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.

La Petite Grocery | #TCEatsNOLA

Elegant and indulgent, novel and authentic, worldly and homespun, fine and funky: my uptown lunch at La Petite Grocery was a gourmet dream of gourmand extravagance. Had I ever been presented with a richer, more inventive meal – even among … Continue reading

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All Day Brunch at Over Easy, Marylebone

Across Duke Street from Selfridges, Over Easy is a stylish café for brunchy endeavours and caffeinated pit stops. Continue reading

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Parkway Bakery & Tavern | #TCEatsNOLA

The folks at Parkway Bakery & Tavern reckon they do the best po-boy/po’ boy/poor boy in Louisiana. Maybe. Although some fans of this famous sandwich of New Orleans origin would suggest you need only go about five miles uptown for a taste of a worthy contender. Whatever the case, Parkway has been making authentically delicious and massive po-boys since 1911 – and you’d be a fool to fault ‘em for it. Continue reading

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Breakfast in America (espressoCrazy)

The tastiest aspects of my recent US escapades often took place in the morning. So I thought I’d share with you a few especially memorable breakfasts from my time in the Land of Plenty. Continue reading

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K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen | #TCEatsNOLA

Legendary Louisiana chef, Paul Prudhomme, is widely recognised as the man who brought Cajun and Creole cooking to the masses through his fame as a chef and restaurateur and the popularity of his Magic Seasoning Blends sold throughout the US. Sadly, Chef Prudhomme passed away in 2015, but his legacy lives on in scrumptious glory at his French Quarter restaurant K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen. Continue reading

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Win a Chocolate or Coffee Explorer Pack from Taste Tripper

Do you have a London friend or family member who’s a coffee or chocolate fanatic? Then I’ve got just the gift idea for you! Taste Tripper Explorer Packs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy the best of the London foodie scene – and I’m giving one explorer pack away to one lucky tikichris reader. Continue reading

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GW Fins | #TCEatsNOLA

Love seafood? Crave innovative cuisine? Seeking an upscale setting with a casual air? GW Fins is the place for you. Continue reading

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Dinner at Beagle, Hoxton

I love the space (and smart use of it). What’s doing at the bar is very much in line with how I prefer to imbibe. Service is friendly and helpful. And the food’s great. Based on my recent visit, I’ve no bone to pick with Beagle and can only bark about how smart a choice this Hoxton restaurant is for a quality meal. Continue reading

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Galatoire’s | #TCEatsNOLA

Blame it on the cocktails (and might I recommend a potent and creamy Brandy Milk Punch) or on the burst of relief upon getting in the door (there’s a no reservation policy but always a lengthy queue out front) … or maybe on notoriously naughty setting on Bourbon Street … whatever the case, Galatoire’s was one the most raucous and rowdy restaurants I’ve ever entered. It was also one of the most rarefied and refined. Maybe all the revelry was simply because folks were feeling understandably jubilant to be eating such great food in such an amazing establishment. I know I was over the moon to be there. Continue reading

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Good Stuff #61

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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Elizabeth’s | #TCEatsNOLA

Chef Bryon Peck’s homey from-scratch cooking is as downhome as it gets. I loved my time digging into a big Southern style breakfast while admiring the vibrant folk art on walls (inside and out), at his laid back and creaky floored Bywater restaurant Elizabeth’s. Continue reading

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Preview: Simon Warner’s Viva Hypnosis at Leicester Square Theatre

Comedy hypnotist, Simon Warner, brings his mesmerising act to the West End stage for the first time in 15 years with Viva Hypnosis for two nights only at the Leicester Square Theatre just before Christmas. Continue reading

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Compère Lapin | #TCEatsNOLA

Situated in the lobby of The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, my hotel for the first half of my NOLA dining adventure, Compère Lapin was only few month’s old, all the rage, and absolutely hopping (jeu de mots) during my stay. Not to try it as one of my 18 Eats, would have been remiss. Beside every time I passed the restaurant on my way in or out of the hotel, the lure of the aromas wafting out of its kitchen grew more irresistible. Continue reading

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Recipe: Banana Split Milkshake

Häagen-Dazs has launched a new seasonal flavour for Autumn/Winter 2016: Honey Walnut & Cream. Mmm mmm good? Uh huh. Oh yeah. Want to add an extra layer of yum to it? Check out my recipe for a banana split milkshake (regular and ‘hard’ versions included) using this delicious limited run ice cream. Continue reading

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Commander’s Palace | #TCEatsNOLA

Family owned Commander’s Palace has been wowing palates with inventive Haute Creole cuisine and utterly genteel service since 1880, making it the third oldest restaurant in New Orleans. With chefs such as Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jamie Shannon, and now Tory McPhail among its kitchen alumni, this revered Garden District restaurant dripping with awards and accolades is arguably the city’s most popular and historically significant place to eat. Continue reading

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A Relaxing Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

There are some times where you just want to be able to get away for a weekend or a few days and be with that special person, with your family, with friends or just by yourself. You want to go … Continue reading

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Cochon Butcher | #TCEatsNOLA

Warehouse District “swine bar” and butcher shop with sandwich counter and deli – Cochon Butcher finds inspiration in “old world meat markets” and in Louisiana heritage foods such as Cajun specialties boudin, andouille, and tasso. Continue reading

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Win a Big Bag o’ Booze for Free

Oh no! I’m running out of room in my liquor cabinet. And that’s especially good news for one lucky tikichris reader. Continue reading

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Central Grocery and Deli | #TCEatsNOLA

We’re back in the French Quarter for this latest instalment of New Orleans in 18 Eats, with a visit to Central Grocery and Deli for the mutha of all mega-sized sandwiches: the mighty muffuletta. Continue reading

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Adam Rawson Kitchen Residency at The George & Dragon, Fitzrovia

Globetrotting chef, Adam Rawson, has set up temporary residence in the kitchen of Fitzrovia pub, The George & Dragon, and is cooking up his own tasty take on pub grub inspired by his travels. Continue reading

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Camellia Grill | #TCEatsNOLA

If you ever find yourself nursing a hangover in New Orleans or up late working on one for the next morning, keep Camellia Grill in mind. It’s the Garden District go-to for giant omelets, particularly moreish pecan pie, stout coffee and all sorts of other delicacies designed to you help cope with post celebratory suffering and start feeling like a champ again. Continue reading

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Cocktail Recipe: Hot Rye and Chamomile Toddy

Keen for something warm and soothing to drink during the long winter nights ahead? I think I’ve come up with just the right drink: a hot rye and chamomile toddy. Continue reading

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Broussard’s | #TCEatsNOLA

Established in 1920, Broussard’s is an elegant setting for fine dining with a menu focused on elevating down home dishes through culinary refinement. There’s a pretty courtyard for intimate al fresco dining and a most magnificent bar for exploring an inspired range of cocktails that are as historic as they are tasty. Continue reading

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Ray’s Bar, Dalston

Pizza and cocktails – does it get much better? Yeah, probably but it’s still a winning combo for casual night out as I found when I stopped by the recently opened Ray’s Bar in Dalston. Continue reading

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Brennan’s | #TCEatsNOLA

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And if by important, they (whomever ‘they’ are) mean utterly scrumptious and overwhelmingly substantial, then there’s no finer example of this rule than breakfast at Brennan’s. Indeed, the morning I visited this family run French Quarter institution of haute Creole cuisine was without doubt the tastiest a.m. of the year for me, resulting in one of the more delicious meals I had during my time in New Orleans, and perhaps the best breakfast I’ve ever eaten in my life. Continue reading

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Festive Cocktail Menu at Artesian

London’s most lauded and luxurious bar – Artesian – is the place for tipples this festive season with a limited run drinks menu making spirits bright until the new year. Continue reading

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Arnaud’s & French 75 | #TCEatsNOLA

First up in my series of New Orleans in 18 Eats is the French Quarter’s 98 year old Grande Dame of creole cuisine: Arnaud’s. A quick note before we dig in … To be sure, I had clear favourite meals … Continue reading

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Thanks!

2016 was one of the most eventful years in my life, and I have so much to be thankful for. I hope you do too. Continue reading

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New Orleans in 18 Eats | #TCEatsNOLA

If New Orleans doesn’t represent the most wonderful concentration of restaurants in the world, I don’t know where does. And believe me, I’ve looked long and hard – only to return to NOLA with greater appreciation for its graciously crafted cuisine and the profound depth of its food culture. Get ready, y’all. It’s time to eat! Continue reading

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Twilight | #TCTikiTour

Exploring California tiki culture old and new turned out to be a terrific way to experience the best of the Golden State and enjoy a tour along its magnificent coast. Continue reading

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Best Affordable Winter Getaways (Going Places)

Whether you’re a snowbird seeking to avoid the cold or a ski bunny hoping to make the most of it, our list of affordable destinations for the holiday months is full of great places that can either warm you up or keep you cool. Continue reading

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Recipe: Maple Walnut Wings | #WingingIt

My maple walnut wings are really moreish, if I do say so myself! I didn’t add any spicy heat to them but chipotle or Tabasco would go well with them (and it’s easy enough to incorporate on your own). I would encourage you to try these as suggested in the recipe first though, to get a taste of just how yummy chicken, maple and walnut are together. Continue reading

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Win a Bottle Each of Jägermeister + Jägermeister Spice

Brrr! It’s getting cold out there! So I’ve teamed up with Jägermeister to help warm things up as you ring in the festive season with the chance to win two bottles of full flavoured winter warmers – one of Jägermeister Original and one of Jägermeister Spice – for free. Continue reading

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Falafel Party at Pilpel Aldgate | 10X10 with tikichris

This past Friday night was falafel night here in tikichris land with a friendly gathering of folks at the weeks old Pilpel Aldgate. The party was the latest of my 10X10 celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of my blog. Continue reading

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San Diego Serenade | #TCTikiTour

Sadly, Kemey and I only had one night to enjoy San Diego – a standalone destination worthy of a far longer visit. But I’d say we packed as much into our overnight as possible. And our whistle stop tour was a conch shell blowout as far as the tiki seeking was concerned. Continue reading

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