Monthly Archives: December 2016

A Decade Down | Ten Years of tikichris

Before 2016 comes to a close, I thought I’d take a moment to recap the 10 team ups I co-hosted over the year in celebration of my blog’s tenth anniversary and – more importantly – to thank the folks involved in helping me make each of those 10X10 events happen! Continue reading

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Still Loving My Lumix GX80

Waaay back at the end of August, the folks behind the launch of Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GX80 got in touch to see if I wanted to get a chance to play around with (and keep) one of these handy mirrorless cameras. … Continue reading

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Florida Destination Weddings: The Best Spots for Your Special Day (Going Places)

With its long coastline, vibrant cities, quaint small towns, resort communities, theme parks, and year-round warm weather, the Sunshine State is a popular choice for destination weddings. But Florida is a very big place. Narrowing down the list of options for a wedding destination ideally suited for you and your guests can be a challenge. Continue reading

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David Ortsman | 10X10 with tikichris

For my concluding 10X10 collaboration, I enlisted my artist friend, David Ortsman, to interpret a theme: tikichris eats the world. Not long after I floated the idea, David got back to me some amazing drawings that he thought best ‘addressed’ subject. Continue reading

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Merry Christmas

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Cheers from Artesian | 10X10 with tikchris

The ninth celebration to mark my decade of blogging was a boozy little get together with a few other writers and friendly freelancer folk – a kind of yearend office party for those without offices – at one of my favourite bars in London: Artesian. Continue reading

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Trips100’s Top 10 UK Travel Blogs 2016

Oh man! This nice lil yearend surprise almost rolled right past without me taking notice! But I’m glad I did, and I want to take a moment to thank the people behind Trips100 for including me in their top 10 list of UK Travel blogs of 2016. Continue reading

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Win a Bottle of Cruxland Truffle-Infused Gin

Want a taste of flavourful intrigue for your New Year’s Eve toast? Try Cruxland Gin. Infused with Kalahari truffles, this rich new quaff from South Africa is the perfect gin for conversation inspiring cocktails. Continue reading

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Where is Santa Claus From? (Miles Away)

Here’s a fun list of destinations where you might see where the real Saint Nicolas actually lived and maybe even get to meet the jolly old man. Continue reading

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Best of the Best of 2016

I hope you enjoyed reading my Best of 2016 series and that the posts may assist you in having more fun, saving more money and making more of your time than you would have otherwise. Continue reading

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Best Hotels and Resorts of 2016

Nicest digs on the planet? Here are a few of ‘em! 2016 was one of the best years of travel for me yet. What made the year such an amazing time to ramble was, in large part, where I got to lay my head at night. Continue reading

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Best London Pop-Ups, Supper Clubs, Street Food, etc in 2016

This year, many of my favourite London meals didn’t occur at a traditional restaurant or via a kitchen with a permanent address. Keeping with current dining trends and continuing with my Best of 2016 series, here’s my list of Best London Pop-Ups, Takeovers, Supper Clubs etc of the year. Continue reading

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Best Cheap Eats in London of 2016

No joke. It is still possible (if slightly less likely than this time last year) to eat well with only a fiver to spend. And not only in the hinterland! Three of the six establishments listed below as my preferred cheap eats are in Zone 1 and extremely easy to access. The other three? Hello Waltham Forest, you big gorgeous borough full of yummy East London treats of reasonable price and generous proportion. Continue reading

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Best London Bars and Pubs of 2016

London! You know how to quench a thirst. My Best of 2016 series continues with a taste of my favourite bars and pubs in London. Continue reading

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Best Bars of 2016 (Excluding London)

What a year! Ready for a drink? Might I recommend having it in style at one of these fabulous bars? They’re the best I came across in 2016. Continue reading

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Best London Restaurants of 2016

The London Dining scene of 2016 seemed markedly better that that of the past couple of years before it. But maybe that’s more reflective of me and my reasons and opportunities to eat out. Continue reading

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Best Restaurants of 2016 (Excluding London)

There’s a whole lot of New Orleans in this list – which makes sense given the focus of my September foodie safari spent there. Indeed, some of these NOLA restaurants are remarkably close neighbours; two are just across Magazine Street from each other. But this year wasn’t only about luscious Louisiana cooking. I had great dining experiences in other corners of America too, and across Europe. Continue reading

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Best of 2016

The year is now coming to a close. How was it for you? My mind’s still reeling trying to figure out that question for myself. To say the least, 2016 was intense, with plenty of ups and downs. Allow me a chance to look at some of the ups in a little more detail and to celebrate the year by highlighting some of my favourite food, drink and travel experiences. Continue reading

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Paul A Young Christmas Truffles | 10X10 with tikichris

I’ve teamed up with Paul A Young Fine Chocolates for a tasty in-shop offer: for every £5 spent at one of Paul’s boutiques, you’ll get a free truffle from his Christmas collection. Continue reading

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Win Panettone and Prosecco from Carluccio’s

Hoping to end the year on a beautiful buon Natale note? Here’s a delicious and bubbly competition to help! I’ve teamed up with Carluccio’s to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a panettone filled with a prosecco flavoured cream plus a bottle of prosecco. Continue reading

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Infographic: How to Stay Safe Driving Home This Christmas

For many, Christmas is a time to set off on the open road and see the family we haven’t seen all year. This might include travelling by plane, train or automobile and if you do have to jump behind the wheel, it’s important you are prepared for the extreme weather that can accompany the festive period. Continue reading

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Preview: Sleight of Hand on the Strand

International award-winning magicians Tony “Sonic” Middleton ‘Sonic’ and Dominick Zwolinski bring their up close style of conjuring to a small audience in a private room at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand for one night only this month with their show Sleight of Hand on the Strand. Continue reading

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Radio Alice | Pizza | Hoxton Square

Radio Alice is a new pizzeria opened in Hoxton Square. The approach to serving pizza is unique. The results are delicious. Continue reading

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WSET’s From Still to Bar: Whiskey Flight at Shotgun

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has teamed up with some of London’s top bars to create From Still to Bar: a series of immersive experiences with each session focused on a different spirit. Kemey and I dropped by Shotgun … Continue reading

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Ormer Mayfair

Michelin starred chef Shaun Rankin’s upscale restaurant attractively set downstairs at Flemings Mayfair Hotel – Ormer Mayfair – brings a refined and rich taste of Jersey to London. Seafood lovers and fans of dining with formal flair take note! Continue reading

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Coffee at The Fairmont San Francisco (espressoCrazy)

One of my all time favourite destinations, San Francisco was a beautiful and welcoming as I remembered, and maybe even a little tastier this time around … or at least my coffee was. Continue reading

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Top 5 Winter Break Destinations

Skiing, snowboarding and enjoying the idyllic winter scenery in the mountains or a spring-like temperature in warmer areas? No matter what the choice is the winter holiday will always be an unforgettable experience. Continue reading

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Ken Price Retrospective at Hauser & Wirth London

Open now and running at Hauser & Wirth London until the 4th of February, Ken Price: A Survey of Sculptures and Drawings, 1959 – 2006 is the first exhibition of American artist Ken Price’s work in London since 1976. Continue reading

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A Gift Guide for Travelers (Going Places)

We all have people in our lives who love to travel just as much as we do. Whether it’s family or friends, we know you’ll be thinking about what to gift these savvy travelers this holiday season.

To make your life easier, here are five considerations to keep in mind as you make your lists. Continue reading

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New Orleans in 18 Eats | Index | #TCEatsNOLA

Lord have mercy! It’s a good thing this blog came equipped with an elastic waistband. Otherwise, I might not have been able to finish my 18-stop tour of America’s culinary capital on a streetcar named delicious. Continue reading

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New Shake Shack at Leicester Square

“Modern day roadside burger stand” Shake Shack has launched its fourth London outlet (and fifth in the UK) at Leicester Square. Continue reading

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Willie Mae’s Scotch House | #TCEatsNOLA

Last but by no means least among my list of 18 New Orleans Eats is the great Willie Mae’s Scotch House which has been serving exceptionally satisfying fried chicken and soul food fixings in a modest home setting since 1957. Continue reading

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Infographic: Rise of the Street Food Van

Are you a budding street food entrepreneur hoping to make the most of the street food revolution? Check out this fun infographic from Van Monster. Continue reading

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Upperline Restaurant | #TCEatsNOLA

Moving back uptown for another phenomenal feast among my 18 New Orleans Eats, I’m sitting down for a most sublime supper at the accommodating and gentile Upperline Restaurant, where the very definition of Southern hospitality may be enjoyed to its fullest and most delectable extent. Continue reading

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Win a £150 Gift Card from Pocket High Street

Daunted by the task of Christmas shopping? Hoping to avoid the same old big box retailers this year and find prezzies that are as special and distinctive as your friends and family whom you’re buying for? Have I got a gift for you! I’ve teamed up with the folks at PocketHighStreet.com to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a £150 gift card to spend at the best independent shops in London. Continue reading

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