Matador Network's Blog, page 653
May 13, 2021
This new geothermal infinity lagoon in Iceland has dramatic ocean views
Bathing in natural geothermal pools is a very popular and long-lasting cultural practice in Iceland. Those who have traveled to the island or plan to do so are likely familiar with the famous Blue Lagoon, but there is a new contender for the best spa experience in the country. A new geothermal infinity pool called Sky Lagoon has just opened its doors overlooking the ocean, and it looks dreamy.
Located just minutes from Reykjavik’s center, the lagoon features a 250-foot-long infinity thermal pool with unobstructed views over the North Atlantic Ocean. The seascape can also be enjoyed from its luxurious spa sauna and outdoor oceanfront dining.
The design for the thermal spa was influenced by the simplicity and beauty of nature for a minimalistic look, as well as by local culture and traditional architecture such as turf houses. Treatments draw on Icelandic traditions such as warm and cold water therapy, warm steam, dry heat, and fresh air.
“The traditions of bathing culture are integral to the Icelandic way of life and are at the core of the Sky Lagoon experience,” said Dagny Petursdottir, general manager of Sky Lagoon, in a press release. “This rejuvenating and transformative experience will enable guests to connect with mind, body and spirit through the radiant powers of geothermal waters.”
Visitors can purchase one of two spa passes. The Pure Pass provides public changing rooms and includes the signature seven-step spa treatment, The Ritual. The more luxurious option, Sky Pass, includes the signature seven-step spa treatment and offers guests private changing facilities and access to all spa amenities.
Iceland is currently accepting tourists from the US who have received the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine. 
The post This new geothermal infinity lagoon in Iceland has dramatic ocean views appeared first on Matador Network.
Mexico City’s Little Tokyo brings innovative food and swanky bars to CDMX
Colonia Cuauhtémoc, also known as the Little Tokyo District, is probably one of the most underrated neighborhoods in the heart of Mexico City. With trendy areas like Roma, Condesa, and Juárez nearby, people often miss spending time in Cuauhtémoc.
Decades ago, this neighborhood was a quiet residential area with Art Deco-style houses and apartment buildings. But its fate changed when many Japanese immigrants arrived in the city at the end of World War II. In the 1970s, the Japanese embassy was established here, along with some Japanese shops and restaurants — laying the foundations of what is now known as Mexico City’s Little Tokyo.
When talking about the area, it’s impossible not to mention Edo Kobayashi’s name, along with his mini-empire of izakayas, ramen restaurants, sake bars, and other venues. Edo Kobayashi, whose birth name is Edo López, is of Mexican and Japanese descent. He is highly passionate about both sides of the Pacific Ocean. With his gastronomic flare, he has brought the highest standard of Japanese cuisine and hospitality to Mexico in spots like Rokai and Le Tachinomi Desu.
Kobayashi is undoubtedly the king of the neighborhood, but many other entrepreneurs have built little pockets of Japanese culture that are well worth a visit. Here are some of our favorite places in this very underrated district in Mexico City.
Rokai and Rokai Ramen
Rokai/Facebook
Rokai is Kobayashi’s flagship izakaya, so it will always be a big favorite in the area. It’s a small place with a few tables and a bar, but given the quality of the food it serves, it has become one of the best Japanese restaurants in Mexico City.
Omakase is Japanese for “trust” or “leaving another to decide what is best,” which in this case is a highly skilled chef — and ordering it at Rokai is a must. The gesture of confidence rewards you with a seven to 12-course tasting menu that changes daily depending on the catch.
Next door is Rokai’s sister outpost, Rokai Ramen. It has a slightly more affordable menu of steaming wonton and dumpling starters and over 20 types of ramen soups, noodles, and broths.
Enomoto Coffee and Le Tachinomi Desu
Enomoto Coffee/Facebook
It’s not that common to find sake bars in Mexico City, but just a few meters from Rokai, you’ll encounter Le Tachinomi Desu, another venue in the Kobayashi group. Japanese cafe by day, standing bar by night, this spot is a place to be seen.
Known for its interesting selection of natural wines, premium sake, whiskey, and exquisite service, Le Tachinomi Desu takes 20 standing patrons at one time — so it’s worth booking in advance. The drink menu changes to complement the daily selection of small plates.
You can plan a day around eating at the venues of Kobayashi. From morning coffee and matcha drinks at Enomoto Coffee to a late lunch at Rokai and evening sake at Le Tachinomi Desu, all of these spots exemplify the best of Mexico City’s Japanese cuisine.
Koku
Koku /Facebook
During my four years living in Colonia Cuauhtémoc, Koku was one of my favorite restaurants in the area. The venue serves an exciting range of Japanese dishes with Mexican touches. The dynamic menu with offerings such as Japanese tacos is extensive, and it includes an excellent range of sakes. The restaurant itself has a lovely ambiance combining minimalist urban design with natural wood and greenery. If you visit Koku, we highly recommend asking for a table on the patio, which is brought to life by sunshine during the day and illuminated by candlelight in the evening.
Madai Sushi
Shiso Tacaroni Bar/Facebook
Japanese food bars, where you can sit right in front of the chef to admire how they prepare the delicacies you are going to eat, are simply charming. Madai Sushi does this perfectly. The small bar only sits eight at a time, creating a feeling of intimacy with chef Adán Peláez, who’s worked for several years at Rokai. Peláez has mastered Japanese cookery, balancing the minimalist and opulent flavors of his ingredients to create a feast of sensations in each of his dishes.
At Madai, you will find the traditional sushi rolls that we all know and love, but also nigiri, bowls, soups, and tartars. Taconori — a taco of toasted seaweed — is an emblematic dish of Madai, so much so that there’s a specialized taco bar called Shiso next door. Don’t pass on the classic wagyu beef, caviar, and summer truffle taco — it’s a local favorite.
Caldos Ánimo
Ánimo/Facebook
Caldos Ánimo is a small Japanese Mexican fusion restaurant that serves what every Mexican looks for to ease hangovers: a good soup.
It offers a warming selection of Mexican broths. Many options take national produce like corn, beans, and nopals (cactus pads), and incorporate them with Japanese flavors; all served atop ramen and udon noodles. The star of the menu is the Birriamen. The combination of delicious birria, a spicy stew from the state of Jalisco, with ramen is genius. Likewise, its Caldo Huérfano, with black bean broth, pork belly, and udon noodles, is another Caldos Ánimo classic.
Maikai Poke
Maikai Poke Bowls/Facebook
In the Little Tokyo District, there’s another name besides Edo Kobayashi that we can’t avoid mentioning: Takeya Matsumoto. Matsumoto arrived in Mexico around 2007 and has opened some of the best Japanese restaurants in the city. In Colonia Cuauhtémoc, he is in charge of the delicious menu at Koku (mentioned above), but he also owns Maikai Poke, which offers an irresistible fusion between Japanese and Hawaiian food.
As its name suggests, you will find poke bowls prepared with the freshest fish in town. You can order the chef’s favorites or create your own poke bowl by choosing a base (rice, quinoa, or soba noodles), protein (fish, octopus, shrimp, or organic tofu), vegetables, sauces, extras, and toppings.
Daikoku
While the rest of the restaurants on this list are mostly visited by travelers and residents of other city areas, Daikoku could be considered the “local” Japanese restaurant in the neighborhood.
In 1971, Daikoku was one of the first Japanese restaurants to open in Colonia Cuauhtémoc. With a relaxed and uncomplicated atmosphere, Daikoku has an extensive and occasionally indecipherable menu. If you are a fearless foodie who likes to taste all kinds of flavors and textures, the best thing you can do is order a selection of dishes — you won’t be disappointed. But be sure to order nigiri, as it’s hands down some of the best nigiri in the city.
Ryo Kan
Ryo kan/Facebook
Mexico City’s Little Tokyo District has its own ryokan, an inn in the traditional Japanese style. It’s the only hotel with this concept in the city and the first of its kind in Latin America. Even São Paulo, Brazil, doesn’t have one in its famed Japanese neighborhood.
Ryo Kan is a beautiful space and a tribute to Japanese culture. The hotel has 10 rooms (called residences) inspired by the interiors of eighth-century houses in Kyoto. The rooms are cozy with details such as traditional fusuma sliding doors, tatami mats, and floor-level beds. The hotel also features a Japanese garden, spa, library, and four onsens that sit on a terrace overlooking the city. Ryo Kan is open to non-residents, offering a range of day passes to its spa and other well-being facilities, as well as to its tea ceremony and gong bath meditation experiences.
The post Mexico City’s Little Tokyo brings innovative food and swanky bars to CDMX appeared first on Matador Network.
The rise and evolution of Taiwan’s boba tea, from classic to cheese-flavored
Boba tea, once a niche import originally from Taiwan, started to rise in popularity in the United States a few decades ago. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see diverse groups of customers lining up in front of sleek boba tea shops in big cities and college towns. The rise of boba tea from a trendy, localized Taiwanese drink to a global phenomenon is a fascinating story many fans are likely unfamiliar with. And the story is still unfolding, fueled by recipe innovations and the exchange of ideas around the world.
Classic boba tea is made with lightly sweetened tea and chewy, pearl-sized tapioca balls that are shaken together like a cocktail. The name comes from the tapioca balls. It’s often called boba tea in the West and bubble tea in the East — the term “boba” is a cheeky name for the large tapioca balls, which in Taiwanese slang also means women with full bosoms.
Some of the most common variations involve the type of tea used and whether milk is added, but there’s no fixed formula. As long as there’s a drink and a jelly (tapioca balls or aloe vera, for example), imagination is the limit.
My college-aged cousin, who once worked part-time at a boba tea chain, once half-jokingly told me that her most unpleasant memory of the stint was memorizing recipes, of which there were no less than a hundred. (Oreo milkshake with “bubbles,” anyone?) Some boba tea shops have adopted an ordering system not unlike that of Chipotle’s by allowing customers to choose, among many things, their drink base, sugar level, and the type of jelly used.
How boba tea was invented
Chadarat Saibhut/Shutterstock
The rise of boba tea traces back to tea shops in Taiwan in the ’80s. These weren’t teahouses in the traditional sense, but instead were popular youth spaces selling foam tea, a then-trendy drink made of tea and syrup mixed in a cocktail shaker. At some point, a tea shop owner — it’s still disputed who exactly — had a spur-of-the-moment idea to put tapioca balls, a dessert ingredient, into foam tea. Young people were hooked. By the early ’90s, there seemed to be a bubble tea kiosk on every other block in Taiwan’s cities, many equipped with automatic tea shakers and cup sealing machines. Automation also codified the way bubble tea is served: in a tall, skinny plastic cup that’s sealed with a thin plastic foil to be poked open with a fat straw.
In 1999, a then-large boba tea franchise called Quickly opened its first mainland store in Beijing, thereby bringing the Taiwanese drink to mainland China. In less than three years, Quickly expanded to more than a thousand franchises nationwide. Other brands, both Taiwanese and mainland Chinese, followed closely. Soon boba tea shops were everywhere in China.
The factory town I grew up in China welcomed its first shop in 2000. For several weeks, it was the talk among kids at my school. A regular boba tea without milk cost 3.5 yuan (about $0.50) — not a fortune, but still pricey by the standard of that time. The tea is pleasantly malty, but the show is all about the tapioca balls. Made from cassava root starch, they were common in tropical provinces but had remained largely unheard of in most of mainland China until the late ’90s. The chewy, gelatinous balls themselves don’t taste like anything, but they provide structure and texture to an otherwise plain drink. For the uninitiated, the first sips can be experimental. You play with the flow in the straw to let in the right number of tapioca balls (preferably not a full mouthful) so that there’s enough room in your mouth to slide and squeeze them with your tongue and teeth.
This was around the same time when boba tea came to North America, first in predominantly Asian neighborhoods along the West Coast. Although Taiwanese chains played an important part in popularizing boba tea in the early days, the drink soon took on a pan-Asian identity. For Asian American youths who grew up in suburban California in the 2000s, hanging out in local boba shops was such a powerful collective memory that bubble tea has become nothing short of a symbol of Asian American youth culture.
By the time I came to New York, in 2011, boba tea was easy to find. Even the student center at Columbia University had a bubble tea stand. Its menu, at least in my time, was “old-school.” The options mainly consisted of green, black, or oolong tea with or without milk. But by then, recipe innovation was already going full steam in the boba tea world. Cafes and restaurants, many positioning themselves as premium brands, experimented with a wide variety of flavors, such as Thai ice tea, Indonesian es alpukat (an avocado and coffee milkshake), and even Chinese medicine cough syrup (very minty). Many recipes also incorporated classic American drinks, such as smoothies, slushies, and ice coffee. Mainstream brands have also taken notice. Trader Joe’s, for example, recently launched a cold brew coffee and boba ice cream.
Meanwhile, another bubble tea revolution is quietly brewing in mainland China, led by HeyTea, an uber-popular chain credited for inventing cheese tea — tea (with or without tapioca balls) topped with a foamy layer of whipped cream cheese. In the mid 2010s, anecdotes and memes began to mushroom on social media of people standing in line for hours to try the cappuccino-inspired tea drink. What felt like a one-time hype has grown into a booming industry with tens of billions of annual sales. To woo millennial and Gen Z consumers, venture-capital-backed boba tea chains are at war with each other to invent the most astounding flavors. Fruit cake tea? Sure. Brown sugar “landslide” tea? Bring it on.
It didn’t take long for this new genre of bubble tea to reach the US market. Many established boba tea chains now have cheese teas, fruit teas, and brown sugar teas on their menus. Independent cafes also appeal to their respective markets by using locally sourced ingredients, plant-based cheese, and batch-crafted foam tops.
This is a long way from the original formula conceived in Taiwanese tea shops. To some extent, the spread and iterations of boba tea around the world have been similar to that of many other foods once considered “ethnic” — first introduced by immigrants and entrepreneurs, then adapted and reinvented to fit local tastes. The race of recipe innovation and franchise expansion is red-hot as ever, fueled by capital, social media, and most importantly, the flow of people and ideas. Before the already frothy boba tea gets more elaborate, check the glossary below for a snapshot of the boba tea scene.
Types of boba tea and bubble tea
THANAPHON SUBSANG/Shutterstock
Boba (or bubble) cheese tea: This is a cold drink topped with a foamy layer of whipped cream cheese. The cheese top, often sprinkled with salt, adds a savory and tangy aftertaste. HeyTea, the chain which claims to have invented cheese tea, also ritualized the “proper” way to enjoy it — tilt the cup 45 degrees and sip from the cup rim to have a balanced mix of tea and cheese top.
Boba (or bubble) tea with fruit: As the name suggests, this drink is made by mixing tea with fruit juice and adding tapioca balls. It can also be made without tea, with cut fruit, and/or with a cheese top.
Taro boba (or bubble) tea: The purple-tinged taro root is a mildly sweet root vegetable often used in desserts across Asia. For boba teas, taro is pureed (or powered) and blended into the tea and milk mix to give the drink a sweet, nutty taste and slightly thick texture.
Brown sugar boba (or bubble) tea: Despite its name, this drink is usually tea-less. It has a layered color and texture. The basic construction consists of black tapioca balls at the bottom, thick, caramel-colored brown sugar syrup in the middle, and milk or cream at the top. When you stir the drink, the brown sugar syrup clings to the cup when mixed with the cream, giving the drink its iconic marbled look.
Boba (or bubble) tea with pudding: Instead of tapioca balls, some recipes use “pudding” for the jelly component. The pudding is often made with dairy, egg, and gelatin, and it has a custard-like flavor and texture that’s not unlike flan. Some boba tea shops also make “loaded” drinks with more than one jelly. Some popular options aside from tapioca balls and pudding include chia seed, adzuki beans, and grass jelly.
Snow boba (or bubble) tea: Think of a smoothie or milkshake with tapioca balls. The drink base is often made with blended ice, milk (or non-dairy creamer), and fruit.
The post The rise and evolution of Taiwan’s boba tea, from classic to cheese-flavored appeared first on Matador Network.
Germany welcomes vaccinated international travelers
As summer approaches, many European countries are reopening their borders and relaxing their rules and regulations regarding COVID-19 testing for vaccinated travelers.
Germany is the latest country to ease restrictions, announcing that it will allow vaccinated travelers and those recently recovered from COVID-19 to avoid testing and quarantine. The government also approved a policy allowing non-vaccinated travelers to end their quarantine period early if they test negative for COVID-19. These new regulations, however, will not apply to those from countries where there are concerns about variants.
The changes in regulations aim to give the hospitality and tourism industries a vital boost and specifically make family travel easier. As many children are not eligible for vaccines at this time, these measures will give many in Germany the opportunity to plan family vacations.
According to Associated Press, German Health Minister Jens Spahn stated that the country also expects to have its digital immunity certificate functional by June. The certificate, which will be stored in a mobile app, will be compatible with the vaccine certificate scheme that the EU is currently developing.
The post Germany welcomes vaccinated international travelers appeared first on Matador Network.
May 12, 2021
The best Airbnbs near Lake Como to live out your Italian dream
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.
Ever since Clooney moved in, Lake Como has shared a celebrity status. Given a chance, most of us would probably stay just about anywhere to vacation like an A-lister on the shores of Lombardy. Thanks to these Airbnbs, there’s no need to settle for just anywhere, though. Whether you’re taking a solo trip, going on your honeymoon, planning a family vacation, or traveling with friends, the northern Italian getaway of your dreams is probably for rent, without the Hollywood price tag. Here are eight of the most beautiful, affordable Lake Como Airbnbs.
Lezzeno Bellavista House in Lezzeno, Lombardy
Photo: Airbnb
Bathed in sunlight on both sides of the double doors that open to the lake-view balcony, this two-bedroom apartment is a gem in Lezzeno, Lombardy, just a few miles outside of Bellagio, or the Pearl of Lake Como. The unit comes with a private terrace and garden where you can lounge after boating around Comacina Island, swimming at the no-cost beaches nearby, or hiking along the centuries-old Strada Regia path that connects Bellagio to the town of Como.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $88 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Nesso, the village where this one-bedroom charmer is located, has been around since ancient Rome. The apartment itself dates back to the 1600s. Perfect for one or two travelers, the quiet retreat will make you feel like a Lake Como local, whether you spend your days dipping in remote parts of the lake or fishing off the pier overlooking the village. The kitchen is equipped for light cooking though guests are also within walking distance of the restaurants in town — as long as they don’t mind walking home uphill.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $108 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This eco-chic cottage, outfitted with solar panels, a wood-fed boiler, a queen bed, and two bunks, is ideal for teaching little ones about the joys of unplugging. With hiking abounds right out of the front door, backdropped by views of Lake Como and the Swiss Alps from around 2,600 feet, you may not be able to tear yourself from the cozy fireplace come evening. But if you do want to venture beyond the hillside, Milan, St. Mortiz, and Bergamo are all within a 1.5-hour drive.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $109 per night
Photo: Airbnb
You may not think you need a pool on a lake vacation — until you’ve seen Lake Como from an infinity pool. Seclusion sells the romance of this one-bedroom apartment on the western end of the lake, as do its garden and the cobblestone street leading to the entrance. A couple with young kids may also enjoy this Airbnb, which comes with a barbecue and small play area, too.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $111 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If you’re looking for accommodation that’s as photogenic as Lake Como, this warm, rustic two-bedroom home is it. Past guests have raved about the decor and view from the third-floor terrace. Travelers also adore its location in the heart of Palanzo, a medieval village that hardly seems more populated than it might have been centuries ago. With that comes a soundtrack to life in an Italian mountain town, from the ringing of church bells to the chatter of neighbors. Just be sure to stock up on groceries before you arrive as there’s only one small shop in town.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $118 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This two-bedroom apartment in Carate Urio looks like it was ripped out of a design magazine. Splashes of color, from the sky blue accent wall in the living room to the pale green details on the patio, mirror the splendor of the natural surroundings. The town on the lake’s western shore is a draw unto itself, with country lanes lined with 19th-century villas and mule tracks carved into the hillside. That incline is a boon for mountain bikers who, after tiring rides, can retire to the lake-facing kitchen and enjoy even more priceless views.
Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $144 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Nothing says luxury like a penthouse on Lake Como. The price tag on this penthouse in Cremia may echo the sentiment, but considering it can accommodate seven guests, it’s actually a steal. A 10-minute walk from the water, and a four-minute drive from San Vito beach, the property also enjoys panoramic views of the mountain-ringed lake from the upstairs living room and private terrace. Sporty types will enjoy the complementary stand-up paddleboard and canoe while those who prefer sticking to shore cafe hop through nearby Bellagio, Menaggio, and Dongo.
Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $275 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This one-bedroom house is a bit of a splurge. But look at it. Cozy yet glamorous like something out of a storybook, it’s as inviting outside as it is indoors, with a wood-burning oven in the kitchen and a barbecue in the garden, a fireplace to curl up by in the evening and loungers to sunbathe on during the day. There’s even a sauna and private lake access. From the beautifully manicured yard to the surreal natural landscape, it’s an escape fit for Goldilocks — just right.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $277 per night
The post The best Airbnbs near Lake Como to live out your Italian dream appeared first on Matador Network.
This tour company will send you on a trip to Greece for a second chance at senior year festivities
Whether you were a class of 2020 senior who wants to make up for missing out on those special end-of-year festivities, or your big day is coming up in 2021, you might be wondering how you’re going to celebrate your achievement. Contiki, the tour company for travelers ages 18-35, plans to save the day by taking you on a graduates-only trip to Greece.
The second-chance senior-year trip will take place over nine days in three different islands. It’s available to any high school or college student whose graduation year falls under 2020 or 2021. Flight and ferry transportation, accommodations, professional photography, cap and gown, and at least 10 meals included.
The trip begins in Athens, where you’ll get the chance to visit the capital’s cultural and historical sites, then head to Mykonos for a “senior ditch day” summer beach party, and finally Santorini for volcanoes, red and black-sand beaches, and some graduation photos.
The price for your Grecian adventure will run you $1908 per person, but put your best promposal on TikTok (#ContikiPromposal) to run the chance to go for free. Or, get together a group of 10 friends and Contiki will comp your ticket, too. The trip is planned to start on August 14, 2021.
The post This tour company will send you on a trip to Greece for a second chance at senior year festivities appeared first on Matador Network.
Rare and monstrous-looking deep-sea fish found on California beach
A scary-looking fish washed up on the shore of Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area in Newport Beach, CA, last Friday. The Pacific footballfish, whose skin is covered in spikes, was found with its mouth agape and showing its pointy teeth.
It is one of over 200 living species of anglerfish that are usually found 3,000 feet below sea level. Anglerfish are known for their fangs and light bulb-type antenna that dangles from their head.
Photo: Ben Estes/Facebook
According to Crystal Cove State Park’s Facebook page, the anglerfish has been identified as female because of its long, bioluminescent antenna-like feature on its head that it uses to lure in prey.
“Only females possess a long stalk on the head with bioluminescent tips used as a lure to entice prey in the darkness of waters as deep as 3,000 feet!,” park officials explained. “To see an actual angler fish intact is very rare and it is unknown how or why the fish ended up on the shore.”
Photo: Crystal Cove State Park/Facebook
The Pacific footballfish’s body has been taken in by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and is expected to be studied for research and educational purposes. The Guardian reported that the specimen may end up at LA county’s Natural History Museum.
“Seeing this strange and fascinating fish is a testament to the diversity of marine life lurking below the water’s surface in California’s MPAs and as scientists continue to learn more about these deep-sea creatures, it’s important to reflect on how much is still to be learned from our wonderful ocean,” park officials said.
The post Rare and monstrous-looking deep-sea fish found on California beach appeared first on Matador Network.
New study officially found the place with the least light pollution in the world
If you enjoy watching the night sky in search of cool celestial phenomena, like the total lunar eclipse of May 26, 2021, you know that light pollution is a hindrance to seeing the beauty of the cosmos.
In 2016, a study entitled “World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness” found that one-third of the world’s population can’t see the Milky Way, and 80 percent is affected by light pollution. This has more consequences than some of us realize. Light pollution can disrupt sleep patterns, disturb wildlife and ecosystems, and even harm human health, according to the International Dark-Sky Association.
A new study by the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, an astrophysical research institute located in the Canary Islands, set out to find the darkest places on Earth. Using 11 million photometers from 44 of the darkest places, the study concluded that Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, also located in the Canary Islands, is the darkest place on Earth.
The Roque de los Muchachos observatory is comprised of dozens of telescopes and instruments, including the largest single-aperture telescope in the world, and is located 7,438 feet above sea level, according to The Guardian.
Other dark spots included the Sierra Nevada in the US, the Montsec commune in northeastern France, and the Extremadura in Spain.
The post New study officially found the place with the least light pollution in the world appeared first on Matador Network.
9 restaurants that show off Philly’s diversity, according to a James Beard nominated chef
When Angelina Branca first arrived in Philadelphia in 2000, the then-twenty-something, Malaysian-born senior manager at Deloitte found that Philly’s charm was in the restaurants outside the city center.
Once Branca realized this, she turned into what she describes as an archaeologist determined to keep digging. Branca explored north, south, and west. Her search for halal meat took her to West Philly, while her love for Puerto Rican pernil (pork shoulder) led her to explore the Badlands section of North Philly.
In 2015, she left her corporate career’s safety and financial security by giving up her job as a managing director at IBM.
Later that year, Branca and her husband, John, opened Sate Kampar in the East Passyunk Crossing section of South Philly. “I wanted to show that our culture is not monolithic,” Branca says. “We had so many people coming in and asking for fried rice. They were surprised that an Asian restaurant didn’t serve fried rice and provide everyone with chopsticks.”
By 2017, Sate Kampar had become a destination restaurant and received a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant. People from nearby cities like Allentown, Wilmington, and even New York were making the journey to South Philly to try Branca’s coconut charcoal-fried sate (meat skewers, sometimes spelled satay), as well as her rendang (a type of dry curry often made with beef) and nasi lemak (coconut rice milk that’s considered the unofficial national dish of Malaysia).
Photo: Kampar Kitchen/Facebook
When COVID-19 hit, business took a dive. While Branca and her team did their best to adapt, the rent eventually became too much, and they moved out by June. Sate Kampar continued to do pop-ups around the city before Branca rebranded as Kampar Kitchen and moved into the communal workspace BOK at the end of 2020. Kampar Kitchen now operates out of a former vocational high school turned workspace. The space allows local chefs to showcase their cuisine without having a permanent space. Menus and guest chefs change daily, and this new concept is keeping Ange’s food and vision alive until Sate Kampar finds a permanent space.
While Branca loves to tell her own story, she also loves talking about her adopted city and why you should love it as much as she does. A simple “Hi Ange, where can I find Indonesian food in Philly?” can lead to a long, engaging conversation about what you should try at each place and why. If every city had an Angelina Branca, there’d be no need for Yelp. These nine Philly restaurants and cafes are her best recommendations.
1. Hardena
Photo: Hardena/Waroeng Surabaya/Facebook
There are a handful of Indonesian cafes and restaurants just west of Broad Street between South 15th and 18th Streets and Morris and Ritner. Hardena is Branca’s personal favorite. Owners and fellow James Beard Award nominees Diana and Maylia have become her personal friends, but she’s been coming here since their parents started the place in the early 2000s. Twenty years after Branca moved to Philly, she and her husband still frequent Hardena.
There’s usually no set menu. Branca refers to menus as a western thing and says that “In Malaysia, we walk into a place like Hardena, look at the buffet-style options and pay.” Hardena’s latest innovation is their “not pizza” box. They fill a large pizza box with appetizer-size portions of 18 different specialties, including ayam kalasan, tempeh goreng, and sayur singkong, for $81. You get what they give you, but Branca always asks for extra sambal sauce.
Where: 1754 S Hicks St #2217, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Nearest subway station: Tasker Morris
This three-time James Beard Award nominee is her favorite bakery outside of France. In order to pass the Branca test, bread must be good enough to eat by itself. According to Branca, you should be able to bite into a crisp baguette or flaky croissant and enjoy the first bite with no condiments. She’s on a first-name basis with Khmer-American owners Andre and Amanda. “Andre grew up in Paris, and he knows how to use the perfect combination of flour, salt, water, and yeast,” Branca says. The bakery is just 200 feet from her first Sate Kampar location in South Philly. Note that Artisan Boulanger Patissier is takeout only, and doesn’t take credit cards.
Where: 1218 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Nearest subway station: Snyder
Photo: Kabobeesh/Facebook
Branca first learned about Kabobeesh when she was still getting to know the city and looking for halal meat. Twenty years later, it’s still her go-to place for zabiha Pakistani food. She usually goes for the mutton karahi with naan, but also enjoys resham beef.
Where: 4201 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Nearest subway station: 40th St.
With one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the Eastern United States, Philly is a competitive market when it comes to selling a bowl of phở. Locals like Branca are spoiled for choice when it comes to Vietnamese food. According to Branca, “It’s competitive here, and this place is my favorite.” While she enjoys a bowl of phở as much as the rest of us, her go-to at Cafe Nhan is the oxtail congee. Central Vietnam native Nancy (hence the name Nhan) and her son Andrew run this South Philly institution.
Where: 1606 W Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Nearest subway station: Snyder
Photo: Café y Chocolate/Facebook
This is another one of Ange’s favorite Philly breakfast spots. She swears by Maricela’s Mexican hot chocolate and considers Café y Chocolate to be the only place in the city to get the authentic Oaxaca version. Many mornings, you can catch the high-energy chef grabbing brunch here before heading off to work at her pop-up dining space, Kampar Kitchen.
Where: 1532 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Nearest subway station: Snyder
This Spanish-Puerto Rican restaurant is the one exception to Ange’s belief that the best Puerto Rican food is made in mom’s kitchen. Her introduction to the island’s cuisine came when one of her line cooks brought her a large container of pernil. She enjoyed it enough that she asked where in Philly she can find it. While she still prefers to get Puerto Rican food from her friends, Branca is happy to settle for Freddy and Tony’s in the Fairhill section of North Philly.
Where: 201 W Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19133
Nearest subway station: Somerset
Photo: Jezabel’s
/Facebook
While Buenos Aires and Patagonia often get the attention when people in the US talk about Argentina, Palpala native Jezabel Careaga is proud to bring the recipes and baking techniques from her native province of Jujuy to West Philly. And Branca is glad that she did. Jezabel’s is a detail-oriented, hands-on chef and woodwork enthusiast who is not shy about showing patrons how to eat her hand-made empanadas properly. Branca comes here for the empanadas, but also the variety of teas. And while Branca is not a typical dessert enthusiast, she does enjoy Jezabels’ alfajores, pasta frola, and torta de ricotta.
Where: 206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Nearest subway station: 46th St.
In the US, Cambodia’s cuisine is often overshadowed by the country’s Southeast Asian neighbors to the west (Thailand) and east (Vietnam). Cambodian cuisine uses many of the same ingredients as Thai and Vietnamese, but also has what Branca refers to as that “Cambodian funkiness.” Take, for instance, prahok, which is a pungent signature fish sauce that’s also known as Cambodian cheese. Prahok ktis is one of I Heart Cambodia’s more popular dishes. It’s a combination of ground meat, coconut milk, lemongrass paste, kaffir leaves, and prahok, served with various vegetables for dipping. There are drinks to try that you won’t find in many other places as well, like the durian smoothie and the egg soda (raw egg, seltzer, and condensed milk). Although the restaurant serves mostly locals, the staff are more than willing to help guide newbies through their first Khmer dining experience.
I Heart Cambodia is located along South 7th Street, near Mifflin Square Park. This area is South Philly’s unofficial Cambodia Town. Branca buys many of her ingredients in the nearby markets and also frequents the weekend Cambodian Market in FDR Park.
Where: 2207 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Nearest subway station: Snyder
Photo: Mom-Mom’s Kitchen/Facebook
This is classic Polish comfort food with a Philly twist. Branca loves to bring friends to Mom-Mom’s to do a one-of-everything order and share. The restaurant is currently operating out of a small space on South Street with an order window. There’s a small seating area on the sidewalk, but most people take the food to go. Its famous Guy Fieri-approved pierogi are hand-made to order. Options range from traditional potato or kapusta to the more American-centric Philly Cheesesteak and buffalo chicken.
Where: 1505 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Nearest subway station: Lombard South
The post 9 restaurants that show off Philly’s diversity, according to a James Beard nominated chef appeared first on Matador Network.
The best barbecue cities in the country, according to TripAdvisor reviews
There are lots of random food-centered holidays in the United States, but in May there is actually one worth celebrating: National Barbecue Month, which pays tribute to one of the most beloved and legendary culinary and cultural traditions in the country. Chef’s Pencil is celebrating barbecue in a surprising way by ranking the best and worst cities in the US for barbecue, based on user reviews.
Even if you didn’t realize that it was National Barbecue Month, you probably know that Americans have strong opinions about where to find the best barbecue in the country. Some people pledge their allegiance to Texas-style barbecue while others profess that actually, either New Orleans or Kansas City is home to the best barbecue. The debate is fierce and fiery and will probably rage on as long as people are around the barbecue (so hopefully forever).
It’s not uncommon for travelers curious about the US’ barbecue offerings to plan entire trips around where to sample as many smoked meats as possible, but with so many differing opinions on the best barbecue city, it might be difficult to decide where to stop. So Chef’s Pencil analyzed TripAdvisor reviews for barbecue restaurants in the country’s 75 largest cities and “ranked the cities based on their average rating.” It was a big undertaking: All told, the company raked through reviews for 2,020 barbecue restaurants, ultimately landing on a list of 62 of the best and worst cities for barbecue.
Barbecue enthusiasts might be intrigued (and even perturbed) to learn that Texas doesn’t occupy the first or second spot — no, those titles go to (drum roll please) New Orleans and Oklahoma City, respectively. Charlotte, Wichita, and Virginia Beach tied for third place (you can check out the full ranking for yourself here).
Photo: Chef’s Pencil
St. Louis, MO, also made the cut, at spot number eight. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with barbecue — the state, particularly Kansas City, has a thriving barbecue scene.
Now for the worst of the bunch: Anchorage, Plano, Boston, San Antonio, and Aurora ranked at the very bottom of the list.
According to the reviews, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Austin have the highest number of top-rated barbecue restaurants, while San Antonio, Houston, and Memphis have the highest number of low-rated barbecue restaurants. And the crown for the highest rated barbecue restaurant in the country goes to Blue Door Smokehouse in Lexington, KY.
It might be prudent to take restaurant reviews with a grain of salt — after all, there’s a chance the reviewer simply didn’t like their waiter, had a long wait for a table, or isn’t familiar with how barbecue should taste or be served.
So does any of this data mean that Texas barbecue is overrated? You’ll just have to visit and decide for yourself.
The post The best barbecue cities in the country, according to TripAdvisor reviews appeared first on Matador Network.
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