Matador Network's Blog, page 628
June 25, 2021
5 ways to see Old Hawaii on Molokai
We all have different feelings about traveling right now. When you’re ready, we hope you feel safe, inspired, and excited to join us on the Island of Molokai. Read more about current safety protocols.The island of Molokai is still wild. Still rugged, untamed, undeveloped. Here, you find two-lane roads free of traffic lights, frill-free and unfussy accommodations, locally run restaurants and bars, and a culture enriched by a close-knit community — fewer than 8,000 Hawaiians call this place home.
Because it’s so far off the tourist radar, the island lacks what outsiders typically bring with them: a sense of urgency. Locals like to take their chill attitude to the extreme, which makes visiting Molokai unlike any other Hawaiian island experience. Stepping foot here is like stepping back in time, a time more reminiscent of “Old Hawaii,” one where creating moments and memories takes priority over everything else. Below are six ways to do just that.
1. Hunting for bread down a dark alley
Photo: Dana Edmunds/Hawaii Tourism Authority
If you mention to someone in the know that you’re visiting Molokai, you’ll inevitably be told about this famous nighttime, dark-alley bread hunt. Regardless of your relationship with carbs, listen up. This quest is a Molokai tradition.
The 80-year-old Kanemitsu Bakery is in the central town of Kaunakakai, with its back door — out of which the hot bread comes flying — located down a back alley. Don’t picture it like a crime novel — it tends to get crowded around 8pm when the bakery begins taking orders, so you’re in good, bread-loving company. You’ll hear the commotion and know you’re in the right place.
Kanemitsu’s famous hot breads are heaped with butter, strawberry, blueberry, cinnamon, cream cheese, or the latest seasonal, local flavor, and they come out large and piping hot. Pro tip: Get a combo, and don’t be afraid to ask the locals for their suggestions!
2. Attending a Friday night jam session — by elders
Photo: Dana Edmunds/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Whenever and however you visit Molokai, it’s important to both respect and engage in local traditions. So after your hot bread quest on Friday night, follow it up with a kanikapila (jam season) at Paddlers Restaurant and Bar. Sit back and experience an evening with the resident elders, affectionately known as aunties and uncles — monikers that come from knowing that whether or not you’re related by blood, you’re related by community.
These local legends arrive at Paddlers with their songbooks and instrument cases, and they play what they feel, typically showcasing the music of “Old Hawaii,” telling tales of the island’s colorful past, and sharing their own stories of Molokai. Spend an evening singing along and chatting with the aunties and uncles, and you’ll be forever welcomed to the island.
3. Stringing your own plumeria lei
Photo: Dana Edmunds/Hawaii Tourism Authority
The plumeria is Hawaii’s aloha flower, and just a few miles west of Kaunakakai is a massive orchard filled with gorgeous yellow (sometimes pink) plumerias enjoying the year-round sunshine. The scent alone is worth the visit — and the selfies, let’s be honest — but learning about the history of the lei and why it’s such an important island symbol makes a visit to Molokai Plumerias a long-lasting memory. Getting lost in 10 acres of flowers isn’t a bad afternoon, either.
You can purchase leis here, and even ship some home to your loved ones. But don’t miss the opportunity to learn how to string your own lei — how cool will it be to go home with your own little strand of Molokai? Call ahead and arrange a time for a plumeria-picking afternoon.
Fun fact: The plumeria scent is unique to each nose. You might find it sweet and a little spicy, while your travel partner registers it as jasmine-like.
4. Getting historied in Halawa Valley
Photo: Dana Edmunds/Hawaii Tourism Authority
For an immersive experience unlike any other on the island of Molokai, get to Halawa Valley — it’s the largest of six valleys strung along Molokai’s north coast and the only one accessible by road. The Solatorio family, longtime resident caretakers of the area, continues Halawa’s centuries-old tradition of taro farming. But they bring it into the present day with guided tours that provide access to their private lands, its cultural sites, the stunning 250-foot Mooula Falls, and, of course, all the history they know and have lived.
Spending the day with locals and hearing stories of their past — all while taking in the beautiful sites of the valley — is a Molokai experience that shouldn’t be overlooked. Private tours can be booked directly on the family’s website.
5. Climbing ancient sand dunes to scan for seals and turtles
Photo: Shutterstock/Reimar
Yes, Hawaiian beaches are always great — bar none. But when you get two miles of untouched dunes, wave-carved and wild, dotted with more coastal shrubs than people, you won’t forget it anytime soon.
Moomomi Preserve — home to dozens of rare and endangered plants, seabirds, and turtles — is one of Hawaii’s last intact sand dune ecosystems, a remnant of how the islands looked pre-development. Stop by the Nature Conservancy office before visiting to make sure you know what not to miss. Bonus if you’re able to plan in advance and register for one of their monthly guided hikes (they’re limited to eight people and always fill up fast). They’ll take you along the lithified formations, help you spot wildlife, and give you some one-on-one time with Mother Nature.
When you get here, prepare for the amenities list to be nonexistent. It’s just you, the ocean’s salty breezes, Hawaiian monk seals, and sandy views for days. The way Molokai is meant to be. 
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June 24, 2021
YouTube treasure hunter is the first to dive the San Antonio River Walk. Here’s what he found.
After over seven months of trying to dive for treasure in the San Antonio River Walk, the city of San Antonio finally made the mission a reality for YouTuber Brandon Jordan.
The star of the YouTube channel “Jiggin’ With Jordan,” Jordan has 2.77 million subscribers for his river treasure hunting videos.
In November 2020, Jordan tried to dive in the San Antonio River Walk but was stopped by police almost immediately after beginning his search.
To make his dream of diving in the San Antonio River Walk come true, Jordan teamed up with the city of San Antonio and received all the permits necessary for his diving session. The city even provided a barge for Jordan to place all the treasures he found while diving and surprised him with a hookup at a local hotel.
In the two videos, each about 20 minutes long, Jordan reveals his finds, including a Bird scooter, cell phones, folded chairs, and thousands of mardi-gras-type beads tangled up. He also found signs for COVID-19 guidelines and menus from the nearby shops and restaurants.
Jordan and his team also picked up trash along the way as is his habit when he dives into a river. A few crawfish ended up on the barge, but the crew returned them to their home in the river as they found them.
“No one has ever been granted permission to do this and after today, no one will have permission to ever do this again,” Jordan said in the video.
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This app is hiring 50 pizza lovers to travel and eat pizza for one year
While it’s no doubt that pizza styles vary in every state, the best slices come from independent shops across the country. A great way to know where the best pies are while you’re away from home is to use the Slice app that connects pizza lovers to local, independent pizzerias across the country.
Users of the Slice app can now sign up to be a part of the “P.I.E. Society” — Promotion of Independents Everywhere. One person from each of the 50 US states will become a state representative, responsible for trying as much pizza as they can every week and telling stories about the pizzerias they’ll visit.
Representatives will be paid in pizza, of course. Each person will receive a year’s supply of free pizza ($1,300 value) available from the over 16,000 locations on the Slice app, a $500 travel stipend to try new pizzerias in their state, a content creation kit to document all the pizza they’ll eat along the way, and lots of merch and gear from Slice. Friends and family will win too, as Slice is offering exclusive discounts and deals to your faves.
There are a few rules in order to be eligible. First, you have to be at least 21 and have been eating pizza for the last 10 years. Second, you have to be the ultimate pizza lover — all shapes, sizes, crusts, and willing to experiment with different toppings. Third, you must be passionate about supporting small businesses and content creation the way Slice is.
Applications open on June 24 and end on July 30, 2021. Applicants find out if they got the job on August 13.
The post This app is hiring 50 pizza lovers to travel and eat pizza for one year appeared first on Matador Network.
10 chic Airbnbs in Washington, DC, to see the best of nation’s capital in style
We hope you love the spaces and 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.
While you’re likely coming to The District (locals don’t call it “Washington,” that’s reserved for “that other Washington”) to visit one of the 19 free Smithsonian Institution museums or to whisper a secret to Honest Abe, you’re also sure to enjoy the Michelin-level dining and the nightlife. Below are 10 Washington, DC Airbnbs each with their own vibe, style, and level of luxury for you to take advantage of everything DChas to offer in just a short walk or a quick train ride.
1. Capitol Hill suite with views of Supreme Court, Library of CongressPhoto: Airbnb
Best for: Solo travelers, remote workers, couples
Capitol Hill is the oldest neighborhood in Washington, DC. The Capitol itself was the first government building to be constructed in the city (The White House was the second) and so it’s only natural that buildings would spring up around it. The Supreme Court is just outside of your window at this studio suite. Framed pictures of founders line the interior walls and really enhance the historical vibe. The cozy space provides a place to unwind and the modern kitchen gives you the option to cook if the many nearby restaurants don’t fit your needs. “The Hill” is DC’s largest and most diverse neighborhood, comprising million-dollar townhomes, five-star restaurants, dive bars, and everything in between.
Closest Metro: Capitol South (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines)
Two guests, studio
Price: $96 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Couples, small groups
This downtown Washington, DC Airbnb is within walking distance to every museum and national monument including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the underrated star of the Mall: the FDR Memorial. There’s a king-sized bed and a queen-sized bed, and limestone countertops in the kitchen. The unit has a washer and dryer, daily linen service, and television with free HBO, but the real perk is that this is the closest you can get to the White House without being escorted off the premises for trespassing.
Closest Metro Stop: Farragut West (Blue Line)
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $285 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, remote workers
This modern apartment has a fully remodeled kitchen. Brightly lit, clean, and spacious, it’s perfect for remote workers looking for a bit of a slower pace in the city or for couples who want to be in one of the more expensive neighborhoods but remain within walking or biking distance of the action. The beautiful apartment is near the starting point for a secluded biking and hiking trail that goes all the way to Pittsburgh (if you’re feeling adventurous).
Closest Metro: Dupont Circle (Red Line). Since there is no Metro stop in Georgetown, we recommend either taking a free Circulator bus from K Street or renting a Capital Bikeshare and pedaling from Dupont.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $133 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Long-term stays
Union Market comprises a number of smaller sub-neighborhoods, including Swampoodle, a name derived as a portmanteau of swamp and puddle, used by an 1850s reporter to describe conditions in the burgeoning area. The floor-to-ceiling windows of this penthouse apartment look out over a quiet street in Northeast DC. The newly renovated condo has private everything: bedroom, living area, kitchen, bathroom, and even an entrance through a majestic garden. There’s even a fold-out couch for jealous friends. And if you’re a sucker for spiral staircases, you’re doubly in luck.
Closest Metro: NoMa-Gallaudet U (Red Line)
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $156 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Small groups, foodies
Near the convention center and just east of downtown, this immaculate loft showcases the city’s flair for the creative. It’s walkable to dining options and the sights of downtown and it’s just a quick train ride to Capitol Hill, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian museums. Though with the decor of this place, we suggest allocating some time for an art tour on-premises.
Closest Metro: Mt. Vernon Square, 7th St. Convention Center (Yellow Line)
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $429 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Baseball fans, political buffs
Navy Yard is, like NoMa, is one of DC’s newest neighborhoods. Because of the proximity to the Capitol, many politicians rent apartments in Navy Yard, thereby providing the likeliest opportunities to hobnob with those who work in Congress. This unit is among the more luxurious Washington, DC Airbnbs because the property has two gyms, a yoga studio, two pools, a concierge, and a full library on site, as well as a washer/dryer and a rooftop with spectacular views of the Capitol. Sure, there’s a king-sized bed and a full kitchen, too, but you were likely already sold on this place.
Closest Metro: Navy Yard — Ballpark (Green Line)
Four guests, studio
Price: $149 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: All-around sightseeing
This Mt. Pleasant apartment is within walking distance to both Rock Creek Park (perfect for hiking and picnicking) and the National Zoo. It has a localized HVAC system (rare for older buildings in the city), along with Wi-Fi, a smart TV, a washer/dryer, and a dishwasher. This central location in one of the best neighborhoods in the city is ideal for visitors who want to see everything in DC, even beyond Capitol Hill.
Closest Metro: Columbia Heights (Green Line)
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $99 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Large groups
This Langen home is palatial: seven beds, four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, all newly renovated. It has private parking with space enough for 10 cars. This is not typical of the city, so if being in the thick of nightlife isn’t appealing or if you’re a group of tourists or a large family, this is the spot. Chuck Brown Memorial Park is nearby, and if you’re lucky, you’re there on a day when go-go is blasting, the children are out playing, and the neighborhood feels like a community.
Closest Metro: Rhode Island Avenue (Red Line)
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $192 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: Students, tourists, remote workers, long-term stays, opera or live theater patrons
This apartment is ideal for longer stays. It’s a clean, comfortable place to call home while you visit your family or friends who are going to school at George Washington University, or if you yourself have business in the city that necessitates more than a few days here. And if you have neither, you’re walking distance of the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall, as well as historic Georgetown. The apartment itself is modern with a fancy black-and-white kitchen backsplash you’ll likely want for your own place. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample light and a tree-lined landscape to look over while sipping that morning coffee from the Keurig machine in the kitchen.
Closest Metro: Foggy Bottom (Blue and Orange lines)
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $125 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Best for: cost-conscious travelers, weekend warriors, the bar scene
The listing for this Washington, DC Airbnb praises the accommodation’s “quality mattress” and if that itself isn’t enough to sell you, the apartment building is described as “friendly.” There is a full kitchen (for when DC’s famed jumbo pizza slices have overstayed their welcome in the fridge), a comfortable living room, and a balcony overlooking Columbia Road. There’s Wi-Fi, of course, but no television, which shouldn’t be a problem considering the wealth of entertainment and dining options within walking distance.
Closest Metro: Woodley Park (Red Line) or Columbia Heights (Green and Yellow Lines)
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $65 per night
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Space Perspective balloon spaceship
International travel is a little complicated these days, given the ever-evolving border restrictions around the world, but there’s one destination where you can avoid all that — outer space. Startup Space Perspective is getting closer to launching its first tourist flight to the edge of space, and it’ll only set you back $125,000.
Photo: Space Perspective
In 2020, Space Perspective announced its new Spaceship Neptune — a 10,000-pound crew capsule surrounded by giant windows, with a minibar and bathroom, that hovers 19 miles over the Atlantic Ocean, right on the edge of space. The capsule, containing eight passengers and one pilot, would dangle from the end of a high-altitude balloon pumped with hydrogen gas.
Space Perspective announced on June 18 that it successfully completed its first test run of the capsule’s ascent into space. The test did not have any passengers, crew members, or the pilot on board. The plane took off from the Space Coast Spaceport in Florida, close to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
“This test flight of Neptune One kicks off our extensive test flight campaign, which will be extremely robust because we can perform tests without a pilot, making Spaceship Neptune an extremely safe way to go to space,” said co-CEO and founder Taber MacCallum in a press release.
Photo: Space Perspective/Facebook
Tourist flights on Neptune will last six hours, including two hours to ascend to 100,000 feet above our planet, two hours to take in the view, and another two hours for the descent back to Earth.
If you’re ready to book your eye-watering $125,000 ticket, reservations are open. Potential passengers can make a refundable deposit for one commercial flight starting in early 2024.
A version of this article was previously published on June 19, 2020, and was updated on June 24, 2021, with more information.
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With sandy coves and no big resorts, Puerto Escondido is the perfect Mexican beach town
If you’re looking for a beach town in Mexico that has genuine local charm and culture, great seafood, a variety of beaches, dolphins, baby turtles, great fishing, surfing, and a distinct lack of mega resorts and tourist kitsch, Puerto Escondido may be the place you’re after.
Actually, scratch that. It’s definitely the place you’re after.
Located in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the town of Puerto Escondido isn’t big — it has a population of about 45,000 residents — but it’s spread out, with several beaches stretched along its coastline. Its name means Hidden Port, and while nowadays the port may not feel so distinctly hidden, its tiny beach coves certainly do. The largest beach is at Zicatela, the main surfing spot and home to the famous Mexican Pipeline, while a host of smaller and more sheltered ones lie closer to the main town.
Puerto Escondido is pretty easy to explore. Taxis and colectivos (shared taxis) can get you anywhere for fairly cheap, and almost any place in town can be reached within 10 minutes. Also, unlike many beach towns in Mexico, Puerto Escondido has managed to dodge large hotel developments and all-inclusive multinational resorts. Most accommodations and restaurants are family-run. As a result, genuine Mexican culture thrives here and is around every corner.
Picture-perfect beaches
Photo: Shutterbug78/Shutterstock
When it comes to the perfect beach, it’s hard to go past Playa Carrizalillo, which is found on the north side of town. Instagrammable shining seashore and swaying palm trees? Check. An array of reasonably priced eateries? Yep. Soft waves for learning to surf (lessons available) and a safe swimming area? Done.
However, you do need to earn it. You have to tackle a lengthy, winding staircase to reach the thousand-foot-long beach — but it’s deserving of every twinging muscle there and back.
Once on the sand, you’ve got the ubiquitous umbrellas, along with thatched huts (palapas) where you can get all your food and drink by the waterfront. This is just as well because you don’t want to ascend again to seek sustenance. And as another bonus, the area is mercifully free of that destroyer of mellow beach vibes: errant, noisy jet skis with towed inflatables, accompanied by the dulcet tones of screaming passengers.
Slightly farther to the south is Playa Puerto Angelito. It’s a working beach with small fishing boats that frequently shuttle in and out, but there’s a roped off area for swimming. This is where the locals go, and prices are definitely cheaper for food and drink than elsewhere. It has a good vibe.
Take a stroll farther south, just over the rocky headland, and you’ll hit Playa Manzanillo. Another secluded cove, Playa Manzanillo is a larger beach with fewer boats, plenty of space to swim in calm water, and marine life to admire while snorkeling. You’re not going to see the full cast of Finding Nemo down there, but as a way to cool off in the water, it’s great.
El Mercado Benito JuárezMercado Benito Juárez is the main market and it’s a must-visit, whether you’re shopping for ingredients to cook, seeking a quick meal, or just want to browse the fresh local products available. It’s largely covered, located smack in the middle of town, open every day, and is a treat for the senses.
As soon as you stroll in, you’re welcomed by the bright colors of flowers and woven blankets, smells of fresh tortillas, coffee beans, a huge array of fruits, veggies, and often still-wriggling fish. You’ll also always find some sort of hanging offal, which will certainly add to your overall sensory experience. It’s probably far more exciting than your supermarket at home. While there, also be sure to check out the food court, as there’s a good variation of local dishes. Your taste buds will thank you and more than likely take you back again.
El Mercado Benito Juárez is a great spot to spend a couple of hours, but just a quick tip: Don’t take photos of the stall holders without asking. While they’re friendly and helpful, you need to ask for permission before you snap any photos.
Fishing trips for every budget
Photo: Photostock by Leonardo Em/Shutterstock
The deep water surrounding Puerto Escondido is home to an abundance of dolphins, manta rays, and turtles, which you can view on rented boats, as well as game fish. Yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi (also known as dorado or dolphin fish), mackerel, and snapper are the most common that are regularly caught on many of the fishing charter boats, and the fish are available in almost all restaurants and cantinas.
If you’re keen on a game fishing trip, there’s a whole range of boats to choose from. There are outfitters wearing spotless shirts who can take you out in a sleek boat alongside others that look like their boat has been re-floated a handful of times. Whatever you choose, be sure to negotiate an all-inclusive day fee. And no, you don’t get a discount if you bring your own life jacket.
Watch baby sea turtles take to the ocean for the first time
Photo: Belick Stock Box/Shutterstock
A large number of sea turtle eggs are buried under the sands, both close to town and on the surrounding beaches. The nests are monitored and specific hatcheries are shaded. More females are born as temperatures rise, so shading regulates the heat and ensures an even number of males.
A turtle conservation group looks after the recently hatched, and for 100 pesos you’re able to release a baby turtle and watch it plunge into the Pacific. Head to Playa Bacocho, a 10-minute taxi ride out of town, for a 5:00 PM start to see the turtles take their first sunset swim.
There are also a couple of beach clubs here where you can watch the sunset with a cerveza in hand. It’ll take your mind off of worrying about the safety of your newly adopted shelled newborn.
Zicatela Beach
Photo: Matthias Bachmaier/Shutterstock
If the previously mentioned beaches are all too quiet and relaxed for you, then Zicatela, the largest beach and Puerto’s headliner, may do the job.
Surfers come here from all over. In fact, it’s surfers who kickstarted tourism here — Zicatela has been on the surf map since the early ‘70s. It’s one of the few spots that breaks onto sand, as opposed to rocks or reef, delivering huge, rideable waves very close to shore. If you don’t surf, a great way to spend part of your day is to watch the action from the safety of the sand as thrill-seeker surfers catch, drop down massive walls of water, and then get blown out of giant liquid barrels. You should only paddle out here if you’re a very experienced surfer. Be aware, even when the waves aren’t huge, a powerful undertow is ever present.
And a quick tip: Early in the morning, you can watch a group of bodysurfers, mostly comprised of the local lifeguards, who swim into and ride the waves with their flippers.
One of the great personalities of Zicatela to look out for is Carmelo. He drives a red, classic VW Bug with flames down the side and picks up boards to repair that’ve been snapped by the powerful waves. And there can be quite a few every day during the prime surf season from late May to early October. He’s one of the few surfers on Earth who smiles when they see a broken board wash up or has one handed to him by a sad surfer.
Eat near Zicatela
Photo: Rafael Storch/Shutterstock
If you’re after a less life-threatening way to enjoy Zicatela, there’s no shortage of great restaurants and bars to watch the sun slip under the horizon. You can bar-hop for many nocturnal hours along this stretch.
Fun times can be found everywhere from People Beach Club to Revolution Beach, which serves excellent margaritas and bloody Mary’s. The Costa Hermosa, meanwhile, remains a perennial favorite. It’s family-run and offers a large and varied menu. This is the sort of place that’s the norm, rather than the exception, both in Zicatela and Puerto Escondido in general.
Staying up on the hill behind Zicatela Beach is a good option, too, as the hill catches more of a breeze than the beachfront hotels. The hillside accommodations offer great views and you’ll definitely get some exercise heading up there. That said, you may feel a little isolated, as it’s a bit of a walk to get anywhere else in town. It may also take a while for a collectivo to cruise by, as this area is off the main tourist path. Then again, that might be exactly what you’re looking for.
If you want to venture farther, a little outside of town you can do trips to swim with bioluminescent plankton, visit waterfalls, ride ATVs, or gallop on horses. And while these are all worthwhile and adventurous on a varying scale, the temptation to simply stroll from sand to market to seashore to restaurant to beach bars and thatched roof cantinas is as ever present as it is alluring.
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Tokyo Olympics bans alcohol at all event venues
Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics announced Wednesday that alcohol sales and BYOB would be banned at all Olympic venues. This announcement comes after organizers were contemplating allowing alcohol and faced a public outcry regarding alcohol sales.
Most Tokyo businesses and individuals need to comply with severe restrictions regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol during the pandemic. Allowing alcohol during the Olympics would’ve appeared to be a preferential treatment for this special event.
“Following experts’ advice, the organizing committee decided against selling and drinking alcoholic drinks at the venues so as to prevent the spread of infections,” the Tokyo Olympics’ president, Seiko Hashimoto, said at a news conference, adding that the games sponsor Asahi Breweries was on board with the decision.
Alcohol isn’t the only thing banned from the Olympics this year. International spectators are also banned from the event to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This caused Japan to refund 600,000 Olympic tickets and 30,000 Paralympic tickets as a result, according to Thrillist.
On Monday, Japan announced that it would only allow a maximum of 10,000 domestic spectator capacity at the Olympic events, none of whom will be allowed to shout to encourage their favorite athletes — that’s been banned, too.
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Rhode Island is home to the best squid in America. Here’s where to try it.
All over the United States, pubs and casual American-fare restaurants feature deep-fried, golden battered rings of calamari on the menu — usually served with a side of marinara sauce. Calamari is almost as ubiquitous as French fries in many coastal cities, and it’s usually reliably satisfying. It’s also often a little bland. Yet this somewhat lackluster association that most Americans have with calamari doesn’t tell the whole story of the dish. To understand calamari’s true potential, you need to eat it in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island is the unofficial “squid capital of the world,” at least according to the Providence Journal, which cites a Cornell University study that found that more squid is harvested in the state than other types of seafood. The Journal also reported that the Ocean State brings in 54 percent of all the squid harvested in the Northeast. In 2019 (the year before COVID hit) Rhode Island landed 27,213,341 pounds of squid.
Clearly, squid is just as fundamental to the state’s economy as it is to the diet of Rhode Islanders. It’s easily Rhode Island’s most valuable fishery. That doesn’t mean Rhode Island squid always stays in the state from catch to plate, though. Most of the squid caught off Point Judith off the coast of Narragansett is shipped to China, processed in factories there, and then shipped back to Rhode Island, giving it an unfortunately huge carbon footprint. However, there are some companies, like Town Dock, that process squid catches locally.
With all this in mind, it’s no wonder that calamari was named the state’s official appetizer in 2014. Longfin squid — the most common variety you’ll see used in Rhode Island calamari — is tender and sweet in flavor. The signature Rhode Island calamari recipe is simple but pretty standard at restaurants across the state: the squid is sliced into rings, breaded, pan-fried, and served with hot peppers and a garlic butter sauce on the side.
It’s been a tradition to serve calamari this way in Rhode Island since at least the 1950s, when a surge of Italian immigrants arrived in the state. Brendan Read, chef and owner of Celestial Cafe, in Exeter, remembers growing up in the state at a time when the only restaurant options available were either Italian or American.
Photo: Celestial Cafe
The simple calamari preparation at these restaurants was, and is, due to quality as well as tradition. Thanks to cold waters, the squid fished off the state’s coast is higher quality.
“It’s all in the waters here,” Read tells me. “The temperature of water works on the consistency and texture of the calamari. With warmer waters it’s actually a tougher product. [Rhode Island] calamari is totally different. Our calamari is much more delicate.”
The actual fish flavor of the squid is light, so the appeal of calamari, according to Read, is really twofold. The first aspect is that squid absorbs and holds flavors exceptionally well. The second is arguably much more important: Longfin squid retains its tender texture even when fried.
“It stays a little moist in the center, and it’s crunchy on the outside. It’s just beautiful and tender,” he says, reverently.
It’s no secret that in an era when food blogs and Yelp reviewers proliferate, more and more people are taking trips and traveling across the country just to sample the US’ many regional cuisines. In New England, perhaps the most popular stop is Maine for it’s famously buttery, succulent lobster rolls. But Rhode Island has made a mark as an attraction for food enthusiasts in a similar way thanks to calamari.
“We do see people traveling around Rhode Island just for the food,” Read says. “People come here for three things: stuffies [stuffed clams], chowder, and calamari.” Every summer, he encounters tourists who tell him that they’re in town to try “all the calamari we come across in Rhode Island,” especially around the time of the annual Rhode Island Seafood Festival.
Read says the calamari industry took a “giant hit” during the pandemic for a confluence of reasons. First of all, there was no one to buy the squid that were hauled to shore with restaurants closed. When takeout orders picked back up, very few people opted for calamari because it loses the texture that makes it so desirable on the trip to your door. It also sold poorly at grocery stores because it’s difficult for the amateur homecook to prepare properly. But Read thinks those days are finally in the rearview mirror.
When Rhode Island went back to full capacity, Read says, “It was like turning on a light switch. I’m trying to keep up with the amount of customers coming in. I have a feeling everything’s going to bounce back pretty quickly as long as we can stay safe.”
Now is the time to get a taste if you haven’t already — or to dive back in if you’re already familiar with the joys of Rhode Island calamari.
Where to eat calamari in Rhode Island
Photo: Celestial Cafe
Celestial Cafe: At his restaurant, Read serves calamari in two ways. The first, called the Eastern Calamari, borrows flavors from East Asian cuisine. Battered in gluten-free rice flour for a lighter texture, it’s tossed with a ginger-soy glaze and locally grown mushrooms. The other version is French-style, and served in a beurre blanc sauce with green pesto, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts on the side.
Where: 567 South County Trail, Rt 2, Exeter, RI 02822
Anthony’s Seafood: This restaurant also borrows from Asian-inspired flavors for its popular Kung Pao Calamari, which are squid rings fried with hot peppers, plum chili sauce, peanuts, and scallions.
Where: 963 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, RI 02842
Andino’s Italian Restaurant: This traditional Italian restaurant, one of the many in the state, serves classic Rhode Island calamari done perfectly: “Lightly breaded” squid rings are fried and served with spicy cherry peppers and garlic sauce.
Where: 171 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
Iggy’s Boardwalk: Iggy’s Boardwalk famously made an appearance alongside the state’s Democratic Party chairman when he announced Rhode Island’s delegate count. The restaurant is a seafood lover’s paradise. In addition to classic fried calamari, the menu also features crab cakes, stuffed shrimp, clam chowder, and baked sea scallops.
Where: 885 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, RI 02889
George’s of Galilee: This historic restaurant offers views of Block Island Sound. It’s been serving seafood to Narragansett since 1948. George’s of Galilee serves sustainably and locally seafood sourced from the nearby Port of Galilee. Its calamari comes in two varieties: A riff on the classic version that’s finished in a lemon-Cajun aioli, and “hurricane” calamari, which comes with a sweet and tangy sauce.
Where: 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882
More like thisRestaurants + BarsRhode Island is an underrated bastion of New England seafood. Here’s where to try it.The post Rhode Island is home to the best squid in America. Here’s where to try it. appeared first on Matador Network.
9 tips for RVing in the mountains
At 6,684 feet, the highest point in the eastern US is Mount Mitchell, in North Carolina. Idaho, where I live, has several peaks over 12,000 feet. They’re beasts. Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, where I grew up, reach heights of 13,000 feet. They’re mega-beasts. And when I spend time in Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks for work, I breathe fairly well but my nose tends to bleed. Those peaks are beyond beasts. They’re pushing more than 14,000 feet above sea level.
I share these stats to illustrate why mountains in the East are considered hills in the West. When you go West, you go up. The higher you go, the more you need to plan and prepare — and the more time you need to take it all in. Views above treeline are unmatched; alpine lakes seem almost ethereal. The national parks and forests, the craggy peaks and deep valleys, they all demand your time and attention. And to have that luxury, you’ll want a home on wheels. You’ll want an RV.
Yes, you need to be mindful when camping at elevation, but it’s always worth the extra effort. Here are nine tips for RVing successfully and safely in the mountains.
BEFORE YOU GO
Photo: Brian Lewis
The best way to avoid a mechanical problem on the road is to have your RV inspected before you’re on the road. Camping World Service Centers — there are 170 or so across the country — can do that. If nothing else you’ll come away with peace of mind, and probably some expert opinions and tips on the specifics of your trip.
Next, you’re ready to start packing for your high-elevation expedition.
Tip #1: Pack all the mountain necessities.First and foremost, plan to haul more water than you think you’ll need. This is both to replenish your body, which will be working harder the higher you go, and to potentially stave off any altitude sickness.
On that theme, you should be well prepared for breakdowns, human or otherwise. Be sure to pack a first-aid kit with enough supplies to care for each person on the trip for four days and a set of tools to fix any basic mechanical mishaps. If your pet is traveling with you, make sure pet essentials, like tick treatment, are in the kit as well.
A snow shovel and scraper — and maybe even some de-icer — fall into the essential category. But I’d draw the line at chains. Yes, it can snow any month of the year in the mountains, but in an RV your response to an oncoming snowstorm should be avoidance — head to a lower elevation immediately.
Tip #2: Don’t pack the extras.Your RV will have an easier time taking to steep grades with less weight, so try to avoid overpacking for this trip. If you don’t absolutely need it, leave it at home. Each extra pound equals that much more strain on your engine climbing that pass, and that much more fuel burned doing so.
If you’re boondocking, try to fill up your tanks as close to your campsite as possible so you’re not hauling sloshing liquid on windy roads. The same goes for leaving camp — empty the tanks as soon as you can so the ride is easier on your rig. Some RV holding tanks can carry up to 100 gallons. At about eight pounds per gallon, that’s a lot of extra load.
GETTING THERE
Photo: Amon Barker/Apres Visuals
If your homebase isn’t in the mountains, find the longest, hilliest drag you can near home. Familiarize yourself with what your rig feels like going up and down. You have some new skills to build.
Tip #3: Practice downshifting.Downshifting will be your best friend in the mountains. When going uphill, shift into a lower gear to avoid engine lugging. This is when the engine experiences high load at too low of a RPM. Shifting into a lower gear at the right time will improve gas mileage and prevent engine overheating.
When going downhill, the same rule applies — slow down and downshift. Let off the gas and feel the engine do the work controlling your speed. Don’t ride the brakes, as this can lead to overheating and burn out your brake pads. If your vehicle is steaming under the hood and your brakes aren’t working right, look for a runaway pull-off — usually an unpaved uphill track carved into the mountain for runaway trucks. Use them if you need, but if you follow these tips you shouldn’t have to.
Downshifting applies to motorhome RVers as well as tow-behind travelers. Shifting into a lower gear is how the pro truck drivers do it, and you can too. If you feel like you’re going slower than traffic, that’s okay. Move to a slower lane and take your time, it’s not a race. RVing in the mountains is all about keeping things safe, slow, and steady, whether you happen to be heading up or down.
Tip #4: Know your roads — and yourself.Consider road conditions as you plan your route. And by “road conditions,” I don’t mean wet or snow-packed surfaces. I mean the actual road bed, not what’s falling on it. Are we talking paved interstate, two-lane highway, groomed gravel, or bumpy dirt? What’s the grade, and what’s the traffic like?
All RV models will travel comfortably on the interstate, but long loads may struggle on winding mountain-pass two-lanes. Groomed gravel is usually graded enough to be level for towed units, but your equipment will only survive a bumpy dirt road if it’s an off-road model. Those have more clearance between the underbelly and the ground.
Your vehicle’s capabilities are important, but so too is your comfort level. Knowing yourself and knowing what you’re looking for always leads to the best adventures.
Tip #5: Know your route.There’s the fastest way…and then there’s the safest way. When you’re RVing in the mountains, the two are often not the same.
I live in eastern Idaho. Jackson Hole is over the “hill” in western Wyoming, but that hill is a steep climb through the Tetons. The road is often closed in winter and untowable in bad weather. If I’m going to Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park and I’m pulling a trailer, I don’t take the pass. I detour around Palisades Reservoir. It’s about a half hour longer, but it’s flatter and safer for RVs.
Always check your ego — saving a few miles by taking the steep route is not worth the risk.
BEING THERE
Photo: Brian Lewis
It’s all a balancing act: You’ve taken more time to get up into the mountains, now plan on working with less. That includes fewer people as well as fewer amenities. Crowds and services thin as the air thins. Enjoy the open space, but keep these things in mind before you eye that summit.
Tip #6: Give yourself time to acclimate.I’m an avid trail racer, and I can always tell who’s from out of town when I reach an aid station above 10,000 feet. Every runner who arrived from low elevation the night before is lying on the ground; they’re lightheaded and can’t seem to catch their breath. For visitors, even a gentle hike through a meadow can have them huffing and puffing as if they were going for a brisk jog. This is normal — the air is thinner, so your lungs have to work harder for oxygen.
Above 12,000 feet, some people need an oxygen tank, but 6,000 to 10,000 is doable by most once you’re accustomed to it. If you’re camped for multiple days, you’ll adjust by day three. Take it easy, and give yourself time to soak it all in.
Tip #7: Don’t be surprised by the physics of high-altitude living.If you’ve never spent time in the mountains, you might be surprised to learn that, the higher you are, the more time it takes to cook a box of rice pilaf. This is because water boils at a lower temperature when the atmospheric pressure is lower, so the roiling boil in your pot is occurring well below 212 degrees. Similarly, it’s going to take more energy to cool your fridge and heat your RV, so make sure to monitor your propane usage.
As for quirks with how you operate, you should aim to double how much water you drink, even if you don’t feel like you need it. The higher you are, the drier you are — hydration is key to keeping all those bodily processes ticking over. Carry extra water storage, and a water filter, so you’re fully prepared.
GOING HOME
Photo: Brian Lewis
High elevation is invigorating in July, but it’s deadly in January. That’s why you’re not staying up on the mountain for good. Ideally, you come down — remember: slowly! — during the same weather you arrived with. But in the mountains, there’s no guarantee. Keep a constant eye on weather apps, or use a weather radio in case you don’t get service — which is common in the mountains.
Tip #8: Prepare for moisture.At altitude, you can seemingly endure every season in the same day — maybe even the same hour. That dry, dusty road you drove in on won’t stay dry when it rains. Expect to have to throw on coats and boots at any time, and get used to afternoon afternoon showers. Pack a variety of tactical clothing so you stay comfortable.
Not all weather in the mountains is ominous. Oftentimes a sunshower or light snowfall can create some magical memories. In general, the more you welcome and expect surprises, the smoother your trip will go.
Tip #9: Be ready to move.Even with all the rain gear in the world, you may still have to break camp if faced with an intense storm. My husband and I had to do this once in the middle of the night with our two little boys in the backcountry. We calmly carried them from our trailer to the backseat of our truck in a downpour in the dark. If we hadn’t bailed before sunrise, we would have had to wait several days for the road to dry before we got out.
In other words, conditions can change quickly and with consequences. Be ready to change with them so your trip on high doesn’t turn into a dangerous downer. After all, you have an RV, so guess what? You can always get back to adventuring — safely — tomorrow.
The post 9 tips for RVing in the mountains appeared first on Matador Network.
June 23, 2021
The 10 most expensive cities for expats in 2021
It’s no secret that expat life can be expensive depending on the city and country you choose, yet exactly which cities take the biggest toll on your bank account may come as a surprise. According to this year’s Mercer Cost of Living Survey, the three most expensive cities for expats are: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; Hong Kong, China; and Beirut, Lebanon.
The annual Mercer Cost of Living Survey ranks the affordability of 209 cities worldwide. Factors include housing, transportation, food, and entertainment, and Mercer uses New York City as the baseline — so not a low starting point.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, which ranked number two in 2020, climbed to the top of the ranks in 2021. This is primarily due to the country’s current financial crisis and hyperinflation, according to CNN. Ashgabat pushed Hong Kong, which topped the list last year, into the number two spot.
One of the most drastic changes to the ranking is where Beirut, Lebanon, lands. In 2020, the city was number 45. Now it’s number three, which is also due to an ongoing financial crisis. The rest of the top 10 each only changed by one or two points from 2020, and are all major business hubs.
The world’s 10 most expensive cities for expats in 2021 are:
Ashgabat, TurkmenistanHong Kong, ChinaBeirut, LebanonTokyo, JapanZurich SwitzerlandShanghai, ChinaSingapore, SingaporeGeneva, SwitzerlandBeijing, ChinaBern, SwitzerlandNew York, the baseline city, ranked number six in 2020. It dropped out of the top 10 and now rests at 14. Paris, which previously sat at number 50, is now number 33. Cities in Switzerland, unsurprisingly, appear three times in the top 10.
The five at the bottom of the list (205-209) are:
Brasilia, BrazilTunis, TunisiaTbilisi, GeorgiaLusaka, ZambiaBishkek, KyrgyzstanCheck the full list — it may help you decide what your next big move will be.
The post The 10 most expensive cities for expats in 2021 appeared first on Matador Network.
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