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.

Wine Chap Tom Harrow | #TCTalks Episode 29

Tom Harrow is Director at Honest Grapes, UK Ambassador for Franciacorta, wine writer, host and consultant – and the subject of episode 29 of tikichris Talks. Cheers! Continue reading

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Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford

A day out in Oxford was an excellent excuse to dip in to recently opened Cinnamon Kitchen up on the roof at the Westgate shopping centre. Continue reading

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The Ultimate Sri Lankan Supper Club | Girl Travels World + The Coconut Tree

The Ultimate Sri Lankan Supper Club was a collaborative effort between Demi Perera (a London blogger of Sri Lankan heritage) and The Coconut Tree (a Sri Lankan restaurant in Oxford). I was fortunate to be among those seated at this invitation-only feast earlier in the month. Continue reading

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Douglas Blyde | #TCTalks Episode 28

Columnist at ES Magazine, editor of Wine List Confidential, drinks presenter and gastronomy consultant Douglas Blyde sits down for a conversation with me about the good things in life for Episode 28 of tikichris Talks. Continue reading

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Things to Do on Hilton Head Island

Beach vacations are sometimes a cliché, and people usually imagine a week spent drowsing in the light of the sun, maybe with the occasional dip in the ocean tossed in. Continue reading

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Sailing the Thames with Secret Adventures

Secret Adventures runs “unusual and off grid adventures in London and beyond, designed to generate a sense of exploration and wonder”. One of those adventures is a cruise of from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier and sailing back toward town with a stop at Greenwich Pier where guests disembarked. Continue reading

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Supersonic Modern Michael Murphy | #TCTalks Episode 27

Episode 27 of tikichris Talks features an interview with San Francisco-based artist, Michael Murphy. During our conversation, we talk about Modernism, architecture, California and other key elements of Michael’s work. Continue reading

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Senior Travel Discounts You’re Probably Missing Out On (Going Places)

Here’s our look at some of the best discounts and special offers that seniors can tap into for thrifty travel and smart spending. Continue reading

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The Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Booking an All-Inclusive Vacation (Going Places)

To help you determine if an all-inclusive resort is right for your vacationing preferences, here’s a roundup of the key questions to ask yourself before booking an all-in holiday.  Continue reading

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#MenabreaMaestro Class with Jay Rayner

A “craft of column-writing” masterclass with the Observer’s (in)famous restaurant critic, Jay Rayner, was a fun and insight outing. Continue reading

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Golf Posters of the Top 10 Golfers of All Time

Golfing is often said to be a gentleman’s sport, and these golf posters display exactly what that means. Golf can be traced back as far as the year 960 in ancient China, with it’s more contemporary roots being aligned around … Continue reading

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My Coffee with Melitta | Win a Stainless Steel Gooseneck Pour Over Kettle

Looking for a stylish and functional kettle? Melitta’s stainless steel gooseneck pour over kettle is just the thing for you! And if you like making pour over coffee, you’ll love brewing it with this beautifully designed item. Continue reading

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Denise Medrano, The Wine Sleuth | #TCTalks Episode 26

Denise Medrano, aka The Wine Sleuth, is a London based blogger and the wine buyer for The Grocery Wine Vault. She’s also the subject of the 26th episode of tikichris Talks. We had a great conversation about her passion for wine and her mission to help others simply enjoy drinking it. Continue reading

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Tips For Eating Healthier and Better This Summer

Let’s face it, summertime can be scary for those trying to live healthier. Continue reading

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Made in Jamaica, Enjoyed in Brixton

It’s no secret I’m a fan of rum nor that I’m partial to ones from Jamaica. So when the folks at Campari UK invited me along for a tasting of their rum portfolio at rumspirational venues across Brixton, I was keen to accept. Continue reading

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The Elephant’s Head, Clapton

The Elephant’s Head in Hackney does crafty cocktails and great pub grub in a moody, Victorian setting. Continue reading

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Pomona’s Serves California Cool from Notting Hill Kitchen

Pomona’s in Notting Hill looks across the proverbial pond (and ‘flyover’ country) to land its culinary sights on Californian shores for inspiration. Continue reading

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Sam Hunt, Borough of Culture Creative Director | #TCTalks Episode 25

Sam Hunt is the first ever Creative Director for the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019. Inspired by the UK City and European Capital of Culture programs, the London Borough of Culture award is an initiative launched by the Mayor Sadiq Khan. Waltham Forest (my home borough – yay!) is the first borough to be awarded. For episode 25 of tikichris Talks, I sit down for a quick chat with Sam to talk about his role as Creative Director, what makes Waltham Forest culturally distinct, what to expect in 2019 and how folks can get involved. Continue reading

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7 Experts Share Their Must-Haves to Pack in Your Carry-On This Summer (The Real Deal)

Delicate skin and an ever-broadening bald spot mean that sunscreen and a cap are essential in my carry-on, even when I’m checking a bag. I keep a charged solar power bank with me to make sure my phone stays juiced up. I hardly ever leave the house without a reusable water bottle these days. Continue reading

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A Rum Lover’s Guide to the Caribbean (Going Places)

Can a single sip of rum send you sailing to a tropical island in your mind? Then you’ll love dreaming a little while with us as we explore some of the best Caribbean rum distilleries to visit. Yes, a number of distilleries – big and small, famous and not-so-much – across the Caribbean are open to the public with guided tours and tastings. Continue reading

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Win Pass the Pigs Party Dice Game

I’ve got a fun and quirky Pass the Pigs dice game to offer one lucky tikichris reader. This one’s the party edition of the popular all-ages game. Continue reading

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James Cook: The Voyages | #TCTalks Episode 24

For Episode 24 of tikichris Talks I visit the British Library to interview Laura Walker and William Frame, co-curators of James Cook: The Voyages. Running until 28 August, the exhibition marks the 250th anniversary of the ship Endeavour setting off from Plymouth with Captain James Cook in command for the first of three world-changing voyages. Continue reading

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Guest Post by Chris Osburn (Clementine Communications)

The team at Clementine Communications recently got in touch inviting me to submit a guest post about current trends in the food and drinks industry. I was happy to oblige and share some thoughts. Continue reading

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Modern Middle Eastern for Kosher Cravings at Delicatessen in Hampstead

Executive Chef Or Golan (ex-Ottolenghi Belgravia) does a bang up job serving a mix of full flavoured Middle Eastern dishes with ingenuity and flair at Delicatessen in Hampstead. Continue reading

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Must-Eat Montreal: The Foods You Should Eat & Where to Find Them (Going Places)

Mix the appetite of a lumberjack with the sophisticated palate of a French chef and you’ll have a pretty good approximation of what goes into making Montreal one of the yummiest cities in North America. Continue reading

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Berlin | Best of the Wurst | Index

Whether you’re looking for a cheap meat feast, an organic indulgence, or a plant-based power snack – there’s a currywurst in Berlin for you! Continue reading

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A Worldwide Web of Somewheres | #TCTalks Episode 23

Episode 23 of tikichris Talks features an in-studio interview with Amanda Lwin, a multi-disciplinary maker of “Things about Places.” I met Amanda recently at the launch of Sculpture in the City, the City of London’s annual public art program/outdoor urban sculpture park. Amanda’s piece A Worldwide Web of Somewheres (on view inside Leadenhall Market) was one of my favourites of the 18 artworks that comprise Sculpture in the City. During my conversation with the erudite (but incredibly kind about it) Lwin, we chat about A Worldwide Web as well as systems and structures, the difference between a labyrinth and a maze, and all sorts of other fascinating topics that come from contemplating her work. Continue reading

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Authentic, Local and Not Currywurst | Berlin | Best of the Wurst

Among my favourite non-currywurst dining experiences were two that were just as authentically Berliner and equally inexpensive and tasty: Bäckerei & Konditorei Waldtraut Balzer and Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap. Continue reading

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake at Carioca Brixton

A recently weekend brunch visit to Carioca in Brixton was not my first. And I’m please to report the food is still tasty and portions still generous at this quaint Market Row eatery. But it was my first time to have slice of the chocolate peanut butter cheesecake. And – wow – that was a sumptuous and texturally magnificent end to a meal. Continue reading

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Curry at the Wall | Berlin | Best of the Wurst

A vegan dinner at Curry at the Wall turned out to be a suitable substitute to the rest of the street meat on offer in Berlin. Continue reading

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Good Stuff #76

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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Konnopke’s Imbiss | Berlin | Best of the Wurst

Set beneath an elevated U-Bahn track, this East Berlin takeaway has been serving affordable street food with a kick since 1930. Continue reading

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Witty’s Currywurst | Berlin | Best of the Wurst

Organic currywurst? That’s the offer at Witty’s, the first organic snack bar in Germany. Continue reading

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Curry 36 | Berlin | Best of the Wurst

First stop on my currywurst crusade is Kreuzberg street food institution: Curry 36. Continue reading

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A Lady in London | #TCTalks Episode 22

For the 22nd episode of my humble little podcast I had the great pleasure of interviewing the gracious and preeminent travel blogger, Julie Falconer, about her long running and successful blog, A Lady in London. During the interview Julie and I talk shop and chat about favourite places, how blogging and social media have changed over the years and what she’s got lined up for the summer and beyond. Continue reading

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