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.

Beyond the Reef | #TCTalofa

Talofa! Thanks for joining me in remembering the amazing time I had in Samoa. Continue reading

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Savai’i | #TCTalofa

Midway during my week in Samoa I spent two full-on days of fun in the sun on the island of Savai’i. Continue reading

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Exploring Upolu | #TCTalofa

My Samoan adventure continued as I headed out to explore the island of Upolu. Continue reading

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Around Apia | #TCTalofa

Samoa’s only actual town, Apia is a small but bustling port with a population of around 36,000 people. It served as a great base for me to revive and acclimate myself to island life after my long haul journey from the UK. Here’s a look at the best bits from my time there. Continue reading

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Talofa from Samoa | #TCTalofa

Hey y’all, listen up. I think I might have discovered paradise or, at least, a super close approximation of the ideal tropical island getaway. I’m talking about Samoa, where I spent a magical, wet and wild week back at the beginning of November. Continue reading

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Dining in with La Belle Assiette

La Belle Assiette is an online booking service for private chefs. It invites people to “rediscover the pleasure of entertaining at home” by leaving the cooking and cleaning to professionals while freeing up time focus on having a good time at home with their guests. Continue reading

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8 of the Hottest Places on the Planet You Can Visit … and What You Can Do There (Going Places)

Consider making a break with a vacation to one of these sizzling hot destinations where it never gets too cold and sunny days are a given most days of the year. Continue reading

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Eneko at One Aldwych

I could taste with each bite how Chef Eneko Atxa earned his three Michelin stars at his Bilbao restaurant, Azurmendi, with intriguingly flavourful and beautifully plated food and how his London restaurant’s Head Chef, Edurne Martín Delgado, executed Atxa’s vision with craft and precision. Continue reading

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2017 Resolutions

Typos. I’ve got ‘em – and far too many for me to be blasé about. My number one resolution of 2017 (as it pertains to this blog and my work as a writer) is to type right and improve my proof reading. Continue reading

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A Decade Down | Ten Years of tikichris

Before 2016 comes to a close, I thought I’d take a moment to recap the 10 team ups I co-hosted over the year in celebration of my blog’s tenth anniversary and – more importantly – to thank the folks involved in helping me make each of those 10X10 events happen! Continue reading

Posted in Art, Bars, Blogs, Chocolate, Drink, Entertainment, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Pubs, Restaurants, Shopping, TC10, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Still Loving My Lumix GX80

Waaay back at the end of August, the folks behind the launch of Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GX80 got in touch to see if I wanted to get a chance to play around with (and keep) one of these handy mirrorless cameras. … Continue reading

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Florida Destination Weddings: The Best Spots for Your Special Day (Going Places)

With its long coastline, vibrant cities, quaint small towns, resort communities, theme parks, and year-round warm weather, the Sunshine State is a popular choice for destination weddings. But Florida is a very big place. Narrowing down the list of options for a wedding destination ideally suited for you and your guests can be a challenge. Continue reading

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David Ortsman | 10X10 with tikichris

For my concluding 10X10 collaboration, I enlisted my artist friend, David Ortsman, to interpret a theme: tikichris eats the world. Not long after I floated the idea, David got back to me some amazing drawings that he thought best ‘addressed’ subject. Continue reading

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Merry Christmas

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Cheers from Artesian | 10X10 with tikchris

The ninth celebration to mark my decade of blogging was a boozy little get together with a few other writers and friendly freelancer folk – a kind of yearend office party for those without offices – at one of my favourite bars in London: Artesian. Continue reading

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Trips100’s Top 10 UK Travel Blogs 2016

Oh man! This nice lil yearend surprise almost rolled right past without me taking notice! But I’m glad I did, and I want to take a moment to thank the people behind Trips100 for including me in their top 10 list of UK Travel blogs of 2016. Continue reading

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Win a Bottle of Cruxland Truffle-Infused Gin

Want a taste of flavourful intrigue for your New Year’s Eve toast? Try Cruxland Gin. Infused with Kalahari truffles, this rich new quaff from South Africa is the perfect gin for conversation inspiring cocktails. Continue reading

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Where is Santa Claus From? (Miles Away)

Here’s a fun list of destinations where you might see where the real Saint Nicolas actually lived and maybe even get to meet the jolly old man. Continue reading

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Best of the Best of 2016

I hope you enjoyed reading my Best of 2016 series and that the posts may assist you in having more fun, saving more money and making more of your time than you would have otherwise. Continue reading

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Best Hotels and Resorts of 2016

Nicest digs on the planet? Here are a few of ‘em! 2016 was one of the best years of travel for me yet. What made the year such an amazing time to ramble was, in large part, where I got to lay my head at night. Continue reading

Posted in Best of 2016, Best of the Best, California, Hotels, Jamaica, Luxury, Namibia, Samoa, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best London Pop-Ups, Supper Clubs, Street Food, etc in 2016

This year, many of my favourite London meals didn’t occur at a traditional restaurant or via a kitchen with a permanent address. Keeping with current dining trends and continuing with my Best of 2016 series, here’s my list of Best London Pop-Ups, Takeovers, Supper Clubs etc of the year. Continue reading

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Best Cheap Eats in London of 2016

No joke. It is still possible (if slightly less likely than this time last year) to eat well with only a fiver to spend. And not only in the hinterland! Three of the six establishments listed below as my preferred cheap eats are in Zone 1 and extremely easy to access. The other three? Hello Waltham Forest, you big gorgeous borough full of yummy East London treats of reasonable price and generous proportion. Continue reading

Posted in Best of 2016, Best of the Best, Coffee, Food, London, Money, Pizza, Restaurants, Street Markets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best London Bars and Pubs of 2016

London! You know how to quench a thirst. My Best of 2016 series continues with a taste of my favourite bars and pubs in London. Continue reading

Posted in Bars, Beer, Best of 2016, Best of the Best, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Pubs, Restaurants, Shopping, Tiki, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Bars of 2016 (Excluding London)

What a year! Ready for a drink? Might I recommend having it in style at one of these fabulous bars? They’re the best I came across in 2016. Continue reading

Posted in Bars, Beer, Best of 2016, Best of the Best, California, Drink, Food, France, Hotels, Jerez, Louisiana, Luxury, Music, New Orleans, Restaurants, Spain, Tennessee, Tiki, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best London Restaurants of 2016

The London Dining scene of 2016 seemed markedly better that that of the past couple of years before it. But maybe that’s more reflective of me and my reasons and opportunities to eat out. Continue reading

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Best Restaurants of 2016 (Excluding London)

There’s a whole lot of New Orleans in this list – which makes sense given the focus of my September foodie safari spent there. Indeed, some of these NOLA restaurants are remarkably close neighbours; two are just across Magazine Street from each other. But this year wasn’t only about luscious Louisiana cooking. I had great dining experiences in other corners of America too, and across Europe. Continue reading

Posted in Austria, Best of 2016, Best of the Best, California, Drink, Food, Jerez, Louisiana, Luxury, New Orleans, Restaurants, Spain, Travel, USA, Vienna | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best of 2016

The year is now coming to a close. How was it for you? My mind’s still reeling trying to figure out that question for myself. To say the least, 2016 was intense, with plenty of ups and downs. Allow me a chance to look at some of the ups in a little more detail and to celebrate the year by highlighting some of my favourite food, drink and travel experiences. Continue reading

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Paul A Young Christmas Truffles | 10X10 with tikichris

I’ve teamed up with Paul A Young Fine Chocolates for a tasty in-shop offer: for every £5 spent at one of Paul’s boutiques, you’ll get a free truffle from his Christmas collection. Continue reading

Posted in Chocolate, Christmas, Discounts and Special Offers, Food, Freebies, London, Shopping, TC10 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Win Panettone and Prosecco from Carluccio’s

Hoping to end the year on a beautiful buon Natale note? Here’s a delicious and bubbly competition to help! I’ve teamed up with Carluccio’s to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a panettone filled with a prosecco flavoured cream plus a bottle of prosecco. Continue reading

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Infographic: How to Stay Safe Driving Home This Christmas

For many, Christmas is a time to set off on the open road and see the family we haven’t seen all year. This might include travelling by plane, train or automobile and if you do have to jump behind the wheel, it’s important you are prepared for the extreme weather that can accompany the festive period. Continue reading

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Preview: Sleight of Hand on the Strand

International award-winning magicians Tony “Sonic” Middleton ‘Sonic’ and Dominick Zwolinski bring their up close style of conjuring to a small audience in a private room at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand for one night only this month with their show Sleight of Hand on the Strand. Continue reading

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Radio Alice | Pizza | Hoxton Square

Radio Alice is a new pizzeria opened in Hoxton Square. The approach to serving pizza is unique. The results are delicious. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Pizza, Restaurants, Uncategorized, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

WSET’s From Still to Bar: Whiskey Flight at Shotgun

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has teamed up with some of London’s top bars to create From Still to Bar: a series of immersive experiences with each session focused on a different spirit. Kemey and I dropped by Shotgun … Continue reading

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Ormer Mayfair

Michelin starred chef Shaun Rankin’s upscale restaurant attractively set downstairs at Flemings Mayfair Hotel – Ormer Mayfair – brings a refined and rich taste of Jersey to London. Seafood lovers and fans of dining with formal flair take note! Continue reading

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Coffee at The Fairmont San Francisco (espressoCrazy)

One of my all time favourite destinations, San Francisco was a beautiful and welcoming as I remembered, and maybe even a little tastier this time around … or at least my coffee was. Continue reading

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