Category Archives: Chocolate

Hotel Cafe Royal and Valrhona Team Up for Exclusive Profile 66 Chocolate

French chocolatier Valrhona has co-branded with London’s Hotle Cafe Royal to develop an exclusive new chocolate: Profile 66. Only available at the hotel, Profile 66 is the creation of Andrew Blas and a team of Valrhona tasters. Continue reading

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Blogger Interview: Mostly About Chocolate (OneTravel)

Mostly About Chocolate is a blog that is (yep you guessed it) mostly about one of the world’s most favorite treats. The long running blog is a project of devoted passion for Judith Lewis. If you’re planning any trips (just about anywhere) and would like to include a few chocolate escapades, her blog is an excellent resource to keep in mind. And if you’re a chocolate lover coming soon to London, Judith has some especially delicious news for you! Continue reading

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Christmas in July? Good Stuff!

Ho ho huh? Here’s a bagful of seasonally premature Good Stuff to stuff keep in mind as 2014 rolls onwards to a hopefully very festive end. With many major brands (and those wishing to be so) hosting sneak preview shows every July to highlight what’s on their nice lists for Christmas, it’s a fun if odd time to be on the consumer end of media. Anyway, I’m never one to turn down an invite to a party – even if I’m not sure if it’s half a month early or late. So, deck the hall and all that jazz as I share some of the more notable Yuletide prospects I came across this past month. Enjoy. Continue reading

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Hyper Japan 2014, 25-27 July at Earls Court Exhibition Centre

Returning to London today through Sunday 27 July is Hyper Japan, the UK’s “biggest celebration of Japanese culture, cuisine and cool.” I popped round for a quickie investigation earlier this afternoon. Here are some highlights from my visit to this annual bonanza of banzai. Continue reading

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Win the Summer Collection from Hotel Chocolat

Ah summer! Just another excuse for enjoying chocolate, right? Well, with Hotel Chocolat’s 2014 range of summertime treats, it’s certainly a delicious option. Fusing together the heady colours and flavours of summer, this delectably seasonal assortment of fine chocolates is just right for sultry afternoons and long summer nights. Keep reading for your chance to win a Hotel Chocolat Summer Collection. Continue reading

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Good Stuff

Good Stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

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Eat Basel: A Tale of Two Surprise Menus

Luckily for me, eating well in Basel is a straightforward matter. Eating well and cheaply is another story all together. But affordable options can be found. Here’s the scoop on two “surprise” dinners I had while in Basel: one a rather upscale affair, the other decidedly low brow and mercifully low priced. I’ve also listed a few other quality venues for food and drink that I came across during my Basel city break. Continue reading

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Win a Bijoux Afternoon Tea for Two at The Langham London

London’s historic home of the afternoon tea, The Langham London, is preparing once again to launch its annual Bijoux Afternoon Tea with Champagne Laurent-Perrier. To be served in the refined and elegant setting of the hotel’s Palm Court, the specially themed “Summer Season” tea will be available from 15 May to 6 July and priced at £52 per person (£65 with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut). But guess what? Here’s a chance for one lucky reader to win tea for two for the price of a tweet. Continue reading

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Win an Extra Thick Easter Egg from Hotel Chocolat

Easter’s almost here, and luxury British chocolatier and cocoa grower Hotel Chocolat has launched its 2014 range of Easter chocolates. Tiddly Chicks, Goose Eggs, a Neapolitan Easter Egg Sandwich and lots lots more – there’s something special for all lovers of fine chocolate along with plenty of gifts and treats for egg hunts and family fun. Keep reading for your chance to win one eggspecially luscious Extra Thick Easter Egg. Continue reading

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Paul A Young Introduces the World’s First Whole Bean Chocolate (Great British Chefs)

Usually when a noteworthy development in the world of chocolate (or any product for that matter) comes along, the big story is all about how some sort of new step has been added to the process, not about how one … Continue reading

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Win New Chocolate Drink Treats from Mars, Galaxy, Maltesers and Milky Way

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME! Fancy receiving a bundle of the latest addition of goodies from the Mars, … Continue reading

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Win a Seven Dials Shopping Spree Worth £100 + Dinner for Two at Flesh & Buns

Wanna shop like a chic Brit and chow down like a Japanese rock star in one of London’s most stylish and centrally situated locations? And all for FREE?!? Check it out – I’ve got a £100 Seven Dials gift card plus dinner for two at Flesh & Buns to share with one lucky reader. Keep reading for your chance to win. Continue reading

Posted in Chocolate, Coffee, Competition, Drink, Fashion, Food, Freebies, London, Pubs, Restaurants, Shopping, Valentine's Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Does Your Sweetheart Have a Sweet Tooth? Then Paris is the Perfect Place! (CheapOair)

Sure, it’s probably the most romantic city in the world, and thus the ideal destination for any amorous couple. But Paris isn’t just for sweethearts. Any Francophile can tell you that Paris is one of the sweetest places anyone’s ever … Continue reading

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Good Stuff

Good Stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or take a bite out of – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Delfina Foundation … Continue reading

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Win Hotel Chocolat’s From Sunrise to Sunset Giftbox Worth £50

Hotel Chocolat’s From Sunrise to Sunset giftbox has “everything you need to create the perfect day for the one you love, from a sensual shower at sunrise to a sparkling drink at sunset”. An ideal Valentine’s gift for the fine chocolate lover in your life, the Sunrise to Sunset giftbox runs at a very reasonable £50 – but I’ve got a freebie to share with one lucky reader. Keep reading to find out how you can score one of these all-day fantastic and romantic chocolate gift sets. Continue reading

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Turin: City of Foodie Firsts (CheapOair)

Turin is a city of firsts in many ways. The northern Italian city is home to the country’s first official capital. It’s the birthplace of the Fiat automobile and is essentially the go-to scene for contemporary art in Italy today. And … Continue reading

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Win New Chocolaty Treats from Mars, Galaxy, Maltesers and Milky Way

Fancy receiving a bundle of latest addition goodies from the Mars and Galaxy range? Keep reading for your chance to win a free assortment of thick shakes, squeezy spreads, hot chocolate and mocha lattes. Continue reading

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10 Reasons to Eat and Drink at London’s Seven Dials (CheapOair)

Seven Dials is a small but popular area of Central London near Covent Garden where seven streets converge at one junction. The area is conveniently located near a number of Tube stations including Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Holborn which … Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Arrivederci and Grazie Mille!

Over the past several days I’ve been sharing highlights from my recent Ham Highway adventure across northern Italy in a special 14-part miniseries. The series features entries about the following destinations – Forni di Sopra, Sauris, San Daniele, Udine, Collio Goriziano, Trento, Torino, Parma, Modena, Nonantola, and Bologna – along with tips and suggestions to help you plan your own delectable Italian itinerary. Continue reading

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Reminder: Win Seasonal Pasta Christmas Hamper from Carluccio’s Today! #BuonNataleUK

Okay. So I’m just back from a rather epic week-long foodie ramble across the north of Italy. Yes, I had an amazing time. Soon enough, I’ll be writing about all the delectable highlights I experienced and sharing some top tips learned along the way. Keep an eye out for plenty more posts about my trip. Until then though, if you have a craving for some cibo Italiano but can’t getaway before the festive seasonal, don’t forget to enter my latest competition for a pasta hamper from Carluccio’s. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Paul A Young, Chocolatier

Award-winning British chocolatier, Paul A Young, pauses briefly for a pic at the opening of his Paul A Young Fine Chocolates salon at Heal’s flagship store on Tottenham Court Road. Continue reading

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Win a Seasonal Pasta Christmas Hamper from Carluccio’s

Carluccio’s is a fantastic one stop resource when Christmas shopping for the foodies in your life, whether you’re browsing for authentic Italian foods in-store or shopping online for the best of Italy brought straight to your door, with a new next-day delivery service. Treating friends, family and colleagues to Carluccio’s selection of hampers, gift boxes, cakes, biscuits, sweets and chocolates is an excellent way to ensure the people most important to you have a deliciously buon Natale this year. To find out more about all the yummy festivities happening this Christmas at Carluccio’s plus the chance to win one especially scrumptious Christmas hamper for free, just keep reading! Continue reading

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Win a Selection of Christmas Chocolates from Hotel Chocolat

Love chocolate? Check out the recently launched 2013 range of Christmas chocolates from luxury British chocolatier and cocoa grower Hotel Chocolat. From gorgeous stocking fillers and stunning boxed chocolates to full-on family hampers, there’s something for everyone with something for all gift giving budgets. And for one lucky reader of this blog, there’s a chance to win free chocolate. Continue reading

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Win a Free Christmas Hamper Worth up to £200 from Hampergifts.co.uk

Tis the season or – at least – tis gonna be here soon! Are you ready for Christmas 2013? Here’s an opportunity to spread a little Christmas cheer and treat yourself to a bit of Yuletide yumminess or share a lovely gift with someone special. I’ve teamed up with Hampergifts.co.uk to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Christmas hamper worth up to £200 in value. The competition runs this week only. Best of luck with the comp and with all your festive season shopping! Continue reading

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Recipe: Chilli con and non Carne

Autumn is here and there’s a chill in the air. That means it’s a great time to cook some chilli on the hob! Here’s my recipe for chilli con carne – or non carne if you prefer the vegetarian option and even some tips for making a chilli Quorn carne if you’d like to go veggie but still get some meaty flavour and good dose of healthy protein. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Cupcake Couture at Salon du Chocolat

The grand finale of Chocolate Week, Salon du Chocolat London launched last night and runs through the weekend at at National Hall, Olympia Exhibition Centre. Continue reading

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Win a Bottle of Baileys Chocolat Luxe Chocolate Whiskey Liqueur

Chocolate lovers listen up! Whiskey connoisseurs, you pay attention too! I’ve got a 50cl bottle of Baileys recently launched Chocolat Luxe – the world’s first fusion of Belgian chocolate, Irish whiskey and cream – to share with one lucky reader. Continue reading

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Win a Pair of Tickets to Salon du Chocolat #BigChocolateWin

Salon du Chocolat, the world’s biggest chocolate show, is teaming up with Chocolate Unwrapped, London’s annual chocolate festival, to create what will be the most chocolaty day in British history yet: Salon du Chocolat London. Keep reading for your chance to win a free pair of tickets. Continue reading

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World’s Biggest Chocolate Show Coming to London This October (CheapOair)

Salon du Chocolat, the world’s biggest chocolate show, is joining forces with the organisers of London’s annual chocolate festival, Chocolate Unwrapped, to create what is slated to be the most incredible chocolate show the UK has ever seen: Salon du Chocolat – London. Continue reading

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Giant Chocolate Hamper Giveaway for a Good Cause

Online chocolate boutique Chocolat Lovers has announced a giveaway competition of what they believe is “the biggest chocolate hamper most people have ever had the chance to eat their way through”. The “Caring & Sharing” promotion is a in support of the Alzheimers Society and The Sick Children’s Trust and is in collaboration with McArthur Glen Designer Outlets. Continue reading

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Good Stuff

Here’s a quick little list of good stuff I’ve recently come across and thought was worth sharing with you. Enjoy! Continue reading

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Q Chocolates from Brazil Available at Fortnum & Mason

New to the UK market and exclusive to Fortnum & Mason, Q Chocolates from Brazil are some of the tastiest I’ve ever had. Continue reading

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Good Stuff and Grand Designs

Here’s a quick little list of good stuff I’ve recently come across and thought was worth sharing with you. Enjoy! Continue reading

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The Best Food Shopping in Bologna (OneTravel)

Here’s a list of some of the best places in Bologna to shop for food – all centrally located within easy walking distance of each other, near the Piazza Maggiore and around the evocative and quaint Via Drapperie. But the wisest advice for any Italian food lover visiting Bologna would be simply to hit the cobbled streets and explore every last portico of this delicious city. Continue reading

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“The Big One” – Giant Jaffa Cakes Now on Sale

The Big One – an actual cake-sized Jaffa Cafe – has been launched by McVitie’s. Large enough to yield 12 ample slices, the new cake combines “three layers of fluffy, light Jaffa Cake sponge with zingy orangey filling, all covered with a thick layer of sensational dark crackly chocolate.” Continue reading

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