tikichris

Seedlip X Behind This Wall | “No and Lo” CBD Cocktails

Posted on 2018-10-03 by tikichris

Non and low alcohol drinks have been gaining in popularity for some time. I definitely see the point and the appeal even if I shrug at much of the hype around the trend. Also garnering lots of interest and attention at the moment is CBD oil (the calming and medically beneficial oil made from cannabis minus any “stoner” side effects or highs), something I find especially appealing and worthy of any trendiness yet to come.

Riding high on the “no and lo” wave is Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit. Mixing up quality cocktails using Seedlip spirits alongside their own house brewed CBD oil is the team at Behind this Wall. A recent event at this cosy basement bar in Hackney presented an opportunity to sample a few showcase drinks made by BTW and featuring both Seedlip and CBD oil prominently. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, London, Shopping | Tagged BARS, CBD oil, cocktails, Drink, east london, hackney, London, MARE STREET, reviews, seedlip, Shopping, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Getaways to Truly Get Away: Here Are 9 of the Most Laid-Back Cities to Visit Around the World (Miles Away)

Posted on 2018-10-02 by tikichris

There’s no rule that says a vacation has to be exhausting and jam-packed with activity. Sometimes the best thing about visiting a destination is that it gives you the chance to chill out and leave your cares behind. But don’t be fooled, just because a city is laidback, that doesn’t mean it’s boring.

Take a look at our list of cities around the world that are fun and worth visiting – no hectic itineraries needed!

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

Posted in CheapOair, Miles Away, Travel | Tagged cheapoair, Miles Away, Travel | Leave a comment

Blackbeard’s Wake | Weighing Anchor

Posted on 2018-10-02 by tikichris

Hey folks. I’m weighing anchor and sailing on to cover other topics, but I hope you enjoyed reading about my Blackbeard inspired tour of the Carolina and Georgia coast and that you had a chance to listen to my two related podcast episodes.

I came away from my travels with a better understanding of how little is known about the person we call Blackbeard but how much about the life in colonial America can be learned from the clues left in the murky wake of his legend. I ate and drank exceptionally well along the way, met super friendly people at every port of call, and stayed in some of the most beautiful and historic destinations on the Atlantic coast of the United States.

The 22nd of November 2018 will mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Blackbeard. If this October or November you have plan to be in or near any of the places I visited during my trip – especially eastern North Carolina – be sure to dig around online to see about any Blackbeard-related events in the area.

Here’s a list with links to all the blog posts and podcast episodes in my Blackbeard’s Wake miniseries: Continue reading →

Posted in Blackbeard's Wake, Cars, Georgia, History, North Carolina, road trip, South Carolina, Travel, USA | Tagged #Blackbeard300, #TCBlackbeard300, blackbeard, Blackbeard's Wake, cars, Charleston, Charleston South Carolina, georgia, good cause, Greenville, Greenville North Carolina, Hertz, Hertz Car Hire, history, Hurricane Florence, North Carolina, Ocracoke, Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, Pirates, road trip, Roadtrip, Savannah, Savannah Georgia, South Carolina, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

Yayoi Kusama: The Moving Moment When I Went to the Universe at Victoria Miro

Posted on 2018-10-01 by tikichris

The Moving Moment When I Went to the Universe brings new works, a trippy Infinity Mirror Room and plenty of giant pumpkins and more by celebrated Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, to Victoria Miro.

The exhibition spreads across Miro’s Wharf Road galleries and waterside garden. Just back from the press preview, I’m struck by how much I wanted to linger in Gallery II where Kusama’s My Eternal Soul series of large canvas paintings are displayed. The chance to consider the artist’s confident use of vibrant colour, naïve and emotive faces and wobbly yet painstakingly applied patterns up close was a delight. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, London, Shopping | Tagged Art, contemporary art, east london, exhibition, EXHIBITIONS, galleries, gallery, London, pumpkins, reviews, Shopping, The Moving Moment When I Went to the Universe, victoria miro, Wharf Road, Yayoi Kusama, Yayoi Kusama: The Moving Moment When I Went to the Universe, Лондон, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Savannah, Georgia | Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-10-01 by tikichris

Last stop of my ride through Blackbeard’s Wake was Savannah, Georgia.

Direct links between Blackbeard and Savannah are scarce, tenuous and not well documented. However, it’s as swashbuckling a city as ever you’ll come by. Plus, when initially planning my trip, I had hoped to shove off from to explore Georgia island that bears the pirate’s name. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Bars, Blackbeard's Wake, Drink, Food, Georgia, History, Hotels, Museums, Restaurants, Travel, USA | Tagged #Blackbeard300, #TCBlackbeard300, 31401, Abercorn Street, Art, BARS, blackbeard, Blackbeard Island, Blackbeard's Wake, Bonaventure Cemetery, Bonaventure Road, cocktails, Drink, East Broad Street, Food, georgia, Ghost Coast Distillery, hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District, history, hotels, Indian Street, Ken Klehm, Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Mrs Wilkes Dining Room, museums, Oglethorpe Square, Olde Pink House, Owens-Thomas House, Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, Pirate's House, Pirates, restaurants, reviews, road trip, Roadtrip, Savannah, Savannah Georgia, Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, Telfair Museums, Thunderbolt, Thunderbolt Georgia, Travel, USA, West Bay Street, West Jones Street, William Scarbrough House and Gardens | Leave a comment

Matching Territorial Cheese and Wine | Paxton & Whitfield X Berry Bros & Rudd

Posted on 2018-10-01 by Federica Carr

Federica Carr shares the highlights from a cheese and wine tasting hosted by Hero Hirsh of Paxton & Whitfield and Barbara Drew from Berry Bros. & Rudd.

Cheese and wine comprise one of the best pairings on the planet. Whether during the festive season or not, it is an extremely enjoyable match. I went along to Jermyn Street cheese mongers Paxton & Whitfield for what turned out to be an unusual and interesting session on these two items. Indeed, unusual because the cheeses picked were all British and made by small producers and known as ‘territorials’ because they take their name after the region or county they are produced in (eg Cheddar). Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Shopping, Wine | Tagged #cheesetasting, berry bros, Berry Bros & Rudd, BRITISH CHEESE, cheese, Cheese and wine tasting, Drink, Federica Carr, Food, jermyn street, London, PALL MALL, Paxton & Whitfield, reviews, Shopping, st james's, SW1, SW1Y 5HZ, SW1Y 6JE, territorial cheese, wine tasting, winetasting, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Discussing Fact and Fiction with Historian Kevin Duffus | Blackbeard’s Wake | #TCTalks Episode 38

Posted on 2018-09-30 by tikichris

Another tie in with the Blackbeard’s Wake miniseries on my blog, Episode 28 of tikichris Talks finds me in conversation with research historian, author and documentary filmmaker Kevin Duffus.

Kevin is perhaps best known as an expert on Blackbeard and for his deeply researched attempts to separate fact from fiction as it pertains to the story of this legendary pirate.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

Posted in Blackbeard's Wake, Books, History, interview, North Carolina, Podcast, TCTalks, USA | Tagged #Blackbeard300, #TCBlackbeard300, #TCTalks, blackbeard, Blackbeard's Wake, books, history, interview, Kevin Duffus, North Carolina, Ocracoke, Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, Pirates, PODCAST, road trip, Roadtrip, tikichris talks, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

Win Free Parking at Glasgow or Gatwick Airport with Airport Park and Ride

Posted on 2018-09-30 by tikichris

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.

Planning to fly out of Gatwick or Glasgow anytime in the next year? I’ve teamed up with Airport Park and Ride to make your travels easier and cheaper with up to two weeks of free parking at either of these airports.

Airport Park & Ride provides inexpensive airport parking from its own car parks and other reputable car parks at several locations, including Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport, Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport. Airport Park and Ride car parks have CCTV, high perimeter fencing and security teams on patrol and Park Mark accreditation. Continue reading →

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

Charleston, South Carolina | Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-09-29 by tikichris

Back on the mainland after my overnight on Ocracoke, I drove south to Charleston still on the trail of Blackbeard.

One of Blackbeard’s most infamous exploits occurred in Charleston during May of 1718, mere months before the pirate met his fate off the coast of Ocracoke Island. Continue reading →

Posted in Blackbeard's Wake, Food, History, Hotels, Restaurants, South Carolina, Travel, USA | Tagged #Blackbeard300, #TCBlackbeard300, 29403, BBQ, blackbeard, Blackbeard's Wake, Charleston Pirate Tours, Charleston South Carolina, Eric Lavender, Food, history, hotels, Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District, king street, Pirates, restaurants, reviews, road trip, Roadtrip, Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Rutledge Avenue, South Carolina, Travel, USA, Xiao Bao Biscuit | Leave a comment

10 Places Worth Visiting for the Fall Foliage in America – NOT in New England! (Miles Away)

Posted on 2018-09-29 by tikichris

Ahhh, there’s nothing like autumn in America. Hot drinks in the cool weather, the scent of a wood fireplace coming from a far off chimney, and the gorgeous colors of changing leaves. That last one is quintessential fall, but where can you go in the United States to see the best display of autumn leaves? Yes, of course, New England is undeniably beautiful during fall; however, the region doesn’t hold the patent on fall foliage. There are loads of other areas of the U.S. where Mother Nature puts on a fiery festival to admire before winter sets in.

Here’s a look at 10 fall foliage destinations that are NOT in New England!

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

Posted in CheapOair, Miles Away, Travel | Tagged cheapoair, Miles Away, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

Ocracoke Historian Philip Howard | Blackbeard’s Wake | #TCTalks Episode 37

Posted on 2018-09-28 by tikichris

Episode 37 of tikichris Talks is a tie in with the Blackbeard’s Wake miniseries on my blog. It features an interview with Ocracoke Island historian, Philip Howard. Philip is the eighth-generation descendant of William Howard – the fourth and last colonial owner of Ocracoke who before that allegedly served as quartermaster for the infamous pirate Blackbeard.

Our conversation took place at Springer’s Point, a nature preserve on the island that’s within several yards of where Blackbeard was decapitated by British Naval Lieutenant Robert Maynard in 1718. With cicadas chirping in the background, Philip spun a good yarn about how Blackbeard met his demise and recounts another local’s eerie encounter with a ghost at Springer’s Point.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

Posted in Blackbeard's Wake, History, interview, North Carolina, Podcast, road trip, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #Blackbeard300, #TCBlackbeard300, #TCTalks, blackbeard, Blackbeard's Wake, history, interview, North Carolina, Ocracoke, Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, Philip Howard, Pirates, PODCAST, road trip, Roadtrip, Springer’s Point Nature Preserve, tikichris talks, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 | Comida to Crave

Posted on 2018-09-27 by tikichris

The Tequila & Mezcal Fest will be here soon and I’ve got a sneak peek of what to eat when you go.

The biggest agave extravaganza in Europe isn’t only an opportunity to drink premium Mexican spirits in a festive atmosphere. It’s also a chance to chow down on some excellent food from one of the world’s most craved cuisines. As part of my Teq Fest preview, I went on a quick little two-stop taco tour earlier this week to get a taste of some of the dishes to be on offer during Teq Fest 2018.

Hungry yet? Vamos! Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Discounts and Special Offers, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018, Travel | Tagged #teqfest, #teqfest2018, cocktails, discount codes, discounts, discounts & special offers, discounts and special offers, Drink, Food, Kensington Park Road, London, mexican food, mexican restaurants, mezcal, notting hill, Peyotito, reviews, special offers, tacos, taqueria, Taqueria London, Teq Fest, tequila, Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018, tikichris special, tikichris specials, Travel, voucher codes, W11, W11 2EU, W11 2RS, WESTBOURNE GROVE, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Ocracoke, North Carolina | Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-09-26 by tikichris

From Greenville, I made for the Outer Banks, specifically to the island of Ocracoke, where Blackbeard’s legacy seemed to hang in the air like Spanish moss on a live oak.

To reach Ocracoke Island, I took the ferry from Swan Quarter on the mainland. The scenic two-and-a-half hour voyage was an appealing aspect of the trip. Losing sight of the mainland to catch a glimpse eventually of my island destination with a flurry of pelicans and gulls to greet the ship as it neared the terminal evoked a strong feeling of being transported elsewhere for an experience beyond the norms of the rest of the world. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Blackbeard's Wake, Blogs, Drink, Food, History, Hotels, North Carolina, Restaurants, road trip, Travel, USA | Tagged #Blackbeard300, #TCBlackbeard300, 1718 Brewing Ocracoke, Back Porch Restaurant, BARS, beer, blackbeard, Blackbeard's Wake, Blogs, CRAFT BEER, Drink, Food, history, hotels, North Carolina, North Carolina Ferry, Ocracoke, Ocracoke Island, Ocracoke Island Golf Carts, Ocracoke Village & Beach Tours, Outer Banks, Philip Howard, Pirates, Plumb Pointe Kitchen, restaurants, road trip, Roadtrip, Springer’s Point Nature Preserve, Travel, USA | 2 Comments

Good Stuff #79 | Goodies from GO!

Posted on 2018-09-25 by Judith Schrut

Good stuff and lots of it! Judith Schrut’s been to London’s first GO! Organic Festival and has the low down on some fine things to see, sip and savour we thought worth sharing with you. Enjoy.

I recently went along to London’s first ever organic festival in the wide eyed riverside oasis that is Battersea Park. GO! Organic Festival turned out to be a brilliant early autumn weekend of fabulous food, music, learning, inspiration and healthful fun, an opportunity to talk to producers and growers dedicated to the organic way of life and a unique chance to see, sip, sniff and sample more than 100 organic food, drink and lifestyle products. From beer, bread and burritos to strawberries, scent and skincare, here’s more on some of my favourites. Continue reading →

Posted in Beer, Chocolate, Drink, England, Food, Good Stuff, London, Shopping | Tagged battersea park, cheese, chocolate, Divine, Divine Chocolate, Enchanted Plants, england, Go! Organic Festival, good stuff, Infinity Foods, Judith Schrut, Lesbian Donkey, Lesbos, London, olive oil, organic, organic food, Pick's Organic Farm, Real Organic Foods, south london, Stroud Brewery, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Greenville, North Carolina | Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-09-24 by tikichris

My first port of call “in Blackbeard’s wake” was the college town of Greenville, North Carolina.

Last time I visited the home of East Carolina University was in 2015 as part of my BBQ Bound adventures. Greenville and the surrounding area of Pitt County was the dream destination for whole hog BBQ and an ideal destination for downhome eats. Since then, a number of restaurants, bars and cafes have opened alongside a handful of craft breweries to ensure there’s plenty of quality beer to pair with all the great food.

As much as I savoured reacquainting myself with such a tasty town, I was primarily there to take a peek into the East Carolina University lab where artefacts from Blackbeard’s sunken flagship are being preserved and studied for a more accurate record of North Carolina’s coastal heritage. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Blackbeard's Wake, Drink, Food, History, Hotels, North Carolina, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, USA | Tagged #Blackbeard300, #TCBlackbeard300, BARS, BBQ, beer, blackbeard, Blackbeard's Wake, coffee, CRAFT BEER, Drink, East Carolina University, ECU, Food, Greenville, Greenville North Carolina, history, hotels, Hurricane Florence, Kayaking, Knee Deep Adventures, North Carolina, Pirates, Pitt County, Queen Anne’s Revenge, Queen Anne’s Revenge Conservation Lab, restaurants, road trip, Roadtrip, Sam Jones, Sam Jones BBQ, Shopping, Tar River, The Music House, The Music House Greenville, Travel, USA, West Fire Tower Road, Winterville, Winterville North Carolina | Leave a comment

Sushi Shop 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Box

Posted on 2018-09-23 by tikichris

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Sushi Shop has partnered with three legendary European street artists to create three distinctive designs for a limited edition 42-piece sushi box.

Perfect for a couple’s night in or as part of a spread of party finger foods, the box features a ‘best of’ assortment of rolls along with three new ones: Carrot Tulip, Pepper Salmon Roll and Teriyaki Chicken Spring.

I picked up a box at the Marylebone Sushi Shop. Made fresh and in a jiffy, it provided a welcome casual dinner for Kemey and I on an otherwise ho-hum mid week night. We appreciated the attractive packaging (good conversation starter) and even more so what was packaged inside. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Food, Graffiti, London, Restaurants, Video | Tagged Art, Food, Graffiti, japanese food, London, marylebone, reviews, street art, sushi, sushi shop, Sushi Shop 20th Anniversary, Sushi Shop 20th Anniversary Box, Sushi Shop 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Box, Video, W1, W1G 8NY, Weymouth St, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

In Blackbeard’s Wake

Posted on 2018-09-22 by tikichris

Ahoy, y’all! I’m back in London and starting to sift through the notes from my latest road trip. This one was along the US Atlantic coast of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia on the trail of fact and fiction pertaining to one of the world’s most notorious pirates: Blackbeard.

2018 marks the 300th anniversary of the death of Blackbeard. Beyond the treasure trove of myth related to this infamous villain, little is known except for the tales of his extremely short lived maritime crime spree. Continue reading →

Posted in Blackbeard's Wake, Cars, Georgia, Good Cause, History, North Carolina, road trip, South Carolina, Travel, USA | Tagged #Blackbeard300, #TCBlackbeard300, blackbeard, Blackbeard's Wake, cars, Charleston, Charleston South Carolina, georgia, good cause, Greenville, Greenville North Carolina, Hertz, Hertz Car Hire, history, Hurricane Florence, North Carolina, Ocracoke, Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, Pirates, road trip, Roadtrip, Savannah, Savannah Georgia, South Carolina, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

Win a Bottle of Patron Reposado Tequila

Posted on 2018-09-21 by tikichris

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.

Love tequila? My team up with Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 just got a lot tastier with this competition offering the chance for one tikichris reader to win a bottle of some of Mexico’s best: Patron Reposado.

Made from the finest 100% Weber Blue Agave, distilled in small batches and aged for more than two months in oak barrels, Patron Reposado is a premium tequila with an oaky bouquet, a fresh agave flavour and a lightly floral finish. Connoisseurs know Patron is one of the smoothest blue agave tequilas. Those less acquainted with this spirit or memories of bad experience with lower quality tequilas) would do deliciously well to have a sip of any Patron product! Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Competition, Discounts and Special Offers, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping, Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 | Tagged #teqfest, #teqfest2018, #WinTeqFestPatron, Barge House Street, Bargehouse, cocktails, competition, discount codes, discounts, discounts & special offers, discounts and special offers, Drink, Entertainment, Food, free, freebies, live performance, London, mexican food, mexican restaurants, mezcal, music, oxo tower, Oxo Tower Wharf, Patron Reposado, Patron Reposado Tequilia, Patron Tequila, RT to win, SE1 9PH, Shopping, special offers, Teq Fest, tequila, Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018, tikichris special, tikichris specials, Travel, twitter competition, voucher codes, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Must Eat Mexico City (Going Places)

Posted on 2018-09-20 by tikichris

What happens when one of the world’s most delicious cuisines meets one of the world’s most dynamic megacities? Damas y Caballeros, welcome to Mexico City! We hope you’ve brought your appetite. This expansive capital city is a cultural and culinary hub that’s as exciting a foodie frontier to explore as anywhere in the world.

Here’s our rundown of the best local food to try in Mexico City with suggestions on where the best places to go for each are.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

Posted in Food, Going Places, Mexico, OneTravel, Restaurants, Travel | Tagged Food, Going Places, mexican food, mexico, mexico city, OneTravel, restaurants, Travel | Leave a comment

My Coffee with Melitta | What to Look for When Buying a Machine

Posted on 2018-09-17 by tikichris

Shopping around for a new coffee machine? Or maybe you’re just wondering if there’s a better way to brew than how you currently go about it?

I’m back with another post in My Coffee – a collaborative series with premium coffee machine maker Melitta – to help you understand your options and narrow them down to determine which machine is best for you.

From sleek cutting edge technology to tried-and-true champs of yore, the range of machines offered by Melitta has you covered whatever way you like to make your coffee. Continue reading →

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

3 Tips on Booking the Right London Hotel for You

Posted on 2018-09-16 by tikichris

Planning a visit to London and wondering which part of town will be your ideal base?

The good news is that there are tons of accommodation options for just about every budget and taste. But considering how sprawling and varied London is, wading through all the information available about every property and area of the city and determining the right place for your London stay can be a daunting task. Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, London, Travel | Tagged hotels, London, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Chocolate | Pierre Marcolini’s Winter Collection

Posted on 2018-09-15 by Judith Schrut

Mmmm! Do you love Belgian chocolates like we love Belgian chocolates? If so, Judith Schrut urges you to check out Pierre Marcolini’s yummy winter collection.

Celebrated Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini’s passion for sweet treats dates back to his childhood when, so the story goes, he would happily exchange toys with his brother for an extra portion of dessert. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Belgium, Celebrities, Chocolate, Food, London, Luxury, Shopping | Tagged Art, belgian chocolate, chocolate, Food, Judith Schrut, London, luxury, marylebone, Marylebone High Street W1U 4QE, Pierre Marcolini, Shopping, W1, winter collection, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

London Art Openings | Impressionists: From Manet to Cezanne

Posted on 2018-09-14 by Judith Schrut

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, La Loge (Theatre Box), 1874, © The Samuel Courtauld Trust, the Courtauld Gallery, London

If you love French Impressionism, reports Judith Schrut, don’t miss the National Gallery’s new show.

Have you seen this magnificent painting? It’s on display as part of Courtauld Impressionists: From Manet to Cézanne at the National Gallery. This new exhibition showcases 40 Impressionist masterpieces, most of which are on loan from the Courtauld Gallery, which is currently closed as part of a major transformation. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, England, Entertainment, London, Museums | Tagged Art, Cézanne, Courtauld, Courtauld Impressionists, Courtauld Impressionists: From Manet to Cézanne, From Manet to Cézanne, Impressionism, Impressionists, Judith Schrut, London, Manet, modern art, museums, national gallery, Renoir, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, trafalgar square, Travel, WC2, WC2N 5DN, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Nineteen 87 Premium Baked Dog Food

Posted on 2018-09-13 by Federica Carr

Federica Carr serves a dog’s dinner of Nineteen 87, premium baked dog food to her trusty companion.

Being surrounded by fussy eaters is not ideal for a food blogger… and I am not talking just about my husband. My dog in fact, is a fussy eater too. Amber, our basset fauve the Bretagne who’s been featured already on this blog, is quite difficult when it comes to nourishment. Continue reading →

Posted in Pets, Shopping | Tagged #nineteen87dogfood, Amber, Amber the Dog, Dog food, dogs, Federica Carr, Nineteen 87, Pet food, pets, Premium dog food, Shopping | Leave a comment

Franciacorta: Italian Sparkling Wines

Posted on 2018-09-12 by Judith Schrut

Judith Schrut has been sampling Franciacorta’s distinctive sparkling wines.

Franciacorta has been described as the “best wine you’ve never heard of” and I’ll be honest, I had not heard of it until I was invited to taste some at its Annual London Showcase. The event was hosted by the Vice President of Franciacorta, Silvano Brescianini and Franciacorta’s UK Brand Ambassador, Tom Harrow. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, Italy, London, Luxury, Wine | Tagged 67 Pall Mall, BARS, Brut Rosé, Drink, Franciacorta, Italian sparkling wine, italian wine, Italy, italy wine, Judith Schrut, London, luxury, silvano brescianini, sparkling wine, st james's, SW1Y 5ES, Tom Harrow, wine, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | 1 Comment

September at Skylight Rooftop Review

Posted on 2018-09-11 by Zay Ahmed

Zay Ahmed surveys what’s at play with her visit to Skylight rooftop bar.

Okay I get it, you’ve likely had your fill of rooftops this year. How about rooftops where you can try your hand at croquet and petanque? Not so likely. This week, why not challenge your friends to a game with an unrivalled view at Skylight at Tobacco Dock in Wapping. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged BARS, Croquet, Drink, E1, E1W 2SF, east london, Food, London, Pennington Street, restaurants, reviews, rooftop, Rooftop bars, Skylight, Tobacco Dock, Wapping, Zay Ahmed, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Jose Pizarro | All Consumed Episode 3 | #TCTalks Episode 36

Posted on 2018-09-10 by tikichris

For this episode of tikichris Talks I’m sharing an episode of All Consumed, a podcast that I coproduce with fellow food, drink and travel writer Neil Davey.

The third and latest in our series, it features an in depth discussion with Chef Jose Pizarro.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

Posted in All Consumed, Bars, Drink, Food, interview, London, Podcast, Restaurants, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, All Consumed, BARS, bermondsey, Bermondsey High Street, Chef Jose Pizarro, Drink, Food, interview, JOSE PIZARRO, London, Neil Davey, PIZARRO, PODCAST, restaurants, south london, spanish food, tapas, tikichris talks, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Up In My Grill at The King & Co

Posted on 2018-09-10 by Alexandra Kalinowski

Alexandra Kalinowski reminisces while she reviews the Up In My Grill residency at The King & Co.

It’s been two years. Two years since I did it. It’s weird to think just four years ago I indulged in it almost daily. I was that addicted. I loved being surrounded by people without being forced into conversation. It could just be me, and my big fat juicy burger. And then a kebab. And then some pad Thai, and before I knew it, I’d eaten the entire street food market in one setting. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, Food, London, Pubs, Restaurants | Tagged BARS, beef, burgers, Cheeeburgers, CLAPHAM, Clapham Park Road, Drink, Food, hamburgers, London, pubs, restaurants, reviews, south london, street food, SW4, SW4 7BZ, The King & Co, Up In My Grill | Leave a comment

Win Tickets to the Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018

Posted on 2018-09-09 by tikichris

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.

Coming to London the first weekend of October for its fifth anniversary is the Tequila & Mezcal Fest – the biggest agave extravaganza in Europe.

As part of my team up with Teq Fest, I’ve set aside a pair of day tickets to share with one lucky tikichris reader. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Competition, Drink, Entertainment, Food, London, Music, Restaurants, Shopping, Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 | Tagged #teqfest, #teqfest2018, #WinTeqFestTix, Barge House Street, Bargehouse, BARS, cocktails, competition, discount codes, discounts, discounts & special offers, discounts and special offers, Drink, Entertainment, Food, free, freebies, live performance, London, mexican food, mexican restaurants, mezcal, music, oxo tower, Oxo Tower Wharf, RT to win, SE1 9PH, Shopping, special offers, Teq Fest, tequila, Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018, tikichris special, tikichris specials, Travel, twitter competition, voucher codes, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

The Secrets of Successful Solo Travelers (Going Places)

Posted on 2018-09-07 by tikichris

For the uninitiated, the idea of travel by one’s self can seem daunting. But those with experience traveling on their own are well aware that it often can lead to life affirming adventures and the happiest of memories. Achieving success as a solo traveler starts with identifying why you’re going it alone and what you want to get out of your time away.

Here are some solo travel tips that can help you plan a most satisfying trip.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

Posted in Going Places, OneTravel, Travel | Tagged Going Places, OneTravel, Solo Travel, Travel | Leave a comment

Best of the Fests | Long Road Country and Americana Festival

Posted on 2018-09-06 by Judith Schrut

Top country & Americana stars Carrie Underwood, the Shires, Lee Ann Womack, courtesy Baxter PR

This weekend Judith Schrut dons rhinestone boots and red bandana for the first ever Long Road Festival.

Top country and Americana stars are lining up for the inaugural Long Road Country, Americana and Roots Festival. Old and New World traditions will unite in the grand surrounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire. The historic home has housed the Cave family since the 15th century but this weekend plays host to Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, Angaleena Presley, The Shires, Bob Harris and the BBC Introducing Stage and dozens more country, bluegrass and folk performers from the US and UK. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Best of the Fests, England, Entertainment, Food, Live Performance, Music, Travel, USA | Tagged americana, Angeleena Presley, BARS, Best of the Fests, bluegrass, Bob Harris, Carrie Underwood, country, COUNTRY MUSIC, england, Entertainment, FESTIVALS, Food, Judith Schrut, Lee Ann Womack, live performance, Long Road Festival, music, Stanford Hall, the Shires, Travel | Leave a comment

Open Air Cinema | Where is the Nomad?

Posted on 2018-09-05 by Judith Schrut

Judith Schrut joins the Nomad for a cinematic trip across Australia’s outback.

Since 2010, the Nomad Cinema has been popping its outdoor screens up in Brompton Cemetery, Hyde Park Lido, St Paul’s Cathedral Gardens and other intriguing London locations, along with enticing add-ons like hot food, blankets and magic carpets. It has a unique tag as ‘the pop-up cinema that gives back’, as it’s run primarily by volunteers and donates 100% of profits to charity. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Australia, Desert, Entertainment, London, Movies | Tagged australia, cabaret, cinema, Drag, drag queen, Judith Schrut, LGBTQ, London, movie, Movies, Northern Territory, Outback, outdoor cinema, queen's park, queens, Red Centre, review, Singapore Airlines, The Nomad Cinema, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Continental Canine | Conclusion

Posted on 2018-09-05 by Federica Carr

Federica Carr returns to London with sidekick Amber ready to share some final thoughts about their adventures riding the trains across Europe.

We got back to London in one, or rather, two pieces. Amber and I had made it all the way down and back up to England via France, Switzerland and a good part of Italy. Continue reading →

Posted in Continental Canine, Pets, Travel | Tagged Amber, Continental Canine, Contintental travel, dogs, Euroshuttle, Federica Carr, france, Italy, pets, rail travel, train travel, Travel, Travel with dogs, Travel with pets, Traveling with your dog | Leave a comment

Secret Adventures Farmyard Cinema: Unbranded

Posted on 2018-09-04 by Sheepa Miah

Sheepa Miah reviews a secret “farmyard” screening of Unbranded.

Secret Adventures put on a one of a kind cinema experience for an award winning film, Unbranded, and I had the pleasure of going along to the the viewing. Located in a city farm located in one of the most unexpected places, you would never have guessed that you were in the heart of Waterloo. Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, London, Movies | Tagged award winning, bar, barn, BBQ, border to border, campfire, cinema, city farm, documentary, Farmyard, Farmyard Cinema, film, film documentary, film screening, London, Oasis City Farm, Secret Adventures, Unbranded, urban farm, WATERLOO, Wild Horses, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Continental Canine | Italy, Finally!

Posted on 2018-09-04 by Federica Carr

Federica Carr and Amber reach ride the trains and go for walks in Calais, Paris and Zurich, as Continental Canine continues.

We arrived in Milano – once again on time – on a warm, still, early August morning. The thin light of dawn was peering through the glass domed roof of Milano Centrale as Amber very happily walked off the Thello and onward, sniffing and wagging. I felt a conscious happiness sweeping through me, because we were finally in Italy and things felt different, familiar and safe in a way I can’t fully explain. Continue reading →

Posted in Continental Canine, Italy, Pets, Rome, Travel | Tagged Continental Canine, dog, dogs, European train travel, Federica Carr, Italy, Milan, Milan with a dog, Pet Travel, pets, rome, Rome with a dog, train travel, Travel, travel post, Travel with dogs, Travel with pets, Traveling with a dog | Leave a comment

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Hey folks. I’m weighing anchor and sailing on to cover other topics, but I hope you enjoyed reading about my Blackbeard inspired tour of the Carolina and Georgia coast and that you had a chance to listen to my two related podcast episodes.

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The Moving Moment When I Went to the Universe brings new works, a trippy Infinity Mirror Room and plenty of giant pumpkins and more by celebrated Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, to Victoria Miro.

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Last stop of my ride through Blackbeard’s Wake was Savannah, Georgia.

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Federica Carr shares the highlights from a cheese and wine tasting hosted by Hero Hirsh of Paxton & Whitfield and Barbara Drew from Berry Bros. & Rudd.

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Another tie in with the Blackbeard’s Wake miniseries on my blog, Episode 28 of tikichris Talks finds me in conversation with research historian, author and documentary filmmaker Kevin Duffus.

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Planning to fly out of Gatwick or Glasgow anytime in the next year? I’ve teamed up with Airport Park and Ride to make your travels easier and cheaper with up to two weeks of free parking at either of these airports.

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Back on the mainland after my overnight on Ocracoke, I drove south to Charleston still on the trail of Blackbeard.

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The Tequila & Mezcal Fest will be here soon and I’ve got a sneak peek of what to eat when you go.

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From Greenville, I made for the Outer Banks, specifically to the island of Ocracoke, where Blackbeard’s legacy seemed to hang in the air like Spanish moss on a live oak.

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Good stuff and lots of it! Judith Schrut’s been to London’s first GO! Organic Festival and has the low down on some fine things to see, sip and savour we thought worth sharing with you. Enjoy.

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My first port of call “in Blackbeard’s wake” was the college town of Greenville, North Carolina.

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Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Sushi Shop has partnered with three legendary European street artists to create three distinctive designs for a limited edition 42-piece sushi box.

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Ahoy, y’all! I’m back in London and starting to sift through the notes from my latest road trip. This one was along the US Atlantic coast of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia on the trail of fact and fiction pertaining to one of the world’s most notorious pirates: Blackbeard.

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Love tequila? My team up with Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 just got a lot tastier with this competition offering the chance for one tikichris reader to win a bottle of some of Mexico’s best: Patron Reposado.

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Shopping around for a new coffee machine? Or maybe you’re just wondering if there’s a better way to brew than how you currently go about it?

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Planning a visit to London and wondering which part of town will be your ideal base?

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Mmmm! Do you love Belgian chocolates like we love Belgian chocolates? If so, Judith Schrut urges you to check out Pierre Marcolini’s yummy winter collection.

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Pierre-Auguste Renoir, La Loge (Theatre Box), 1874, © The Samuel Courtauld Trust, the Courtauld Gallery, London

If you love French Impressionism, reports Judith Schrut, don’t miss the National Gallery’s new show.

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Federica Carr serves a dog’s dinner of Nineteen 87, premium baked dog food to her trusty companion.

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Judith Schrut has been sampling Franciacorta’s distinctive sparkling wines.

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Zay Ahmed surveys what’s at play with her visit to Skylight rooftop bar.

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For this episode of tikichris Talks I’m sharing an episode of All Consumed, a podcast that I coproduce with fellow food, drink and travel writer Neil Davey.

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Alexandra Kalinowski reminisces while she reviews the Up In My Grill residency at The King & Co.

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Coming to London the first weekend of October for its fifth anniversary is the Tequila & Mezcal Fest – the biggest agave extravaganza in Europe.

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Top country & Americana stars Carrie Underwood, the Shires, Lee Ann Womack, courtesy Baxter PR

This weekend Judith Schrut dons rhinestone boots and red bandana for the first ever Long Road Festival.

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Judith Schrut joins the Nomad for a cinematic trip across Australia’s outback.

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Federica Carr returns to London with sidekick Amber ready to share some final thoughts about their adventures riding the trains across Europe.

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Sheepa Miah reviews a secret “farmyard” screening of Unbranded.

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Federica Carr and Amber reach ride the trains and go for walks in Calais, Paris and Zurich, as Continental Canine continues.

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