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About Matt Long
06 July 2011 8:08 PM | No CommentsWho am I? I am a typical Gen-X professional who has a passion for all things travel. My site brings a unique perspective that is hard to find online. I am not a backpacker, nor am I living off of a trust fund. I am...
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Five Reasons to Stop Dreaming and Travel Now
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Top Five Travel iPad Apps
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Vatican City Scavi Tour
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Don’t Be a Touron
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Good Eats Archive
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Around Luang Prabang in Five Courses – Learning About Lao Cuisine
Posted on May 14, 2012 | 2 CommentsWhile there are some similarities with other Southeast Asian countries, Lao cuisine definitely has its own unique qualities. To best share them with you, here are some of my favorite meals we found while exploring Luang Prabang. Appetizer Dried Mekong River Weed with Sesame... -
It’s a McDonald’s World – Why They Matter When You Travel
Posted on May 1, 2012 | 46 CommentsSome people get very fussy and pretentious when they travel, particularly when food is involved. I agree that discovering new and interesting experiences, including food, is a huge part of the adventure, but there’s also the very important pop culture element. I love exploring grocery... -
Five Foods Not To Miss in Taiwan
Posted on April 22, 2012 | 3 CommentsI’m very pleased to share a guest post by a friend and excellent food and travel writer Erin De Santiago. Erin is a freelance writer from California who’s been living in Taiwan since 2009. She is obsessed with culinary travel, fine wine, and all things... -
Four Surprising Things About Buenos Aires Cuisine
Posted on April 18, 2012 | 11 CommentsBuenos Aires has long been on my travel list for many reasons, but food wasn’t one of them – until now. This fabulous guest post by travel blogger Stephanie Yoder of Twenty-Something Travel.com gives us four great reasons to visit the capital of Argentina and... -
Five Must Eat Paris Snacks
Posted on March 21, 2012 | 11 CommentsYou may have noticed that I have an ever-so-slight obsession with Paris. I can’t explain why or where it came from, but the City of Lights will always and forever hold a very special place in my heart and maybe, if I’m lucky, one day... -
Celebrating World Nutella Day with a Song and Video
Posted on February 2, 2012 | 9 CommentsIt’s that time of year again when we as a global community are bonded through our mutual appreciation of the choco-hazelnut spread Nutella. World Nutella Day is a time to recognize the greatness of the snack and the role it plays in the travel stories... -
Capturing Waffle Love in Belgium
Posted on January 23, 2012 | 4 CommentsChocolate or Nutella. A seemingly simple choice, especially since they’re so similar to one other, but with dozens of eyeballs boring into my back and the server at the waffle stand smiling not-so-patiently, it was suddenly impossible to decide. I hastily went with the Nutella,... -
Macaron Love – How the French Stole My Sweet Tooth
Posted on January 12, 2012 | 12 CommentsI didn’t actually know what a macaroon was before my first, succulent bite. I imagined a dense cookie with chocolate and coconut, and certainly not the delicate pastry that has captured the culinary hearts of millions around the world. The macaron is a sweet confectionery... -
2011 Favorite Travel Food of the Year
Posted on December 27, 2011 | 2 CommentsYesterday I wrote about the importance of people in the travel experience and highlighted the remarkable Kathy Carroll from Lanai, Hawaii. Today I want to shift gears a bit and highlight a different aspect of the travel experience, but one that is arguably the most... -
The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Los Angeles
Posted on December 20, 2011 | 3 CommentsI had the great pleasure of meeting the author of today’s piece, Jade Broadus, earlier this year and knew right away that I had met a fellow foodie. In spite of the hectic schedule with her own site Vagabond3, Jade graciously agreed to share some... -
Exploring the Beach Shacks of St. Kitts
Posted on November 20, 2011 | 5 CommentsAs a guest of the St. Kitts Marriott, I had a lot of great food. Unlike a lot of other resorts, the property features a variety of culinary options that are reasonably priced and delicious, a feat which many other resorts can’t seem to achieve.... -
Boozing it Up – Favorite Alcoholic Beverages from Around the World
Posted on October 20, 2011 | 6 CommentsIt’s not for everyone, but a region’s alcoholic specialty can many times define the destination. Not only do they taste great (hopefully) but if you don’t have too many of them, these signature drinks can provide great memories of your trip. Here are some of... -
Spies and International Intrigue – The One-of-a-Kind Safe House Experience
Posted on September 19, 2011 | 1 CommentI don’t usually highlight restaurants, especially those I’ve found on business trips, but this one is different. The Safe House dining experience in Milwaukee is one of the most unique, and fun, dining experiences you will ever enjoy. Since 1966, the Safe House has been... -
Four Foods I Regret Eating
Posted on September 6, 2011 | 20 CommentsOne of the most important aspects of any trip is the food. We all have to eat, and exploring a new culture through its culinary traditions is one of the best ways to learn about a new place. But let’s face it, not everything is... -
Eating My Way Through the Barbeque Capital of America: Kansas City
Posted on August 29, 2011 | 2 CommentsThere are certain topics that are guaranteed to create a debate, politics, religion and definitely barbeque. While the designation of top BBQ city in the United States may be a hotly contested issue, the importance and prominence of this culinary specialty in Kansas City is... -
Visiting Rippon Winery – The Most Photographed Vineyard in the World
Posted on August 23, 2011 | 3 CommentsI first heard about Rippon Winery at dinner my first night in Wanaka. The manager had stopped by to see how my meal was going and was shocked that I hadn’t tried any wine from nearby Rippon vineyards. I really didn’t know what to say,... -
Taking the Pretension Out of Winery Tours
Posted on August 9, 2011 | 6 CommentsIn college I had what is arguably one of the best part-time jobs ever, I worked at a winery. Located just a few miles from the historic core of Williamsburg, Virginia is the Williamsburg Winery. It was there in the tasting room that I learned... -
There’s No Decaf in Jordan – Bedouin Coffee Culture
Posted on August 4, 2011 | 6 CommentsI noticed them on my first day in Jordan. There they were, in the middle of traffic circles on the way to the Desert Castles east of Amman, giant decorative coffee urns. At the time I didn’t realize that’s what they were, I thought they... -
Jordan’s Sweet Treat – Knafeh
Posted on July 19, 2011 | 1 CommentWhen I visited Jordan, it didn’t take me long to realize that the culinary aspect of the experience was going to be very important. Some countries don’t have many unique dishes, others have en embarrassment of food riches. Jordan definitely falls into the later category.... -
King of Recipes – Mansaf Experience in Jordan
Posted on June 23, 2011 | 2 CommentsTowards the end of my trip to Jordan, sponsored by Jordan Tourism Board, I was yearning to get away from the prescribed restaurants and try something a little more homey. I’m not always in the mood for fancy food, in fact home cooked or even... -
Learning to Make Foul – One of Jordan’s Oldest and Most Important Dishes
Posted on June 16, 2011 | 9 CommentsMy first day in Jordan, as part of a trip sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board, was a whirlwind. I was tired, but didn’t want to waste a single moment while exploring Jordan. At last, we sat down for a simple lunch and I was... -
Swiss Twist on Gelato: Lemon Basil
Posted on June 9, 2011 | 3 CommentsRachelle is an amazing talent. She’s a videographer, writer, travel expert and foodie extraordinaire. Add to that an exciting and vivacious personality, and you have a wonderful person to know. She was kind enough to share with us her story of exploring Geneva as a... -
Love Affair with Jordanian Food
Posted on June 8, 2011 | 9 CommentsFood is a important part of any travel experience, and one that I always look forward to investigating. Rather than seek out the fancy, five-star dining, I’m always looking for local cuisine. Not only is this simple food cheaper, it’s almost always better than the... -
Ultimate Street Food Experience – Best Summertime Snack in Jordan
Posted on June 1, 2011 | 10 CommentsOn the first day of touring Jordan, we drove past a roadside stand selling bright green watermelons when the driver, Mahmoud, made a comment that marked the beginning of an epic food quest. He said that one of his favorite things to do is to... -
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Art of Tequila Tasting in the Yucatan
Posted on May 4, 2011 | 2 CommentsI have a rocky relationship with tequila, it’s not a potent potable known for engendering long friendships. In college I found a bottle of Dos Dedos: Two Fingers Tequila at a party (retail value: $1.99) and for a long time that ended my friendship with... -
Ultimate Lanai Restaurants and Dining Guide
Posted on March 27, 2011 | 3 CommentsI am a great fan of all things Lana’i. I have been there twice, once on a personal trip and the second time at the invitation of the Lana’i Visitor’s Bureau as part of their New Media Artist in Residence Program. It may not seem... -
Global Appeal of Irish Pubs – World Invasion One Pint at a Time
Posted on March 10, 2011 | 5 CommentsEveryone seems to lament the fact that there are few places in the world where a McDonalds or Starbucks doesn’t exist. I was particularly surprised to find a Starbucks in Vienna, heart of the European coffee culture. But you don’t often hear people talk about... -
Top Five Lunches From Around the World
Posted on January 30, 2011 | 17 CommentsFood and eating are integral aspects of any trip, more so in certain areas of the world. There are few cultural indicators as important as what the people who live there decide to eat on a daily basis. Throughout my travels, I have had some... -
Hawaiian Cuisine – Unique and Misunderstood
Posted on January 9, 2011 | 6 CommentsPresident Obama’s recent vacation in Hawaii once again highlighted all things Hawaiian to a public that may not be familiar with everything the islands have to offer. I was watching cable news during his trip, dozing off following an all too successful holiday meal, when... -
World’s Oldest Bottle of Wine
Posted on January 3, 2011 | 5 CommentsOn a visit to the Bahamas, which was orchestrated by Bahamas Tourism, I had the opportunity to stay in one of the most unique hotels in the world, the Graycliff in Nassau. The history in this old school hotel is palpable, but never more so... -
Lopers Award for Best Travel Food Experience of 2010
Posted on December 26, 2010 | 6 CommentsEvery day this week I will be highlighting a favorite travel experience from 2010. I’ve explained the Lopers Awards here. Today, the first day of Awards, I want to share my favorite food experience from the year. While I have had some great meals and... -
Finding Pom Wonderful in Israel
Posted on December 10, 2010 | 1 CommentI did a lot of walking in Jerusalem, most of it in the blazing heat. Given my brief time in the city I made sure I did and saw as much as possible, but I also made sure to rest and take a few breaks... -
The Great Israeli Falafel Experiment
Posted on November 11, 2010 | 11 CommentsI have an insatiable and undeniable love with almost all forms of street food. I’m not talking about the fancy New York City food trucks either. No, I am talking about the food you see being sold from small storefronts or carts all throughout the... -
Bahamian Obsession: Conch Fritters
Posted on November 4, 2010 | 4 CommentsOn a recent trip to the Bahamas, sponsored by Bahamas Tourism, I had the opportunity to sample the best of Bahamian cuisine. One theme though kept surfacing throughout all of my culinary adventures: Bahamians like conch – a lot. Not unlike Bubba from Forrest Gump,... -
Travel Diary of a Picky Eater
Posted on October 25, 2010 | 20 CommentsWhen I was 17, I spent a month as an exchange student in Paris. I remember vividly one evening when my host mom had prepared a questionable looking fish of sort for dinner and placed it proudly in front of us. As hard as I... -
Island Recipe – Goombay Smash
Posted on October 7, 2010 | 1 CommentAs I learned during my brief stay in the Bahamas, mixed drinks are a level of high art in the islands. The king of the Bahamian cocktails though is the Goombay Smash. Rumor has it that the Smash began at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar... -
Lanai Chicken Katsu and Tonkatsu
Posted on September 26, 2010 | 5 CommentsIf you are looking for the movie version of Hawaii with swaying palms and fruity drinks, then Lana’i is definitely not the spot for you. The smallest island in the state, Lana’i is like no other place. Populated with axis deer and huge Cook... -
Relish the Hawaiian Puka Dog
Posted on September 13, 2010 | 4 CommentsBefore traveling to the beautiful State of Hawaii, I had several culinary treasures that were on my “Must Eat” list. High on this checklist was the legendary puka dog. I’m not sure how I first learned about the puka dog, probably a guide book,... -
Four Cheap Street Food Desserts
Posted on July 28, 2010 | 14 CommentsOne of my favorite travel experiences is to sample an area’s best street food. Some countries are more adept at this culinary treat than others; Southeast Asia for example has elevated street food to a science. I love street food because it provides an honest,... -
How Nutella Can Save the World
Posted on July 28, 2010 | 25 CommentsMy first memory of Nutella was when I was an exchange student in Paris in the early ‘90s. We had gone up to Fontainebleau for a day of biking and about midway through my host mom unpacked a jar of Nutella and a fresh baguette.... -
The Taste of Chicago – Gluttonous Delights for the Windy City Traveler
Posted on July 7, 2010 | 5 CommentsToday’s guest post is by an old friend and food expert, Tris Bisgrove. Tris left his Fortune 500 career a few years ago to follow his passion of teaching. I love Tris’ take on a great culinary tradition, the legendary Taste of Chicago. For a... -
Tourist Restaurant or Moroccan Treat?
Posted on June 30, 2010 | 3 CommentsThe spiritual center of Marrakech’s old medina is undoubtedly the Djeema El Fna. An UNESCO World Heritage site, this square is the largest of its kind in North Africa and thrives in its anachronistic oddities such as fortune tellers and snake charmers. While the square... -
The Perfect Vista – Marrakech
Posted on June 13, 2010 | 3 CommentsWe were lost and there was no sugarcoating the fact the driver had left us nowhere near the location I had in mind. Maps were useless; the fact that any exist for the Marrakech medina must be a joke amongst map publishers. Finding... -
Drooling at the Altar of Spanish Ham
Posted on May 5, 2010 | 3 CommentsHam is more than just a meal or snack option in Spain, it is a national obsession. In fact, not only is Spain the largest producer of air-dried cured ham in the world, it’s also the top consumer of this delicacy. I knew little about... -
Mastering Moroccan Tagine Recipes
Posted on May 4, 2010 | 3 CommentsIf you spend any amount of time in Morocco, then you will become indoctrinated into the cult of tagine enthusiasts. This delightfully simple yet delicious meal seems easy to make, but I soon learned that mastering the art of tagine recipes and Moroccan spicing is... -
How to Navigate the Djemaa el Fna Night Market
Posted on April 28, 2010 | 4 CommentsDjeema El Fna We had been through Marrakech’s famous square, Djeema El Fna, many times in the few days we were there. However, we were a little hesitant to explore the famous night market found every evening in this huge open air circus. Unable to... -
Five Cheap Eats in Washington, DC
Posted on April 27, 2010 | 5 CommentsI receive a lot of emails from people traveling to Washington who are in desperate need of reliable restaurant recommendations. It is pretty easy to find lists of the top rated restaurants in DC, but it is not so easy to locate good eats at... -
Churros – Snack Time in Madrid
Posted on April 27, 2010 | 3 CommentsChurros in Madrid When traveling, the act of eating is far more than just the simple necessity of sustenance. Rather, food is arguably one of the most important aspects of visiting new places and is one that has the ability to make a far... -
Guilty Pleasures – Four Culinary Stereotypes
Posted on April 9, 2010 | No CommentsMany countries have a dish or meal for which they are famous. Foodies may scoff at the following list, but the fact remains that these foods are well known for a reason. Don’t let others tell you what you should and should not enjoy. Traveling... -
Culinary Travel in Thailand and Dublin – A Tale of Two Curries
Posted on March 29, 2010 | No CommentsWhenever we travel, we always try to eat at a local Indian restaurant at least once. It’s a perfect choice when we’re tired of whatever the local specialty is, but aren’t prepared to order a Big Mac either. Sometimes this culinary tradition has been...
