About Matt Long
Who am I? I am a typical Gen-Xer and recovering cubicle-dweller 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...
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Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
11 April 2013 11:55 PM | 14 Comments -
20 Things Every Smart Traveler Should Know
11 March 2013 11:55 PM | 33 Comments -
Five Foods You Must Eat in Europe
12 November 2012 8:10 PM | 23 Comments -
Five Reasons to Stop Dreaming and Travel Now
16 April 2012 11:55 PM | 44 Comments -
So What’s Reykjavik Really Like?
28 February 2012 11:55 PM | 30 Comments
As Seen In:
Good Eats Archive
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Five Foods Not to Miss in Sweden
Posted on May 8, 2013 | 2 CommentsI was a little skeptical at first, especially given my hatred of seafood, but in the end I found many great things to eat in Sweden. Of everything I tasted though, these I think best encapsulate the Swedish experience. I was in Sweden as part... -
Rum Reimagined – The National Cocktails of Bermuda (Including Recipes)
Posted on April 25, 2013 | 1 CommentIt seems that every place I visit has a special wine, beer or cocktail for which it is famous. Islands tend to have a higher concentration of liquid refreshments, but few have I enjoyed as much as the official, unofficial national drinks of Bermuda –... -
Bologna in Five Bites
Posted on April 10, 2013 | 3 CommentsIn Italy there is a saying about Bologna, it is often labeled as ‘The Fat, the Red, the Learned.’ The red actually refers to the generous use of brick in their architecture (and not their political leanings as some believe) and the learned refers to... -
Emotional Cuisine – Behind the Scenes with Master Chefs (Recipes Included)
Posted on February 14, 2013 | 2 CommentsIn December I had the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at the massive and somewhat daunting kitchens of the Marriott Marquis Times Square, the flagship of Marriott Hotels & Resorts. There I met two remarkable individuals and chefs, Executive Chef Armando Monterroso and... -
Five Foods That Surprised Me in Italy
Posted on February 13, 2013 | 10 CommentsGrowing up in suburban America, I thought I knew what real Italian food was. And before you say it, no I’m no talking about Olive Garden. Having frequented countless ‘authentic’ trattorias I was pretty sure I’d seen the width and breadth of Italian cuisine, but... -
Five Foods to Avoid in Spain
Posted on February 6, 2013 | 38 CommentsToday I’m thrilled to share a guest post by the travel blogger Liz Carlson. Drawing on her time living in Spain, she shares with us today her top tips for eating in Spain. Liz Carlson called Spain home for three years, always on the hunt... -
Ghent in Five Tastes
Posted on January 15, 2013 | 5 CommentsI knew that Belgium was a great foodie destination, but I was surprised to learn that Ghent has its own cuisine unique to the city. I experienced a lot of great food while visiting on a trip organized by Ghent Tourism but these tastes were... -
My Favorite Foodie Destination of 2012
Posted on December 23, 2012 | 8 CommentsI’ve said it a million times and I’ll probably keep repeating it until I die, but food is arguably the most important aspect of the travel experience. We all have to eat, so it’s immediately relatable to everyone and the sense memories created tend to... -
Travel Inspired Recipes for the Holidays – The Sabra Hummus Cookbook
Posted on December 13, 2012 | 2 CommentsSo, as you may or may not know for the past six months I’ve been one of Sabra’s official Tastemakers. I decided to partner with this great company because of the emphasis they place on the travel experience and how that influences what we eat.... -
Montreal in Five Bites
Posted on December 5, 2012 | 12 CommentsFood is one of the most important parts of travel and also one of the most enjoyable. We all have to eat after all and it’s usually our culinary memories that survive the longest. That’s why I tend to write so much about food and... -
Insider Secrets: Holiday Cocktail Recipes From a Pro
Posted on November 22, 2012 | 7 CommentsWhen I stayed at the Marriott Union Square in San Francisco, I had the chance to sample some of their wines and cocktails, including two drinks that can only be found at the hotel. The Marriott Union Square mixologist doesn’t just pour the normal potent... -
Five Foods You Must Eat in Europe
Posted on November 12, 2012 | 23 CommentsOne of the best aspects of traveling in Europe is the food. From the best pastries in the world to savory dishes created with care and perfection. There are a lot of great foods from which to choose, but these are my favorite go-to foods... -
Sustainable Food: Farm to Farm Eating on Maui
Posted on October 23, 2012 | 1 CommentI wouldn’t say that I’m big into organic or even healthy foods, not normally at least. It wasn’t until I was in college when I first started to appreciate vegetables and even now we have a testy relationship. That’s why even I was surprised when... -
How to Get Fat in Spain
Posted on October 21, 2012 | 8 CommentsUsually when I travel the amount of walking, hiking and biking I do more than offsets any extra calories I get from, oh I don’t know, chocolate croissants and the like. I also tend to eat food that’s fresher than I do at home where... -
Surfing with a Goat in Maui
Posted on October 11, 2012 | 2 CommentsI left the lavender farm in the highlands of Maui and listened to the dulcet tones of the lady in the GPS unit as she told me to turn left, back towards the lower elevations. I wasn’t wandering aimlessly though I was on a mission.... -
Morality of Eating in Iceland
Posted on October 10, 2012 | 13 CommentsI like animals. A review of my posts will reveal a certain propensity towards engaging in animal related travel experiences and copious amounts of photos featuring cute wildlife. I try to be careful though when I travel, selecting what I hope and believe to be... -
My Visit to a Hummus Factory
Posted on September 23, 2012 | 5 CommentsA few months ago I announced that Sabra, the hummus and dips company, had invited me to be one of their 2013 Tastemakers – a form of brand representative. I was honored by the selection, namely because I love hummus. It also makes sense because... -
Five Foodie Reasons To Visit Spain’s Costa Brava
Posted on September 19, 2012 | 6 CommentsMillions of people travel to Spain’s Costa Brava and Girona for a multitude of reasons. Rich history, relaxing on the beach and warm hospitality. But if food isn’t one of the main reasons to visit Costa Brava, it should be. There are countless amazing dishes... -
Five Must-Try Meals on Maui
Posted on September 2, 2012 | 14 CommentsWhile visiting the popular Hawaiian island of Maui I quickly learned that one of the island’s greatest assets is its food. There are many options on Maui, from the super high-end to good, old-fashioned comfort food. Choosing just five favorite dishes was hard, but here... -
Scottish Winemaking in Rural France (No, Really)
Posted on August 29, 2012 | No CommentsI was already mesmerized by the perfect French countryside on the drive to Chateau de Mayragues. By perfect I mean that the hills dotted with red flowers and rustic barns seemed to have jumped out of a work by Monet. THIS was France, this was... -
Salt is Love and Other Lessons Learned From a Cape Malay Cooking Experience
Posted on August 27, 2012 | 7 CommentsI was a little worried walking into the house at #109 on the slopes of Signal Hill. Before my trip to Cape Town I’d never heard of Cape Malay; I knew nothing about the people or culture; and certainly had no idea what comprised a... -
Cape Malay Recipes
Posted on August 27, 2012 | 4 CommentsWhile touring Cape Town, South Africa I had the opportunity to visit the home of a local resident of the Bo Kaap neighborhood for an afternoon of Cape Malay cooking. To learn more about the experience, read my post on it here: Salt is Love... -
Mastering the Art of Porron Drinking in Spain
Posted on August 1, 2012 | 4 CommentsI was full, not an unusual feeling in the Costa Brava. Our hosts had once again plied us with copious amounts of wine and scrumptious food and I felt like it was time for a nap. But that was not to be; instead we were... -
Unlikely Foodie Capital – Saskatoon?
Posted on July 31, 2012 | 3 CommentsIf asked, I would never call myself a foodie, not really. I mean I eat and I like food, but my high level of pickiness has traditionally prevented me from getting too involved with the foodie world. Lately however I’ve found myself in a number... -
Culinary Photo Tour of Napa Valley
Posted on July 29, 2012 | 7 CommentsNapa Valley has a long history, most of which had nothing to do with wine oddly enough. But that’s how people around the world have come to know this small valley in Northern California, all thanks to the production of grapes and the masters who... -
Not Your Standard Napa Tour – Mastering the Art of Oil and Vinegar Tasting
Posted on July 26, 2012 | 6 CommentsEarlier this year I had the chance to explore Napa for the first time as the guest of Hilton HHonors. The trip was a preview of the Seven Tickets to Your Paradise Sweepstakes, in which one lucky person won a Ticket to Dine; five delicious... -
Discovering True Hospitality at a Fishing Hut in Costa Brava, Spain
Posted on July 19, 2012 | 7 CommentsI ate a lot in Spain, I think it’s a regulation or something that visitors be inundated with a cornucopia of delicious foods at all times of day. I was on a culinary blog trip to the Costa Brava region of Spain, along the country’s... -
Photo Tour of a 17 Course Lunch at El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain
Posted on July 10, 2012 | 13 CommentsLast week I wrote about my afternoon with the best chef in the world, Ferran Adria. What I didn’t mention was that on the same blog trip to Costa Brava I was also fortunate enough to eat at what is technically the 2nd best restaurant... -
Learning from a Culinary Master – An Afternoon with Ferran Adria
Posted on July 4, 2012 | 8 CommentsI felt bad, I didn’t know who he was at first. The announcement that we would meet the top chef in the world came on the first day of a blog trip to the Costa Brava region of Spain and while everyone else erupted in... -
More Than Just a Flashy Drink – Discovering the Real Cognac in France
Posted on June 27, 2012 | 6 CommentsCognac in the United States has never been more popular, yet it’s also never been more misunderstood. This classic French after dinner drink enjoys a starring role in the exploits of music super stars and some of the top athletes in the country. But it... -
Learning How to Make Real Aioli in Spain
Posted on June 18, 2012 | 12 CommentsWhen I was first asked to take part in a culinary tour of the Costa Brava in Spain, I thought they had the wrong guy. I’m a notorious picky eater and seafood is off my menu completely. I knew I’d enjoy myself, but I wanted... -
Rethinking an Old Friend – Chocolate and Hummus for Dessert?
Posted on June 6, 2012 | 4 CommentsA few weeks ago I announced that the food company Sabra and I had formed a partnership born of a mutual love of that wonderful chickpea concoction – hummus. A few days ago I had the great opportunity to visit their plant to learn more... -
In Love in Bangkok – A Second Take
Posted on June 5, 2012 | 6 CommentsOne of the first posts I wrote for LandLopers was about a favorite restaurant of ours in Bangkok, Thailand. The restaurant wasn’t the most fancy and it probably doesn’t even have the best food in town, but a unique combination of relaxation, atmosphere and yes,... -
Around Luang Prabang in Five Courses – Learning About Lao Cuisine
Posted on May 14, 2012 | 5 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 | 59 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 To Avoid in Italy
Posted on April 24, 2012 | 31 CommentsI’m a Europhile, without question, but sadly I haven’t spent very much time in Italy. It only takes a few moments though to fall in love with true Italian cuisine, but much longer to discern what is best left alone. That’s why I’m thrilled Italian... -
Five Foods Not To Miss in Taiwan
Posted on April 22, 2012 | 7 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 | 12 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 | 20 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 | 9 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... -
The Ultimate Food Walk Through Paris with Context Tours
Posted on January 3, 2012 | 13 CommentsWe were late for the tour; in fact we were dangerously close to missing it all together thanks to a tardy train. I was looking forward to this walking tour in Paris more than anything else, and with good reason. Walking tours are a great... -
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 | 5 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 | 7 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 | 7 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 | 24 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...
