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.

Win a Chocolate Hamper from Lir Chocolates

Posted on 2018-10-22 by tikichris

Beloved Irish chocolate brand, Lir Chocolates, is now available in the UK. Fancy a taste for free? I’ve got two Lir Chocolate hampers to give away. Continue reading →

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HalloWeekends at Cedar Point, the Roller Coaster Capital of the World

Posted on 2018-10-21 by tikichris

The world’s best roller coasters PLUS all sorts of Halloween mischief (and Snoopy too)? I had a blast during my HalloWeekends visit to Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world. Continue reading →

Posted in #TCintheCLE, Cleveland, Entertainment, Halloween, Hotels, Ohio, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Warm Weather Destinations for Your Winter Wedding (Miles Away)

Posted on 2018-10-20 by tikichris

For the bluest skies and warmest rays of sunshine, take a look at this list of some of the best warm wedding destinations! Continue reading →

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50th Anniversary Screenings of George A Romero’s Night of the Living Dead

Posted on 2018-10-18 by tikichris

The mother of the modern zombie genre and one of the greatest horror movies of all time is being celebrated with screenings of a restored and remastered version of Night of the Living Dead by George A Romero. Continue reading →

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Turning the Big 4-O? Time to Build a Better Bucket List! (Miles Away)

Posted on 2018-10-17 by tikichris

Here are some tips on how to prioritize and design a better travel bucket list that matches the interests of the more mature and experienced person you’ve become. Continue reading →

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David Greenwood-Haigh: Chocolate with Heart | #TCTalks Episode 40

Posted on 2018-10-16 by tikichris

Award-winning chocolatier David Greenwood-Haigh is the guest for episode 40 of tikichris Talks. During our chat, David guides me through a chocolate tasting while sharing insights from his decades of experience in the food industry, his travels to Haiti and Sao Tome and his efforts to help revitalise cocoa-production and chocolate-making in these impoverished nations. Continue reading →

Posted in Chocolate, Food, Good Cause, interview, London, Podcast, Shopping, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

7 Tourist Scams to Avoid in Amsterdam

Posted on 2018-10-14 by tikichris

Amsterdam is one of those cities that you have to visit at least once in your entire life. There are so many things you can do, see, and experience while visiting this city – but there are dangers that come with those as well. Continue reading →

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Win a Skull-Shaped Bottle Filled with Absinthe Emanuelle from Il Gusto

Posted on 2018-10-12 by tikichris

Just in time for Halloween, I’ve teamed up with Il Gusto for an especially spirited competition that’ll see one lucky tikichris reader win a skull-shaped bottle filled with absinthe. Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Drink, Freebies, Halloween, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Henry Jeffreys about His New Book: The Home Bar | #TCTalks Episode 39

Posted on 2018-10-11 by tikichris

For episode 39 of tikichris Talks, I chat with drinks writer Henry Jeffreys at the celebrated Dukes Bar in St James’s. Henry talks about his new book, The Home Bar, and offers tips on how to create your own bar at home. Continue reading →

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Inigo Sushi Handrolls

Posted on 2018-10-09 by tikichris

Inigo Sushi Handrolls are served from a cubbyhole kiosk and provide a yummy quick fix for passersby near Bank Station. Continue reading →

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Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 | Index

Posted on 2018-10-08 by tikichris

I hope you enjoyed reading about the team up with this year’s Tequila and Mezcal Fest and that you were able to take advantage of the deep discount for ticket and some of the prizes offered to tikichris readers. Continue reading →

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Learning to Cook (City AM)

Posted on 2018-10-08 by tikichris

The Cook Islands is a nation comprising 15 small islands sprinkled across a patch of the South Pacific, roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. As remote as they are spectacular, the collection of islands is reminiscent of Hawaii before its mid-century tourism-boom, and though the largest of its islands is today ringed by boutique hotels, much of the country is untouched and feels wildly tropical. Continue reading →

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7 Tips for Eeking Out a Bit of Fun When You Travel for Business (Miles Away)

Posted on 2018-10-07 by tikichris

Do you have some work-related travel coming up that has you wondering if you’ll be able to see more than the airport, your hotel and the boardroom? Getting beyond the beige to experience a touch of local color while earning your livelihood isn’t always easy, but it’s usually not impossible. Continue reading →

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Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 | What to Drink at the Fest!

Posted on 2018-10-06 by tikichris

I had so much fun last night sampling my way across three floors full of nearly 40 tequila and mezcal producers. Located in Bargehouse (next to OXO Tower), the fest continues today and tomorrow (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October). If you’re looking for something tasty to get up to this weekend, keep this fifth iteration of Europe’s biggest agave extravaganza in mind – and be sure to use my TIKICHRIS discount code to save 20% when booking your tickets online. Continue reading →

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Preview: Organ Reframed at Union Chapel

Posted on 2018-10-06 by tikichris

Organ Reframed is a festival of new music and cross-collaboration for organ. Returning for its third year with a weekend of live performance, film and discussion at Union Chapel near Highbury & Islington Station. Continue reading →

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Why Gen Xers Will Fall in Love with These 6 Awesome Destinations! (Going Places)

Posted on 2018-10-05 by tikichris

We gave Gen Xers and their interests some thought and came up with this list of six perfect getaways for a maturing but still youthful set of savvy travelers. Continue reading →

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What is Linux VPS Hosting and Why Do You Need It?

Posted on 2018-10-04 by tikichris

VPS technology offers tech-savvy webmasters, and web developers a reliable hosting platform, that combines the performance of a dedicated server at the cost of a shared hosting. Professionals know what importance does it hold to have a well-configured server. Continue reading →

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Seedlip X Behind This Wall | “No and Lo” CBD Cocktails

Posted on 2018-10-03 by tikichris

Riding high on the “no and lo” wave is Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit. Mixing up quality cocktails using Seedlip spirits alongside their own house brewed CBD oil is the team at Behind this Wall. A recent event at this cosy basement bar in Hackney presented an opportunity to sample a few showcase drinks made by BTW and featuring both Seedlip and CBD oil prominently. Continue reading →

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Getaways to Truly Get Away: Here Are 9 of the Most Laid-Back Cities to Visit Around the World (Miles Away)

Posted on 2018-10-02 by tikichris

Take a look at our list of cities around the world that are fun and worth visiting – no hectic itineraries needed! Continue reading →

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Blackbeard’s Wake | Weighing Anchor

Posted on 2018-10-02 by tikichris

Hey folks. I’m weighing anchor and sailing on to cover other topics, but I hope you enjoyed reading about my Blackbeard-based tour of the Carolina and Georgia coast and that you had a chance to listen to my two related podcast episodes. Continue reading →

Posted in Blackbeard's Wake, Cars, Georgia, History, North Carolina, road trip, South Carolina, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Yayoi Kusama: The Moving Moment When I Went to the Universe at Victoria Miro

Posted on 2018-10-01 by tikichris

The Moving Moment When I Went to the Universe brings new works, a trippy Infinity Mirror Room and plenty of giant pumpkins and more by celebrated Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, to Victoria Miro. Continue reading →

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Savannah, Georgia | Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-10-01 by tikichris

Direct links between Blackbeard and Savannah are scarce, tenuous and not well documented. However, it’s as swashbuckling a city as ever you’ll come by. Plus, when initially planning my trip, I had hoped to shove off from to explore Georgia island that bears the pirate’s name. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Bars, Blackbeard's Wake, Drink, Food, Georgia, History, Hotels, Museums, Restaurants, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Discussing Fact and Fiction with Historian Kevin Duffus | Blackbeard’s Wake | #TCTalks Episode 38

Posted on 2018-09-30 by tikichris

Another tie in with the Blackbeard’s Wake miniseries on my blog, Episode 28 of tikichris Talks finds me in conversation with research historian, author and documentary filmmaker Kevin Duffus. Continue reading →

Posted in Blackbeard's Wake, Books, History, interview, North Carolina, Podcast, TCTalks, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Win Free Parking at Glasgow or Gatwick Airport with Airport Park and Ride

Posted on 2018-09-30 by tikichris

Planning to fly out of Gatwick or Glasgow anytime in the next year? I’ve teamed up with Airport Park and Ride to make your travels easier and cheaper with up to two weeks of free parking at either of these airports. Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Freebies, London, Scotland, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Charleston, South Carolina | Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-09-29 by tikichris

I learned about Blackbeard’s blockade and all sorts of local lore during a guided tour with captivating storyteller Eric Lavender of Charleston Pirate Tours. As informative and insightful as he was hilarious in his deadpan delivery, roaming around some the city’s most historic and beautiful streets with Eric in his full pirate garb was a great way to spend a morning – and an activity I’d recommend to anyone visiting Charleston. Continue reading →

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10 Places Worth Visiting for the Fall Foliage in America – NOT in New England! (Miles Away)

Posted on 2018-09-29 by tikichris

Yes, of course, New England is undeniably beautiful during fall; however, the region doesn’t hold the patent on fall foliage. There are loads of other areas of the U.S. where Mother Nature puts on a fiery festival to admire before winter sets in. Continue reading →

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Ocracoke Historian Philip Howard | Blackbeard’s Wake | #TCTalks Episode 37

Posted on 2018-09-28 by tikichris

Episode 37 of tikichris Talks is a tie in with the Blackbeard’s Wake miniseries on my blog. It features an interview with Ocracoke Island historian, Philip Howard. Philip is the eighth-generation descendant of William Howard – the fourth and last colonial owner of Ocracoke who before that allegedly served as quartermaster for the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Continue reading →

Posted in Blackbeard's Wake, History, interview, North Carolina, Podcast, road trip, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 | Comida to Crave

Posted on 2018-09-27 by tikichris

The Tequila & Mezcal Fest will be here soon and I’ve got a sneak peek of what to eat when you go. The biggest agave extravaganza in Europe isn’t only an opportunity to drink premium Mexican spirits in a festive … Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Discounts and Special Offers, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ocracoke, North Carolina | Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-09-26 by tikichris

From Greenville, I made for the Outer Banks, specifically to the island of Ocracoke, where Blackbeard’s legacy seemed to hang in the air like Spanish moss on a live oak. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Blackbeard's Wake, Blogs, Drink, Food, History, Hotels, North Carolina, Restaurants, road trip, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Greenville, North Carolina | Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-09-24 by tikichris

As much as I savoured reacquainting myself with such a tasty town, I was primarily there to take a peek into the East Carolina University lab where artefacts from Blackbeard’s sunken flagship are being preserved and studied for a more accurate record of North Carolina’s coastal heritage. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Blackbeard's Wake, Drink, Food, History, Hotels, North Carolina, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sushi Shop 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Box

Posted on 2018-09-23 by tikichris

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Sushi Shop has partnered with three legendary street artists to create three distinctive designs for a limited edition 42-piece sushi box. Continue reading →

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In Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-09-22 by tikichris

Ahoy, y’all! I’m back in London and starting to sift through the notes from my latest road trip. This one was along the US Atlantic coast of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia on the trail of fact and fiction pertaining to one of the world’s most notorious pirates: Blackbeard. Continue reading →

Posted in Blackbeard's Wake, Cars, Georgia, Good Cause, History, North Carolina, road trip, South Carolina, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Win a Bottle of Patron Reposado Tequila

Posted on 2018-09-21 by tikichris

Love tequila? My team up with Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 just got a lot tastier with this competition offering the chance for one tikichris reader to win a bottle of some of Mexico’s best: Patron Reposado. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Competition, Discounts and Special Offers, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping, Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Must Eat Mexico City (Going Places)

Posted on 2018-09-20 by tikichris

What happens when one of the world’s most delicious cuisines meets one of the world’s most dynamic megacities? Damas y Caballeros, welcome to Mexico City! We hope you’ve brought your appetite. This expansive capital city is a cultural and culinary hub that’s as exciting a foodie frontier to explore as anywhere in the world. Continue reading →

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My Coffee with Melitta | What to Look for When Buying a Machine

Posted on 2018-09-17 by tikichris

From sleek cutting edge technology to tried-and-true champs of yore, the range of machines offered by Melitta has you covered whatever way you like to make your coffee Continue reading →

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