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.

Infographic | UK vs USA: Different Names for the Same Foods

Posted on 2017-08-22 by tikichris

This fun infographic does a great job summing up some of the most interesting differences. Continue reading →

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Savour the Flavours of Friuli Venezia Giulia | #FVGFlavour

Posted on 2017-08-22 by tikichris

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the highlights of my time in FVG. I feel extremely fortunate to have seen such a substantial swathe of this beautiful region. But I realise fully that I’ve only just started to scratch the surface. Continue reading →

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The World’s 15 Most Important Tiki Bars (Punch)

Posted on 2017-08-21 by tikichris

I was honoured and happy to offer my own humble opinion when Punch got in touch to ask my help compiling a list of of the world’s most important tiki bars. Continue reading →

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Trieste: Cafes and Buffets | #FVGFlavour

Posted on 2017-08-21 by tikichris

My Flavours of Friuli Venezia Giulia tour wrapped up in the stunning and dignified little port city of Trieste – where fantastic regional flavours flourish with flair. For a city of only around 200,000 residents, Trieste has an impressive number … Continue reading →

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The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen

Posted on 2017-08-20 by tikichris

The recently opened Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen brings the best oysters, seafood and fish from across the British Isles to a pleasant (and pleasantly pared down) Covent Garden dining space. Continue reading →

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Friuli Veneza Giulia Food and Drink Producers | #FVGFlavour

Posted on 2017-08-20 by tikichris

With its unique mix of cultures, varied topography, rich soil and access to both the fresh water of the Alps and the bounty of the Adriatic Sea, Fruili Venezia Giulia is home to exceptional food and drink. Continue reading →

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HipStar: Collapsible Hands-Free Travel Cart

Posted on 2017-08-20 by tikichris

Designed to ease the load of moving heavy items over any terrain, HipStar can be used as a cart, backpack, or bike trailer. Indeed, inventor Igor Koshutin reckons his creation has the potential to revolutionise how people travel for work and pleasure. Continue reading →

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Trattoria da Ivana & Secondo | #FVGFlavour

Posted on 2017-08-20 by tikichris

One of the more delectable moments of my visit to Friuli Veneza Giulia (not to mention one of the best meals I’ve had this year) was my lunch at Trattoria da Ivana & Secondo. Continue reading →

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Great Jamaican Cuisine at Rudie’s in Dalston

Posted on 2017-08-19 by tikichris

I don’t go out for Jamaican or Caribbean food all that often in London. It’s not because I don’t love the cuisine but because (save for a short list of awesome places) I tend to find most of what’s on offer doesn’t live up to my expectations of how good the food can be. So I’m pleased to report my recent dinner at Rudie’s in Dalston turned out to be such a tasty treat. Continue reading →

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Flavours of Friuli Venezia Giulia | #FVGFlavour

Posted on 2017-08-19 by tikichris

Located in the far northeast corner of Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia borders Austria to its north, Slovenia to its east and the Italian autonomous region of Veneto to the west. It has a long stretch of Adriatic shoreline, is home to the mighty Dolomite Mountains, and boasts a fascinating and culturally complex history. Continue reading →

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Cooking with a Wood-Fired Oven with Manna from Devon

Posted on 2017-08-19 by tikichris

Holly and David Jones of Manna from Devon Cooking School in Kingswear, Devon came north to London earlier this summer for some wood-fired oven demos at The Swan pub in Chiswick. I was wiser (and fuller) for having dropped by for a session. Continue reading →

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#RutteRoute Round Up

Posted on 2017-08-19 by tikichris

My route to discovering the Dutch origins of genever and gin was a fun and flavoursome chance to enjoy some of the best food, drinks, sights and nightlife in Rotterdam and Dordrecht. Indeed, quaint Dordrecht was completely off my radar … Continue reading →

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#TCTalks | Episode 1 | Hey Y’all

Posted on 2017-08-18 by tikichris

Hey y’all. This is Chris Osburn, aka tikichris, and I”m here with a quick message. Continue reading →

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On the #RutteRoute at the Rutte & Sons Distillery

Posted on 2017-08-18 by tikichris

In the heart of picturesque Dordrecht, the historic Rutte & Sons Distillery still operates in the same tiny townhouse where founder Simon Rutte started creating his distinctly flavoured spirits back in 1872. Continue reading →

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Something’s Brewing: Chemex (espressoCrazy)

Posted on 2017-08-17 by tikichris

Continuing with my Something’s Brewing series about brewing methods and equipment, I’m staying in filter coffee mode but getting a bit fancier with it by pulling out a Chemex. Continue reading →

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On the #RutteRoute in Dordrecht

Posted on 2017-08-17 by tikichris

The opportunity to stroll about and get a sense of the tiny island town that Rutte has called home since the 19th century was a lot of fun and worth the trip in and of itself. Continue reading →

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Recipe: Rooibos Ribeye

Posted on 2017-08-16 by tikichris

Playing around with the rub I tried it on three different cuts of beef: fillet, sirloin and rib eye. It was tasty with all three. But I reckon it went best with the ribeye Continue reading →

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On the #RutteRoute in Rotterdam

Posted on 2017-08-16 by tikichris

First stop on my journey to the Rutte & Sons Distillery in Dordrecht was Rotterdam, where a phenomenally crafted meal was followed by a top secret nightcap and a solid sleep in a historic setting. Continue reading →

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Ted’s Grooming Room

Posted on 2017-08-15 by tikichris

For a shave and a haircut (and a chance to relax) head to Ted’s Grooming Room. Continue reading →

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#RutteRoute | Win a Bottle of Rutte Old Simon Genever

Posted on 2017-08-15 by tikichris

Before continuing too much further along my path to discover the history of gin and genever, perhaps I should talk about the differences between these two related spirits – and maybe even offer one lucky reader a taste of genever with a chance to win a bottle of one of the best, Rutte Old Simon. Continue reading →

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Which Caribbean Island Should You Retire to? (Going Places)

Posted on 2017-08-14 by tikichris

If you’re starting to plan ahead for retirement and wonder just how far your money can go in the Caribbean, then this list is for you. Continue reading →

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The #RutteRoute to Discovering the History of Gin and Genever

Posted on 2017-08-13 by tikichris

A little over a month ago I tagged along on a mini tour of The Netherlands en route to the Rutte & Sons Distillery on the tiny island of Dordrecht in South Holland. Continue reading →

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Reducing Food Waste with Maille and OLIO

Posted on 2017-08-12 by tikichris

A recent event at the Maille Boutique on the Piccadilly highlighted delicious ways to reduce food waste compliments of Harry Lalousis – the world’s first and only mustard sommelier – and the free food sharing app OLIO. Continue reading →

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Jose Gordon’s El Capricho Menu at The World’s End Market

Posted on 2017-08-11 by tikichris

King’s Road restaurant, The World’s End Market, has launched a new “Jose Gordon (El Capricho)” menu offering select cuts of extra mature ox meat reared and aged by Spanish grill master, ox farmer and Chef Patron of acclaimed El Capricho restaurant (and Netflix star), Jose Gordon. Continue reading →

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Why You Should Retire to Thailand (Miles Away)

Posted on 2017-08-11 by tikichris

About to take the leap into retirement and thinking of doing so overseas? Your options are many but the argument for putting Thailand at the top of your list is strong. Continue reading →

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Bottomless Brunch at The Vincent

Posted on 2017-08-10 by tikichris

The Vincent near Hackney Downs has launched a weekend brunch menu featuring bottomless coffee, cocktails and prosecco alongside a yummy assortment of breakfast and otherwise brunch-able dishes. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #69

Posted on 2017-08-10 by tikichris

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. Continue reading →

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Use the Power of the World Wide Web to Book Your Next Vacation

Posted on 2017-08-09 by tikichris

If you’re ready to do some traveling, now is the time. There has never been a better time to cure your traveling blues by making tracks across the globe. The power of the world wide web has made it easier than ever to book the vacation of your dreams. Continue reading →

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8 Amazing Cities Not Yet Overrun by Tourists (Going Places)

Posted on 2017-08-09 by tikichris

To help you hit some of the world’s most awesome cities before they’re mobbed by everybody else, we’ve compiled this list of eight of the best that are definitely worth checking out. Continue reading →

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Win a Pair of Tickets to Foodies Festival with Feeney’s Irish Cream

Posted on 2017-08-08 by tikichris

I’ve teamed up with Feeney’s Irish Cream to offer the chance for one lucky tikichris reader to win a pair of tickets to the Foodies Festival at Alexandra Palace in London or South Parks in Oxford. Continue reading →

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Last-Minute Trips You Should Take Before Your Kids Go Back to School (Miles Away)

Posted on 2017-08-07 by tikichris

Taking advantage of the last days of summer to get away with the whole family before school gets back in session can help ease the pain of adjusting to the daily rigors of an early start, tight schedule and demands of homework. A family trip before the school daze is a fun way to bond and make memories to last throughout your children’s academic year. Continue reading →

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The London Pop-Up Guide

Posted on 2017-08-06 by tikichris

Here’s the lowdown on some of the best pop-up dining experiences starting this month. Continue reading →

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New Cocktails at Great Northern Hotel

Posted on 2017-08-05 by tikichris

GNH Bar Head Bartender Harry Nikolaou’s brilliant creations beguiled as much as they refreshed, enticing as they intoxicated. Continue reading →

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Llamb’s Day Dinner at Tom Simmons – Tower Bridge

Posted on 2017-08-04 by tikichris

Chef Tom Simmons of MasterChef – The Professionals 2011 fame has opened an eponymous restaurant (his first) at the south end of Tower Bridge, showcasing his admiration of British and French cuisine with an emphasis on his Pembrokeshire heritage and on sourcing high quality Welsh ingredients. Continue reading →

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Official J&T of Juliette’s Interiors

Posted on 2017-08-03 by tikichris

So remember that Ginspiration Challenge I wrote about a few weeks ago? Well check it out: I won it! Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Drink, London, Luxury, Recipes, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments