Here’s a quick lists of Good Stuff I’ve come across lately and got a kick out of but for whatever reason didn’t make it into their own blog posts on here, my tikichris-to-go Tumblr blog or one of my client blogs.
Akari Japanese Kitchen & Bar: Had a fantastic meal at this Essex Road eatery. It’s been several weeks back though. Honestly, I’m surprised I’ve yet to return. It’s a good idea to make a rez if you plan to visit Akari on a weekend evening. It’s equally wise to try any of their octopus dishes and to pay special consideration to anything on their daily specials menu.
Arts Bar & Cafe: I had a few lunches, coffees and meetings over the past couple of months at this Artsadmin run cafe inside Toynbee Studios. It’s a cosy retreat for a bit of out-of-office work, some healthy food at a decent price and maybe even a round of celebrity spotting (I saw Anna Friel last time I was there – but my friend had to point out who she is).
Fäviken: I moseyed along to the Swedish Ambassador’s residence in Marylebone for the Phaidon Press launch of this book about “a farm at the foot of the mountain” which also happens to be one of the world’s top rated restaurants. I’m dying to visit this place and the book was a lovely but cruel tease. And as I’m sure you’d imagine, the ambassador’s digs were swish and designalicious.
In the Best Possible Taste – Grayson Perry: Really enjoyed watching this three episode Channel 4 series about “why people buy the things they do and wear the things they wear, and what they are trying to say about themselves when they make those choices.” Host Perry explores and articulates his discoveries fairly and thoughtfully in this amusing and enlightening program. I’m pretty sure you can still watch all three episodes at 4oD.
Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour: Kemey got us tix to this Cirque du Soleil show at the O2. It was my first Cirque experience and, as I suspected, was was a super cheese fest. But the level of execution, athleticism and virtuosity was beyond my expectations. And I reckon classic Jacko songs were as fine a soundtrack for the phenomenal circus performances as anything.
Khushbu Grill House: I’ve been sneaking snacks here at the corner of Whitechapel High Street and Osborn Street for some time now. Love the chicken tikka rolls, but most folks seems to rave about the chicken biryani. As Osborn Street is the same road as Brick Lane, I guess you could call this place a Brick Lane curry house. However, Khushbu is way better than any of the Asian joints I’ve visited up the road.
Wider Image Photo App for iPad from Reuters: My neighbour worked on this app and let me have a sneaky peek at it. It’s a beauty of a way to “bring Reuters photography and information to life through an entirely new interactive experience.” The Wider Image launches with more than 100 stories by Reuters photographers across the world and is now available as a free download from the App Store. Check it out – but make sure to give plenty of time: the compelling eye candy content will completely suck you in.
