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.

Unsung Cities | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Posted on 2018-11-27 by tikichris

Going with Pittsburg for the start of this new series was a no-brainer. I had a great time there in September and would not be averse to making repeat visits. The blank stares I’ve received from people here in London when I say I was recently there (and loved it) suggests the city has a way to go before shaking off any unsung status. Continue reading →

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Win a Christmas Tree Bottle Filled with Gingerbread Liqueur from Il Gusto

Posted on 2018-11-25 by tikichris

Just in time to help you have the merriest of Christmases, I’ve teamed up with Il Gusto one more time for another competition that’ll see one lucky tikichris reader win a Christmas tree-shaped bottle filled with gingerbread liqueur. Continue reading →

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How to Visit the Philippines on a Budget

Posted on 2018-11-24 by tikichris

The Philippines is one of the most incredible budget travel destinations in the world by default because of its free attractions, cheap wine and food, and pocket-friendly accommodation options. Continue reading →

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Unsung Cities

Posted on 2018-11-23 by tikichris

Here’s a quick introduction to Unsung Cities, a new series of posts about overlooked and under appreciated urban wonders I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Continue reading →

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Nurses | #TCTalks Episode 49

Posted on 2018-11-22 by tikichris

Episode 49 of tikichris Talks is a Thanksgiving special celebrating the dedication, compassion and ambition of nurses. The show is comprised of interviews with three close friends of mine who, one way or another, unexpectedly found themselves on difficult but rewarding paths toward careers in nursing. Continue reading →

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Thanks

Posted on 2018-11-22 by tikichris

Every Thanksgiving Day since 2011, I’ve written a sort of ‘things to be grateful for’ blog post. So I’ll keep with the tradition and do the same today. But if you want know the truth, I feel ambivalent and glum. Continue reading →

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Vinegar Pies and Burgers Stacked High: The Most Delicious Side of Pittsburgh (Metro)

Posted on 2018-11-20 by tikichris

Pittsburgh had been on my radar for the past couple of years as an ever-improving dining destination, so I was glad to have the chance to see what the fuss was all about for myself. As I saw it, the food and drink scene was fiercely hyper local, with eateries concerned more about pleasing regulars than appealing to out-of-towners and destination diners. That said, showing up from foreign shores as I did, I was received with a warm welcome everywhere I ate, and each meal came with the feeling that I was not going to be allowed to leave unsatisfied. Indeed I never did. Continue reading →

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Bronte Aurell of Scandi Kitchen | #TCTalks Episode 48

Posted on 2018-11-18 by tikichris

For episode 48 of tikichris Talks, I chat with Scandi Kitchen co-owner, Bronte Aurell. During our conversation at her café and shop near Oxford Circus, Bronte and I discuss the true meaning of hygge, how to enjoy a Scandinavian Christmas and what it’s like to be a proud immigrant. Continue reading →

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Dreaming Big About Winning Big

Posted on 2018-11-17 by tikichris

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to suddenly have access to a load of cash – like inheriting a fortune from a long lost relative or winning a lottery bet? Continue reading →

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Coastal Highways to Pirates Past (Hertz Together)

Posted on 2018-11-15 by tikichris

Ahoy ye landlubbers! If you’re searching for high seas adventure (without such a high cost to enjoy it or even having to venture too far into the sea) allow this seadog to suggest a road trip along the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States. Continue reading →

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Buddha Bowl at Beany Green

Posted on 2018-11-11 by tikichris

Buddha Bowl options include lemon and herb chicken, meatballs with tomato, and vegan Beany balls (think beetroot-flavoured falafel), all served with a mix of roasted sweet potato, chickpea ragu, roasted aubergine, greens, mixed grain rice and fermented jalapeño hot sauce. Continue reading →

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8 Underrated Ideas to Elevate the Aesthetics of Home Bars

Posted on 2018-11-11 by tikichris

Just because it’s your home bar that doesn’t mean that it needs to be shabby, messy or unappealing. There are several décor ideas that you can use to upgrade the aesthetics of your home bar. Today, we have compiled a list of such underrated ideas to help you give your home bar that fancy and sophisticated appeal. These ideas are tried and tested and will give you much sought after results.
Continue reading →

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Why Bakeries in the UK Must Become Energy Efficient

Posted on 2018-11-10 by tikichris

It’s now so important for bakers to consider their energy usage and take steps to work more efficiently. By doing this, not only can they improve their bottom line, but they can also make their businesses more sustainable —reducing their impact on the environment. Continue reading →

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Win a Free Park & Ride at London Gatwick Airport with Cophall Parking Gatwick

Posted on 2018-11-10 by tikichris

Planning to fly out of Gatwick sometime in the next 12 months? I’ve teamed up with Cophall Parking Gatwick to make your travels easier and cheaper with up to two weeks of free parking at Gatwick Airport. Continue reading →

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Happy Dog | Cleveland Talks | #TCTalks Episode 47

Posted on 2018-11-09 by tikichris

This last episode of Cleveland Talks features an interview with Sean Watterson of Happy Dog. With outlets in Detroit Shoreway and University Circle, Sean’s gourmet hot dog and craft beer bars offer an enlightened and eclectic lineup of live music and thought provoking events to encourage community cohesion in an easygoing and welcoming setting. Continue reading →

Posted in #TCintheCLE, Bars, Beer, Cleveland, Cleveland Talks, Drink, Entertainment, Food, interview, Live Performance, Music, Podcast, Restaurants, TCTalks, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ham Passion Tour: Jamon Iberico Samples and Carving Demos

Posted on 2018-11-08 by tikichris

Love Jamon Iberico or wonder why so many people make such a big deal about Spanish ham? If you’re out shopping at Westfield London or Liverpool ONE in the coming days keep an eye out for a “Ham Truck| offering free samples of Iberian Ham as well as carving demonstrations and more as part of a 25,000 Ham Passion Tour of Europe. Continue reading →

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Glass Bubble Project | Cleveland Talks | #TCTalks Episode 46

Posted on 2018-11-08 by tikichris

This episode of Cleveland Talks features an interview Michael Kaplan, owner of the Glass Bubble Project. Located in Ohio City neighbourhood next to West Side Market, Glass Bubble is the city’s premier glass blowing studio and gallery. Continue reading →

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My Coffee with Melitta | Christmas Gifts for Coffee Lovers

Posted on 2018-11-07 by tikichris

With its premium range of bean to cup machines, filter coffeemakers, pour-over manual brewers, filters and other coffee accessories, Melitta is the brightest brand to keep in mind for a caffeinated Christmas that’ll keep you and yours carolling with glee all season. Continue reading →

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Brewnuts Donut Bar | Cleveland Talks | #TCTalks Episode 45

Posted on 2018-11-07 by tikichris

Shelley and John Pippin are co owners of Brewnuts, a donut bar in Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway/Gordon Square Arts District. The couple was kind enough to take time out of a busy day to chat with me about their brilliant concept and the story behind it. Continue reading →

Posted in #TCintheCLE, Bars, Beer, Cleveland, Cleveland Talks, Drink, Food, interview, Ohio, Podcast, TCTalks, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Larder: A Curated Delicatessen & Bakery | Cleveland Talks | #TCTalks Episode 44

Posted on 2018-11-05 by tikichris

This episode of the tikichris Talks miniseries – Cleveland Talks –  features an interview with Jeremy Umansky, one of the owners of Larder, a “curated delicatessen and bakery” in Cleveland’s Hingetown neighbourhood. Continue reading →

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Cleveland Talks | #TCTalks Episode 43

Posted on 2018-11-03 by tikichris

Here’s an introduction to Cleveland Talks, a podcast miniseries featuring conversations with independent business owners in Cleveland, Ohio about their hometown and why they adore it so much. Continue reading →

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The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

Posted on 2018-11-02 by tikichris

An invitation to visit Cheddar Gorge as a guest of The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company helped me understand why a cheese can be called “Cheddar” without being from Cheddar and also equally appreciate the unique conditions that make Cheddar Gorge an ideal setting for producing exceptional cheeses. Continue reading →

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A Christmas Story House, Cleveland

Posted on 2018-11-01 by tikichris

The central set of one of America’s most cherished festive season flicks is a major attraction in Cleveland with tours offered of the house where A Christmas Story was filmed. Continue reading →

Posted in #TCintheCLE, Cleveland, Ohio, Shopping, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Win a Pickle People Hamper from Opies

Posted on 2018-11-01 by tikichris

Are you a “pickle person”? Then Opies is the brand for you as is this competition offering one lucky tikichris reader the chance to win a free hamper of Opies products worth £30. Continue reading →

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50th Anniversary Screenings of 2001: A Space Odyssey at IMAX Science Museum

Posted on 2018-10-31 by tikichris

Kubrick masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey turns 50. To celebrate the cinematic milestone, the Science Museum will host a series of IMAX 15/70mm screenings of this classic science fiction flick. Continue reading →

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Beyond Barcelona and Costa Brava: A Road Trip is the Best Way to Explore Catalunya (Metro)

Posted on 2018-10-30 by tikichris

If you love visiting Barcelona and the Costa Brava, but have started to develop a been-there-done-that attitude toward the big city and coastal pleasures of Catalunya, you might want to consider delving deeper into the region. The interior of Catalunya offers a distinctively exotic edge that’s anything but a watered down version of Spanish and French cultures. Continue reading →

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Adrenalin Fuelled Stag Activities

Posted on 2018-10-30 by tikichris

Last Night of Freedom has produced a list of the most adrenaline fuelled activities you can get up to on that pre-wedding getaway. Continue reading →

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7 Destinations Where You Can Have a Snowy White Wedding (Going Places)

Posted on 2018-10-29 by tikichris

Are those wedding bells we hear — or sleigh bells? It’s both, here comes the bride! For those dreaming of tying the knot in a winter wonderland setting, but unsure of where to go, we’ve got a list of the … Continue reading →

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Best Bars in Hamburg

Posted on 2018-10-28 by tikichris

Last Night of Freedom runs down the best places to partake in one of Germany’s oldest customs. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #81

Posted on 2018-10-27 by tikichris

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip, savour and more – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy.

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Eine: Everything Starts Somewhere | #TCTalks Episode 42

Posted on 2018-10-26 by tikichris

Episode 42 of tikichris Talks features an interview with street artist Ben Eine. More widely known simply as Eine, the Southeast London born artist has found international success and garnered quite a fan base for his large-scale block letter paintings. Continue reading →

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Pure Indian Cooking, Putney Bridge

Posted on 2018-10-26 by tikichris

Pure Indian Cooking near Putney Bridge Station in Fulham offers a fresh take on South Asian cuisine with fine dining flourishes that suggest Chef Patron Shilpa Dandekar’s kitchen is one to watc Continue reading →

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Flat Iron King’s Cross

Posted on 2018-10-25 by tikichris

No fuss steakhouse, Flat Iron, recently launched its sixth London outlet with minimal fanfare but plenty of fans queuing up nonetheless. I was one of them. Continue reading →

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Passyunk Avenue: A Taste of Philadelphia in London | #TCTalks Episode 41

Posted on 2018-10-24 by tikichris

For episode 41 of tikichris Talks, I chat with JP Teti, owner of Passyunk Avenue, a South Philly style bar in Fitzrovia. With the Philadelphia Eagles set to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend at Wembley Stadium, I thought now would be a great time to head over to Passyunk for a cheesesteak and conversation with JP. Continue reading →

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Must Eat Restaurants for When You Visit Phoenix (Going Places)

Posted on 2018-10-24 by tikichris

If you’re interested in dining at some of the best restaurants in Phoenix, read on to learn where you should go. Continue reading →

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