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...
GET YOUR LANDLOPERS UPDATES
Most Popular
-
Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
11 April 2013 11:55 PM | 15 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:
Europe/Middle East Archive
-
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... -
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... -
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.... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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 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... -
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... -
Taking the Pretension Out of Winery Tours
Posted on August 9, 2011 | 9 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 | 10 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 | 10 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... -
Global Appeal of Irish Pubs – World Invasion One Pint at a Time
Posted on March 10, 2011 | 7 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 | 19 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... -
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... -
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 | 27 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.... -
Drooling at the Altar of Spanish Ham
Posted on May 5, 2010 | 4 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... -
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... -
Great Start to the Day in Dublin – Elephant and Castle
Posted on March 16, 2010 | 1 CommentThe Elephant & Castle in Dublin does it all. They are open from 8:30 in the morning until almost midnight and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a Celtic-ized version of a Jersey diner. Located in the popular and convenient Temple Bar area, we found...
