Discovering the culture of Cognac and witnessing firsthand the processes behind its creation added delicious layers of appreciation and understanding to my experience drinking this most elegant brandy. Continue reading
Not quite two weeks ago I published a post with some ideas about how to keep the mind ready and running when writer’s block hits. And, well, I guess in some small way those tips really worked (for yours truly anyway) because soon after I had a whole new batch of anti-blockage tactics come to mind. So I thought I’d share some of the better ones with you here. Continue reading
Here’s a list of restaurants where I ate exceptionally well during my visit. Continue reading
This year’s fair features 42 leading exhibitors from 17 countries showcasing the works of more than 130 artists from across Africa. Continue reading
As you might expect (and would be surprised to realise no one else came up with this not terribly novel idea before these guys) Bar Luciole specialise in cocktails made with the local claim to fame as their key ingredients. Continue reading
I was recently invited to a special Maison Pierre Marcolini event to check out the 2017 Christmas Collection. Pierre Marcolini is a chocolatier known for sourcing premium cocoa directly from independent producers in Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Ghana, Madagascar and Vietnam. Continue reading
Synonymous with quality and luxury, the ethos behind this highly regarded player in the international spirits industry really aren’t all that different in essence to those of the small-scale father and son operation of Les Freres Moine. Continue reading
I dropped by for a meal last Friday evening. It was a tasty one served quickly and with a warm smile. Continue reading
So, the family producer I visited was Les Freres Moine. A father and son business spanning more than 30 years, the winery and distillery is run from an age-old farmhouse with a small distillery and cellar and vineyards across the countryside of Jarnac, an area about 10k from the city of Cognac that’s renowned for its vineyards and quality of wines and spirits produced there. Continue reading
In anticipation of the festival I dropped by The Greek Larder last week for a taste of things to come as well as of what’s on offer anytime at the restaurant. Continue reading
Or at least my summertime visit to the town of Cognac and vineyards sprawling across it nearby countryside was a memorably delicious trip. I was there to become better acquainted with the area’s eponymous spirit and the age-old traditions that have gone into making it such a distinctive drink. Continue reading
As you walk through the streets of Soho you will find yourself in one the most vibrant, eclectic and historic areas of London. The sheer energy of this part of town cannot be denied. Soho is filled to the brim with theatres, bars, coffee shops and restaurants. We can now add Blade Hairclub to that list. Continue reading
As a destination known for making the most of the limited space and for having one of the world’s most fiercely competitive food scenes, bargains mostly certainly do abound. In fact, some of the coolest things about any visit to Hong Kong happen in the street and, if not actually free, they are negligible in price.
Allow us to lay out a few ideas to help you save money on during your trip with some tips on where to stay and how to play on a limited budget. We’re assuming you already have your airfare taken care of and that you won’t be renting a car. The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) with an exchange rate of (at the time this post was written) HK$7.8125 to 1 United States Dollar (US$).
Read my complete post at Miles Away.
I hope you had fun too reading about my trip and that my tales may help you plan your own Alpine adventures.
Interested in browsing my complete Yodel for Valais miniseries? Here’s a list with links to all the posts:
Make sure to have a look at all tikichris miniseries and special features.
The folks at Hellmann’s (yes, the “bring out the best” mayonnaise brand – a staple in my kitchen for decades) were in touch recently to see if I’d like to head down to East Croydon to try some chicken wings. Continue reading
Here’s a taste of the best bites and sips from trip. Continue reading
But it seems to happen with less frequency and for shorter durations than it used to. So maybe I am making progress with minimising its efforts.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? Maybe my tactics for combating it can help. Here are a few ideas for things to do that tend to help me unclog my thoughts and get back to productive writing when I come up against a wall. Continue reading
My time at this triennial yodeling extravaganza and celebration of Alpine culture was so much fun and enlightening too. I had no idea how beautiful yodeling could be, how complex and beguiling its harmonic arrangements could be, or how completely full on its most ardent adherents were toward its preservation. Continue reading
How to cope? Well, it’s not all nickels and dimes in the sky. Here’s a look at amenities still offered for free by certain airlines. (Keep in mind while reading this post that rules and policies can change and so can the fine print. In these cases involving air travel, it’s a good idea to double check what’s free and what’s for-a-fee with the specific airline you plan to fly with next.)
Read my complete post at Miles Away.
The Aletsch Arena is a mountain resort area on the German speaking side of Valias (or, Wallis as they say in German). It encompasses three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp. Due to its outstanding natural beauty, it was the first site in the Alps to receive UNESCO World Heritage status. The big draw here is the Great Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps. Continue reading
The Portes du Soleil is a major skiing and mountain sports destination in the Alps and one of the biggest outdoor destinations of its kind in the world. Spanning across 13 resort areas, it’s more than 1,000 sq km in size and stretches from Mont Blanc in France to the far side of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Among the baker’s dozen of Portes du Soleil resort areas is the Val d’Illiez. As enchanting and rugged as any place as I’ve ever encountered, the Val sits loftily above 900m (3000ft) in elevation. Amid all its Alpine splendour is the charming little village of Champéry. Continue reading
COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
A celebration of chocolate in all its most delicious forms, The Chocolate Show runs from Friday the 13th through Sunday the 15th of October at Olympia London. Continue reading
In June, I tagged along to the 2017 Jodlerfest held in the town of Brig in the canton of Valais (known as Wallis in German) to take in the sights and sounds of this fun event. Continue reading
Sure there are loads of other handy apps out there for when you’re on the go (we thought about including Uber and Netflix) but only went with these eight because they genuinely are free to use and should apply to helping get you where you need to go with minimal stress.
Read my complete post at Going Places.
I really enjoyed my visit to the original Notting Hill Dayrooms several weeks back and was glad to learn The Aussie inspired all day café has come at least a little farther east toward my side of town. Continue reading
I tagged along for a tasting of the Grazing menu, one of the pub’s four festive season packages offered. It featured heart handheld dishes big on flavour and fun. I liked the mini brisket burgers, breaded harissa halloumi fingers and macaroni cheese balls best but it was all pretty yummy. Continue reading
When you live in a city as diverse as London you soon learn that there is a list of pulsating, uber cool, queues out of the door, “you’re not on the list” venues that simmer just below the surface. They give this city its edge. BUT you have to be in the know. Continue reading
It’s the latest travel and tech trend going on today: luggage with built-in high-tech features to make modern travel less of a hassle. Some come with battery and USB outlets to charge your phone or tablet, some work with your cell phone to prevent you from losing your bags, and some even double as motorized transport you can ride (seriously). But all of them are redefining how we pack our stuff and what the specs and function of luggage should be.
Here’s a look at four smart suitcases that you can buy right now.
Read my complete post at Going Places.
Leading in the field of interior design, Decorex 2017 focuses on design collaborations, details and craftsmanship for the luxury market. Continue reading
Starting Monday 18 September and running for two weeks, M&S is offering the chance for people to win a free lunch every 12 seconds. Continue reading
From old school throwbacks to next generation technology, gaming is big fun in the Big Apple. The city is home to some of the coolest arcades ranging from the family oriented and kid friendly to grownup playgrounds serving craft beer and cocktails.
We recommend having a blast at one of these six arcades next time you visit.
Read my complete post at Going Places.
There is a tremendous amount of confusion out there when it comes to what a person can or cannot do with an emotional support animal, or ESA, so we wanted to clear the air in a manner of speaking. Continue reading
The limited run offers customers the chance to try a bottle of an underappreciated but nonetheless extra delicious wine for only £10. Continue reading
