tikichris

Best Cafes of 2018

Posted on 2018-12-03 by tikichris

Here’s a top up of the Best of 2018 with a list of my favourite cafes in London and beyond.

Excellent coffee is crucial, particularly when I’m travelling. Having comfortable places to drink it is a big deal too. So are competent and affable baristas. If, in addition to that, you can throw in reliable WiFi and an outlet to keep my laptop and phone charged while I drink coffee (or exceed my expectations in some other remarkable ways), you’re golden. This list of three London espresso bars and six more in Chattanooga (Tennessee), Greenville (North Carolina), Köln, Liverpool, Pittsburgh, and Zurich met all my requirements and shined the brightest for me in 2018.

For more suggestions regarding morning meals take a look at my 2018 list of best breakfasts and brunches.

Please note, this list merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of well established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are somehow related to where work and play took me.

Items appear in alphabetic order, not ranked.

Continue reading →

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My Coffee with Melitta | Win an AromaFresh Grind & Brew Coffee Maker

Posted on 2018-12-02 by tikichris

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME.

Continuing to share My Coffee with you, I’ve teamed up with Melitta for one more giveaway competition offering one lucky tikichris reader the chance to win an AromaFresh Grind & Brew coffee machine.

Valued at £120, the new AromaFresh filter coffee machine from Melitta comes with an integrated grinder enabling you to brew up to 10 cups at a time of filter coffee from freshly ground coffee beans to your own taste.

Continue reading →

Posted in Coffee, Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, My Coffee, Shopping, Video | Tagged #WinMelittaAromaFresh, Aroma Fresh, AromaFresh, AromaFresh Grind & Brew, AromaFresh Grind and Brew, coffee, coffee machine, coffee maker, competition, Drink, Food, free, freebies, Melitta, My Coffee, My Coffee with Melitta, RT to win, Shopping, twitter competition, Video | Leave a comment

Best Hotels of 2018

Posted on 2018-12-02 by tikichris

Next up in my Best of 2018 series is a short list of hotels that impressed me most.

I took rooms in lots of hotels over the course of 2018. Most were perfectly fine, and I would be cool with booking any of them again. That said they hardly left much of an impression.

A few did though. Here’s a look at four in particular that wowed.

Items appear in alphabetic order, not ranked.

Continue reading →

Posted in Best of 2018, Best of the Best, Drink, Hotels, Japan, Luxury, Restaurants, Spain, Texas, Travel, USA, Wine | Tagged 25597, 25700, 739-0505, 78205, Best hotels, Best of 2018, Best of the Best, Carretera d’Espot a Sant Maurici, Carretera N260, Castell de Ciutat, Catalonia, catalunya, Drink, East Travis Street, Espot, foo, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Hotel Castell de Ciutat, Hotel Miyajima Villa, Hotel Roya, hotels, japan, La Seu d'Urgell, Lérida, Lleda, luxury, Miyajima, Miyajimacho, Pyrenees, resorts, restaurants, San Antonio, Setouchi, spa, spain, texas, The St Anthony, Travel, USA, wine | Leave a comment

Magician Tony “Sonic” Middleton | #TCTalks Episode 51

Posted on 2018-12-01 by tikichris

Here’s an interview with magician and theatre producer Tony “Sonic” Middleton for episode 51 of tikchris Talks.

I chatted with Tony at The Sheraton Grand Park Lane Hotel before he began set up for his show, The Magic Hour. During our conversation we spoke about how he got into magic, his shows around London and his involvement with the soon-to-open Maskelyne and Cooke magic bar at Le Meridien Piccadilly.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

Posted in Bars, Christmas, Drink, Entertainment, Hotels, interview, Live Performance, London, Podcast, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, BARS, christmas, Drink, Entertainment, hotels, interview, le meridien, le meridien piccadilly, live performance, London, magic, magician, mayfair, park lane, piccadilly, PODCAST, Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, sleight of hand, sleight of hand on the strand, Sonic, The Magic Hour, tikichris talks, Tony Middleton, Tony Middleton Sonic, Travel, Unfathomable, W1, W1J 7BX, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Best Podcasts of 2018

Posted on 2018-12-01 by tikichris

The first list in my Best of 2018 series is a new category for my annual consideration: podcasts.

I know podcasts (particularly the ones I subscribe to) don’t represent any ‘food, drink and travel treats’ as I said in my introduction post that I would be highlighting. However, I felt it would be good to include my podcast recs for your listening pleasure.

For me, travelling without getting to listen to my favourite podcasts would be considerably less enjoyable. They make wait times, long flights and train journeys more tolerable. Starting and ending days by myself in unfamiliar places are better as well when I have the chance to catch up with the shows I follow.

I work on two podcasts (my solo tikichris Talks project and All Consumed, which I co-produce with journalist Neil Davey). So podcasting is often on my mind. That seems to be the case with all sorts of other folks too though – whether they have any desire to podcast or not. What podcasts people are listening too and which are worth checking out is an increasingly common topic of conversation.

Without further ado, here’s my list of favourite podcasts of 2018 (and yes I’m really into politics and shows produced by WNYC).

Items appear in alphabetic order, not ranked.

Continue reading →

Posted in Best of 2018, Best of the Best, Entertainment, Podcasts, Travel | Tagged 538, 538 Politics, Alice Levine, Best of, Best of 2018, Best of the Best, Best Podcasts, Best Podcasts of 2018, Brexit, Brexit Means, Brian Lehrer, Brian Lehrer Show, financial times, FiveThirtyEight, FiveThirtyEight Politics, FT, FT Politics, guardian, James Cooper, Jamie Morton, Michael Barbar, My Dad Wrote a Porno, Nate Silver, New York Times, News, NY TImes, On the Media, Podcasts, politics, ProPublica, Sarah Koenig, Sebastian Payne, Serial, Serial podcast, The Brian Lehrer Show, The Daily, The Financial Times, the guardian, The Guardian’s Brexit Means, The New York Times, Travel, Trump Inc, WNYC | Leave a comment

New Series on Amazon Prime: The Three Drinkers

Posted on 2018-12-01 by tikichris

The Three Drinkers, a new Amazon Prime travel series, has launched with a four-part season about Scotch whisky.

The “edutainment” style travelogue follows presenting trio Colin Hampden-White, Aidy Smith and Helena “Winebird” Nicklin as they visit distilleries and take in the best of drinking culture across Scotland. Each episode is 30 minutes long. The first three episodes of The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky can be viewed now on Amazon Prime. The fourth will be available in January. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, London, Shopping, Television, Travel | Tagged Aidy Smith, Amazon Prime, BELGRAVIA, Colin Hampden-White, Drink, Grovsvenor Gardens, Helena Nicklin, Moet Hennessy, reviews, SW1, SW1 ODH, television, The Three Drinkers, The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky, tv, Video, whisky, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Best of 2018

Posted on 2018-12-01 by tikichris

As 2018 draws to an end, I would like to share its highlights with a year-end roundup of posts about the best food, drink, and travel related treats that I came across over the past 12 months.

As in years before, I kept plenty of notes to help recall the most noteworthy experiences of 2018. To be sure, the year had plenty of peaks and troughs. This “Best of” series, obviously, is focused on the peaks.

I’m not sure if 2018 represented a game change for my work and lifestyle or an anomaly. But for the first time ever over the course of a year, I spent (slightly) more time on the road than I did at home. And, when I was at home I was often very much just that: in my house, writing and recuperating and not exploring London nearly as much as I might normally have done.

With respect to compiling the lists for this series, these factors added up to more recommendations for stuff beyond London than in London. So compared to my previous “Best of” series, this one is more city break centric with less of an insider edge with respect to having fun around London.

Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Best of 2018, Best of the Best, Coffee, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Pizza, Podcasts, Pubs, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel | Tagged BARS, beer, Best of, Best of 2018, Best of the Best, brunch, burgers, CAFES, CHEAP EATS, cocktails, coffee, Drink, Food, hotel, hotels, ice cream, London, luxury, pizza, Podcasts, pubs, resorts, restaurants, Shopping, tea, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

How Adding Hot Food Displays Can Improve Your Business

Posted on 2018-11-30 by tikichris

One way of growing your business without a ton of investment is by looking into the addition of hot food display equipment.

Capturing the attention of hungry customers is a great way to add sales that will make your visitors happy. Customize the types of foods offered by choosing from a selection of hot food display types. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Restaurants, Uncategorized | Tagged Food, restaurants | Leave a comment

The Welsh Sporting Events You Cannot Miss Out On

Posted on 2018-11-30 by tikichris

Sporting action is at the heart of every Welshman and Welshwoman. For this reason, if you ever find yourself visiting Wales, to truly experience this beautiful country you should task yourself with seeing and experiencing as many Welsh sporting events as you can.

To see what specific events you should embrace and check out when in Wales, make sure to give the information found below a read. Continue reading →

Posted in Sports, Wales | Tagged sports, wales, welsh | Leave a comment

Why Schools Need to Think about Investing in Gym Equipment for Students

Posted on 2018-11-30 by tikichris

Fitness and sports are integral parts of most high schools. Focusing on health and fitness promotes a healthy lifestyle for the future of our country.

Children, who engage in physical activities in the forms of sports, games and regular workout perform better in almost every sphere of life as compared to the children who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Athletics programmes are becoming popular in several private and public schools around the world. Successful athletics programmes depend upon the infrastructure available at these schools, the factors that involve coaching and the students’ enthusiasm in participation. Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Tagged fitness, gym equipment, sports | Leave a comment

Monsieur Le Duck

Posted on 2018-11-30 by tikichris

If birds of a feather flock together, London gastronomes who favour the flavours of southwestern France are sure to find each other flying in and waddling out of Monsieur Le Duck on Brushfield Street.

The newly opened restaurant features a menu focused on duck, frites, salad and wine with other Gascon staples – such as puy lentils to eat and Armagnac to drink – for a simple approach to dining out that nonetheless leads to a rich and filling dining experience … well, as long as you like duck. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged brushfield street, Drink, duck, E1, E1 6AN, french food, french restaurants, liverpool street, liverpool street station, London, Monsieur Le Duck, restaurants, spitalfields, spitalfields market, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Kobe Beef | #TCTalks Episode 50

Posted on 2018-11-29 by tikichris

Episode 50 of tikichris Talks features an interview I conducted in while in Kobe, Japan with Mr Tetsunori Tanimoto about Kobe beef.

Mr Tanimoto is Head of Kobe Beef Association and President of Livestock Division for Hyogo Prefectural Headquarters National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative. During our conversation, he dispelled a few myths about Kobe beef while explaining what sets it apart from other products and how to know if you’re getting the real thing.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

Posted in Food, interview, Japan, Luxury, Podcast, Restaurants, Shopping, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, beef, Food, Hyogo, interview, japan, japanese food, Junko Usui, kobe beef, Kobe Beef Association, luxury, PODCAST, restaurants, Shopping, steak, Tetsunori Tanimoto, tikichris talks, Travel, Wagyu | Leave a comment

Halo Burger Launches at Pop Brixton

Posted on 2018-11-28 by tikichris

Plant-based burger joint, Halo Burger, has launched in London with a outlet at cargo container retail village, Pop Brixton.

I dropped by the press launch last night for a burger and ended up staying around for another. Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged Beyond Beef, Beyond Burgers, Beyond Meat, brixton, Brixton Station Road, burgers, cheeseburgers, christmas, Christmas burger, Drink, fast food, Food, Halo Burger, Halo Burgers, hamburgers, London, Pop Brixton, restaurants, reviews, south london, SW9, SW9 8PQ, vegan, vegetarian, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Unsung Cities | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Posted on 2018-11-27 by tikichris

First up in my Unsung Cities series is Pittsburgh.

Going with Pittsburg for the start of this new series was a no-brainer. I had a great time there in September and would not be averse to making repeat visits. The blank stares I’ve received from people here in London when I say I was recently there (and loved it) suggests the city has a way to go before shaking off any unsung status.

More so, the horrific events of 27 October that led to 11 deaths at Tree of Life synagogue left me dumbfounded after experiencing for myself how friendly and welcoming Pittsburgh residents could be. So if I can spread any cheer at all and encourage good folks to enjoy themselves in Pittsburgh I feel I should. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Good Cause, Pittsburgh, Restaurants, Travel, Unsung Cities, USA, Video | Tagged Acorn, Acorn PGH, Acorn Pittsburgh, Food, good cause, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, HIAS, Onion Maiden, pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, restaurants, Travel, Tree of Life, Tree of Life synagogue, Unsung Cities, USA, vegan, vegetarian, Video | Leave a comment

Drink Wine, Support a Bicycle, Change a Life with Nederburg’s Qhubeka Project

Posted on 2018-11-26 by Judith Schrut

Nederburg, South Africa’s acclaimed winery, believes in giving back … and in the power of bicycles to change lives. Judith Schrut says, Let’s drink to that!

Since founder Philippus Wolvaart bought his original farm for a neat 5600 guilders more than two centuries ago, Nederburg has become one of South Africa’s most distinguished names in wine. Continue reading →

Posted in africa, Competition, Drink, Good Cause, London, South Africa, Wine | Tagged #DoYourPart, Chenin blanc, cycling, Drink, Fundraising, good cause, Judith Schrut, king street, Nederburg, Nguni, Qhubeka, red wine, south africa, South African wine, Travel, WC2, WC2E 8HH, white wine, wine | Leave a comment

Win a Christmas Tree Bottle Filled with Gingerbread Liqueur from Il Gusto

Posted on 2018-11-25 by tikichris

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME.

Just in time to help you have the merriest of Christmases, I’ve teamed up with Il Gusto one more time for another competition that’ll see one lucky tikichris reader win a Christmas tree-shaped bottle filled with gingerbread liqueur.

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! How tasty is the liqueur inside you!

Perfect for a winter’s toast, adding a festive kick to your coffee or pouring on top of your favourite seasonal desserts, this gingerbread liqueur adds Yuletide zest to any end-of-year celebration. Presented in a beautiful 500ml bottle, this prize makes a fine gift and wonderful keepsake.

Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, Shopping | Tagged #WinChristmasTreeBottle, #WinGingerbreadLiqueur, christmas, christmas tree, Christmas tree bottle, competition, Drink, Food, free, freebies, gingerbread liqueur, il gusto, RT to win, Shopping, twitter competition | Leave a comment

How to Visit the Philippines on a Budget

Posted on 2018-11-24 by tikichris

The Philippines is one of the most incredible budget travel destinations in the world by default because of its free attractions, cheap wine and food, and pocket-friendly accommodation options.

It is known for its breathtaking white-sand beaches, enchanting seas, mesmerizing sunsets, tropical vibes and the friendliest of locals which attract thousands of backpackers and budget travelers all over the world. Continue reading →

Posted in Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged air travel, Philippines, Travel | Leave a comment

Unsung Cities

Posted on 2018-11-23 by tikichris

Here’s a quick introduction to Unsung Cities, a new series of posts about overlooked and under appreciated urban wonders I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.

I travelled a lot this year, clocking more hours on the road than at home. Some of that time away was spent in towns I didn’t expect to like nearly as much as I did. The more I roam the more I find underdog, mid-sized and so-called second tier cities can do it for me as much as and sometimes to a greater extent than their far more celebrated counterparts. Continue reading →

Posted in Travel, Unsung Cities | Tagged Cities, Travel, Unsung Cities | Leave a comment

Nurses | #TCTalks Episode 49

Posted on 2018-11-22 by tikichris

Episode 49 of tikichris Talks is a Thanksgiving special celebrating the dedication, compassion and ambition of nurses.

The show is comprised of interviews with three close friends of mine who, one way or another, unexpectedly found themselves on difficult but rewarding paths toward careers in nursing.

Conversations are with the following:

Chip Tucker, an Emergency Room Nurse in a Level 2 Trauma Center at a hospital in Gainesville, Georgia;
Chris Smith, a Communicable Disease Nurse Specialist in Lexington, Kentucky; and
Julie Palmer-Hoffman, a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner in New Haven, Connecticut.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

Posted in interview, Podcast, TCTalks, Thanksgiving, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, Chip Tucker, Chris Smith, interview, Julie Palmer-Hoffman, Nurses, Nursing, PODCAST, thanksgiving, tikichris talks, Travel | Leave a comment

Thanks

Posted on 2018-11-22 by tikichris

Every Thanksgiving Day since 2011, I’ve written a sort of ‘things to be grateful for’ blog post. So I’ll keep with the tradition and do the same today. But if you want know the truth, I feel ambivalent and glum.

Honestly, work’s been good and steady for the most part. Continue reading →

Posted in Thanksgiving | Tagged 2018, thanks, thanksgiving | Leave a comment

Vinegar Pies and Burgers Stacked High: The Most Delicious Side of Pittsburgh (Metro)

Posted on 2018-11-20 by tikichris

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was a city where plate after plate of hearty Americana made my visit well worth while.

It had been on my radar for the past couple of years as an ever-improving dining destination, so I was glad to have the chance to see what the fuss was all about for myself. As I saw it, the food and drink scene was fiercely hyper local, with eateries concerned more about pleasing regulars than appealing to out-of-towners and destination diners. That said, showing up from foreign shores as I did, I was received with a warm welcome everywhere I ate, and each meal came with the feeling that I was not going to be allowed to leave unsatisfied. Indeed I never did.

Read my complete article at Metro.

Posted in Drink, Food, Metro, Restaurants, Travel, USA | Tagged BARS, Drink, Food, metro, pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, restaurants, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

Bronte Aurell of Scandi Kitchen | #TCTalks Episode 48

Posted on 2018-11-18 by tikichris

For episode 48 of tikichris Talks, I chat with Scandi Kitchen co-owner, Bronte Aurell.

During our conversation at her café and shop near Oxford Circus, Bronte and I discuss the true meaning of hygge, how to enjoy a Scandinavian Christmas and what it’s like to be a proud immigrant.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

Posted in Christmas, Coffee, Drink, Food, interview, London, Podcast, Shopping, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #proudimmigrant, #TCTalks, Bronte Aurell, CAFES, christmas, coffee, Drink, fitzrovia, Food, Hygge, interview, London, Nordic food, oxford circus, PODCAST, Scandi Kitchen, scandinavian food, Shopping, tikichris talks, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Dreaming Big About Winning Big

Posted on 2018-11-17 by tikichris

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to suddenly have access to a load of cash – like inheriting a fortune from a long lost relative or winning a lottery bet?

Indulge my (and your own) imagination as I dream about what I think I would do if a financial windfall unexpectedly came my way. Continue reading →

Posted in London, Luxury, Money, Travel | Tagged London, Lottoland, luxury, money, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Coastal Highways to Pirates Past (Hertz Together)

Posted on 2018-11-15 by tikichris

Ahoy ye landlubbers! If you’re searching for high seas adventure (without such a high cost to enjoy it or even having to venture too far into the sea) allow this seadog to suggest a road trip along the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States.

I spent a couple of weeks in September touring the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia in search of pirate treasure. My trip (which I should note was well before Hurricane Florence made her pouring presence known) hit some of America’s most beautiful beaches and historic cities with plenty of great food and drink as well as loads of fun and topically piratical activities along the way. Of course, by pirate treasure I don’t mean a chest filled with coins and jewels buried on a remote beach. The treasure I sought was more a bounty of history, legend and scenic destination.

Read my complete post at Hertz Together.

Posted in Cars, driving, Hertz Together, road trip, Travel, USA | Tagged blackbeard, cars, driving, Hertz, Hertz Car Hire, history, Pirates, road trip, Roadtrip, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

The UK Jewish Film Festival 2018: Promise at Dawn

Posted on 2018-11-14 by Judith Schrut

Promise at Dawn, clip courtesy UKJFF

Charlotte Gainsbourg shines in Promise at Dawn, the closing night film in this year’s UK Jewish Film Festival. Judith Schrut previews.

The classic, if stereotyped, relationship of the devoted but overbearing Jewish mother and her son forms the subject of UKJFF 2018’s powerful closing film, Promise at Dawn ((La promesse de l’Aube). Starring legendary French superstar Charlotte Gainsbourg and rising star Pierre Niney, it is at once funny and tragic, heartwarming and heartbreaking. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Celebrities, France, London, Movies | Tagged antisemitism, Celebrities, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Curzon, Curzon Mayfair, Curzon Street, film, film festival, france, Hollywood, Jewish, Jewish film, Judith Schrut, London, mayfair, Movies, poland, Promise at Dawn, reviews, Romain Gary, W1, W1J 7TY | Leave a comment

Cointreau’s exclusive Designer Cocktails

Posted on 2018-11-13 by Katy Riddle

Katy Riddle has a taste of Cointreau’s new range of Designer Cocktails at Cadillac House in Manhattan.

Cointreau is helping us to celebrate the holiday season in style with their exclusive first Designer Cocktail series. The pioneer in crafted spirits has teamed up with four stars from the worlds of art, cuisine and fashion to create an array of contemporary recipes that put a cool new twist on classic tipples, promising to elevate any social gathering into a memorable special occasion.

With its unique balanced flavour thanks to the blend of bitter and sweet orange peels, Cointreau has been a favourite of mixologists and bartenders around the globe since 1849. Invited to join them at sleek Cadillac House to discover The Art of the Mix and enjoy a first taste of the new collection, I was impressed to learn the versatility of this much-loved orange liqueur and the key role it has played in countless iconic cocktails. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Christmas, Drink, New York, Recipes, USA | Tagged 10013, Art, BARS, Cadillac House, christmas, cocktails, Drink, Hudson Street, Katy Riddle, luxury, manhattan, new york, reviews, USA | Leave a comment

The UK Jewish Film Festival 2018: Three Identical Strangers

Posted on 2018-11-12 by Judith Schrut

Eddy, David and Bobby, subjects of award-winning documentary, “Three Identical Strangers”, clip courtesy UKJFF

The 22nd UK Jewish Film Festival is underway, with 85 films, 51 premieres, and dozens of screenings and live events around the UK. Contributor Judith Schrut has been to view.

Most of us have had the unsettling experience of being compared with or mistaken for someone we look like– but when you find out you look exactly like another person, have the same birthdate, and have both been adopted– that is quite different. And made all the more so when you find your third exact match.

This then is the tale behind Three Identical Strangers, a fascinating documentary of how identical triplets, adopted and raised from infancy by three separate families, eventually found one another– and what happened next. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Entertainment, London, Movies, Photography | Tagged adoption, antisemitism, Art, Celebrities, cinema, documentary, Entertainment, film, film festival, Israel, Israeli film, Jewish, Jewish film, Judith Schrut, London, Movies, new york, Sammy Davis Jr, sundance, Tim Wardle, triplets, women filmmakers, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Buddha Bowl at Beany Green

Posted on 2018-11-11 by tikichris

The Daisy Green collection of Australian-style eateries recently launched a range of Buddha Bowls for weekday lunch. I dropped by one of its outlets – Beany Green at Paddington Basin – last week for a taste of this hot and healthy menu addition.

Buddha Bowl options include lemon and herb chicken, meatballs with tomato, and vegan Beany balls (think beetroot-flavoured falafel), all served with a mix of roasted sweet potato, chickpea ragu, roasted aubergine, greens, mixed grain rice and fermented jalapeño hot sauce. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged Beany Green, Buddha Bowls, Daisy Green, Daisy Green Collection, Food, London, lunch, Maida Vale, paddington, Paddington Basin, restaurants, reviews, Sheldon Square, vegan, vegetarian, W2, W2 6EZ, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

8 Underrated Ideas to Elevate the Aesthetics of Home Bars

Posted on 2018-11-11 by tikichris

Just because it’s your home bar that doesn’t mean that it needs to be shabby, messy or unappealing. There are several décor ideas that you can use to upgrade the aesthetics of your home bar. Today, we have compiled a list of such underrated ideas to help you give your home bar that fancy and sophisticated appeal. These ideas are tried and tested and will give you much sought after results.

Here’s everything you can do to give the bar that much-needed transformation. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Design, Drink | Tagged BARS, design, Drink | Leave a comment

Why Bakeries in the UK Must Become Energy Efficient

Posted on 2018-11-10 by tikichris

The baking industry is known for being an energy-intensive business. While it has the usual energy needs such as lighting and heat, it also requires energy for utilities such as power ovens, mixers, fridges and freezers. This can lead to high energy bills and shrinking profit margins, especially as energy prices rise.

It’s now so important for bakers to consider their energy usage and take steps to work more efficiently. By doing this, not only can they improve their bottom line, but they can also make their businesses more sustainable —reducing their impact on the environment. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Money, Shopping | Tagged bakeries, Food, money, Shopping | Leave a comment

Win a Free Park & Ride at London Gatwick Airport with Cophall Parking Gatwick

Posted on 2018-11-10 by tikichris

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME.

Planning to fly out of Gatwick sometime in the next 12 months? I’ve teamed up with Cophall Parking Gatwick to make your travels easier and cheaper with up to two weeks of free parking at Gatwick Airport.

With more than 30 years experience providing parking services at Gatwick, Cophall is part of the airport’s approved parking scheme. It’s Park Mark accredited too and a recipient of Trading Standard’s Buy with Confidence award. Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Freebies, London, Travel | Tagged #WinAirportParking, Airport Park and Ride, Airport Parking, competition, free, freebies, gatwick, gatwick airport, London, RT to win, Travel, twitter competition, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Happy Dog | Cleveland Talks | #TCTalks Episode 47

Posted on 2018-11-09 by tikichris

Here’s the final episode of Cleveland Talks, a podcast miniseries featuring conversations with independent business owners in Cleveland, Ohio about their hometown and why they adore it so much.

This last episode features an interview with Sean Watterson of Happy Dog. With outlets in Detroit Shoreway and University Circle, Sean’s gourmet hot dog and craft beer bars offer an enlightened and eclectic lineup of live music and thought provoking events to encourage community cohesion in an easygoing and welcoming setting.

Listen now to the final post of my five-part Cleveland Talks miniseries:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

Posted in #TCintheCLE, Bars, Beer, Cleveland, Cleveland Talks, Drink, Entertainment, Food, interview, Live Performance, Music, Podcast, Restaurants, TCTalks, Travel, USA | Tagged #TCintheCLE, #TCTalks, 44102, 44106, Art, BARS, beer, Cleveland, Cleveland Ohio, Cleveland Talks, CRAFT BEER, Detroit Avenue, Detroit Shoreway, Detroit Shoreway/Gordon Square Arts District, Drink, Entertainment, Euclic Avenue, Food, Gourmet hot dogs, Happy Dog, Happy Dog at the Euclid Tavern, hot dogs, Hotdogs, interview, live performance, midwest, music, Northern Ohio, Ohio, Ohio City, PODCAST, restaurants, tikichris talks, Travel, University Circle, USA | Leave a comment

Ham Passion Tour: Jamon Iberico Samples and Carving Demos

Posted on 2018-11-08 by tikichris

Love Jamon Iberico or wonder why so many people make such a big deal about Spanish ham? If you’re out shopping at Westfield London or Liverpool ONE in the coming days keep an eye out for a “Ham Truck” offering free samples of Iberian Ham as well as carving demonstrations and more as part of a 25,000 Ham Passion Tour of Europe.

The Ham Truck is cruising across Europe to introduce folks to Iberian Ham and raise awareness about its “high-quality production in areas such as food safety, traceability, animal welfare, values of the product linked to the breed, feeding and management of the Iberian pig, a model of sustainable production, of balance between respect for the environment and the sustainable exploration of natural resources.” Continue reading →

Posted in England, Food, London, Shopping | Tagged england, Food, ham, Ham Passion Tour, Ham Truck, Iberian Ham, jamon iberico, liverpool, LIverpool ONE, London, Raquel Acosta, Shopping, spanish food, W12, W12 7GF, west london, Westfield London Ariel Way, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Glass Bubble Project | Cleveland Talks | #TCTalks Episode 46

Posted on 2018-11-08 by tikichris

I’m back with another interview for Cleveland Talks, a podcast miniseries featuring conversations with independent business owners in Cleveland, Ohio about their hometown and why they adore it so much.

This episode of Cleveland Talks features an interview Michael Kaplan, owner of the Glass Bubble Project. Located in Ohio City neighbourhood next to West Side Market, Glass Bubble is the city’s premier glass blowing studio and gallery.

Listen now to the latest instalment in this five-part series:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

Posted in #TCintheCLE, Art, Cleveland, Cleveland Talks, interview, Ohio, Podcast, TCTalks, Travel, USA | Tagged #TCintheCLE, #TCTalks, 44113, Art, Bridge Avenue, Cleveland, Cleveland Ohio, Cleveland Talks, craft, glass, Glass Blowing, Glass Bubble Project, interview, Michael Kaplan, midwest, Northern Ohio, Ohio, Ohio City, PODCAST, tikichris talks, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

My Coffee with Melitta | Christmas Gifts for Coffee Lovers

Posted on 2018-11-07 by tikichris

Christmas is coming and with it plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favourite warm beverage. If you’re like me that means having a cup of coffee while catching up with friends and family, while shopping for gifts and bounding between celebrations, and while taking a break to reflect on the meaning of this festive time of year.

The My Coffee with Melitta miniseries continues with a look at ideal presents for the coffee lovers in your life.

With its premium range of bean to cup machines, filter coffeemakers, pour-over manual brewers, filters and other coffee accessories, Melitta is the brightest brand to keep in mind for a caffeinated Christmas that’ll keep you and yours carolling with glee all season.

Here’s a look at some of Melitta’s must-have gifts for home baristas … Oh and one more thing! Be sure to keep an eye out for the next My Coffee post for a chance to win one of the items listed below! Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Coffee, Drink, Food, My Coffee, Shopping | Tagged christmas, CI Touch, coffee, Coffee Machines, coffee maker, Coffee Makers, Drink, Food, Melitta, My Coffee, My Coffee with Melitta, Shopping | Leave a comment

Here’s a top up of the Best of 2018 with a list of my favourite cafes in London and beyond.

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Continuing to share My Coffee with you, I’ve teamed up with Melitta for one more giveaway competition offering one lucky tikichris reader the chance to win an AromaFresh Grind & Brew coffee machine.

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Next up in my Best of 2018 series is a short list of hotels that impressed me most.

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Here’s an interview with magician and theatre producer Tony “Sonic” Middleton for episode 51 of tikchris Talks.

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The first list in my Best of 2018 series is a new category for my annual consideration: podcasts.

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The Three Drinkers, a new Amazon Prime travel series, has launched with a four-part season about Scotch whisky.

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As 2018 draws to an end, I would like to share its highlights with a year-end roundup of posts about the best food, drink, and travel related treats that I came across over the past 12 months.

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One way of growing your business without a ton of investment is by looking into the addition of hot food display equipment.

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Sporting action is at the heart of every Welshman and Welshwoman. For this reason, if you ever find yourself visiting Wales, to truly experience this beautiful country you should task yourself with seeing and experiencing as many Welsh sporting events as you can.

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Fitness and sports are integral parts of most high schools. Focusing on health and fitness promotes a healthy lifestyle for the future of our country.

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If birds of a feather flock together, London gastronomes who favour the flavours of southwestern France are sure to find each other flying in and waddling out of Monsieur Le Duck on Brushfield Street.

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Episode 50 of tikichris Talks features an interview I conducted in while in Kobe, Japan with Mr Tetsunori Tanimoto about Kobe beef.

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Plant-based burger joint, Halo Burger, has launched in London with a outlet at cargo container retail village, Pop Brixton.

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First up in my Unsung Cities series is Pittsburgh.

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Nederburg, South Africa’s acclaimed winery, believes in giving back … and in the power of bicycles to change lives. Judith Schrut says, Let’s drink to that!

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Just in time to help you have the merriest of Christmases, I’ve teamed up with Il Gusto one more time for another competition that’ll see one lucky tikichris reader win a Christmas tree-shaped bottle filled with gingerbread liqueur.

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The Philippines is one of the most incredible budget travel destinations in the world by default because of its free attractions, cheap wine and food, and pocket-friendly accommodation options.

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Here’s a quick introduction to Unsung Cities, a new series of posts about overlooked and under appreciated urban wonders I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.

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Episode 49 of tikichris Talks is a Thanksgiving special celebrating the dedication, compassion and ambition of nurses.

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Every Thanksgiving Day since 2011, I’ve written a sort of ‘things to be grateful for’ blog post. So I’ll keep with the tradition and do the same today. But if you want know the truth, I feel ambivalent and glum.

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was a city where plate after plate of hearty Americana made my visit well worth while.

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For episode 48 of tikichris Talks, I chat with Scandi Kitchen co-owner, Bronte Aurell.

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to suddenly have access to a load of cash – like inheriting a fortune from a long lost relative or winning a lottery bet?

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Ahoy ye landlubbers! If you’re searching for high seas adventure (without such a high cost to enjoy it or even having to venture too far into the sea) allow this seadog to suggest a road trip along the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States.

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Promise at Dawn, clip courtesy UKJFF

Charlotte Gainsbourg shines in Promise at Dawn, the closing night film in this year’s UK Jewish Film Festival. Judith Schrut previews.

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Katy Riddle has a taste of Cointreau’s new range of Designer Cocktails at Cadillac House in Manhattan.

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Eddy, David and Bobby, subjects of award-winning documentary, “Three Identical Strangers”, clip courtesy UKJFF

The 22nd UK Jewish Film Festival is underway, with 85 films, 51 premieres, and dozens of screenings and live events around the UK. Contributor Judith Schrut has been to view.

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The Daisy Green collection of Australian-style eateries recently launched a range of Buddha Bowls for weekday lunch. I dropped by one of its outlets – Beany Green at Paddington Basin – last week for a taste of this hot and healthy menu addition.

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Planning to fly out of Gatwick sometime in the next 12 months? I’ve teamed up with Cophall Parking Gatwick to make your travels easier and cheaper with up to two weeks of free parking at Gatwick Airport.

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Here’s the final episode of Cleveland Talks, a podcast miniseries featuring conversations with independent business owners in Cleveland, Ohio about their hometown and why they adore it so much.

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I’m back with another interview for Cleveland Talks, a podcast miniseries featuring conversations with independent business owners in Cleveland, Ohio about their hometown and why they adore it so much.

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