Category Archives: Restaurants

Some Of Our Favorite Posts from 2013 (CheapOair)

Eerily incomplete sculpture, crave-worthy ceviche, and breaking bread with a breathtaking view, 2013 was a fantastic year to be a travel blogger. But those are just my favourite bits from London. Here’s a look at my top five favourite posts … Continue reading

Posted in Art, Blogs, CheapOair, Drink, England, Food, Italy, London, Restaurants, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Restaurants (Everywhere Else) – 2013

To say I ate and drank well this year does not begin to describe how delectable 2013 was for me. Both in London and beyond, I had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best meals outside the home I’ve … Continue reading

Posted in Best of 2013, Best of the Best, Drink, England, Food, France, French Polynesia, Hotels, Italy, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best London Pizza – 2013

To say I ate and drank well this year does not begin to describe how delectable 2013 was for me. Both in London and beyond, I had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best meals outside the home I’ve … Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Best of 2013, Best of the Best, Drink, England, Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Best Cheap Eats in London – 2013

To say I ate and drank well this year does not begin to describe how delectable 2013 was for me. Both in London and beyond, I had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best meals outside the home I’ve ever eaten. Here’s a list of some excellent London eateries where I’ve found it possible to enjoy a satisfying meal for £5 or less. Keep an eye out for more posts over the coming days listings my favourite London restaurants and pizza places as well as the ten best restaurants I visited outside of London this year. Continue reading

Posted in Best of 2013, Best of the Best, Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Best London Restaurants – 2013

To say I ate and drank well this year does not begin to describe how delectable 2013 was for me. Both in London and beyond, I had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best meals outside the home I’ve ever eaten. Here’s a list of the ten London restaurants I enjoyed visiting the most over the past 12 months along with a few extra honourable mentions. Keep an eye out for more posts over the coming days listings my favourite London cheap eats and pizza places, as well as the ten best restaurants I visited outside of London this year. Continue reading

Posted in Best of 2013, Best of the Best, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Parma, Pubs, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Spaghetti Bolowhatta? The Real Bolognese Revealed (Great British Chefs)

Let’s get to the meat of the matter. There’s no such thing as spaghetti Bolognese. Or, at least, there isn’t in the actual city of Bologna. You would do well to seek Bolognese inspiration for its rich tradition in pasta making. It’s a deliciously saucy city too and one which rightly lays claim as the original home of a large variety of food products – just not spag bol. Bologna and the region of Emilia-Romagna have as prominent a cuisine and as celebrated a food culture as anywhere in the world. Even among Italians from other parts of the country, the gastronomic sensibilities of the Bolognese are held in the highest esteem. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, Great British Chefs, Italy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Manga like the Modenese (OneTravel)

With a population of fewer than 200,000 people, the list of icons associated with the northern Italian city of Modena is impressive. Pavarotti, Ferrari, Maserati, Balsamico, tortellini … whatever floats your proverbial boat, odds are you’ve been inspired by someone … Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, Italy, OneTravel, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Art, Beer, Cars, Chocolate, Coffee, Design, Food, Italy, Parma, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Bounteous Bologna

That I’ve been to Bologna four times (twice just this year) should speak volumes about how much I love this city. It and the region of Emilia-Romagna have as prominent a cuisine and as celebrated a food culture as anywhere in the world. Even among Italians from other parts of the country, the gastronomic sensibilities of the Bolognese are held in the highest esteem. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, Italy, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Street Markets, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Modena: Fast Cars and Slow Food

For a town with a population of fewer than 200,000 people, the list of icons associated with Modena is impressive. Pavarotti, Ferrari, Maserati, Balsamico, tortellini … whatever floats your proverbial boat, odds are you’ve been inspired by someone or something Modenese at some point in your life. Continue reading

Posted in Cars, Coffee, Drink, Food, Hotels, Italy, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Street Markets, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Good Stuff

Good Stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some yummy treats I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy! Miss P’s BBQ Pop-Up I attended a porky preview of a new pop-up from … Continue reading

Posted in Food, Good Stuff, London, Restaurants, Shopping, Wine | Leave a comment

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Antica Corte Pallavicina

Just outside the blink-and-miss-it village of Polesine Parmense, Antica Corte Pallavicina is a gorgeously restored 14th century castle situated on the banks of the Po that’s been transformed into a six room boutique hotel with Michelin starred restaurant. As refined as it is rustic, the venue is the result nearly two decades of dedication by local chef Massimo Spigaroli (whose other Michelin starred restaurant, Al Cavallino Bianco is located in the same village). Dining at Pallavicina was a sumptuous affair, yielding one of the loveliest meals I’ve had this year. Knowing that practically everything I put in my mouth came from here and was made onsite made all the more tasty. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, Italy, Parma, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Twelve Days of Christmas Afternoon Tea at the InterContinental London Park Lane

It’s no secret. I’m a big fan of the fine foodie offerings InterContinental London Park Lane. With Executive Chef Paul Bates calling the palate pleasing shots (not to mention chef Theo Randall doing his own tasty thing with onsite upscale Italian restaurant), I’ve never never even come close to having a less than ideal dining experience here. So an invitation to try the hotel’s limited edition Christmas afternoon tea was one I greedily accepting. This was my second time to enjoy an afternoon tea at the InterContinental and it did not disappoint. If anything, my expectations for a high level of quality and service were exceeded. Continue reading

Posted in Christmas, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Torino Unshrouded

Initially pursuing an opportunity to visit Torino (perhaps better known to some of my readers by its anglicized name, Turin) was what eventually led to me coming up with my the full blown “Ham Highway” itinerary. The city was (and I assume still is) keen to have bloggers visit to write about the city. There was a chocolate festival scheduled for when I knew I would be able to go, and I was pretty sure I could get a commission to write about it. The more I looked into Torino, the more I of a hunch I had that it would be the sort of “content rich” place that I’d enjoy checking out. Continue reading

Posted in Art, Christmas, Coffee, Drink, Food, Italy, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: a-MuSe-ing and Bubbly Trento

After an all too short sojourn in Friuli (God, I hope I make it back there before too long), I hit the autostrada heading west to the region of Trentino for an overnight stay to see what sort of wonders its scenic city of Trento had to offer. With a newly opened museum designed by a star architect; a distinctive sparkling wine with a rich tradition behind it; and an exquisite regional gastronomy that’s big on flavour, locally sourced ingredients and seasonality – the answer I soon discovered was A LOT! Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Design, Drink, Food, Italy, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Delectable Collio Goriziano

With the charming Udine as my base for a couple of days, I spent an afternoon in the nearby wine country of Collio Goriziano visiting a wine producer and cheese maker, both of whom had been recommended to me … along with finding out about a local ham maker whom I wish I’d had the chance to meet. Here’s the scoop on what makes this little nook of northern Italy such a yummy destination. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, Italy, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Udine

Udine is the hub and historical capital of the small Friuli Veneza Giulia province of the same name. With a sizeable university, it’s a lively setting with an interesting mix of people and pretty decent nightlife. If you’ve been to your share of checklist-y must-see Italian destinations (such as … oh let’s say … Florence) or you simply get a kick out off veering off the beaten path in an attempt to see what real life in a foreign country is like then Udine is a brilliant town to keep in mind. Continue reading

Posted in Art, Drink, Food, Hotels, Italy, Restaurants, road trip, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

TONIGHT: Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard Christmas Shopping Night Out

Tonight, Seven Dials will be transformed into a pedestrian shopping haven with the entire area closed to traffic. There will be live music including performances by “vintage pin-up singer” Roo Savill and urban pop trio Mama Do as well as other bands and DJ in shops and around the area; street food from Urban Food Fest and sweets from Merinuqe Girls; free cocktails at St Martin’s Courtyard; a Champagne & Fromage pop-up bar; in-store parties; free makeovers; exclusive one-day offers; comps and giveaways; a festive spirit in the air and lots lots more … there’s even a tikichris special! Check it out. Continue reading

Posted in Christmas, Discounts and Special Offers, Drink, Fashion, Food, Freebies, London, Music, Restaurants, Shopping, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vegetarian Delights at The Gate in Hammersmith

A few weeks back, I attended the reopening of The Gate in Hammersmith after it had closed for a refit. It had been a few years since my last (and only other) visit to stalwart of the vegetarian dining scene, I was pleased to discover the same high standards and a still tasty menu. Continue reading

Posted in Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Speck-tacular Views and Smoky Brews in Sauris

Day two of my foodie odyssey had me saying goodbye to the Dolomite gateway town of Forni di Sopra and heading even higher (and deeper) into the Alps to the tiny Germanic enclave of Sauris for a taste of the local delicacies and to take in the sweeping views – all of which elicited some form of audible and involuntary whoa or wow from an overwhelmed me. Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, Hotels, Italy, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Forni di Sopra and the Dolomite Loop

Situated within the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti Friulane, Forni serves as excellent base for outdoor adventure with plenty of nearby (and even in-town) opportunities for skiing, climbing and hiking. And as I discovered, It’s a fantastic place to have a drink as well. Here, the stereotypical Italian bella figura yields to a rugged and independent spirit. In Forni, I came across men with beards of mythic proportions and drank some of the finest craft beers I’d ever tasted. Aside from the snowy Alpine surroundings and the absolute quietude of the night, the scene was enough to have me wonder if I was back home in Hackney. Had I stumbled upon a secret hipster heaven? Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, Hotels, Italy, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Ciao and Grazie!

Over the next several days I will share highlights from my adventure in a Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway miniseries of posts featuring entries about the following phenomenal destinations – Forni di Sopra, Sauris, San Daniele, Udine, Collio, Trento, Torino, Parma, Modena, and Bologna – all with tips and suggestions to help you plan your own delectable itinerary. Continue reading

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, Hotels, Italy, Parma, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mamounia Lounge Mayfair Reopens: Swish!

About a year ago, I paid a visit to the then newly opened Mamounia Lounge in Knightsbridge. Just as it was launching, its sister outlet in Mayfair was closing down for a refurb. Last month, Mamounia Lounge Mayfair re-opened. With both Mamounias up and running, Londoners now have two swank reasons to enjoy a night out in Arabian style. Here’s a quick report from my recent visit to the re-opend Mayfair venue. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Chocolate, Christmas, Competition, Food, Freebies, Italy, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sampling China’s Gourmet Foods (CheapOair)

Home to one of the world’s most beloved and distinctive cuisines, China offers globetrotting foodies a chance to dine in fine style without blowing the budget. Here’s a tasty breakdown of what to go for when traveling in China and … Continue reading

Posted in CheapOair, Food, Restaurants, Travel | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Enjoy a Swedish Christmas Plate at Fika, Brick Lane

It had been a few years since my last visit to Fika Bar & Restaurant before my dinner there last week. The cosy little Scandi eatery at the top of Brick Lane seems to be as popular with the hipster set and as Swedish as it ever was. Never been to Fika or, like me, haven’t been in quite some time? With Xmas on the way and a special Jutallrik menu to celebrate the festive season, now’s a topical time to visit. Continue reading

Posted in Christmas, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas Menu at Bedford & Strand

A recent opportunity to sit in on a tasting of Bedford & Strand’s Christmas 2013 menu also served as a chance to sample the creations of new Head Chef Joseph Dean. Thumbs up to Dean for taking the same-old-same-old standards and adding just a touch enough pizzazz to enliven what otherwise might have come across and yawn-worthy stodge. Continue reading

Posted in Christmas, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted in Chocolate, Christmas, Competition, Food, Freebies, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Kamps: New German Backerei Café on Tottenham Court Road Near Warren Street

Kamps is a new German backerei café on Tottenham Court Road near Warren Street station. Stop by for a coffee (artisan wood roasted in Oxford) and a pastry, an especially budget friendly and tasty breakfast or a loaf of bread baked fresh in-store. Not yet open a full week with no marketing , the clean little shop is making fans quick. After my recent visit I can see why. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Get 15% Off the Ticket Price for This Weekend’s BBC Good Food Show

Sponsored by BBC Heading to this weekend’s BBC Good Food Show at Olympia Exhibition Centre this weekend? Be sure to watch this video for 15% off your ticket price!

Posted in Celebrities, Discounts and Special Offers, Drink, Food, London, Recipes, Restaurants, Shopping, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Limited Edition Truffle Lusciousness at Coq d’Argent, EC2

An invitation to try a seasonal truffle menu led to me discovering what a crème brûlée is really supposed to taste like and where for an impeccable wine and dine in the City. Continue reading

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Would You Eat a Goanut?

I went on a lark to check out a gimmick and got hooked on an excellent seasonal menu at what might be London’s most underrated restaurant. What’s a goanut you ask? It’s a gourmand gateway to a fine foodie feast. Try it at the Brasserie at the Tower Hotel. Continue reading

Posted in Food, Hotels, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Destination Dining: Seymour Place near Marble Arch in London (OneTravel)

Just up the street from Hyde Park, Marble Arch, Park Lane and Oxford Street, tiny Seymour Place offers a long list of great places to eat. So whether you’re out sightseeing or shopping or looking for somewhere to step out … Continue reading

Posted in Food, OneTravel, Pubs, Restaurants, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Excellent Steaks and More at Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar, County Hall

A recent visit to Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar at The London Marriott Hotel had me enjoying finely crafted cocktails and tucking into an amazingly satisfying mega-steak dinner. Here’s a quick report on what made my meal so special along with details on how you can dine with a discount if you tell ’em tikichris sent you. Continue reading

Posted in Discounts and Special Offers, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top 10 London Restaurants for High Rise Dining (CheapOair)

High rise dining is a relatively new consideration for London, which aside for a few grand exceptions is a rather low rise city. Still with multi-storey towers such as The Shard and Heron Tower opening in the past few years, breaking bread with a breathtaking view of the city’s historic landscape is more possible and desired than ever. Here’s a list of the ten place restaurants for eating out and up in London. Continue reading

Posted in CheapOair, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment