Author Archives: tikichris

About tikichris

Chris Osburn is the founder, administrator and editor of tikichris. In addition to blogging, he works as a freelance journalist, photographer, consultant and curator.

Golden Lane Estate and Me: Documentary Screening at Exhibit Gallery, EC1

As I told filmmaker Esther Johnson, the year I lived at Golden Lane Estate was “very potent”. That she happened to come round the estate looking for residents to interview for her film, The View From My Window Tells Me I’m Home, just seemed like a fantastic coincidence to have someone there to document it for me. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: In the Studio at Kettner’s

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Recipe: Rachel Green’s Guacamole

Chef Rachel Green, a “woman for all seasons” who’s “cooking for Britain” was an absolute delight to cook alongside and to learn from. Observing her in the kitchen (not to mention getting to sample here her excellent food) was the highlight of the week. Nothing fancy but big on yum, Rachel’s recipe’s were down to earth, easy to follow and (most importantly) delicious. Here’s her recipe for one of my favourite dishes, guacamole. Check back tomorrow and later in the week for more of Rachel’s recipes from our day with John Lewis and Cole & Mason. Continue reading

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International Car Free Day at Seven Dials: Pop-Up Forest, Free Pizza and More

For one day only – tomorrow, Saturday 21 September – Camden Council will transforming the streets of Seven Dials to see the area become traffic-free with dozens of five-metre trees plotted around the monument as part of International Car Free Day. Inside the urban pop-up forest, there will a range events and activities taking place including an Orchard Juice Bar, complimentary cycle maintenance courtesy of Dr Bike, live music and complimentary food and drink such as homemade lemonade at Patagonia and pizza slices a la a mobile wood fired oven outside the Rossopomodoro pizzeria on Monmouth Street. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Stanley Donwood at The Outsiders London

Stanley Donwood’s latest exhibition Far Away is Close at Hand in Images of Elsewhere is now open at The Outsiders London (Greek Street, Soho). Vibrant and eerie, the show’s well worth taking a look at. Many of you who might not immediately recognise the artist’s name might actually have some of his work in your homes. Donwood has been collaborating with Radiohead for cover artwork since the band put out The Bends almost a decade ago. Continue reading

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Top Benjamin Franklin Sites in Philadelphia (OneTravel)

With the newly renovated Benjamin Franklin Museum (formerly the Underground Museum at Franklin Court) having just reopened in late August, this autumn is an excellent time to explore the rich and historic legacy of Philadelphia’s most famous son: the one and only Benjamin Franklin. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Honky Tonk Clapham

Honky Tonk Clapham opened about a week and a half ago, riding the cibus Americanus wave south of the river in the hopes of finding the same success that sister bar and restaurant, Honky Tonk Chelsea has.

I dropped by Honky Tonk Clapham last night for the launch party, munched on some pretty decent chicken wings and enjoyed a Maple Trace cocktail (essentially an Old Fashioned with cinnamon and maple syrup infused bourbon). Yee haw. Continue reading

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Top Tips for Tahiti and Her Islands (Travelbag)

Comfortable, convenience and gourmet – what else could you want? How about top notch service, nightly entertainment, and long list of amenities and activities. From its very own lagoonarium to “Overwater Motu Bungalows” and much, much more – there are plenty of amazing reasons to make the Intercontinental Resort Tahiti your base while discovering the joys of French Polynesia. Continue reading

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Karate Cap with Misha B and Dynamo

Check out how Mancunian rap sensation Misha B’s reacts when magician Dynamo plays a fantastic trick on her at this summer’s Yahoo! Wireless Festival. Can you spot how he did it? Me neither. Maybe I should give it another viewing … but I’ve already watched the clip about a half dozen times. Argh. Man, that guy’s good. Continue reading

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Happy (Early) Halloween from Houston (CheapOair)

Trick or treat, y’all? October’s just around the corner, and Houstonians are preparing for a frightfully fun Halloween. Here’s a selection of five events around Houston, whether you’re looking for family friendly activities for the little ones or something more mature for the witching hours. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: La Hechicera

Early evening yesterday, I spent a bit of time at Mr Fogg’s in Mayfair with Laura Riascos and Martamaria Carrillo of Colombian premium rum (and the only family owned rum made in Colombia), La Hechicera. I had tasted La Hechicera before and really enjoyed it. So I was pleased to receive the invitation. Matured in American White Oak bourbon barrels between 12 and 21 years, it’s got an intriguingly smooth flavour profile and goes down a charm. Next time you’re at one of London’s finer bars. Look for the blue label. Continue reading

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Win a Range of Chakra Teas from The East India Company + a Five Night Luxury Holiday

Recently EIC introduced a new range of “Chakra” teas. Inspired by the yogic concept of energy flow through the body, the six Chakra-inspired herbal infusions are designed to restore harmony to the mind, body and soul. Keep reading to find out how to win the Chakra collection of teas plus a chance to win a special five night holiday holiday to Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Dubai. Continue reading

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DIG by Sculptor Daniel Silver: Intriguing Outdoor Art on View for Free in London (CheapOair)

An abandoned, overgrown landscape in central London is the site for an installation of free-to-view public art by artist Daniel Silver. Called Dig, the installation features a series of not-quite-finished (often eerily incomplete or eroded) figures and fragments of varying size all worked from hand and made of a range of materials including marble, plaster and terracotta. Continue reading

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Restaurant Review: Central & Co, Great Marlbourgh Street, Soho

What’s with all this “& Co” business in London these days? Here’s my third review in a row of an eatery with such a suffix to its name. Fortunately, my & Co trio has provided me with more than decent grub. In the case of Soho brasserie with chic basement bar, Central & Co, I found an especially convenient and fairly swank venue offering a something-for-everyone approach toward food and drink. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Untitled

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Play #LondonBingo with @CostaBingo and @tikichris and Win Dinner at The Shard

Ready to have some fun? I’ve teamed up with Costa Bingo to offer my readers the chance to get out of your seats, visit some of London’s most historic landmarks and play for a chance to win dinner for two at any of the restaurants located within one our newest icons – The Shard. Continue reading

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Check Out Spianata & Co for a Tasty Lunch with Roman Style

Last week I had a fantastic lunch at Spianata & Co. The Roman bakery and paninoteca has been in London for a number of years, but I’m just now getting wise to its tasty range of freshly made sandwiches, pizza rossa and more. Continue reading

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Photos from the 2013 Mr and Ms Mango Tree Competition

Last night’s Ladyboy beauty pageant at Thai restaurant, Mango Tree, not only celebrated ten years of he/she glamour competition but was also the restaurant’s 12th birthday birthday. Compared to past events, the 2013 “Mr & Miss Mango Tree Ladyboy Safari” had a touch more of a gala air about it (the canapés were tastier than I remembered as well). Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: St Helen’s Church Bishopsgate by @anthonyepes

Photograph by Anthony Epes. To see more of Anthony’s work, visit citiesatdawn.com. Continue reading

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Popular London Restaurant Teams up with A-List Celebrities to Raise Funds for Children’s Hospital (OneTravel)

A baker’s dozen including some of Britain’s biggest celebrities have teamed up with London restaurant, Daphne’s in South Kensington, to give their own unique interpretation of a pen and ink sketch to help raise vital funds for a worthy cause, the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Get Ready

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Theatre Review: When Midnight Strikes, Upstairs at the Gatehouse

If you’ve ever been in a room with more than one Manhattanite, you’ll recognise the tone of this musical and the acerbic banter bounced between its characters. Indeed, I was half surprised for there not to be a sea of yellow cabs swarming the streets of Highgate as I left the Gatehouse pub humming after Friday night’s stellar performance of When Midnight Strikes. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: In the Hole

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Mango Tree Celebrates 10th Annual Ladyboy Beauty Pageant This Sunday

Upscale Thai restaurant Mango Tree’s now legendary annual ladyboy beauty pageant will return for a 10th year this Sunday night, the 15th of September. The 2013 event will feature a “safari” theme along with special guest hosts and judges as wells as DJs, musical performances and the “lively, buzzing atmosphere that Mango Tree is famous for”. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Circling

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A Guide to Mexico City’s Neighborhoods (CheapOair)

Mexico City is a lot of things to a lot of people. But there’s one aspect that everybody who’s ever been there can agree on. It’s a big place. One of the largest cities in the world, the same dynamic that makes Mexico City such an excellent destination can also lead to a bit of frustration if you’re unsure how to get around. Before you go, have look at this quick guide to the city’s main neighborhoods. Continue reading

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Popular Cake & Bake Show Returns to London (OneTravel)

The Cake & Bake Show – Britain’s biggest baking show, returns to London next month for a three day weekend filled with celebrity demos, live bake offs, skills classes, competitions and lots of opportunities to sample breads, cakes and other treats along with the chance to check out the latest and greatest baking and sugarcraft supplies. Who’s the 2013 Cake & Bake Show for? Pretty much anybody from the casual home nibbler to the fanciful pastry chef pro. Continue reading

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Secret Ways to Book a Hotel for Less (Guest)

Want to cut the cost of your holiday? Hotels can take the biggest bite out of your travel budget, but it doesn’t have to be that way. One particular hotel room can have massive variations in price depending on where … Continue reading

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Review: Sincerely, Mr Toad at Greenwich Theatre

Last night I caught the London premiere of Sincerely, Mr Toad at the Greenwich Theatre. Having toured around the UK with a well received stint at this year’s Fringe, the new musical examines the life of The Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame, his icy relationship with wife Elspeth and the tragic early death of their son Alastair – and how these and other factors shaped Grahame’s imagination and writing. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: The Good, the Bad and the Kitty

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Feel More Comfortable When Speaking in Public

Public speaking. It’s something we all have to do at some point in our careers. I’ve certainly done my share. Sometimes it’s been a nightmare for me, other times an absolute delight. More than subject matter, audience and often even … Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Dawn Breaks at Westminster Bridge by @anthonyepes

Photograph by Anthony Epes. To see more of Anthony’s work, visit citiesatdawn.com.

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Bermondsey Street Festival Returns to South London (CheapOair)

Bermondsey Street Festival is an annual celebration of music, dance, arts, cuisine and creativity situated in and around one of London’s quaintest little lanes. The festival is entirely volunteer-led and can draw big crowds. Last year the event saw 15,000 visitors enjoying a range of activities including a dog show, a fashion show, maypole dancing, an open air cinema and more than 100 stalls. This year attendee numbers are expected to nearly double. Continue reading

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All Day Soho Dining at Damson & Co on Brewer Street

Two current trends in the London dining scene at the moment are creating all-day-dining menus and adding a gratuitous “& Co” to the end of your business’s name. Newly opened Damson & Co twirls a double braid of zeitgeist to offer the constant flow of Soho shufflers a handy little place for a full-on dinner or a dabbling dash with libation – be it booze, fresh juice or quick shot of espresso. Continue reading

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