London Daily Photo: Millfields Road
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Posted in London, London Daily Photo, Photography
Tagged clapton, CLAPTON POND, E5, east london, hackney, LDP, London, London Daily Photo, LOWER CLAPTON, millfields road, Photography, street photography
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Soho’s Best Indian Restaurants (OneTravel)
Britain’s long been known as a great destination for Indian and South Asian cuisine. Up until recent years, many people even would say the best Indian restaurants in the world were actually in the UK and not Indian itself. Of course, London is home to a dynamic and cosmopolitan dining scene. Without doubt, amazing Indian restaurants are an important part of it.
Perhaps nowhere in London is the variety of restaurants and dining options as varied as in Soho, the compact and social heart of this sprawling city. Even once you’ve decided on what type of food you’re keen to enjoy, going out to eat in Soho brings with it tough decisions. To help narrow your list down, here’s a list of a few choice Indian eateries in (and around) Soho.
Carom at Meza
100 Wardour Street, W1F 0TN
Carom is an excellent restaurant for a fine meal as well as a happening spot to take in some of London’s hottest nightlife. There’s a fantastic cocktail bar at the entrance and a late night Cuban club downstairs featuring live music every night of the week. Somehow executive chef, Balaji Balachander, adeptly manages to make sure all this Soho-centric activity doesn’t steal the spotlight from his gorgeous menu. Fabulous dishes to try include the soft shell crab, Rajasthani style lamb Laal Maas and the vegetarian saag makai.
More info about meza-soho.co.uk.
Cinnamon Soho
5 Kingly Street, W1B 5PF
The third in executive chef Vivek Singh’s trio of exquisite fine dining restaurants, the menu at Cinnamon Soho shows off Singh’s signature modern take while incorporating his playful take on classic British favourites. Fanciful dishes such as a Bangla Scotch egg and ox cheek vindaloo (not to mention a seemingly ever buzzing cocktail bar) entice without disappointing.
Visit the restaurant online at cinnamonsoho.com.
Dishoom
12 Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9FB
Argue amongst yourselves whether London’s first “Bombay cafe” (there’s now another Dishoom open in East London as well) is technically located within the boundaries of Soho. If not, it’s just steps beyond and only a mere minute’s walks from Leicester Square Underground Station. What’s indisputable is that Dishoom offers a fun and vibrant place to dine. A yummy menu, quality chai and a scrumptious array of Anglo-Indian breakfast items make this a excellent spot to keep in mind whatever the time of day.
Visit dishoom.com to find out more.
Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
10 Soho Street, W1D 3DL
Located at the Radha Krishna Temple, Govinda’s aim is to provide a “karma free diet” of “fresh, nutritious meals at affordable prices.” Everything on the menu is meat, fish and egg free. There are plenty of vegan dishes as well. Govinda’s is a conveniently central yet serene setting for anyone seeking a healthy meal.
Find out more at iskcon-london.org.
Imli Street
167-169 Wardour Street, W1F 8WR
Looking for somewhere casual that can accommodate a range of appetites and palates? Keep Imli Street in mind. There’s plenty of seating at and around the bar and a menu featuring a range of cocktails and bar snacks. Having just reopened after a major refurbishment, it’s as attractive a venue as ever your apt to find in Soho without having to break the bank or join a private members club.
Details at imli.co.uk.
Mooli’s
50 Frith Street, W1D 4 (BUT MOVING TO A BIGGER LOCATION SOON)
Everybody who tries Mooli’s seems to become a fan. Famous for their roti wraps (just don’t call ’em “Indian burritos!”) filled with inspired flavours and fresh ingredients, Mooli’s is a strong contender not just for one of the best south Asian options in Soho but also for top street eats in town.
More at moolis.com.
Veeraswamy
99-101 Regent Street, W1B 4RS
Established in 1926 (on the same day as Queen Liz’s birth), Veeraswamy is Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant and one of London’s oldest surviving restaurants. Right off Regent Street (the restaurants’ first floor dining room hovers above it – get a table near a window if you can!), with an “ethnic” without being kitsch atmosphere, incredibly attentive service, fascinating history and an exceptionally tasty menu: Veerswamy is an elegant restaurant serving delectable Indian cuisine. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but a side dish of fresh pineapple curry is highly recommended.
Check out Veeraswamy online at veeraswamy.com.
This post was originally published on the OneTravel blog.
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Posted in Drink, Food, London, OneTravel, Restaurants, Travel
Tagged britain's oldest indian restaurant, carnaby street, carom at meza, CINNAMON SOHO, dishoom, fine dining, Food, frith street, imli street, indian food, indian restaurant, KINGLY STREET, leicester square, London, London blog, MOOLI'S, OneTravel, regent street, restaurants, soho, soho's best indian restaurants, street food, swallow street, Travel, upper st martin's lane, veeraswamy, W1, wardour street, Лондон, ロンドン, 伦敦
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Red, White or RAW? (Great British Chefs)
Whether you’re looking to quaff some environmentally friendly vino, keen to sample something dramatically different than that same old pinot grigio or you’re simply curious about what might just be the next big thing in viticulture and in the cellars of the world’s top chefs, this year’s RAW takes place at London’s Old Truman Brewery in London on the 19th and 20th of May.
Read my my complete post at Great British Chefs.
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Posted in Drink, Florida, Great British Chefs, Hotels, London, Restaurants, Wine
Tagged artisan wine, bethnal green, biodynamic, canapes, chef, chef nuno mendes, corner room, Crazy FrenchWoman, Drink, east london, Food, french wines, GBC, GREAT BRITISH CHEFS, hotel, ISABELLE LEGERON, London, NATURAL WINES, nuno mendes, old town hall, old truman brewery, orange wine, organic, RAW WINE FAIR, the corner room, tower hamlets, town hall hotel, viajante, viticulture, wine, WINE FAIR, wine tasting
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Heineken’s Road to the Final
Which Road to the Final would you take?
As some of the best football teams in the world battle it out in the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League, Heineken has unveiled the latest element of its Road to the Final campaign with the launch of a new series of ads called The Final.
The ads feature one lucky fan (or is he?), who receives a ticket to the UEFA Champions League Final. Yes! But (of course) there's a problem. Oh no! The faithful footie loving fan is actually on the other side of the world and faces a race against the clock to get to the match in time. Through a combination of resourcefulness, imagination and inventiveness, he manages to overcome every obstacle put in his way and arrives just in time to experience his ultimate football reward – a pitch side seat at Wembley. Phew! 
Hilarious stuff – and a fun illustration of just how far so folks would go for their love of sport. What would you do if you were in this fan's shoes?
After watching the clip, be sure to check out the associated Facebook app offering the opportunity for all football fans to play a pinball game featuring elements of the advert. Players can compete against each other to earn bragging rights and social kudos.
Sponsored Post
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Posted in Beer, Video
Tagged ad, beer, heineken, road to the final, SPONSORED POST, UEFA Champions League, Video
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London Daily Photo: The Renegade Bike Club
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Bubbles, Berries and More – a Brilliant Time in Bristol
Some work-related reasons led me to Bristol for an overnight stay. Kemey was able to join me for the trip, and we found plenty of pleasure to go along with the business during our short time in this small but vibrant town. We really didn’t do all that much while there but had an absolute blast. Here are some of the highlights from a chilled out 24 hours in Bristol.
The Bristol Hotel
K and I stayed the night at The Bristol Hotel. Right on the harbour and just a block over from picturesque Queen Square, I reckon it’s an ideally situated hotel whatever might bring you to town. We certainly didn’t have any problems getting around the city centre on foot while The Bristol was our base.
I can’t say this was the most extravagantly luxurious hotel I’ve ever checked into, but I am happy to report that it was just as comfortable as any chi chi place I’ve ever laid my head: Temple Spa toiletries; awesome duel head shower; big not-wobbly bed; great natural light and a decent view (waterside on the sixth floor anyway). Included breakfast was adequate, ample and a little better than standard hotel offerings I’ve experienced in the UK. Staff members were helpful and polite at all times during our stay.
Nothing all too terribly fancy going on at this four star hotel, but The Bristol has the fundamentals down solid. It definitely will be my first choice next time I head over that way.
Bubbles & Berries
When I booked our room, I took the hotel up on its Bubbles & Berries Package. The package included a bottle of bubbly (Louis Dornier & Fils) and a bowl of berries upon arrival in our room, overnight accommodation with breakfast for two plus free parking, free WiFi and free use of the hotel gym, priced from a very reasonable £109 per night. K and I both felt this added a sweet little romantic touch to our visit. Additional nights cost from £89 per room per night when booking through the B&B package.
BBQ at St Nicholas Market
On Tuesday, I had an amazing lunch at the Grillstock market stall at St Nicholas Market. £4.50 got me a massively meaty pulled pork bun with coleslaw. I loved it and reckon it was the best pulled pork I’ve had outside the US. It was really cool running into Essex Eating blogger, Dan, as well. I knew he’d moved to Bristol some time back but wasn’t aware what he was getting up to. He’s managing the Grillstock concession – and doing a delicious job I might add. The BBQ stall is to help promote the upcoming Grillstock festival (Bristol 11-12 May, Manchester 8-9 June). With a “think locally act hillbilly” attitude and the prospect of down home BBQ, live music and more, it promises to be a lot of fun.
Another Fine Lunch
Lunch today was pretty awesome as well. I had a kick ass slice of New York style pizza at humble yet cheery Pepenero Italian Fast Food and Pizzeria. I paid £6.40 total for two orders of a large and thoroughly satisfying plain slice with a soda. K and I were both content and didn’t even start to think about eating again until well into the evening.
Pepenero’s setting was a little less than salubrious (busy street near the bus station), but the freshly prepared organic pizza served with a genuinely appreciative smile at such a nice price made the place seem like a slice of heaven to me. I’m not sure what this says overall about the dining scene in Bristol, but Pepenero is the number one rated restaurant (of more than 800) listed on Tripadvisor.
Bristolians, Pepenero delivers for free within a mile of its shop with nominal charges for deliveries a bit further out.
Bristol! Thanks for a great time. I hope to see you again real soon!
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Posted in Drink, England, Food, Hotels, Restaurants, Travel, Wine
Tagged BBQ, best restaurant in bristol, bristol, bubbles & berries, champagne, england, essex eating, FOUR STAR HOTEL, french wine, grillstock, hotel, Louis Dornier & Fils, lunch, pepenero, Pepenero Italian Fast Food and Pizzeria, pizza, sparkling wine, St Nicholas Market, temple spa, the bristol, the bristol hotel, Travel, tripadvisor
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Summer Fun at Scotland’s Loch Ness (CheapOair)
Looking to have a monstrously good time in Scotland this summer? Figuring out how to have fun around the famed Loch Ness doesn’t have to be a mystery. Here’s a look at the area’s line up of awesome festivals …
Read my complete post at the CheapOair blog.
Photo/CapnOats
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Posted in Beer, CheapOair, Drink, Music, Scotland, Sports, Travel
Tagged Belladrum Festival, cheapoair, FESTIVALS, Glen Affric Walking Festival, Glenquhart Highland Games, golf, highland games, highlands, Loch Ness Beer Festival, lock ness, music festivals, Rock Ness, scotland, Scottish Open, summer 2013, Travel, visitlochness.com
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London Daily Photo: Dial
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Posted in London, London Daily Photo, Photography
Tagged LDP, London, London Daily Photo, Photography
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Spin London, the World’s First Urban Bicycle Festival (CheapOair)
Spin London – the world’s first urban focused bicycle consumer show and festival – will debut the first weekend of May at the Old Truman Brewery in East London.
Read my complete post at the CheapOair blog.
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Posted in CheapOair, London, Travel
Tagged ‘SUPER TED’ JAMES, @SpinLDN, 14BIKE CO, ALLY CAPELLINO, ANTHONY ORAM, ATOMIC22, BICYCLE TAXIDERMY, bicycles, BIKE PARKER, bikes, biking, BLAZE COMPONENTS, CARRADICE CHAPEAU!, cheapoair, COLOURBOLT, competition, contest, cycling, DMO FRAMEWORKS, DONKY BIKES, DOUHOU BIKES, DOWNLAND CYCLES, DYNAMO WORKS, east london, FOFFA FRESHTRIPE, free, free tickets, freebies, FULL WINDSOR, GEORGINA IN DUBLIN, HOBO HACKNEY GT, HOVDING, London, MICHAUX MILK BIKES, MILLTAG, NINJACATS, OAK CYCLES, old truman brewery, OTTO LONDON, REBECCA J KAYE, RESTRAP, ROADRAGS, RUSBY CYCLES, SADDLE&SPOKE, SAFFRON FRAMEWORKS, SINGULAR CYCLES, spin london, SWRVE, THERE CYCLING, TOKYO BIKE, TOKYO FIXED, Travel, urban cycling, VELECO, VULPINE
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Fried Alligator Tail and More at Camden’s Blues Kitchen
An invitation to try a new reptilian starter at Blues Kitchen on Camden High Street led to an overall great night out that was way more down home and delicious than I’d hoped.
Okay so this current craze for American food in London seems a teensy bit over the top to this expat Georgia boy. And even when I eat something I like at whatever stateside-y joint du jour, it still very much feels like a British interpretation of something foreign. I’ve gotta say though, my dining experience at Blues Kitchen on Sunday night during the restaurant’s weekly open mike jam made for a thoroughly American evening.
Service was on the ball (server Natalie was especially friendly and helpful). Water was brought to the table soon after seating. Booths were spacious and comfortable. Portions were massive and meaty. The drinks list was a long and engaging read (they serve Trader Vic’s Mai Tais!). Despite being strongly tempted by the bar’s extensive range of whiskies, I just stuck with a couple of bottles of lager while there.
I was there to get a taste of a new and rather novel offering on the menu: fried alligator tail. My assumption was that this was going to be some goofy “dare ya” sort of dish without any real flavour. It was actually pretty good though.
Filleted and smoked for an hour with Blues Kitchen’s blend of Jim Beam and mesquite chips before being coated fried in Cajun panko bread crumbs, the little reptile nuggets were served in a small tin dish alongside some fresh mint and sweet chilli sauce. Yeah – as you’d expect – it kinda tasted like chicken but also a little like lean pork. The texture was tender much dense. I thought the mint went particularly well with it.
At £13.50 the small dish o’ gator ain’t cheap, especially next to a comparably sized plate of very tasty Buffalo wings for six quid. Still, I reckon alligator is worth trying – maybe share an order among your friends. Whatever you think about eating alligator, it’s certainly a good conversation starter. And apparently, alligator meat is lower in cholesterol and fat and richer in omega 3 and protein than both chicken and beef.
For my non-main, I tried another new item from the menu – pan fried Cajun catfish – which I was really yummy but maybe kinda pricey at £13.50. Kemey was with me. She had and enjoyed a main course of seafood jambalaya (£14). We shared side orders of sweet potato fries (£3.50) and crunchy slaw (£3) as well. Both were munch-worthy. Oh yeah, we might have had some shakes for dessert too. Needless to say, we rolled out stuffed and content.
I’d be pleased to return. There were a number of other items on the menu I’d like to try: okra curry, pulled pork, soft shell crab burger …
Okay so all the above gobbledygook pertains to the Kitchen side of the equation. What of the Blues?
It was fun to be at Blues Kitchen while the jam session was on. The house band absolutley rocked. The guest musicians and vocalist were of varying talent, but all were decent and mostly of a better quality than a lot other open mic performers I’ve encountered through the years. Also, I complained a bit about the prices of the food, but we were listening to live music for free. I think a lot of shows at Blues Kitchen have a cover but are usually free if you get there early.
Blues Kitchen is located at 111-113 Camden High Street, NW1 7JN. If you’re going in the evening and hoping to grab a table, I recommend making a rez – it was standing room only from early in the night. Find out more at theblueskitchen.com.
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Posted in Drink, Food, London, Music, Restaurants
Tagged alligator, american food, american restaurant, blues, blues jam, BLUES KITCHEN, buffalo wings, cajun food, camden, CAMDEN HIGH STREET, catfish, chicken wings, free music, fried alligator tail, jam session, jambalayan, live music, London, new menu, NW1, NW1 7JN, open mic, open mike, restaurant, restaurant review, southern food
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London Daily Photo: To the Street
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Posted in London, London Daily Photo, Photography
Tagged east london, LDP, London, London Daily Photo, Photography, street photography
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I’ve Got 4 Pairs of Really Comfy Workforce Socks to Give Away
I’ve got 4 pairs of really comfy Workforce socks to give away.
Hey. Let’s keep this post short and sweet. I recently received a pair of Workforce socks to review. After wearing them a few times over the past couple of weeks on particularly active days that saw me running around all over town, I was impressed enough to see if I could share some pairs of these cushioned foot work socks with a few lucky readers. If you’re on your feet all day, I think you’ll find these socks to be your faves.
To be in with a chance win one of four pairs of Workforce socks (size 6-11, European 39-45), simply tweet the following:
You’ll need a mailing address in the UK to be eligible to win. And please be kind and only enter if you sincerely want the prize!
I’ll pick four winners at random tonight (Monday 29 April 2013). Thanks so much and best of luck!
About Workforce Socks
Designed to be strong, durable and the most comfortable socks on the market, the Workforce range includes boot socks, wellie socks, walking socks and socks specifically designed to wear with steel toe cap safety shoes and boots. Workforce have carefully selected the most advanced fibres to ensure the highest levels of comfort, wearability and protection.
Technical features to be found in the Workforce range include knitted arch support engineered for a precise fit and hold, terry cushion panels to provide excellent comfort from shock absorption. Specially constructed ventilation panels aid moisture management, specially treated yarns and bamboo fibres provide natural antibacterial protection. More info at workforcesocks.co.uk.
COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING MY BLOG. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
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New Menu at Salaam Namaste, Bloomsbury
I’ve been on a bit of a curry kick lately, trying out a bunch of Indian restaurants around town and having a great time doing so. South Asian cooking is the sort of food that once I get a taste of I start craving for more and more. So when the invite came to have a taste of the new menu “combining Indian culinary traditions with more diverse and progressive recipes” created by Chef Patron Sabir Karim, I was keen.
As the name of this modern Indian restaurants suggests, my visit to Salaam Namaste commenced with a warm and cordial welcome. The restaurant exudes old school charm – from the be-suited and gracious wait staff to the white tablecloths.
Poppadoms and chutneys started the meal off with more flavour than expected – and at a reasonable price (only £1.50). Good thing too because the kitchen was a bit on the slow side getting the rest of my meal to the table. Delicious and ample dishes made up for the wait.
Goan spiced scallops with mango salsa (£5.50) was a rather fiery and substantial appetiser. And a vegetarian main course of Moru Kachiathu (sweet mangoes and green bananas cooked in yoghurt with green chillies, ginger and fresh curry leaves and served with curd rice, £11.95) was unusual (to my palate anyway), intriguing and very satisfying. A side of dhal makhani (£4.50) was especially savoury and one of the nicest dishes I’ve had during my recent tour of local Indian restaurants. A breadbasket with choice of three breads (£4.95) ensured a full tummy. I loved the dates and ginger naan.
There’s a more than adequate wine list an drinks menu. I was perfectly content to have a bottle of Cobra with my meal.
Salaam Namaste is a great little neighbourhood restaurant located at 68 Millman Street, WC1N 3EF. Bloomsbury folks should be pleased to have it nearby. Find out more at salaam-namaste.co.uk.
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Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants
Tagged chef patron, Chef Patron Sabir Karim, cobra beer, curry, indian cuisine, indian food, London, Millman Street, Moru Kachiathu, naan, new menu, restaurant, restaurant review, review, Sabir Karim, salaam namaste, vegetarian, WC1, WC1N 3EF. Bloomsbury
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London Daily Photo: End of the World
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Posted in London, London Daily Photo, Photography
Tagged east london, London, London Daily Photo, orbital tower, Photography, street photography
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Burlexe: Burlesque Inspired Theatre at London’s Shadow Lounge (OneTravel)
I, for one, enjoyed myself immensely when I checked out the show earlier this month. I laughed a lot. I blushed as dancers made eye contact, took to the audience and once when one performer ran her finger along my jawline. Ooh la la!
Read my complete post at the OneTravel blog.
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Posted in Drink, London, OneTravel, Theatre, Travel
Tagged amber topaz, bar, brewer street, burlesque, burlesque review, burlexe, cabaret, cabaret review, chloe ewart, comedy, dance, dancers, dancing, drinking, DRINKS, jo king, kele le roc, London, monologues, OneTravel, promo code, review, soho, stage, the shadow lounge, theatre, Travel, W1, W1F 0RF
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London Daily Photo: Welcome to Newham
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Posted in London, London Daily Photo, Photography
Tagged east london, LDP, London, London Daily Photo, NEWHAM, Photography, street photography
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Good Stuff + Beyoncé Dancing Around in a Swimsuit
Here’s a quick little list of good stuff I’ve recently come across and thought would be worth sharing with you. Enjoy!
The Lobster Pot Pop-Up: Nicos Popupalot is back at it for another “wild themed” three day pop-up from the 9th to the 11th of May at Arch 289, Cambridge Heath Road. Colchester oysters, Canadian lobster, Devon crab claws … between £21 and £24 per person. This should be delicious!
Shetland Night 2: I loved attending the inaugural Shetland Night feast and would have loved to go to the next one on the 5th of May. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it, but you still can! If an evening of “mutton and merriment” in Hackney sounds like a good time to you, email shetlandnightinlondon@gmail.com and follow @shetlandnight on Twitter.
Locksmith Service: Just a quick word of gratitude to the friendly dude at Locksmith Service on Upper Clapton Road. You saved me a ton of money and hassle recently by taking time out to help me with what would have been an ordeal if not for yours kindness.
George Jones: Rest in peace and thanks for the many years of great music.
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Posted in Celebrities, Drink, Food, Good Stuff, London, Music, Restaurants, Shopping, Video
Tagged bethnal green, Beyoncé, Beyoncé Dancing, Beyoncé in a Swimsuit, Beyoncé Knowles, Beyoncé video, cambridge heath, cambridge heath road, Canadian lobster, clapton, Colchester oysters, dance video, Devon crab claws, E5, east london, george jones, george jones video, good stuff, H&M, H&M Swimwear, H&M Swimwear featuring Beyoncé, hackeny, hackney, he stopped loving her today, lea bridge road roundabout, lobster, locksmith, Locksmith Service, London, Mrs Carter, music video, mutton, nicos popupalot, pop-up, seafood, shetland night, shetland night 2, shetland night in london, SPONSORED POST, standing on the sun, supperclub, Swimwear, the lobster pot, tikchris, upper clapton road, Video, vieo
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London Daily Photo: Ransomes & Rapier
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Win Free Breakfast in Bed and More with @Chobani_UK #nothingbutgood
Here’s a treat! I’m giving away a free breakfast in bed compliments of Chobani Strained Yoghurt! Are you my lucky reader who’ll get a full range of Chobani Strained Yoghurt plus a selection of teas with special tray, teapot and mug (as pictured above) delivered to your door?
Keep reading to find out how to enter!
To be in with a chance win the free Chobani breakfast goodies, simply tweet the following:
RT to win Breakfast in Bed with @Chobani_UK http://bit.ly/10ha6ZD #nothingbutgood
You’ll need a mailing address in the UK to be eligible to win. And please be kind and only enter if you sincerely want the prize!
I’ll pick a winner next Friday (3 May 2013) in the early afternoon. Thanks so much and best of luck!
About Chobani Strained Yoghurt
Chobani is an authentic strained yoghurt, made from naturally sourced ingredients and is completely fat free. Made with only naturally-sourced ingredients, it’s free of preservatives and artificial flavours and includes five live and active cultures. It has twice the protein of regular yoghurt and is a great source of calcium. Chobani is gluten-free, certified Kosher and safe for folks with nut and soy allergies.
Chobani comes in a range flavours: plain (my favourite!), black cherry, peach, pomegranate and newly launchedraspberry. Pots of 170g for all flavours as well as a 454g pot of plain that’s “perfect for cooking” are available at Tesco throughout the UK.
Find out more at chobani.co.uk. Check out my recipes using Chobani here.
COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING MY BLOG. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
Check out more tikichris competitions.
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Posted in Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, Social Media
Tagged breakfast, breakfast in bed, breakfast yoghurt, chobani, chobani strained yoghurt, competition, contest, Food, free, free breakfast in bed, freebies, GREEK YOGHURT, retweet, tea, twitter competition, win breakfast in bed with chobani, yoghurt
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London Daily Photo: Connexions
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Posted in London, London Daily Photo, Photography
Tagged LDP, London, London Daily Photo, Photography, street photography
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The 2013 Islay Whisky Festival (OneTravel)
The Feis Ile is the Scottish island of Islay’s annual festival of “Malt and Music.” Held every year during the last week of May with an variety of activities and events across Islay as well as on the neighbouring island Jura, the Feis Ile is considered to be one of the most important events on any true whisky lover’s calendar.
Read my complete post at the OneTravel blog.
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Spring into a Great Soho Supper at Carom Pan-Indian Restaurant
Kemey and I were treated to a delicious meal over the weekend at pan-Indian restaurant Carom at Meza. Based on past experiences, I figured we were in for a more than decent dinner when I made the reservation, but expectations were exceeded and both of us came away glad to add one more reliably good and centrally located restaurant to our list of quality venues worth keeping in mind.
I’d visited Carom once before to attend a rice masterclass hosted by Green Saffron Basmati Rice. It was a blogger group event – and I had a blast – but I didn’t actually get the chance to dive into the menu and explore what the kitchen was all about. However, it must be said that I enjoyed what I ate so much that I actually used Executive Chef Balaji Balachander’s biryani recipe as a basis for my own creation soon after. So, it was really nice to be invited back to have a proper go at the menu, and it was super hospitable of the folks at Carom to accommodate us on a bustling Saturday night!
Dinner commenced with a few spot on starters. Soft shell crab (deep fried with south Indian spices, £6.75) was excellent as was the chilli squid (crisp fried with spice mix and coriander dip, £5). Kemey’s selection of Achari mushrooms (char grilled with pickling spices and mint chutney, £5.75) was surprisingly moreish. My main course of lamb “Laal Maas” (slow braised, Rajasthani style, £9.90) was hearty with a bit of heat. I’d have it again. Ice cream for my dessert soothed and pleased. I loved the pistachio (£1.50 per scoop or £4.25 for a platter).
Prices seemed very reasonable, and portions were pretty generous. Service was speedy, gracious and helpful. We took our smiling server’s advice and when with a bottle of Barbera. It went down a charm with all the dishes and seemed especially well suited for the squid and my lamb.
Carom is a fine establishment doing a great job staying apace with Soho’s increasingly competitive dining and drinks scene (there’s an expansive and commendable cocktail bar at the front of the restaurant – and, of course, the Floridita nightclub just downstairs). You can’t beat the location for meeting up with friends “in town”, and I think Carom offers a more than safe bet if you’re looking for a venue that takes pride in providing friendly and efficient service. I was really impressed.
Another tasty reason to visit at the moment might be the newly launched seasonal set menu (two courses for £10, three at £15):
Starters
Mustard and curry leaf tempered potato balls “Bonda” with coconut and coriander chutney;
Chicken tikka “Adrakai” char grilled and served with sprouted lentil salad;
“Shammi Kebab”, grounded lamb kebab with aromatic spices, pomegranate raita and mint chutney.
Mains
“Paneer pasanda”, Indian cottage cheese with cashew and yoghurt gravy and masala rice;
Pan seared salmon with spring vegetable stew and lemon rice;
Tandoor grilled chicken supreme with green pea khichdi and “makhani” sauce.
Dessert
Passion fruit panna cotta, raspberry and mint couli;
Sticky toffee pudding with caramel sauce and cinnamon ice cream;
Rich carrot fudge with pistachio kulfi.
Visit Carom at 100 Wardour Street, W1F 0TN. Find out more at caromsoho.com.
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Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants
Tagged carom, carom at meza, curry, Drink, Food, indian cuisine, indian food, indian restaurant, London, meza, pan-indian, restaurant review, restaurants, review, seasonal menu, set menu, soho, W1, W1F 0TN, wardour street
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London Daily Photo: Untitled
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Posted in London, London Daily Photo, Photography
Tagged circus, clapton, E5, east london, fun fair, hackney, LDP, London, London Daily Photo, Photography, street photography
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A Beefy Visit to Smithfield Market with Tom Hixson & Co (Great British Chefs)
There’s a good chance that if you’ve recently enjoyed a cut of USDA Prime beef at a London steakhouse or cut into a sumptuous mound of bife de lomo at one of this town’s many Argentine restaurants, your steak found its way to your plate via Tom Hixson & Co of Smithfield Market.
Read my complete post at Great British Chefs.
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Posted in Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping
Tagged Argentine rib eye, ARGENTINE STEAK, beef, BUEN AYRE, Clerkenwell, EC1, farringdon, flat iron, Food, GBC, GREAT BRITISH CHEFS, importer, London, market, meat, meat market, new york strip, palm, palm bar, palm restaurant, Povl Ahm, prime beef, restaurant, restaurants, smithfield, Smithfield Market, smithfield meat market, steak, steakhouse, tom hixson, Tom Hixson & Co, USDA prime beef, USDA strip loin, wholesale
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London Daily Photo: Behind the Scenes
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Posted in London, London Daily Photo, Photography
Tagged CARNIVAL, circus, clapton, E5, fun fair, ghost train, LDP, London, London Daily Photo, Photography, street photography
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Making the Most of Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Antropología (CheapOair)
The Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City is the national museum of Mexico as well its most visited. Home to significant and numerous archaeological and anthropological artifacts from pre-Columbian Mexico, it is considered to be one of the most important institutions for the study of ancient Meso-American culture and society. By many of its visitors, the Museo Nacional is thought to be among the greatest museums in the world.
Read my complete post at the CheapOair blog.
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Posted in Art, CheapOair, Mexico, Travel
Tagged anthropology, archaeology, Art, cheapoair, cuidad de mexico, mexico, mexico city, Museo Nacional de Antropología, museum, polanco, Travel
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The Great British Tapas Project with José Pizarro and Codorníu (Blue Tomato)
With his eponymous and popular tapas bar and an equally adored sit-down restaurant (each just a minute’s walk away from the other on the trendy restaurant row that is Bermondsey Street), chef patron José Pizarro knows a thing or two about tapas and the British palate. Now, this master of the London tapa (before opening his own eateries, José was a chef at Eyre Brothers, Gaudi and Brindisa) has teamed up with cava brand, Codorníu, to add a Spanish twist to some of Britain’s most popular dishes – with the launch of the Great British Tapas project.
Read my complete article at Blue Tomato.
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Posted in Blue Tomato, Drink, Food, London, Recipes, Restaurants, Shopping, Wine
Tagged apple crumble and custard, apple crumble crema Catalana, beef and pimentón Yorkshire mini puds, bermondsey, BERMONDSEY STREET, BLUE TOMATO, brindisa, british cuisine, british food, CAVA, chef, chef patron, CODORNÍU, EYRE BROTHERS, fish and chip tostados, fish and chips, full english breakfast, full English sourdoughs, Gaudi, Great British Tapas Project, jose, JOSE PIZARRO, London, PIZARRO, restaurant, restaurants, roast beef, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, Shepherd’s Pie, shepherd’s pie croquetas, spanish cuisine, spanish food, spanish restaurant, spanish wine, sparkling wine, tapas, yorkshire pudding
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Jack the Ripper’s London Today (CheapOair)
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the notorious Jack the Ripper murders in the East London area of Whitechapel. The first of the Ripper’s victims, Mary Ann Nichols, was found in the streets near London Hospitality in April of 1888. The identity of person who murdered her and four – or possibly five – other women still remains a mystery, but the case continues to horrify and fascinate as much as it did over a century ago.
Read my complete post at the CheapOair blog.
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Posted in CheapOair, London, Pubs, Travel
Tagged cheapoair, east london, history, jack the ripper, Jack the Ripper Walking Tour, London, London Dungeon, pubs, spitalfields, ten bells, the ten bell, walking tours, whitechapel
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London Daily Photo: Hackney Marsh
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Win a Free Pair of Tickets to @LdnCoffeeFest
Hey y’all. Quickie competition here. I’ve got a pair of tix to giveaway for this weekend’s upcoming London Coffee Festival.
The tickets are compliments of Starbucks, who’ll be at the festival showcasing their manual espresso machine and Starbucks Clover Machine. Visitors to the festival will get the chance to taste the different types of coffee including some of the world’s rarest small batch wholebean coffees, from the limited edition Starbucks Reserve collection.
A tall and frothy list of some the biggest names – indie and corporate – in coffee (and pretty much any product you can think of that’s related) can be viewed here:
http://www.londoncoffeefestival.com/WhosThere/Exhibitors2013.aspx
To be in with a chance to win a free pair of tickets to the London Coffee Festival simply tweet the following:
RT to win a pair of tix to @LdnCoffeeFest http://bit.ly/Zgll9d #coffee #competition
I’ll pick one winner at random tomorrow (Tuesday 23 April 2013) around noon (British time). The two tickets will be valid for entry on Saturday the 27th or Sunday the 28th (not both!).
The 2013 London Coffee Festival runs from the 25th through the 28th of April at the Old Truman Brewery. Standard ticket prices start at £9.50 in advance and £12.50 at the door. To book tickets and find out more visit londoncoffeefestival.com.
COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING MY BLOG. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
Check out more tikichris competitions.
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Posted in Coffee, Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, London, Shopping
Tagged competition, east london, free, free tickets, freebies, giveaway, London, london coffee festival, old truman brewery, starbucks, WIN
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So Impressed! Mozzarella & More, King’s Road SW3
Whoa! Was my Friday night dinner at Mozzarella & More the best restaurant meal I’ve had this year? Maybe. And the other places that I can think of offering a dining experience of similarly high calibre all cost way more than twice as much as my meal at this newly opened southern Italian eatery on the King’s Road in Chelsea.
Mozzarella & More is the newest outlet (and concept) from the Made in Italy restaurant group. One part trattoria, one part mozzarella bar and one part deli, M&M is located just a couple of doors down from the original Made in Italy restaurant. It’s also the only restaurant in London producing its own mozzarella (they’ve got a production kitchen in nearby Battersea).
Kemey and I dined at M&M on Friday night, arriving around 8pm to a buzzing little dining room and a warm “buona sera!” reception from what seemed to be each and every member of the staff. My first reaction was something along the lines of “Oh brother. Here we go with some over-the-top schmaltz to cover up for whatever inadequacies are about to be tossed at us from a sub par kitchen”. Boy was I wrong.
The London chill around my jaded heart soon melted to what proved to be genuine Sicilian warmth and hospitality. Service was fast, fluid and friendly. The setting, trattoria-y and cosy. And, most importantly, everything I ate was gorgeous (Kemey says the same of her meal as well).
Folks familiar with this blog know that I review Italian restaurants on a pretty regular basis and that heading to Italy for a foodie press trip isn’t all that unusual for me. M&M was not just the best Italian eatery I’ve visited this year but one of the tastiest restaurants I’ve visited in a very long time.
Highlights from the menu?
Well, obviously the mozzarella. Truly great stuff and – as it’s made locally – very fresh. The burrata (cheese made with mozzarella and cream) blew us away with each soothing mouthful. The scamorza (smoked mozzarella) disappeared from our table at an alarming rate. We also adored the caponata (something I don’t normally care too much about) and the frittata di spaghetti (yes!). A range of starter sized items are available from the mozzarella bar with most priced around £9.
A massive main of salsiccia della casa (home made pistachio and fennel pork sausage, £14.50) with a surprisingly satisfying side of roast potatoes (£2.95) accompanied by freshly prepared Balsamic mayonnaise was as hearty a dish as I’ve ever had. I would totally devour a plate of that again! Kemey got an equally comforting bowl of malfatti con vongole pesto di pomodori secchi (home made “random cut” pasta with clams, sun dried tomatoes and pesto shaved home made salted ricotta, £12). Amazing.
We washed our delicious din-din down with a nice Sardinian red wine. The wine was suggested by our gracious host, manager Sara Corsaro. I was too busy enjoying our feast to make note of the label or price, but no complaints!
Desserts (we received a sample platter with a little of all the afters on it) are another reason I hope to return to M&M soon. Cassata, canoli, ricotta cheesecake, ricotta ice cream … everything was delightful!
I can’t say enough good things about this great restaurant. Go soon and go hungry!
Mozzarella & More is located at 257 King’s Road, SW3 5EL. Visit the restaurant online at madeinitalygroup.co.uk.
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Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Wine
Tagged burrata, cheese, chelsea, italian restaurant, king's road, London, made in italy, made in italy restaurant group, mozzarella, Mozzarella & More, neapolitan, new restaurant, new restaurant review, restaurant, review, ricotta, sara corsaro, scamorza, sicilian, SW3, SW3 5EL
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London Daily Photo: Up
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Evian Baby and Me Video – Dancing Babies!
Sponsored video
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Posted in Drink, Video
Tagged baby, cute, dancing baby, evian, evian baby, Evian Baby and Me, SPONSORED POST, Video
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Where to Shop in Rome (CheapOair)
Wondering how Italians always seem to look so effortlessly fashionable? Or maybe you’re hoping to score a few summer vacation souvenirs at bargain prices or come home from your Roman holiday with some truly unique gifts? Have a quick glance at these four Roman shopping hubs and decide which best suits your tastes and budget …
Read my complete post at the CheapOair blog.
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Posted in CheapOair, Italy, Rome, Shopping, Travel
Tagged cheapoair, designer brands, flea market, italian designers, Italy, Porta Portese, roma, Shopping, shopping in rome, Travel, Via Condotti, Via del Boschetto, Via del Corso
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