wine could be healthy and also provided a boost to sales of red wine — merlot included.
Merlot hit its roughest years in the US in the mid-2000s. Many blame this in part on the movie Sideways. The lead character Miles, played by Paul Giamatti, is a wine snob who at one point emphatically exclaims, “If anyone orders merlot, I’m leaving. I am not drinking any fucking merlot!”
According to Napa Magazine, the merlot market lost $400 million over the next decade and California acreage decreased by 10 percent by 2010.
Photo: Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock
“No one will really know, but it would be too simplistic to say the movie Sideways killed merlot,” Lowell says.
He adds that “the movie didn’t crash it, the poor quality of merlot crashed it, and that’s probably why it was easy for the writers of that movie to choose merlot because they knew it was on its downward trajectory already.”
These days, merlot is the third most planted grape in Napa after cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. It amounts to only nine percent of the vineyards.
Cabernet commands a higher price, so it’s only reasonable for growers to focus on what will give them the best return on their expensive land. Plus, a lot of the cabernet from Napa is undeniably some of the best in the world.
“Napa is a little different than the wine industry as a whole just because the cost of land,” Lowell says. “It’s a pretty limited space where we can’t just plant new vineyards anymore.”
Wineries like Sullivan Rutherford Estate that have dedicated prime land to merlot, however, are making varietal merlot that can easily compete with the joys of a Napa cab.
Best places to drink merlot wine in Napa
Photo: The Image Party/Shutterstock
Anyone who wants to experience the full flavors of Napa on their next trip would be remiss not to seek out some of the best varietal merlots in the region.
Sullivan Rutherford Estate: Tastings are available by appointment seven days a week. The Founder’s Reserve Tasting includes samples of the winery’s most esteemed merlots and cabernet sauvignons.
Where: 1090 Galleron Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573
Cakebread Cellars: This sustainability minded winery makes a merlot primarily using grapes grown in the cooler southeastern portion of Napa. Open daily with tastings by appointment only.
Where: 8300 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573
Duckhorn Vineyards: This historic vineyard has made merlot since it started in 1976. The Napa Valley Merlot from its Three Palms Vineyard is a standout. Open daily with tastings by appointment only.
Where: 1000 Lodi Ln St. Helena, CA 94574
Clos Du Val: While better known for its cabernet, Clos Du Val makes an affordable estate Merlot that shouldn’t be missed. Open daily with guided tastings by reservation and a patio for sipping and unguided tastings.
Where: 5330 Silverado Trail Napa, CA 94558
Slovenia Is Europe’s Fine Dining Destination You’d Never Expect
In culinary scenes around the world, “local” is a narrowing word. It shrinks the ingredient list from a national to regional level, and usually defines specialized dishes that conform to a similar flavor profile. In Slovenia, “local” means something completely different. Rather than denoting exclusivity, the word represents the inclusive and diverse nature of the country’s culinary options.
“In Slovenia, we’re very lucky with our ingredients,” says Jorg Zupan, chef and owner at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Atelje in Ljubljana, “because we have the coastline, we have the north, mountains, forests, foraging. It’s just three hours from one side of the country to the other, so that means everything is local. You never have to travel far for fresh ingredients of all kinds.”
Bordering Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary, Slovenia is a melting pot of culinary influences, as well as diverse climates for food growth – from the warm Mediterranean coastline to the cooler alpine north. Given this unique blend of ecosystems and the availability of fresh ingredients, it’s no surprise that Slovenia’s culinary scene has been on the rise.
Photo by: Eden Diskin
You might expect Slovenia’s neighbor, Italy, to be replete with fine dining establishments, but Slovenia is punching far above its weight when it comes to fine dining. The Michelin guide visited Slovenia for the first time in 2020, and recognized over 50 restaurants for their quality – some of them even receiving stars. For a country of just two million people, and smaller than New Jersey, that’s pretty impressive.
You can visit Slovenia for Lake Bled, the ski slopes, and its ancient castles, but here’s why you’ll stay for its surprisingly robust fine dining scene.
A friendly rivalryIf you could sum up Slovenia’s culinary culture in two restaurants, it’d be Hisa Franko and Hisa Polonka, both located in the northwestern town of Kobarid. Hisa Franko is perhaps Slovenia’s most famous eatery. A two Michelin-starred restaurant owned by Ana Ros, Hisa Franko is largely responsible for putting Slovenia on the culinary map.
Ana Ros, the restaurant’s owner, and chef, was named the World’s Best Female Chef in 2017 and has since become Slovenia’s most famous chef. Her reputation was even cemented when the Michelin Guide awarded her restaurant, Hisa Franko, two Michelin stars – the most of any restaurant in the country.
Ros is completely self-taught and crafts her menu with help entirely from regional partners. She works with local foragers, shepherds, cheese makers, hunters, and fishermen to source deer, goats, fruits, trout, and wild plants, all of which feature heavily in Hisa Franko’s dishes. As a result, the food here is truly a reflection of the Soca Valley, where the restaurant is located. A tasting menu here will set you back at least $200, but there’s nowhere better for an elevated take on Slovenian cuisine.
Just a five-minute drive will bring you to Hisa Polonka, in the heart of Kobarid. When Zupan says, “The traditional Slovenian cuisine is more peasant-like. A lot of starchy foods… but mostly grains, vegetables,” he could almost be talking directly about Hisa Polonka. Owned by Ana Ros’ ex-husband, Valter Kramar, the restaurant specializes in more affordable fare, in the form of time-honored family recipes. In this rustic centuries-old cottage, with the warmth of your grandmother’s house, you’ll indulge in dishes that are as nostalgic for Kramar as they will soon be for you. Make sure to try the English roast beef, Kobarid štruklji (baked pastry rolls filled with apple, walnuts, and other ingredients), and shepherd’s frico (an Italian potato pie). The restaurant is particularly popular with hikers, cyclists, and skiers, who flock to the region for its mountainous landscape.
Hisa Polonka’s restaurant
The magic of MichelinThe Michelin Guide is the gold standard of the restaurant industry and played a major role in raising awareness of Slovenia’s excellent food scene. Michelin’s recent visit recognized over 50 restaurants in its guide, many of which might never have otherwise gained the notoriety they deserved. “The culinary scene has just started to evolve over the past 10 years,” Zupan says. “The first step was organizing the Michelin guide visit.”
Indeed, the guide awarded Zupan’s Restaurant Atelje one Michelin star, cementing its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Ljubljana. If you’re in the capital and only have time for one fine dining experience, make it Restaurant Atelje. Lacking the pretentiousness of some other Michelin-starred eateries, you won’t find white tablecloths, robotic servers, or intimidatingly polished decor here.
This simple yet refined restaurant manages to serve up some seriously delectable cuisine, while also putting you right at ease. Its food is inspired by the seasons, with 90 percent of products made in-house; they make their own yogurt, bake their own bread, preserve their own vegetables, and mature cheeses right there on the property. You won’t find a dinner menu online, as its offerings are constantly changing based on the availability of seasonal ingredients, but that’s exactly what keeps the dining experience here so fresh. You could visit three times in the same month and the tasting menu would likely be completely different.
If your journey through Slovenia takes you northwest to Maribor, the country’s second-largest city, a visit to Mak Restaurant should be on the docket. The recipient of a Michelin plate, rather than a star, Mak is nonetheless one of the most talked-about restaurants in Slovenia, largely thanks to its chef and owner David Vračko.
The eccentricity of the Mak Restaurant experience became immediately apparent within the first five seconds. Vračko greeted us at the door, asked us to open our mouths, and sprayed schnapps into our mouths using what looked like a bottle of hand sanitizer. The tone now set, we enjoyed an eight-course meal that felt more like a performance than a dinner, complete with background music ranging from classical to hard rock, a four-foot-long pepper shaker, and a wisecracking chef who appeared between courses to entertain the diners. During the first dessert course, he emerged with a tub of ice cream and a boom box, and proceeded to blast The Piña Colada Song while scooping pina colada ice cream into our hands (yes, our hands). Spend some time in Maribor and you’ll quickly realize that Vračko is a local legend – and it’s easy to see why.
Indulge your sweet toothNowhere is Slovenia’s love of the outdoors and food better exemplified than the Teta Frida (or Aunt Frida) chocolate shop and factory in Maribor. Just outside the city, you’ll find the headquarters of this Slovenian chocolate brand, which rivals the best chocolates in Belgium, specializing in handcrafted chocolates using sustainably-sourced cocoa from western Africa. In addition to simply visiting the shop here and leaving with a suitcase full of chocolate souvenirs – Teta Frida specializes in praline cakes – you can sign up for a chocolate-making class. Classes teach you all about chocolate production, and you’ll even be able to grind your own cocoa beans, decorate your chocolate bars with dried fruits, hazelnut, cardamom, ginger, and other spices, and of course, indulge until you’re too queasy to drive home.
Photo: Visionsi/Shutterstock
The best part about Teta Frida, however, is that you don’t have to drive home. Right on site, there’s a glamping complex called Chocolate Village by the River, which feels a bit like stepping into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Each cabin here has chocolate toothpaste, chocolate soap, and chocolate shampoo, and the village’s glampsites – some of which are treehouses – are named after different kinds of cocoa.
Slovenia didn’t exactly invent chocolate, however. One dessert you really can’t get anywhere else is potica, a rolled pastry with a variety of sweet fillings, and the closest thing Slovenia has to a national dessert. Traditionally eaten on festive occasions, in the form of a large cake, potica can be filled with hazelnut, plum, chocolate, poppy, and more. One woman in Ljubljana, however, is truly revolutionizing the potica game. Janja Strumbelj, the owner of the lePotica shop, started crafting mini poticas so people could more easily sample a variety of flavors. This seemingly simple innovation has made the dessert more accessible to visitors, who no longer need to buy a whole cake to enjoy this traditional treat.
Where to go wine tasting in SloveniaWhen a country right next to Italy (that isn’t France) claims to have a world-class wine scene, you might scratch your head and view the claim with skepticism. Slovenia’s wine culture is no delusion of grandeur, however. The country has a long wine tradition dating back before the Ancient Romans and is even home to the oldest grapevine in the world in Maribor – clocking in at around 400 years old.
Photo: Roman Babakin/Shutterstock
Slovenia has three distinct wine regions – the Primorska region in the southwest near the Mediterranean coast, the Posavska region in the southeast, and Podravska in the northeast by the Austro-Hungarian border. My journey took me to Podravska, whose rolling green hills and mountainous backdrops are reminiscent of Tuscany. The hills here – many with a view over the border into Austria – are covered in vineyards and punctuated by winery farmhouses, where you can even spend the night.
Opok27 is one of the newest wineries in the Posavska region, owned and operated by Katja and Gregor Leber-Vračko. The young couple’s passion for both wine and hospitality is immediately evident, with a wide selection of wines, a restaurant serving fresh seasonal food, guest rooms for rent, and a patio overlooking the vineyards. It’s easy to hop between the region’s vineyards sampling local wines – particularly Slovenia’s famous orange wine – staying the night at different properties, and indulging in fresh cuisine. It’s the perfect affordable alternative to a wine weekend in Italy and France, and you won’t be sacrificing any taste or beauty.
The best way to experience Slovenian wine, especially if you only have a day, is by taking Big Guy’s Wine Tours. The “Big Guy” in question, Jernej Lubej, stands tall at over 6’4”, though neither his presence nor his vast knowledge of wine is intimidating. He offers personalized wine tours designed to fit the needs and interests of guests, including tastings at a variety of vineyards and cellars in Maribor and the surrounding countryside. As a complete wine novice myself, I’m always a bit nervous about exposing my ignorance during wine tastings. Lubej quickly and unpretentiously put me at ease, however, by recommending the best wine to pair with a helping of Chicken McNuggets.
Whether it’s wine tasting in a countryside vineyard, Michelin-caliber dining in Ljubljana, or bathing with chocolate soap, Zupan’s prediction rings true. “There’s a bright culinary future ahead,” he says. “I certainly see Slovenia as a food destination, not just in the future, but now.”
Salty Silkworm Pupae Are the One Street Food You Shouldn’t Miss in South Korea
Every cuisine has its secrets — ingredients that don’t get exported, offerings that live off-menu, street foods that visitors haven’t heard of until they arrive in a new country. In recent years, South Korean cuisine has enjoyed a boom in popularity, but while you probably know your bibimbap from your bulgogi by now, it’s likely you’ve never heard of, let alone tried, beondegi – especially if you hail from a Western country.
Beondegi are silkworm pupae, and bugs simply aren’t a part of mainstream cuisine in Europe and North America. But even among Koreans, beondegi have, at best, a mixed reputation. Some people love them. Others hate them. Chef and writer Seoyoung Jung tried them when she was seven. “I threw up and cried,” she tells Matador Network. “After that, I can’t eat it.”
In a video about beondegi, YouTuber Angela Minji Kim’s Korean grandpa spits his out when he tries it. Her dad, though, is into them. (The writer’s Korean dog, offered beondegi, flatly turned it down).
How to find beondegi in South Korea
Photo: Amankgupta/Shutterstock
In Korea, you’ll smell beondegi before you see them. The aroma is nutty, shrimp-like, a bit like canned corn. The most reliable place to find beondegi is at traditional markets, where vendors steam or boil them in large pots over open flames. They look like tiny deflated footballs. Cooked beondegi have a firm, chewy texture with maybe just a bit of crunch. They’re earthy and savory, and they release a squirt of warm, briny juice when you bite into them.
To try some, simply point and say, “Beondegi juseyo” (“Beondegi, please”), and the vendor will scoop a spoonful into a paper cup and jab them with a toothpick, which functions as your utensil — a standard method for serving Korean street food.
If plain beondegi doesn’t sound appealing, you can try the pupae in beondegi-tang, a soup that’s flavored with soy sauce, garlic, chilies, green onions, and red pepper powder. It’s most often sold as an anju, or drinking snack, at old-style pubs called hopeu. To order, just push the call button attached to your table, and when a server arrives, tell them “Beondegi-tang juseyo.”
If you can’t make it to South Korea but still want to try beondegi, a third option is the canned beondegi sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, including at H-Mart and many Asian grocery stores in the United States. The most common brand is Yudong, which makes both canned beondegi and beondegi-tang, the latter of which comes in either a soybean paste broth or hot pepper broth. Like almost everything else, however, beondegi is better fresh.
The history of beondegiKoreans have practiced sericulture, breeding silkworms for the purpose of producing silk, for 4,000 years, so you might think that eating silkworm pupae, which are left over after farmers extract the silk from cocoons, dates back just as far. In fact, they’re a relatively recent addition to the Korean diet.
According to Youngha Joo, a professor at the Academy of Korean Studies, while people in silk farming villages ate beondegi at least as far back as the 1920s, they weren’t consumed widely until after the Korean War, when the government heavily promoted the silk industry, and the countless resulting pupae presented a partial remedy to widespread poverty.
“Beondegi was a source of protein in the 1960s and ‘70s,” Joo says.
As the negative environmental impacts of raising livestock become ever more apparent and the need to feed a growing population more pressing, protein-rich beondegi and other insects are increasingly talked about as a potential fix. In 2013, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization released a major report on just this subject, noting that at least 2 billion people already eat insects as part of their regular diet.
One chef taking the idea seriously is Joseph Yoon, the Korean-American founder of Brooklyn Bugs, which promotes edible insects as a sustainable source of protein.
“I feel there’s a lot more awareness and appreciation for ancient knowledge, a return to what we’ve done that has worked,” he says. “And so we’re starting to see more and more people turning to older knowledge, including the idea of eating insects — because we’ve eaten insects since the beginning of time.”
Yoon, who likens beondegi’s taste to that of Corn Nuts, fries them with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes and also uses them to replace beef in japchae, a common dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables.
If you can’t make this snack yourself, though, here are all the best places to try beondegi in South Korea.
Where to eat beondegi in South Korea
Photo: mujijoa79/Shutterstock
Seoul
Gwangjang Market – Korea’s first permanent market, Gwangjang is famous for its street food, so in addition to beondegi, you’ll find tteokbokki, sundae (blood sausage), noodles, and lots more. The market’s signature dish is bindaetteok, crispy, savory mung bean pancakes, which pair well with makgeolli, a milky, unrefined rice wine.
Where: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Euljiro Nogari Alley – In the middle of the industrial and increasingly trendy Euljiro neighborhood is this collection of small bars that spill onto the surrounding alleys in warm weather, creating a block-party-like atmosphere. Though the area is named after the anju nogari (dried pollack), many of the bars also serve beondegi-tang.
Where: 129 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Busan
Pojangmacha Town – Right next to Korea’s most popular beach, this collection of pojangmacha, or street food tents, might just have the country’s best location for informal alfresco dining. In addition to beondegi, there are plenty of seafood-based offerings, like snails and mussels.
Where: 236 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Jeonju
Anhaeng Gwangjang – Anhaeng Gwangjang is a gamaek, a type of small corner store or kiosk that also serves beer and food (the term is a portmanteau of the Korean words for “store” and “beer”). Gamaek are unique to Jeonju, which is hands-down the country’s best city for food. Pop open a cold lager, order some beondegi-tang, and, when you’re done, stroll through Jeonju’s famed Hanok Village.
Where: 42 Anhaeng-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju
Incheon
Soraepo-gu Seafood Market – This wet market is a good introduction to Incheon, a slightly gritty port city where much of life is still connected to the sea. You can pick up a cup of beondegi to snack on while checking out the shrimp, crabs, and squid for sale, or even purchase a large sack of the pupae to take home with you.
Where: 12 Soraeyeok-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon
The Best Kansas City Airbnbs To Experience the City’s Barbecue, Beer, and Fountains
Kansas City is known for its jazz heritage and barbecue — which combined make for an undoubtedly a mighty good time. Explore Kansas City and let this large Missouri city draw you in through its distinct and historical neighborhoods, vibrant fountain district, and rich cultural history. Here are the best Airbnb Kansas City properties — many within a theoretical stone’s throw of the legendary Boulevard Brewing Company brewhouse. No matter where you stay, don’t forget to check out the city’s bomb barbecue.
We hope you love the Airbnb Kansas City stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Eclectic Kansas City home five minutes from downtown
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Spice up your trip with this eclectic KC house. This decorated boho house has colorful wall and ceiling treatments and other themed decors. The home has an emerald green-themed kitchen, a bright living room, and bedrooms. There is a patio with outdoor furniture and a front deck with seating. The home is just around the corner from eating and drinking spots and five minutes from downtown Kansas City.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $140 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Experience this newly renovated Airbnb Kansas City, MO home completed in 2021. This sleek and contemporary property has a beautiful chef’s-style kitchen, a spacious living room, and a back patio with a glass roll-up garage door. The house is close to the Trolly Trail, Brookside, Plaza, and numerous restaurants.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $182 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Come out with the family or friends to the modern home two miles out from Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums and close to downtown and the Power and Light District. Fully renovated in 2022, the house has all-new modern finishes. There is a spacious living room and dining area, a spacious kitchen and an entire game room, a massive backyard with a gas grill, and plenty of room for the kids to run around.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $151 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This Airbnb Kansas City home features everything you need for your vacation. The swanky home has a spacious living room, kitchen with cooking essentials, a fully stocked bathroom, and a backyard retreat with a fire pit, outdoor dining area, and yard games. The home is right in the middle of everything and just ten minutes away from downtown KC and other top attractions.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $133 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Nestled outside of KC’s heart is this Airbnb home. This modern cottage is the perfect home base for guests to come to unwind and relax on their trip. The house has two living areas on the ground floor, a fully equipped kitchen with a gas stove, breakfast nook, and outdoor space.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $164 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This Airbnb Kansas City, MO home is in the Westport neighborhood, two blocks from Country Club Plaza. The stylish home has a full living room with a sofa bed and a fully equipped kitchen with a breakfast nook. The house is near many shops, bars, and restaurants and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is nearby.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Centrally located in Prairie Village of Kansas City is this bohemian-styled Kansas City Airbnb. This bohemian-styled guesthouse has its private entrance and has an open floor plan with a full kitchen and living room. This guesthouse does have a backyard area to sit out and relax after a long day of exploring the city.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $79 per night
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Photo: Airbnb
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Photo: Airbnb
This quaint guest suite is the perfect home base for solo travelers and couples. This guest suite features a private entrance, bedroom area, kitchenette, a full bathroom, and a laundry room if needed. There is a small backyard area with a fire pit and a BBQ grill.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $72 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Check out this colorful Kansas City Airbnb just minutes away from Downtown, Midtown, Westport, and Plaza. This home is a piece of Kansas City history and features a parlor room, living room, dining room, and kitchen on the main floor and sleeping areas on the second floor. There are many outside relaxing areas like the large front porch, back deck, and a lower patio.
Eight guests, five bedrooms
Price: $175 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy this main street bungalow in Waldo. This newly renovated cottage has new hardwood floors, a vaulted ceiling, and modern amenities. The home has a living room with a fireplace, a private dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen. The home is near everything like The Well, Social, District Pour House + Kitchen, Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, Bier station, etc.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $102 per night
Common Mistakes That Are Costing You Money on Your Trip To Europe
It can be easy to get so wrapped up in the eager anticipation of a Eurotrip and pretty important considerations can easily be overlooked. All things considered, Europe is pretty accessible for US travelers. But if you’re not careful, you might end up shelling out more money than you intended, and spending your last few days penny-pinching (or Euro-pinching) instead of enjoying that long-awaited cappuccino on the Piazza di Spagna. We spoke to experts in European travel for advice on how traveling Europe on a budget can be done.
There are a myriad of common mistakes most travelers make during a trip to Europe, from not understanding the local tipping culture to sinking all their money into car rentals and mishandling their phone plans. These common financial faux pas are easily avoided, here’s what the experts advise.
Quotes have been edited for length and clarity.
Exchanging currency at home“I do not recommend buying Euros in the US before departing for Europe,” says Annie Erling Gofus, a travel consultant who specializes in Central and Eastern Europe. “The same goes for the currency exchange booths that you’ll find in the airport — skip those. Travelers will get the best exchange rate if they wait to withdraw Euros from a local ATM.”
Not getting a local SIM card“Every major US mobile carrier now has special international plans that make using your cell phone abroad super easy,” according to Gofus. “Unfortunately, these international plans can get expensive, especially for trips longer than 10 days, and in my experience, the data never works properly…Instead, I recommend unlocking your phone and buying a local SIM card upon arrival. This process usually takes less than 15 minutes and will cost less than $50.”
This recommendation is echoed by Patricia Palacios, co-founder of España Guide.
“Even though most US providers offer some type of roaming package for international travel,” she says. “The truth is that if you are going to spend more than a few days in Europe, it won’t be cheap. Verizon, for example, charges $10 a day for internet usage. Getting a local SIM card can be so much cheaper! Moreover, getting a prepaid SIM card in Europe is very easy. In most places, you can even get a SIM card directly at the airport. In the Netherlands, for example, you can get 8GB and unlimited international calls for around $20 (or 15 GB for around $30) with Lebara. And you can use that SIM card all over the EU, not just in the Netherlands. Those prices are similar to the ones found all over Europe. This means that you can have internet in your phone for the whole trip for the price of two or three days of roaming with Verizon!”
Purchasing Eurail passes“European rail passes sold to American passengers rarely save money,” says Matthew Bowley, marketing manager for Solmar Villas, a European resort rental company. “Unless you spend most of your travel days on long-distance high-speed trains, purchasing a rail pass is likely to be a waste. For instance, on a recent vacation to Paris, Munich, and Venice, I took two train excursions, one high-speed (TGV and ICE) from Paris to Munich and one Intercity train from Munich to Venice. The first ticket purchased directly through the official train websites roughly two weeks before the journey cost $81, while the second trip cost only $75. These two travels took me to various places for only $157 in first-class fares. These would not have been more affordable with a rail pass.”
Splurging unnecessarily on hotelsAccording to Shawn Richards, expedition co-ordinator at Ultimate Kilimanjaro, “One of the biggest mistakes you are probably making on your Eurotrip is spending money on hotels. While they do come with a sense of escape and comfort, Europe is home to some of the most beautiful house rental getaways that you can imagine, and they typically come at a fraction of the cost of a hotel. Not only will you save money on the actual stay, but they typically come with their own kitchen, meaning you won’t have to rely on spending every meal at a restaurant.”
Richards does acknowledge that we all like to treat ourselves on a holiday from time to time, but that “being able to save for some of the meals will definitely be a blessing that you didn’t realize you needed.”
Spending too much on Ubers and taxis“Most European cities have great public transport networks that are super easy to navigate, affordable and convenient,” Palacios says. “A lot of times there is no need to take a taxi or Uber, because public transportation is as fast and cheaper. I also think that using public transport is a great experience to have in any city. You will see a different part of the city — away from monuments and landmarks, but such an integral part of everyday life for locals.”
She goes on to suggest, “You can also save money by foregoing planes for trains or buses, even from one country to another. For example, did you know that you can travel from Paris to Amsterdam by train in just over two hours? Or from Munich to Vienna in under four hours?”
Tipping too much“Although tipping is customary and appreciated in Europe, tips here are seen differently than in the US” says Palacios. “Waiters and kitchen staff don’t depend so much on them. Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to get people to stop tipping, but the standard 18-20 percent US tipping is generally too much in Europe. In some places, 10 percent is a good tip while in others just rounding up one or two euros might be enough. Checking locally with the front desk of your hotel is always a good idea.”
Not booking attractions directly“When it comes to Europe, many travelers are unknowingly spending more money than necessary on popular attractions,” says Karen Rosenblum, founder of Spain Less Traveled, a boutique travel consultancy service. “Why? Mistakenly buying advanced entries and time slots from resellers and third parties. For example, if you were to Google “Alhambra tickets” most of the first results that come up are ads for third-party retailers. Sometimes these websites look very official, making travelers believe that they are buying directly from the source. But they aren’t, and these websites are adding additional fees to the cost of the tickets. Always ensure you are buying your attraction tickets from the official website, or even better, work with a travel advisor who will take care of this for you.”
Paying too much for a car rental“A lot of people have a dream of doing a multi-country road trip, renting a car in one country and dropping it off in another,” says Charles Neville, marketing director at JayWay Travel, a custom European tour operator. “The problem with a lot of car rental comparison sites is they leave out the one-way fees, so your bargain (ok, not so bargain in 2022, with rental prices sky-high) car rental ends up costing you approximately one dollar per km for the distance between pickup and dropoff. Unless you rent and drop-off in the same country, expect a very high return fee. We advise moving between countries by public transport or private transfer, then renting within the country for the few days you need a rental.”
April 26, 2022
Watch: Travel Photographer Exposes the Instagram Vs Reality of Popular European Destinations
If you’re a frequent traveler and use Instagram, you’ve probably marveled at some amazing shots and even added a destination or two on your bucket list based on a great photo or exciting reel — 60 percent of Gen Z-ers and 40 percent of millennials use social media for travel purposes, according to a report by the travel company Arrivia. But like other content on Instagram, when it comes to those incredible moments, not everything is as it seems.
Markus Romischer, a 29-year-old travel filmmaker, decided to shed some light on some of the places he’s traveled to in a series called “Insta vs. Reality,” where he’s made over a dozen videos on his TikTok page about what it’s like when he reaches some of those Instagrammable destinations to shoot.
@roemer_productions Expectations vs. reality#instagramvsreality #instavsreality #realitycheck #travellife #expectationvreality ♬ original sound – Roemer Productions
The truth is tourist attractions will always be crowded. And if a “hidden gem” has made it to your For You page, it’s probably not so hidden anymore. We’re not here to bash every spot you’ve set your sights on. In some cases, it might be worth it to travel far to see some of the sights you already had bookmarked. However, you might want to add some roads less traveled to make sure you’re getting a whole experience.
Instead of trying to make your way to the Swiss giant swing or coaster, a great way to see all that Switzerland has to offer is by train. The ride stops at a number of little towns with lovely views of the country’s mountains and waters that are sure to make for a great photo-op. Or try a road trip to Switzerland’s 12 UNESCO-listed sites.
When visiting Italy, there are so many intriguing day trips away from bigger crowds in Rome and Tuscany. The Tuscia region in central Italy has impressive views, stunning historical architecture, and tasty cuisine. The towns are much less crowded and yet offer an incredible Italian experience.
When you finally decide to upload your vacation photos, you can choose whether or not to be stingy with the details. Hopefully, your “Instagram versus Reality” photos won’t require nearly as much Photoshop.
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