Matador Network's Blog, page 746

Get job as a 5-star hotel bed tester

Being a professional product tester can be a dream job, but it really depends on the product. When the product is five-star luxury hotel beds, it’s hard to go wrong.

Tielle Love Luxury, a luxury linen company, is looking to hire a “five-star bed tester” to sleep in some of England’s finest hotels and report back on the experience. The all-expenses-paid gig requires you to complete five separate one-night stays in five-star hotels — yes, you get a plus one. You’ll also get $1,324 in cash and $662 for travel expenses.

Included hotels are some of the country’s most iconic, like The Savoy in London, Artist Residence in Brighton, and Grantley Hall in Ripon. Your chief responsibilities, as listed in the job posting, include “dozing, snoozing, and snuggling.”

To win this coveted role, you must fill out an application online stating why you should be considered for the job. The winner will be chosen via random number generator. The five hotel stays must be taken during 2021 on days mutually agreed upon by the tester and hotel.

In return for the free stay, you’ll be expected to review the hotel experience and submit images and content for blog posts for Tielle Love Luxury.

More information about this dream job is available online.

More like thisWhere to StayThe 25 most spectacular hotels in the world: 2020

The post This company is looking for a professional 5-star hotel bed tester appeared first on Matador Network.

Alaska Airlines plane hits bear

Animals are rarely involved in airplane incidents, and if they are, it’s usually a bird flying into the engine. But in Alaska on Saturday, November 14, a flight landing in Yakutat from Cordova struck and killed a brown bear while landing at the airport.

“The nose missed the bears,” said a statement from Alaska Airlines, “but the captain felt an impact on the left side after the bears passed under the plane.”

During the landing the flight crew had spotted two bears crossing the runway. After the incident, while taxiing, the pilots saw a bear lying several feet off the center of the runway. The collision damaged the plane’s left engine cowl, but the crew and six passengers on board were not hurt.

Photo: Robert E-bear Johnson/Facebook

Upon learning of the incident, airport maintenance crews removed the bear carcass from the runway and brought it to a storage warehouse. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game was then contacted to arrange for the carcass’ proper disposal.

Sam Dapcecivh, a public information officer for Alaska’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, told CNN, “It’s a rare occurrence for something like this to happen. I’ve been in Alaska my whole life and we’ve had aircraft strike birds and other animals…but this is the first instance of a bear that I’ve ever heard of.”

More like thisWildlifeThe 7 best places to see a polar bear in the wild

The post Alaska Airlines plane struck bear at Alaska airport during landing appeared first on Matador Network.

Most beautiful spots in Scandinavia

Experiencing winter in Scandinavia has been on the bucket list for some time. When talking with my Norwegian family, they boast that winter is a great season to visit — perhaps even a little more spectacular than summer. And it’s not hard to understand why. Despite the grueling cold, the region’s crisp air, snow-covered wildernesses, dramatic coastlines, and colorful villages make Scandinavia a great option for a winter vacation. From frozen scenes on the outflung inlets of northern Norway’s archipelagos to the holiday-ready, vibrant streets of Stockholm’s Old Town, here’s a collection of Nordic photos that are guaranteed to give you chills.

1. Aurora borealis over Skagsanden Beach in Flakstadoya, Norway

Photo: Mumemories/Shutterstock

Small streams flow over the sand carving beautiful patterns on Skagsanden Beach in northern Norway, making it one of the most photographed views in the region. Skagsanden sits on the coast above the Arctic Circle on Flakstadoya (Flakstad Island), one of Norway’s famed Lofoten Islands. While these isles are well known for their stunning summer hiking opportunities, they’re also getting more attention for their wintertime offerings. From cold water surfing to chasing the aurora borealis, the Lofotens are becoming a much-sought winter destination. And when you do get to the islands during the darker months, make your way to Skagsanden Beach. It’s one of the better places on the archipelago to see the northern lights, given its north-facing position and lack of light pollution.

2. Christmas in Stortorget square in Stockholm, Sweden

Photo: MarinaD_37/Shutterstock

Christmas in Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan, Old Town, couldn’t be more idyllic. Stortorget, the market square in Gamla Stan, hosts a traditional Christmas market that is the oldest in Sweden, dating back to 1837. Stalls selling handmade crafts, wooden toys, and local produce have the charming backdrop of orange, red, green, and other buildings — some of which are nearly 400 years old. Stockholm and the surrounding area have quite a few Christmas markets to choose from and the city is draped in thousands of lights and decorations. It’s truly a wonderful place to visit during the holiday season.

3. Nordic skiing or snowshoeing in Finnish Lapland

Photo: Tanhu/Shutterstock

Finland’s Lapland is a great landscape to explore in snowshoes. There are over 20 listed snowshoe trails in Finnish Lapland and many of these traverse Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, the third-largest park in the country. The national park is divided into two sections, Pallastunturi in the north and Ounastunturi to the south. You’re more than 100 miles above the Arctic Circle here, and while you may spot a slice of the sun from the top of the Pallas peak, you won’t see if from ground level for a few weeks around the winter solstice. But even then, all the bright snow, which coats the ground and the trees, will reflect the light from the sun hidden just behind the horizon. Along that same horizon you’ll observe hours of sunrise/sunset tones: pinks, oranges, and purples. Whichever section of Pallas-Yllastunturi park you choose, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.

4. Colorful buildings of Bryggen on the edge of Vagen harbor in Bergen, Norway

Photo: Tatyana Vyc/Shutterstock

Another place that celebrates colorful architecture is Bergen, with its variously hued houses on Bryggen (the dock) of Vagen harbor. A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1979, Bryggen consists of an old wharf and timber-clad buildings. The buildings originate from the Middle Ages and are some of the most famous remains of this kind of architecture in Norway. When visiting today, this historic part of Bryggen delights visitors not only with its rich history but also with lovely cafes, craft shops, and small galleries.

5. Lone red cottage looking over the archipelago in Stockholm, Sweden

Photo: Angela Kotsell/Shutterstock

A red house or cottage with a white trim is what many people picture when they think of Scandinavian architecture. The color, known as Falu red, is even more vibrant with a backdrop of snow. This house sits on the Stockholm archipelago, itself part of the larger archipelago between Sweden and Finland, which has tens of thousands of islands. The islands are made of granite, and were carved by glaciers that receded at the close of the last Ice Age. Some islands have entire towns and villages, while many are uninhabited — but their presence, along with the existence of shoals just below the surface throughout the archipelago, make boat passage here a tricky endeavor. Copious buoys and maps ease the way.

6. The sun near the horizon at Haukland Beach in Vestvagoy, Norway

Photo: AVadym Lavra/Shutterstock

Haukland Beach, located on Vestvagoy, one of the Lofoten Islands, is commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in Norway. Its Arctic white sand and turquoise blue waters make it popular in the warm summer months. But the moody coastline also lends itself to winter and is arguably more photogenic in subzero temperatures. Closeby Uttakliev beach is also stunning and is connected with Haukland Beach by a trail that curves around the coast and mountainside.

7. Frozen views over Trolltunga, Norway

Photo: kovop58/Shutterstock

Another of the country’s most famous vista points, Trolltunga is a brave place to pose for a photo even without a slippery snow-covered surface. Tourists flock here during summer to snap that iconic shot, but it is considerably quieter during winter. The rock formation sits at about 3,600 feet above sea level and the view requires a 17-mile round-trip trek that takes between eight to 12 hours. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but you’ll be rewarded at the top with stunning views over Lake Ringedalsvatnet below.

8. A sunny winter day at Lyngvig Lighthouse, Denmark

Photo: rphstock/Shutterstock

Lyngvig Lighthouse is located on the west coast of Jutland and looks out over the Danish North Sea. It was built in 1907 after a steamship called Avona was stranded, killing 24 sailors. To be rewarded with stunning views of the coast you have to climb 228 steps to reach the observation deck at the top. It is worth planning a day trip here as, after descending, the beach, sweeping dunes, and a local cafe offer a perfect place to set up camp and relax.

9. The first sunset after two months of no sun in Vesteralen, Norway

Photo: Robert Novak/Shutterstock

During winter in Vesteralen in northern Norway, the sun does not rise above the horizon. This makes the season a test of endurance, and seeing the sun rise for the first time in spring is a sign of new beginnings and the coming warmer months. Vesteralen is often overshadowed by the neighboring Lofoten Islands, but it is just as beautiful and has a lot less foot traffic from tourists on its multiple hiking, cycling, and climbing routes. Although this is a very remote place to visit, especially in winter, it can be done with planning and promises a vacation you’ll likely never forget.

10. Northern lights over Tromso, Norway

Photo: jennywonderland/Shutterstock

The northern lights can be seen over Tromso from mid-September until mid-April, but the best time to visit for a guaranteed show is during the darker months of mid-November to mid-January. Tromso is located in the middle of the Northern Lights Oval, an imaginary ring circling the top of the planet that indicates the best latitudes at which to view nature’s famous light show. Outside of town, Lake Kattfjordvatnet on Kvaloya (Whale Island) is one of the better locations to go hunting for the aurora borealis. It can be reached easily by car or with a planned excursion, of which there are many during winter.

More like thisParks + WildernessThe most beautiful American deserts to visit in winter for rocks, cactuses, and snow

The post From cities to mountains, Scandinavia is at its most beautiful in winter appeared first on Matador Network.

Best Black-owned resorts

If you’ve made a commitment to buy Black or otherwise support the Black community, you may want to combine that effort with your vacation planning. While the travel industry is still expanding to allow for and embrace Black travelers and Black travel entrepreneurs, there are still plenty of choices for your resort season jaunt in a Black-owned resort. If you’ve ever forgone traveling and taken a real holiday, then you may already be familiar with the benefits of a resort. If not, don’t be too quick to discount them completely — when done right they can be great, particularly if you are looking to unplug, rejuvenate, and practice some quality regenerative rest and relaxation. Here are some of the best Black-owned resorts around the world to give you a little inspiration.

1. Negril Treehouse Resort — Negril, Jamaica

Photo: Negril Tree House

Located on the gorgeous, white-sand shores of Negril, Jamaica, Negril Treehouse Resort is dedicated to one thing: keeping guests comfortable in a lush setting. Though rustic and informal, The Negril Treehouse Resort has everything you could possibly want for a great vacation. There’s an ample private beach on silken, groomed sand; an onsite restaurant serving fresh seafood and other Jamaican classics; and plenty of Red Stripe on hand.

The 70 air-conditioned guest rooms range from standard to suites, many of which have a small patio or hammock right outside your door, and all are steps from the beach. But the thing that keeps folks returning year after year to this quiet resort seems to be the people who work there. Of the thousands of reviews you can find scattered across several sites for the property, guests simply rave about the helpful, friendly staff members who many note are always willing to go above and beyond to keep guests happy.

2. Jnane Tamsna — Marrakesh, Morocco

Photo: Jnane Tamsna/Facebook

Blending traditional and contemporary Moroccan design is the cornerstone of Jnane Tamsna in Marrakesh, owned by hotelier titan Meryanne Loum-Martin. Everything on the grounds — the several houses, infrastructure, and all of the interior design — was built from scratch to Loum-Martin’s exact specifications. Even the extensive gardens and palm groves are maintained by her ethnobotanist husband, Dr. Gary Martin.

Photo: Jnane Tamsna/Facebook

Jnane Tamsna welcomes anyone who cares to visit, though they seem to attract a bohemian, counterculturist clientele, maybe to match the eclectic styling; every single object in the resort — from the rugs to the flatware to the books — was curated carefully by Loum-Martin. As she told Maison Flâneur, “Recently, we’ve also seen the return of the Diaspora: A younger, creative generation, enriched by their foreign experience, is coming back [to Morocco] and it’s terrific.” Her intent with her palatial estate runs far deeper than simply hosting guests; she intends to build a legacy of hospitality and design that extends far beyond the borders of Morocco.

3. Half Moon — Montego Bay, Jamaica

Photo: Half Moon Jamaica/Facebook

This massive resort on Jamaica’s Montego Bay has everything you could possibly want in a vacation. This beachside paradise is all about variety; here you can go horseback riding, parasailing, scuba diving, and more, possibly all on the same day if you’re up for it. But if getting the adrenaline pumping isn’t quite your idea of the perfect vacay diversion, you can always hit up the luxury spa where you can relax in one of the aromatherapy steam rooms or have a go in the yoga pavilion. But if a little privacy is more your style, you can book one of a number of treatments in one of their 12 treatment rooms, some of which are housed in overwater bungalows.

Photo: Half Moon Jamaica/Facebook

With many unique concepts to accommodate you — from standard rooms all the way up to seven-bedroom villas — there’s bound to be one of them that fits your vision and group size. And though it’s just 10 minutes from the airport, Half Moon has its very own welcome lounge right outside of the customs hall. There you will be welcomed to Jamaica and transferred to the resort without you having to lift a finger.

4. Spice Island Beach Resort — Grand Anse Beach, Grenada

Photo: Spice Island Beach Resort/Facebook

Founded by the late Sir Royston Hopkin, the only Caribbean hotelier to ever be knighted by Queen Elizabeth, this exquisite resort is perfect for those with finer tastes. Originally built in 1961, it was almost completely destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but Hopkins was barely perturbed. “What are you all crying for?” he noted, “I’m fully insured. We’ll build better than ever.” Rebuild they did.

Photo: Spice Island Beach Resort/Facebook

The hurricane actually gave Hopkins a chance to reevaluate his offerings to his guests. His determination to not simply replace what had been lost but rather elevate the property to new heights of luxury was so successful that suites at the resort now typically have to be booked a year in advance. Privacy might just be the major draw of the property, with many suites boasting private dining areas, patios, beachfront, and even pools.

5. Zaina Lodge — Mole National Park, Ghana

Photo: Zaina/Facebook

Billing itself as West Africa’s first luxury safari lodge, Zaina Lodge nestled within the Mole forest prioritizes sustainability, ethical practices, and of course, your comfort. “We are inspired by our environment and the culture of Northern Ghana, our home,” and their aim with their glamping-style resort is to make you feel as at home as they do.

Each of the tented chalets on the property has WiFi, is air-conditioned, and is covered with a thatched teak roof, so while it appears to have a rustic beauty, you won’t be missing out on the comforts of home. And while your chalet will certainly be gorgeous, the real attraction here is the wildlife. Safaris can be booked in a package right along with your stay, all of which are led by experienced drivers and guides. These tours are meant to educate as much as delight, so be prepared to learn as much about the flora and fauna as you are delighted by them.

6. Blue Apple Beach Club — Cartagena, Colombia

Photo: Blue Apple Beach

Nearly completely isolated on the south shore of the Terra Bomba beach about 30 minutes from Cartagena, the unpretentious Blue Apple Beach Club is a favorite among millennial travelers and counterculturists of all stripes. Bucking many of the staples of a traditional beach resort is exactly how they’ve garnered such a dedicated following, though being located on a pristine South American beach certainly doesn’t hurt.

The vibe here is very “come as you are,” so rather than be saddled with the pressure of toting an Instagram-worthy wardrobe or gear you can settle into a simple routine of fun and sun. Each of the 10 rooms is completely unique, and five of them are private, standalone cabins that you can rent by the night — or the month if the island life sways you so.

If Colombian beach life sounds inspiring, maybe you’d like to lend your talents. Part of their commitment to supporting the arts is hosting an Artists in Residence program. If you’re a writer, painter, photographer, or some other type of creative, you may want to apply for one of the one-week to one-month residencies.

7. Primate Lodge — Kibale National Park, Uganda

Photo: Uganda Lodges Ltd./Facebook

Uganda’s national parks are world-renowned for homing a huge diversity of primates, and in particular, people flock to see the chimpanzees. Long been the victim of pollution, deforestation, and other manmade harms, the influx of tourists can serve to be one more stressor on an extremely fragile ecosystem that’s home to more than one vulnerable species. This is the exact scenario that the Primate Lodge strives to combat by offering comfortable, sustainable accommodations to limit the impact on the surrounding flora and fauna.

With a choice between staying in one of the well-appointed, solar-powered cottages or the bring-your-own-tent campground with shared bathroom facilities, there’s something available here for every price point. No matter where you sleep, all guests are invited to dine at the onsite restaurant, where you can enjoy international and traditional African dishes.

8. The Mansion at Noble Lane — The Poconos, Pennsylvania

Photo: Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns/Facebook

Founded by former Essence editor, author, and star of the OWN network’s Checked Inn, Monique Greenwood’s The Mansion at Noble Lane is just one property in the larger Akwaaba Bed and Breakfast Inns group.

The historic mansion was originally built in 1903 and, after several iterations, was purchased and expertly restored into the iconic resort it is today. The property features an Olympic-sized heated swimming pool, a 10,000-square-foot recreational facility, conference rooms, a game room, a movie room, and a ballroom for special events and weddings. The grounds feature several sports courts, a formal English garden, and even a fireside lounge. One of the main draws for visitors to the resort is the YOUtopia Spa, where you can schedule a massage, a facial, a cheeky mani-pedi, or all three if you’re feeling like a little extra self-care.

9. Roberts Riverwalk Hotel — Detroit, Michigan

Photo: Roberts Riverwalk Hotel Detroit/Facebook

Marketed as an upscale urban resort, The Roberts Riverwalk Hotel is in the heart of Detroit and ready to host you for a perfect city break. Opened in 2011 in a historic building that once housed the Parke-Davis Research Laboratory, this hotel and residence is the epitome of Motor City style.

A St. Louis native, owner Michael V. Roberts is a longtime entrepreneur, civil rights activist, and even served as campaign manager for the St. Louis chapter of the Jimmy Carter campaign. Having earned a law degree law from St. Louis University, he opened the firm Roberts & Roberts in 1974, which he mainly used as a conduit to ensure that Black entrepreneurs were able to secure the same government contracts as their white counterparts. Ensuring that minority Americans get to participate and thrive in business is a legacy that he continues as a hotelier, embodied in this stately resort.

More like thisOutdoor16 epic BIPOC voices in the outdoor world that will stoke your next adventure

The post 9 ultra-luxe Black-owned resorts around the world appeared first on Matador Network.

Airbnb’s Santa online experiences

Meeting Santa Claus will be a bit more difficult this year due to pandemic restrictions, which is why the big man himself is taking his operation online. Several Santa experiences are coming to Airbnb’s Online Experiences, giving kids the opportunity to interact with Santa from a safe, virtual distance.

Guests will be able to enjoy Santa experiences all around the world, from Finland to Los Angeles. Airbnb is partnering with Santa Visits USA to offer a variety of unique, interactive Christmas experiences online.

There’s a Virtual Visit and Story Time with Santa, where guests can see Santa’s Workshop, chat with Santa, read Christmas stories, and learn the ins and outs of life at the North Pole. Sign Language Santa is designed for those with hearing impairments, allowing guests to meet Santa and play vocabulary games using sign language. For those who want an international experience, Meet Santa Claus in Lapland lets you visit Santa on his home turf of Lapland, Finland, where you’ll learn about Santa’s workshop, his elves, and all the letters Santa receives.

The Fraternal Order of Real-Bearded Santas — yes, it’s a real thing — released a report saying that a third of their members surveyed will not be participating in in-person visit this year due to COVID-19. That means Santas are in tough economic straits, so partaking in an online experience is a great way to show your support for Santas around the world.

More like thisChristmas

The post Meet the real Santa from Lapland with new online Airbnb Experiences appeared first on Matador Network.

Best winter foods in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the best time of year is winter. Sure, the Swiss love hiking alongside springtime wildflowers or swimming in one of their country’s 1,500 lakes in summer. But it’s when the snow falls that Swiss people seem the most grateful and proud of their stunning Alpine surroundings. Not only is world-class skiing always just a short drive away, but winter is the best excuse to gather friends in a cozy, wood-walled chalet to sip some of the country’s little-known and excellent white wines and savor the coziest food in Europe.

1. Cheese fondue

Photo: doupix art/Shutterstock

Fondue may be the quintessential Swiss food. Come November, seasonal fondue restaurants open in the country’s forests and cities, quickly booking up through February. When the Swiss talk of fondue, they mean cheese fondue — the rich, irresistible dish made mostly or partly with Gruyere, which is a nutty, deeply flavored cheese from the town of Gruyere near the Charmey Valley. Many restaurants offer a choice between all Gruyere or a blend with a milder cheese like Emmental or Vacherin Fribourgeois.

Most typically, fondue is served in a cherry-red, enameled cast-iron pot, although any colored pot is of course fine. The bread for swirling into the cheese is always cut to leave some crust, so it’s easier to pierce and it stays on the fondue fork. The fondue is washed down with dry white wine, typically made with the Chasselas wine grape, which is Switzerland’s oldest grape — and likely the same type of wine with which the fondue was made. Alternatively, you could sip kirsch, a cherry liquor that is also an ingredient in the fondue itself. And we do mean sip it, as the stuff is up to 100 proof.

Last winter, we watched a table of a dozen young men ordering pot after pot of fondue and plenty of kirsch. It being polite Switzerland, they never got too loud. But watching them stumble to the door at the end of the night was telltale. It must be said, though, that they had the right idea. While most fondue restaurants’ cozy surroundings and dim lighting could make for a romantic dinner for two, fondue is best savored as a seasonal dish shared with family and friends.

2. Raclette

Photo: beats1/Shutterstock

If fondue isn’t wintery and cozy enough, there’s raclette. The most impressive way to enjoy it is at a mountaintop restaurant where a half-slab of a huge wheel of raclette cheese is heated by a roaring fire and the melted cheese closest to the flames is slowly scraped off. More commonly for vendors of raclette — such as those at Swiss Christmas markets — is a special raclette wheel holder that produces its own heat to melt the cheese.

A much simpler, and more communal option, is the tabletop raclette cooker. The double-decker device contains a grill on top, upon which you can sear your choice of meats or vegetables. But the grill’s main purpose is to heat the cheese that you place on little paddles beneath it. Were you to make raclette at home, as Swiss people do regularly, you’d have one of these tabletops devices of your own and would buy raclette cheese pre-sliced into flat, paddle-ready squares from your local grocery store.

The melted raclette is poured over just-boiled baby potatoes. You can take a slice of the cheese-drizzled potato and dip it into a spot of freshly ground black pepper or a paprika-rich spice mix on your plate. Raclette is typically served with small pickled onions, cucumbers, or another tart vegetable. The acid is a perfect counterpoint to the rich raclette cheese. Like fondue, the communal nature of eating raclette makes it that much more special during the winter season.

3. Rösti

Photo: hlphoto/Shutterstock

To make rösti, potatoes are grated and then cooked in butter or oil. Rösti can be cooked in a big pan and sliced like a Spanish tortilla or served in smaller portions similar to latkes. A great way to enjoy rösti is on your own ceramic plate with a fried egg on top. Meat lovers might prefer it served with sausage.

Perhaps because of its association as the historic breakfast food for farmers in some German-speaking areas, this hearty food is not much eaten in the French-speaking parts of the country. This explains the German expression “Röstigraben” and French term “rideau de rösti,” which mean “rösti trench” and “rösti curtain,” respectively. Both terms refer to the cultural dividing line between the German and French regions. Fried potato trench or not, rösti is rich, satisfying, and a perfect way to warm up in winter.

4. Saffron risotto

Photo: denio109/Shutterstock

We should point out here that Switzerland also has speakers of Italian and Romansh, a Romance language most similar to Italian. Together, they make up just under 10 percent of the population. They have, however, made their own contribution to Switzerland’s cozy winter foods.

Ticino is the only canton (similar to a small province) in Switzerland where Italian is the official language. A specialty of this region is saffron risotto. It’s prepared much like traditional risotto, although onions are usually cooked in as well. More importantly, it’s flavored with saffron, which gives the risotto a brilliant yellow paella-like hue. Those wanting an extra filling winter dish might like it with luganighe, a local Ticino pork sausage.

5. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Photo: hlphoto/Shutterstock

Hailing from the Swiss-German city of Zurich, this dish departs from the cheese and starch theme, but it’s still robust fare suited to cold weather — and is often served with rösti potatoes on the side. It consists of veal sliced thinly and sauteed with onions, mushrooms, white wine, and heavy cream. Parsley is a lovely garnish. Although the name references the place of its origins, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, or “shredded meat from Zurich,” can be found in other regions of the country as well.

6. Wiener schnitzel

Photo: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

You won’t find wiener schnitzel — thinly sliced veal that’s pounded, breaded, and pan-fried — on any lists of “traditional” Swiss foods. But that is simply because the dish, which means Viennese carved meat, originated next door in Austria. Yet wiener schnitzel is ubiquitous on Swiss menus, and many Swiss will have their favorite restaurant at which to eat it. Often the piece of veal is so big it stretches over the side of the plate, so that the accompanying French fries have to be served separately. Somehow, though, the meat is so thinly sliced and the breading so light and crispy that most who order it manage to eat the whole thing.

More like thisDessertThe sugar-coated, crispy-fried, deeply comforting guide to Dutch winter food

The post From fondue to raclette, the coziest winter foods come from Switzerland appeared first on Matador Network.

Poachers kill rare white moose

The killing of a female white moose in a northern Ontario community by poachers has shocked the local residents.

The poachers killed two female moose, including one with a rare white coat. The remains of the animals, including their heads, were found discarded.

White animals, also known as “spirit” — whether they are bears, moose, raven, etc. — are considered sacred by the area’s Indigenous people, including the local Flying Post First Nation, and therefore should not be harmed.

According to The Guardian, Chief Murray Ray of nearby Flying Post First Nation said, “Everybody is outraged and sad. Why would you shoot it? No one needs one that bad. If you have a license to shoot a cow moose, you could shoot another one. Just leave the white ones alone.”

White moose are not albino; they get their color from a recessive gene and are a rare sight. The Flying Post First Nation has asked for the pelt of the moose to be returned so a ceremony could be held to honor it.

Troy Woodhouse, a member of the Flying Post community, said, “It saddens me that somebody would take such a beautiful animal. Nobody knows exactly how many are in the area, so the loss of a single spirit moose is one too many.”

Woodhouse has offered a reward of $760 to anyone who comes forward with information that could lead to the arrest of the poachers. A local company has matched Woodhouse’s reward, and an animal welfare group has offered nearly $4,000. The total reward is now at $8,000.

More like thisParks + WildernessPoachers kill rare white moose in Canada

The post Poachers kill rare white moose in Canada appeared first on Matador Network.

Classic Midwest Thanksgiving dishes

There are some dishes that the entire United States share. Turkey is one clear example, as are others like some type of cranberry side (whether that be sauce, relish, or jellied from the can) and mashed potatoes. What fills the other parts of the Thanksgiving table, however, often depends on regional preferences and history.

In the Midwest, that means cheese, corn, and many, many types of casseroles (or hotdishes, if you’re in the upper Midwest).

“Side dishes at Thanksgiving often include one or more forms of casserole, usually a heavy or starch-dense dish like green bean casserole, au gratin potatoes with bacon and breadcrumbs, and sweet potatoes/yams with marshmallow topping,” Neel Sahni, a Midwest-based chef with the National Pork Board, wrote in an email. “Really, anything with a base ingredient, sauce or binder, and toppings works well.”

These are the dishes that define the Thanksgiving table in the Midwest.

1. Green bean casserole

Photo: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Green bean casserole is made in various parts of the country for Thanksgiving, but it’s really found a home in the Midwest. It’s made by putting cream of mushroom soup from a can into a casserole dish with green beans and spices of your choosing. Fried onions (typically French’s fried onions from the container) go on top.

A Campbell’s recipe developer named Dorcas Reilly created the recipe in 1955. Today, about 40 percent of all of the cream of mushroom soup sold in the US is used for green bean casserole recipes, according to History.

When asked about Midwest casseroles, Angela, the Minnesota-based food blogger behind Bake it With Love, told Matador that, “If you aren’t serving the easy version of green bean casserole at Thanksgiving, you’re an out-of-towner for sure!”

2. Tater tot hotdish

Photo: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

If you’re in the upper Midwest, a casserole is not called a casserole but a hotdish. The most popular version is made with ground beef, green beans or peas (either frozen or from a can), onions, and cream of mushroom soup. The top is layered with tater tots, along with cheese, before the whole thing is baked, and voila: a delicious tater tot hotdish ready for eating.

What goes beneath the tater tots isn’t restricted to ground beef and frozen or canned vegetables. Any number of combinations can be mixed together and topped with tater tots. According to Eater, commercial tater tots were invented in the mid-1950s and have been used as a popular hotdish topping ever since. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar recently spotlighted the tater tot hotdish during her “Hot Dish House Parties” campaign event when she was running for president.

3. Snickers salad

A candy bar is the main attraction of this popular Midwest “salad.” Snickers salad is made with Snickers, apples, whipped cream, and vanilla pudding. It’s especially popular in states like Iowa and Minnesota, and it’s served alongside the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes — including the many different hotdish options.

This isn’t the only type of dessert salad you’re likely to see in the Midwest. It’s one of a number that includes ambrosia, Jell-O fluff, and Watergate salad.

4. Cheese ball

Photo: P Maxwell Photography/Shutterstock

The Upper Midwest is the home of cheese and all things dairy, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that cheese balls are common appetizers at gatherings — including Thanksgiving. Exactly what goes into each family’s preferred cheese ball depends on taste. The New York Times lists processed cheddar mixed with port wine as one style while others are made with pineapple and cream cheese. Others still use leftover cheese, though there’s nothing wrong with using a local and high-quality cheese.

A blogger with Allrecipes lists cheddar, blue cheese, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, onion, garlic, pecans, and olives in their family’s cheese ball recipe, which is used “as a prelude to Thanksgiving dinner, along with a relish tray, to use up those last few minutes while the turkey’s browning.”

5. Pickle wrap

Among the Des Moines Register’s list of Iowans’ favorite holiday food sits one that many outside of the region likely haven’t encountered: the pickle wrap. Also known as “Iowa sushi” or “Lutheran sushi,” according to an explainer by Courtney Crowder of the Des Moines Register, the appetizer is simply a pickle spread with cream cheese and wrapped in ham. Modern variations include tortillas or dried beef.

Thanksgiving isn’t the only time Iowans grace the table with pickle wraps. You’ll find pickle wraps served as an appetizer on Christmas and other gatherings and holiday dinners.

6. Scalloped corn

Photo: Natalia Wimberley/Shutterstock

Scalloped corn is yet another popular side on the Midwest Thanksgiving table. One recipe from an Iowa Farm Bureau’s favorite holiday recipe collection uses whole kernel corn and creamed corn (both canned) along with sour cream, butter, and cornbread mix. Others use crushed up Saltine crackers in place of the cornbread mix. Scalloped corn is also called corn casserole. This is, after all, the land of casseroles.

Similar corn dishes also make an appearance depending on what state you’re in. Cream corn, for example, is one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods, according to Google search data obtained by Zippia.

7. Wild rice hotdish

In northern Minnesota, wild rice is harvested from grasses that grow in the state’s lakes. Wild rice has played an important role in the local diet since it’s been harvested by canoe by the Ojibwe and other Indigenous people. Rice is harvested between August and September.

Wild rice hotdish is like many other Minnesota hotdish recipes in that it includes cream and mushrooms and has a crunchy topping.

More like thisFood + DrinkThe Midwest is the home of the casserole. These are the ones to try

The post 7 dishes that make for a classic Midwest Thanksgiving appeared first on Matador Network.

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee

The people of the United Kingdom can look forward to an extra holiday and a big party to cheer them up. Unfortunately, it won’t happen until 2022. In the spring of 2022, the UK is planning a four-day weekend like no other in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s 70th year on the throne.

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, and her 70th anniversary will add another milestone to her already long list of superlatives — a Platinum Jubilee. The Diamond Jubilee that marked the monarch’s 60 years on the throne was celebrated with great flourish in 2012, the same year London held the Summer Olympic Games.

According to Culture Minister Oliver Dowden, “Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee will be a truly historic moment — and one that deserves a celebration to remember. We can all look forward to a special, four-day Jubilee weekend, when we will put on a spectacular, once-in-a-generation show that mixes the best of British ceremonial splendour with cutting edge art and technology. It will bring the entire nation and the Commonwealth together in a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s reign.”

A public holiday at the end of May would be moved to accommodate the Jubilee, with an additional day off added to allow for four days of celebration — from June 2 to June 5, 2022.

The press release promises nothing short of spectacular for the event: “The four day celebrations will feature an extensive programme of events that mix the best of British ceremonial splendour and pageantry with cutting edge artistic and technological displays. These will be interspersed with the traditional nationwide fanfare and celebrations.”

Queen Elizabeth became queen on February 6, 1952, and is currently the oldest and longest-reigning monarch. She surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria in 2015 for the longest time spent on the throne.

More like thisArt + ArchitectureAll the British royal family’s residences that you need to check out

The post The UK will go all out in 2022 to celebrate the queen’s 70th year on the throne appeared first on Matador Network.

Trending travel destinations 2021

Since the 2020 travel season has largely been a bust thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are looking to 2021 for their travel fix. With COVID-19 tests more readily available (even in airports around the US), a potential vaccine on the way, and destinations reopening with solid safety protocols, the prospect of tourism this coming year is much more positive than it has been since the spring.

And travel-deprived people are ready to take the plunge and go on international vacations as proven by Expedia’s 2021 Travel Trends report. The report lists the top trending destinations for 2021 based on search data. More precisely, it looked at hotel searches from January to September and found that Americans are overwhelmingly looking for a sun-, sea-, and sand-filled getaway.

Mexico dominated the list, with Cancun taking the top spot and Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum coming in close behind. Los Cabos also made an appearance at number nine. If you’re keen to hit those destinations, make sure to check out our guide to everything travelers need to know about traveling to Mexico right now.

Other sunny spots, like French Polynesia (the only places taking in tourists in Oceania), the Maldives, Maui, and Oahu rounded out the list, along with Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Among mainland destinations, the theme was pretty clear. Las Vegas, Miami, and Orlando show Americans are focused on warm-weather vacation spots where you can also blow off some steam.

The top trending destinations for 2021, according to Expedia’s 2021 Travel Trends report:

11. The Maldives

10. French Polynesia

9. Los Cabos, Mexico

8. Miami, Florida

7. Maui, Hawaii

6. Oahu, Hawaii

5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

4. Orlando, Florida

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

2. Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, Mexico

1. Cancun, Mexico

More like thisAirports + FlyingHow to plan for 2021 travel in the age of COVID, according to 23 travel agents

The post The top trending destinations for 2021, according to internet searches appeared first on Matador Network.