The southern German city of Munich is the political and cultural capital of Bavaria. An ideal destination for experiencing the finer things in life – no matter how humbly or extravagantly – Munich shines brightest as a beacon for travelers interested in history and art. And of course beer.
You probably know this city for its famous Oktoberfest celebrations. Running roughly from mid-September into the first week of October, the traditional Volksfest sees six million people descend upon the city to drink beer from giant steins while cheering on parades and a range of events. For locals and Bavarians-at-heart, it’s a time to don lederhosen and alpine hats and revel in the good-natured fun of the occasion.
Beyond the best excuse to drink a lot of beer that perhaps ever has been dreamed up, a visit during the Munich Oktoberfest (or any time of year for that matter) offers the chance to discover one of Europes’ my beautiful cities.
For those of you looking for a break from the boozing, here’s a look at what to do during the Munich Oktoberfest (or anytime)!
Here’s something hot and saucy for ya that you definitely shouldn’t bwack at: the second instalment in my series of blog posts and podcast episodes about my trip to Buffalo, New York to visit the National Buffalo Wing Festival as a VIP judge.
Neil and Chris take flight to Buffalo, New York to visit the annual National Buffalo Wing Festival for a miniseries of Spread It, Dip It, Wing It episodes all about the world’s most famous hot wing.
Also heading to Buffalo are Nick and Mike, the founders of London’s own Orange Buffalo. They’ll be competing at the festival and sharing their high quality made-from-scratch sauces with tens of thousands of Buffalo wings fans coming from across America and around the world to attend this epic annual event.
This episode features an interview with Nick and Mike of Orange Buffalo about how they got started selling hot wings in London and their thoughts about their trip to the States to compete at the National Buffalo Wing Festival:
Antiquated cobblestone lanes lined with pretty pastel homes and shops, charming bars and restaurants serving richly flavored dishes and refreshingly cool cocktails, and dozens of historic sights to see within a short walk or drive from the city center – San Juan is an ideal vacation destination. While you’re there though, you’d be doing yourself a favor by making sure to set aside some time to explore a bit more of the marvelous island of Puerto Rico.
Whether you’re looking to find the heart of the rainforest, explore a quiet beach, or see the city lights on the other side of the island, options for day trips from San Juan abound. Here’s our take on the best ways to spend a day away while on your San Juan vacation.
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Gin is in! And the difference in flavour from one quality gin to the next can be vast.
Here’s your chance to enjoy a taste testing tipple (or four) by winning a miniature gin gift set from Il Gusto featuring four 40ml bottles of fruity gin liqueurs.
Blessed with a fantastic climate, London has recently been famous as the most dynamic city in the world. This city is growing at a fast rate and is undoubtedly one of the most progressive cities. Whether you are on a business trip or a leisure vacation, London has a lot to offer. There are many budget hotels in London that you can choose for your next stay. A seamless combination of rich cultures, heritage buildings and gigantic malls, London attracts a sizeable chunk of travellers from all around the world.
With the growing passion for travelling, everyone wants a memorable trip that lasts for a lifetime, as an enjoyable experience matters a lot. The hotel plays a crucial role in any trip, and it has to be unique and exciting. There is no such place where you cannot find a hotel. You need to check if it falls within your budget. You came across many online advertisements, blogs about hotels that catches your attention and tempts you to visit there. Continue reading →
September is the final month for this year’s Underbelly Festival Southbank, but oh what a month! Judith Schrut tells us more.
Summer’s nearly over (cue loud wet sobs) but London’s Underbelly Festival still has a jampacked, ubercool month of comedy, cabaret, circus and sass to run. Underbelly proudly presents affordable live entertainment annually from April through September for all ages and tastes, along with plenty of street food, open air bars and Thameside views. Many shows are priced at £10 and under.
From its forests and farmland to its coasts and clean ocean waters, the great state of Maine offers a bounty of amazing things to eat. The best place to get a taste of all this delicious action is the sweet little seaside town of Portland. For a city with a population of fewer than 70,000 residents, Portland has more than its fair share of excellent restaurants and food-focused shops.
Hungry for the freshest flavors of New England? Keep reading as we take a look at what, when and where to eat in Portland, Maine.
Just back from a fabulous few days away? Or maybe you recently found yourself going through some old photos on your phone and reminiscing about a wonderful holiday you had a few years ago? Having visual reminders around us to remember good times and keep those happy memories alive.
A really smart way to stay connected to those special moments is to make the most of online printing. Online printing provides and affordable and convenient opportunity to use your own digital photos and images to create your own souvenirs and gifts and have then delivered to your doorstep. Let’s take a look at some of the best options for online printing souvenir and gift ideas.
Here’s something hot and saucy for ya that you definitely shouldn’t bwack at: my introduction to a series of blog posts and podcast episodes about a trip to Buffalo, New York that I’m about to take. I’ll be there for the National Buffalo WIng Festival where I’ll be clucking around as a VIP judge.
I’m calling the series Spread It, Dip It, Wing It and running it in conjunction with a similarly named series of episodes on my other podcast, All Consumed. Only difference is that I’ll be publishing some bonus blog posts here on tikichris. There may even be a competition or two for my readers and subscribers. So please keep an eye out for more fun stuff coming soon!
Listen now to the introductory episode for the series:
Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.
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Check out All Consumed at allconsumedpod.com.
Download and subscribe to All Consumed at Apple Podcasts.
For more about the National Buffalo Wing Festival go to buffalowing.com.
There’s more than one side to any island and some of the world’s bigger, more beautiful islands deserve to have all their sides explored in full. So, if you dream of a vacation that’s filled with discovering waterfalls, hiking mountains and rainforests, admiring scenic coastal views, and visiting far-flung beach communities – and don’t mind doing all that with your window rolled down while listening to your favorite road-trip playlist, then keep reading.
Here’s the ultimate list of island road trip ideas for driving enthusiasts who love the thought of spending some time in paradise, but prefer to keeping moving and not get stuck in one place.
Judith Schrut spends a dreamy day in Terrasson-LaVilledieu, where even the public toilets are decorated with flowers.
The moment we arrive in Terrasson-LaVilledieu, crossing the Pont Vieux (literally, ancient bridge) footbridge in the early morning light, it’s clear this is no ordinary town but the French village of my dreams and imagination. I’m secretly pleased to hear that most visitors drive straight past this hidden gem. Continue reading →
Hi listeners (if there are any of you left). I’m sorry for taking nearly five month to air a new episode of this podcast. I’ve been busy with a new job (WHA … ?!?) while continuing to create lots more shows on my other podcast, All Consumed.
So here’s a quick earful on what’s been going on with some fantastic soul music backing it up.
If your travel plans to the UK also might include a trip to the beautiful green island of Ireland, you might be wondering how to narrow down what to do and what to see. Some things to see in Ireland include the Caves of Kesh, the Cliff of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway, and countless other breathtaking scenic locations.
And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you might have already seen some of these locations. The castles and landscapes of Northern Ireland served as filming locations for this popular television franchise. If you’re ready to discover stunning views while embracing your love of GoT, check out the following locations on your trip!
Continuing her Dordognaise adventure, Judith Schrut toasts some of France’s most beautiful villages and enjoys a four hour lunch with amazing cake.
The Dordogne region isn’t just rich in natural beauty, wildlife, history and cuisine, it’s home to no less than 16 of the coveted Le Plus Beaux Villages en France– the most beautiful villages in France. We’re introduced to this uniquely French accolade on a morning visit to one of these jewels, La Roque Gageac. The village is spectacularly set between steep honey-coloured cliffs and the Dordogne River; its stone houses with their distinctive Périgord roofs line the riverside and spread up the hill behind.
When dog lovers say they want to have a family vacation, they mean with the whole family — four-legged furry members included! Why leave your dog behind if you know you could bring your pet with you on your trip? Odds are you would probably have more fun with them at your holiday destination.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 57% of households in the U.S. are pet owners, with 38% identifying as dog owners. With so many people owning dogs, it’s no wonder hotels, restaurants, attractions, parks, and city services are being rethought to accommodate travelers with dogs.
Of course, some destinations do a far better job than others when rolling out the red carpet and leaving a water bowl for our canine companions. So, before you embark upon your next city break, have a look at our list of some of the best North American cities for dog-friendly vacations!
Looking for something good to eat in Canary Wharf? Try Karapincha, a new resident kitchen at Fuller’s-owned pub, The Limehouse, for authentic Sri Lankan comfort food.
I dropped by for a media event last week and was impressed with what I got to munch!
With just over 3,000 miles between them, Portland, Maine and Portland, Oregon are on opposite ends of the United States. So, if you’re trying to visit Portland, which one should you choose? The answer depends largely on your own interests. Are you looking for an easygoing East Coast break or to have a wonderful time on the West Coast? Do you prefer the Atlantic or the Pacific? Are you craving a bit of cozy New England charm or hankering for a refreshing dose of Northwestern cool?
The fact of the matter is that both cities are amazing places to visit, with many similarities. You’re bound to have a blast in either, and it definitely would be worth making time to visit both. That said, a friendly comparison between the two cities reveals some differences.
Judith Schrut follows gaggles of geese and the scent of just picked strawberries to Sarlat, gastronomic capital of the Dordogne.
If you’re on a Foodie trip to the Dordogne, or just an ordinary mortal who likes a good lunch, you won’t want to miss market day in Sarlat-la-Canéda. Nicknamed “the Black Pearl of Périgord”, “the Medieval Jewel” and “Sleeping Beauty”, Sarlat is an attractive, historic town in its own right. But above all, Sarlat is Dordogne’s gastronomic capital, renowned for its food. Continue reading →
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.
Hey gang. I’ve got more books than space to shelve them. So I’m going to give some away.
I’ve gone through my personal library and decided I should share some of my books with the world. I’ve got lots of cookbooks and food and drink themed books, and travel books. Up for a bit of mystery and want to receive a free book for free?
Here’s your chance to win one with my latest competition. Continue reading →
For the first time in its five year history, World Steak Challenge held its annual competition outside of London.
The 2019 event to determine the World’s Best Sirloin, World’s Best Rib Eye and World’s Best Fillet and to recognise and award the producers of those cuts was in Dublin this summer. I had a lot of fun returning to the WSC table as a consumer judge for my third year in a row. But enough about me. If you’re reading this post it’s because you want to know about the winners of the challenge and how to get ahold of their steaks!
So with no further ado, here are this year’s four top best steaks across four categories – Sirloin, Rib Eye, Fillet, and Grain Fed – as well as the overall winner of World’s Best Steak for 2019.
Nobody likes to think about bad things happening on a trip. However, it’s important to be prepared for unlucky occurrences — no matter how unlikely most of them might be. One of the best ways to safeguard against unfortunate travel events is to take out a travel insurance policy before setting off. But how do you decide when and if you need it?
For starters, the main factor to consider here is how much can you afford for something to go wrong, particularly as it relates to your health and safety and your money and belongings. But even when considering various scenarios — like low-risk domestic travel and coverage from your existing health insurance — you’ll still find that having travel insurance can be an additional safety net when you’re on the road.
So, if you’re still on the fence and asking yourself “is travel insurance worth it?”, here are a few key reasons why it can be a huge benefit to have on your travels, as we all as some tips on what to look for when purchasing a policy.
For the first time in its five year history, World Steak Challenge held its annual competition outside of London.
The 2019 event to determine the World’s Best Sirloin, World’s Best Rib Eye and World’s Best Fillet and to recognise and award the producers of those cuts was in Dublin. I had a lot of fun returning to the WSC table as a consumer judge for my third year in a row.
Beyond the judging (and getting a chance to have a taste of the best of the more than 300 cuts of steak from 25 countries that were entered in the competition), my WSC time in Ireland included a tour arranged by Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board) to the countryside to visit local producers: a couple of farms (one with an especially fab. restaurant), a butchery, and a brewery.
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.
For the first time in its five year history, World Steak Challenge held its annual competition outside of London.
The 2019 event to determine the World’s Best Sirloin, World’s Best Rib Eye and World’s Best Fillet and to reward the producers of those cuts for a delicious job well done (or ideally medium-rare I suppose) was in Dublin. Celebrated Fire Restaurant and Lounge was a most accommodating host venue for all the judging of more than 300 cuts of steak from 25 countries.
What a juicy opportunity it was for me to return to the table as a consumer judge in a new city! I was honoured to get invited back for the chance to taste – and critique – some of the world’s best steaks.
Continuing her Dordognaise road trip, Judith Schrut hikes the stations of the cross in holy Rocamadour and discovers a riverside paradise in Lacave.
It turns out that the best way to work off stratospheric calories from a four course gourmet lunch in Martel lies just half an hour’s scenic drive south. That brings us to a cliffside car park in the extraordinary perched town of Rocamadour. We’re here for a vigorous afternoon workout and tour led by welcoming guide and local, Cécile May.
Sand, wind and sea combine to make the most enticing combo for having fun. If you’re into wet and wild adventures, high adrenaline sports, or simply keeping fit, it’s hard to beat the beach!
But where are the best beaches in the world for action-oriented agendas?
Here’s our guide for vacations — around the U.S. and across the globe — for people who love to keep active at the beach.
Life today is full of stress. We need a break to breathe a little. In this busy and hectic life, a holiday can help us to get rid of stress and monotony. Book parking near the airport at Parkos airport parking.
We can plan a solo trip, an onsite business trip, visiting a far-away relative or can go on a family vacation with kids.
But what if traveling itself is full of stress? When we are planning for a trip there are countless things are to be considered. Starting right from booking the tickets, boarding, checking the flight and reaching the destination in time is not so easy. In between all these, you should ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Judith Schrut reports on her delicious adventure exploring the food, drink and many pleasures of Dordogne, France.
The gracious folk at Dordogne Valley Tourist Office have called our press trip Gastronomy at its Best, so can there be any better way to begin than with a long, lazy French lunch? We’re met at Brive’s impressive new airport by our expat host and driver, Kate. With the consummate skill of one who’s mastered the art of minivan driving after ten minutes’ practice in the airport carpark, Kate straps us in and zooms off. Within a few minutes we’re out of the airport and deep in the heart of rural Dordogne.
Building sand castles, surfing, paddle boarding, taking long walks along the boardwalk, snorkeling, or even just lounging in the sun: these are the ideal beach break endeavors — and you can work up a major appetite doing them.
Fans of flavor know some of the tastiest food comes from the ocean, and that a seaside retreat can be a great place to feast. So, if the first thing you think about when someone says “seashore” is seafood, then you’re gonna loving seeing this list! For your vacation considerations, we take a look at some of the best beach destinations in America and around the world where the dining options are the most delicious.
All Consumed is a podcast about food, drink and travel hosted by Neil Davey and Chris Osburn. In this episode, the two catch up for a chat about their most recent California dining experiences.
During their conversation, Neil and Chris talk about each of their most recent California dining experiences, the newly publishing Michelin Guide to California (the first of its kind and the only Michelin Guide dedicated to a specific state in the US), and why the Golden State is such a great place to eat, as they reminisce about some of their favourite meals had there.
Listen now:
Download and subscribe to All Consumed at Apple Podcasts.
Judith Schrut sets off on an adults-only adventure exploring the food, drink and other pleasures of Dordogne, France.
Writer Henry Miller famously said, “it must have been a paradise for thousands of years …the Dordogne will live on just as dreams live on and nourish the souls of men.”
The opportunity to learn while immersed in another culture at a still impressionable age is perhaps the best education you can receive. A great way to experience just that is to be part of a study abroad program. If it sounds like an expensive endeavor, don’t worry. Thanks to the Internet there is no shortage of cheap international flights, and by doing some research you can find the right program in the right country that won’t come with a hefty price tag.
Here’s our look at some of the most affordable countries in the world where you can study abroad.