tikichris

Recipe: Norwegian Cod, Wild Garlic Miso and Barbecued Asparagus | #OhMyCod

Posted on 2017-05-04 by tikichris

Here’s another skrei-umptious recipe: cod with wild garlic miso and barbecued asparagus, compliments of Chef Robin Gill of The Dairy in Clapham via the Great British Chefs website. With the wild garlic and the asparagus, it makes a great dish for the mid spring feasting.

I learned how to make this dish at an asparagus masterclass hosted by Great British Chefs at Le Cordon Bleu London with Chef Gill at the helm demonstrating how to prepare it and Cordon Bleu’s Master Chef Anthony Boyd offering hands on instruction as well. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Great British Chefs, London, Oh My Cod, Recipes, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged #CookSchoolGBC, #OhMyCod, Anthony Boyd, bloomsbury, Bloomsbury Square, Chef Anthony Boyd, Chef Robin Gill, chefs, cod, Cod recipes, fish, Fish recipes, Food, GREAT BRITISH CHEFS, Great British Chefs Cook School, LE CORDON BLEU, Le Cordon Bleu London, London, Master Chef Anthony Boyd, norwegian cod, Oh My Cod, Recipe: Norwegian Cod, recipes, restaurants, Robin Gill, seafood, Shopping, Skrei recipes, SKREI®, tacos, The Dairy, tikichris recipes, WC1, WC1A 2LS, Wild Garlic Miso and Barbecued Asparagus, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

“Back to the Classics” with Afternoon Tea at The Langham

Posted on 2017-05-03 by tikichris

Newly appointed Executive Pastry Chef for The Langham London, Andrew Gravett, showcases classic recipes with seasonal ingredient, lighter textures and distinct flavours with his new Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood.

The tea launches today (3 May), but I got a sneaky taste of what’s on offer yesterday at an early evening preview and chat with Gravett. The new tea signals a departure from the former exec chef Cherish Finden’s delightfully quirky and elaborate stylings to Gravett’a back to the classics approach to patisserie. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Travel | Tagged afternoon tea, Andrew Gravett, Chef Andrew Gravett, design, Drink, Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett, Food, hotels, London, luxury, marylebone, pastry, Portland Place, regent street, restaurants, tea, The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood, The Langham London, W1, W1B 1JA, Wedgwood, Лондон, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Win a Selection of Sweet Smelling Candy Lookalike Soaps from Prezzybox.com

Posted on 2017-05-03 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!

Soaps that smell and look like candy? They’re a fun idea and make a brilliant novelty gift.

I’ve teamed up with Prezzybox.com – the UK’s complete online gift solution – for a sweet little competition offering the chance to win a selection of candy lookalike (and smell-alike) soaps. Ready to clean up? Keep reading! Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Freebies, Shopping | Tagged #WinCandySoap, competition, free, freebies, prezzybox, prezzybox.com, Shopping, soap | 5 Comments

Recipe: Beer Batter Bacalao Tacos | #OhMyCod

Posted on 2017-04-23 by tikichris

Bacalao (aka salt cod) is smart way to preserve cod. It ups the flavour of the fish and gives it a nice, chunky texture too – perfect for frying and as a filler for tacos.

I tried my hand at making salt cod with a couple of kilos of skrei (wild Norwegian cod). It was super easy to do and I was really pleased with the results. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Oh My Cod, Recipes, Shopping | Tagged "Beer Batter Bacalao", #OhMyCod, bacalao, bacalhau, beer batter, Chipotle mayonnaise, cod, Cod recipes, fish, Fish recipes, fish tacos, Food, norwegian cod, Oh My Cod, Recipe: Beer Batter Bacalao, recipes, salt cod, seafood, Shopping, Skrei recipes, SKREI®, tacos, tikichris recipes | 2 Comments

Chick’n Shack Chicken Burger Launches at Shake Shack

Posted on 2017-04-23 by tikichris

Available from 25 April at selected UK Shake Shack outlets is the Chick’n Shack chicken burger.

The Chick’n Shack is a crispy fried British chicken breast topped with shredded lettuce, pickles and a herby buttermilk mayo and served on a potato roll. Priced at £6.25, it’s a tasty burger – nothing to bwack at! Continue reading →

Posted in Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged burgers, Chick'n Shack, chicken burgers, Food, hamburgers, London, restaurants, reviews, Shake Shack, Shake Shack Victoria, Shake Shack Victoria Nova, Shake Shack Victoria Station, SW1, SW1E 5LB, Victoria Nova, Victoria Street, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Les Deux Amies, a Crepe Reason to Visit Boxpark Croydon

Posted on 2017-04-23 by tikichris

Sweet or savoury, your crepe (or galette) will be made fresh and with a smile at Les Deux Amies.

It’s going on two years since I became acquainted with the founders of Les Deux Amies at Old Street Station and their “good food, good people” approach to running a crepe bar. Since then, they’ve crowdfunded their way into their own unit at Boxpark Croydon. As I was in Croydon recently and having lunch at next door neighbour, Carioca, I made sure to save room for dessert and dropped by afterwards for a crepe. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Good Cause, London, Restaurants, Shopping, Street Markets | Tagged BOXPARK, Boxpark Croydon, CR0, CR0 1LD, creperie, crepes, croydon, Drink, east croydon, Food, galettes, George Street, good cause, Les Deux Amies, London, Market Row, restaurants, reviews, Shopping, south london, street food, street markets, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Awesome Things to do in Los Angeles

Posted on 2017-04-23 by tikichris

There are so many things to do in Los Angeles that you can find yourself running out of time while visiting the city.

For those of you with limited time here, ifonly.com has a bunch of recommendations for you. You could even spend the days you have at the museums and never even look in the general direction of Hollywood, which is all people seem to think about when they are here. Here are some of the best sights and sounds in the City of Angels. Continue reading →

Posted in California, Travel, USA | Tagged california, Jen Brenner, L.A., los angeles, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

Elliot Dodd, The Manbody, at Zabludowicz Collection

Posted on 2017-04-22 by tikichris

The Manbody by Elliot Dodd is a short film being screened at Zabludowicz Collection. It provides odd viewing that soothes as much as it disconcerts.

For Elliot Dodd’s premiere solo exhibition, The Manbody, the Jersey-born London-based artist has produced a 4K digital film. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, London, Movies | Tagged Art, camden, chalk farm, contemporary art, Elliot Dodd, exhibition, film, gallery, London, NW5, NW5 3PT, Prince of Wales Road, reviews, The Manbody, Video, video art, zabludowicz collection, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Adam Rawson’s #Rawmen Pop-Up Ramen Bar

Posted on 2017-04-22 by tikichris

No noodling around here, Adam Rawson is back at Borough Wines & Beers’ Brewery Below with a “Rawmen” pop-up ramen bar.

It wasn’t long ago at all I was raving about Chef Rawson’s Sakura pop-up Japanese restaurant. So I was keen for a slurp when I heard he was popping-up again with a ramen bar in the same place. And, to be sure, I was prepared to be amazed. Still, when I had a taste last night, the high bar I’d set was cleared with flavoursome ease. This dude’s impressing the hell out of me with his kitchen craft. More please! Continue reading →

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged #rawmen, Adam Rawson, beer, borough wines, Borough Wines & Beers, Brewery Below, chef Adam Rawson, De Beauvoir, DE BEAUVOIR TOWN, Drink, essex road, Food, islington, japanese food, London, N1, N1 3PD, POP UPS, pop-up, ramen, restaurants, reviews, sake, sakura, Shopping, The Brewery Below, Wne, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

East End Mob at BSMT Space, Dalston

Posted on 2017-04-21 by tikichris

A graffiti-riddled Memory Lane cuts through Dalston with East End Mob, a newly opened exhibition at BSMT Space featuring works by some of London’s most influential and prolific street artists from the past decade.

Artists exhibited are A.CE, Atomiko, Coloquix, Cranio, Dscreet, Mau Mau, Mighty Mo, Pez, Rowdy, Sweet Toof, Tizer and Vinnie Nylon. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Graffiti | Tagged A.CE, Art, Atomiko, BSMT Space, Coloquix, Cranio, dalston, Dscreet, East End Mob at BSTM Space, east london, EXHIBITIONS, galleries, Graffiti, London, Mau Mau, Mighty Mo, N16, N16 8BH, Pez, reviews, rowdy, Stoke Newington, stoke newington road, street art, sweet toof, Tizer, VINNIE NYLON, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Carioca – A Bite of Brazil at Boxpark Croydon

Posted on 2017-04-21 by tikichris

I finally made it down to Boxpark Croydon for a forage, including a big Brazilian style lunch at Cariaco.

Croydon’s Boxpark is steps from East Croydon Station and offers a broad choice of food vendors within super close proximity of each other (plus, lots of communal outdoor seating). But if you saw what I had to eat at Carioca you might think twice about ordering elsewhere. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Street Markets | Tagged BOXPARK, Boxpark Croydon, brazilian food, Carioca, Carioca Croydon, CR0, CR0 1LD, croydon, Drink, east croydon, Food, George Street, London, Market Row, restaurants, reviews, south london, street food, street markets, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

#ThePerfectItalianPair – Parmigiano-Reggiano + Balsamico Tradizionale at Massimo Restaurant & Bar

Posted on 2017-04-21 by tikichris

Two of Italy’s most delicious artisan foods – Parmigiano-Reggiano PDO and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena PDO – were celebrated in London recently as “The Perfect Italian Pair” at a media dinner hosted by Massimo Restaurant & Bar.

Chefs working their wizardy with these two treats were Executive Chef Adriano Cavagnini of Corinthia Hotel London (where Massimo is located) and Michelin starred Chef Terry Giacomello of Ristorante Inkiostro in Parma.

You best believe I RSVPed with gourmet glee to attend, keen for a taste of the menu showcasing such a delectable duo. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Restaurants | Tagged #ThePerfectItalianPair, Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena PDO, Adriano Cavagnini, balsamic, Balsamico, balsamico tradizionale, Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, cheese, Chef Adriano Cavagnini, Chef Terry Giacomello, Corinthia Hotel London, Executive Chef Adriano Cavagnini, Food, hotels, italian food, London, luxury, Massimo, Massimo Restaurant & Bar, Massimo Restaurant and Bar, NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, parmesan, parmesan cheese, parmigiano, parmigiano-reggiano, Parmigiano-Reggiano PDO, restaurants, reviews, Ristorante Inkiostra, Terry Giacomello, The Perfect Italian Pair, WC2N 5AE, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Win a Bottle of Cloven Hoof Spiced Rum

Posted on 2017-04-20 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!

Cloven Hoof spiced rum is a blend of dark rum from Guyana and lighter rum from Trinidad mixed with a range of spices such as clove, star anise, cassia and more.

Interestingly, when you add a generous pinch of tikichris and there’s a chance you can win a bottle of this tasty libation for free. Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Drink, Freebies, Shopping | Tagged #WinSpicedRum, Cloven Hoof, Cloven Hoof Rum, competition, Drink, free, free drink, free rum, freebies, RT to win, rum, Shopping, Spiced rum, twitter competition | 1 Comment

Europe’s 7 Best Cities You Should Visit This Summer (Going Places)

Posted on 2017-04-20 by tikichris

It’s almost time for summer vacation! Do you know where you’re off to yet?

Keeping in mind beautiful beaches, bustling cities, great cultures, and unbelievable food and drink, we’ve come up with a list of seven European cities where summer fun is savored and celebrated like no where else on earth!

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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

Compost Bin HQ

Posted on 2017-04-20 by tikichris

Do you want your yard to be Compost Bin HQ? This post tells you all about composting and the different types of compost bins.

If you are reading this, you either know nothing about composting or think you know everything. Do you know what it is? When you compost, you break organic matter down naturally to produce nutrient-rich soil. You add the compost to fertilizer or other soil types, forming an excellent environment for plants to grow. By composting you are both disposing of waste and producing a substance that will improve the appearance and yield of all plants and flowers. Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening | Tagged compost, compost bins, composting, gardening, Jen Brenner | Leave a comment

Reader Survey | April 2017

Posted on 2017-04-19 by tikichris

Hey gang,

I’m doing a super quick reader survey about my blog and would really appreciate the feedback.

I’m only asking 10 questions, mostly multiple choice, with an aim of working on the sort of content and features that you want most.

Click here for the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FLFN2GJ

Thanks for your time and consideration,
Chris

Posted in Surveys | Tagged surveys | Leave a comment

Top Places Any REAL The Walking Dead Fan Should Visit (Miles Away)

Posted on 2017-04-18 by tikichris

Image via Flickr CC – Ryan Quick

Are you a fan of the hit TV show The Walking Dead? Then show your undying loyalty with a trip to see some of its most famous filming locations. Every scene of this long-running blockbuster series has been shot in Georgia with much of it done in Atlanta or within an hour’s drive south of town. Many TWD locations are accessible to the public and easy to reach by car.

And don’t worry – you won’t have to lather yourself up in zombie blood to make it through a horde of walkers without being bitten or have to carry any sort of sword, crossbow, chainsaw, machete, or gun while sightseeing. In fact, we strongly recommend that you don’t! Remember, kids, it’s only a TV show – an often vividly gruesome, keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat splatter fest of a TV show, but only that.

So where are the top TWD locations you actually can see for yourself? For the ultimate fan selfie and a ghoulishly good time, we’ve listed nine of the best for you here.

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

Posted in CheapOair, Entertainment, Georgia, Miles Away, Television, Travel | Tagged atlanta, cheapoair, Entertainment, Flim Locations, georgia, Miles Away, television, the walking dead, Travel, tv, TWD, USA | Leave a comment

Moreishly Modern Indian Cuisine at Grand Trunk Road, South Woodford

Posted on 2017-04-17 by tikichris

South Woodford is hardly a shimmy away from my Walthamstow home. And as pleasant as it is, this edge of east London community is hardly known as a hub of gourmet activity. So when I heard word of Michelin star restaurateur Rajesh Suri (ex Tamarind Collection) and acclaimed Head Chef Dayashankar Sharma having opened a modern Indian restaurant there at the end of last year, I was excited to give it a go.

And I finally made it to Suri and Sharma’s Grand Trunk Road as guest for a media munch last week. The experience was delightful, and I found myself wishing I’d been hip to the place month’s ago to have been able to show it off as my local when out-of-town guests had stayed with Kemey and me. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Restaurants | Tagged Chef Dayashankar Sharma, Dayashankar Sharma, Drink, E18, E18 2PB, east london, Food, Grand Trunk Road, Head Chef Dayashankar Sharma, High Road, indian food, London, restaurants, reviews, South Woodford | Leave a comment

New BBQ Menu at St Bart’s Brewery

Posted on 2017-04-15 by tikichris

St Bart’s Brewery has launched a meaty new “barbecue soul food” menu (not such a bad idea for a pub situated across the street from Smithfield Market). Part of the Hush Heath Estate group, the pub uses apple wood from its Kent estate to smoke and cook a range of fresh and sustainably sourced British meat, fish and vegetables.

I rolled up my sleeves for a tasting at a recent media preview and liked very much everything I tried. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, Food, London, Pubs, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged BARS, BBQ, city of london, Clerkenwell, Drink, east london, EC1, EC1A 9DY, english sparkling wine, ENGLISH WINE, farringdon, Food, Hush Heath, Hush Heath Estate, London, pub, pubs, restaurants, reviews, smithfield, Smithfield Market, St Bart's Brewery, west smithfield, wine, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Surprisingly Healthy Snacks for Any Party

Posted on 2017-04-14 by tikichris

Trying to find light meals that will fit each diet and nutrition needs of those attending your gathering can be difficult, especially if you know that more than one person struggles with dietary issues.

From game day to an Oscars party, you can’t always just pop open some Doritos and place them in a bowl. In addition to the cheesy tortilla chips and soda, add a few extra bowls of a lighter, healthier snack with low calories and less filling. Giving a variety of choices for your guests is the best way to keep them fed, happy, and ready to come back for the next party! Not all healthy snacks are noticeable, either, so you don’t have to alienate any of your diet-conscious friends with weird tofu get-ups. Instead, choose some of the most popular snacks that come with a much better effect on the body. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Shopping | Tagged Food, Jen Brenner, popcorn, Shopping, snacks | Leave a comment

Louis XIII Pop-Up Boutique at Harrods

Posted on 2017-04-14 by tikichris

Luxury Cognac Louis XIII by Remy Martin has launched its first ever pop-up boutique and taken over five of Harrods’ Brompton Road window displays.

On view until 25 April, each display features scenes “celebrating memorable life moments” brought to life by 3D mapping. Inside, the complete Louis XIII range – from the Miniature (5cl, £575) to the Le Mathusalem (600cl, £60,000) – is available for purchase alongside a special limited edition collector’s item: Time Collection – The Origin: 1874 (£4,900) with a bottle finished with a mouth-blown stopper and 13 teeth on each side instead of the usual ten and the royal fleur-de-lys stamped on its front. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, London, Luxury, Shopping | Tagged brompton road, cognac, Drink, harrods, Knighstsbridge, London, Louis XIII, Louis XIII Cognac, Louis XIII Pop-Up Boutique, luxury, POP UPS, reviews, Shopping, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Win a Personalised Box of Cereal from Nestlé’s Aisle of Wonder

Posted on 2017-04-13 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!

Like your breakfast with a twist – and for free? Check out Nestlé Breakfast Cereals’ Aisle of Wonder pop-up and the giveaway collaboration we’ve blended for tikichris readers.

The Aisle of Wonder is a unique pop-up cereal experience open until 23 April (NOTE: it’s closed on Easter Sunday) at Westfield Stratford City on the top floor near John Lewis. Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Food, Freebies, London, Shopping | Tagged breakfast, Cereal, Cheerios, competition, E20, E20 1EJ, east london, Food, free, FREE BREAKFAST, freebies, London, Montfichet Road, Nestlé, Nestlé Breakfast Cereals, Nestlé Cereals, Olympic Park East London, POP UPS, RT to win, Shopping, Shredded Wheat, Shreddies, STRATFORD, twitter competition, westfield, WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Highbury Music Venue The Garage Relaunches

Posted on 2017-04-13 by tikichris

The Garage gets a reboot.

New owners DHP Family (Oslo in Hackney and Rock City in Nottingham) are relaunching the famed (and infamous) music venue this month. Updates include a new sound system, decor and bar; a revamped intimate gig space upstairs; and an all-day café and bar on the ground floor. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, Entertainment, Live Performance, London, Music | Tagged BARS, DHP Family, Drink, Entertainment, highbury, highbury and islington, Highbury Crescent, islington, live music, live performance, London, music, N5, N5 1RD, post punk, the garage, wire, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Fine Drinking on a Budget: The Best Whiskey for a Great Price

Posted on 2017-04-13 by tikichris

As all fans of whiskey know, sometimes getting quality taste comes at a high price which we can’t always afford. Name brands, specialty bottles, or imported drinks end up in the high end of price, and though we want to enjoy the robust tastes and thick flavors that whiskey and scotch are famous for when the budget is tight, it’s always cut.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are hidden gems that can be found on lower shelves of your whiskey aisle that have great tastes that could put even the pricey bottles to shame. Don’t overpay, just look smarter. Some of the cheapest whiskeys that still retain all of their quality can be found below. Break out your finest decanter set and breathe in the aroma of these rich, woody whiskeys. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Shopping | Tagged Drink, Jen Brenner, Shopping, whiskey, whisky | Leave a comment

#SaintPabu in Review

Posted on 2017-04-13 by tikichris

Spending early spring free time floating around western Brittany’s Finistère was a fine way to unwind and invigorate. The tiny seaside village of Saint-Pabu was a perfect point from which to plot daytrips, beach walks and forest hikes.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my time in Saint-Pabu and found my tips for things to do in the area useful and inspiring. Continue reading →

Posted in France, Saint-Pabu, Travel | Tagged Bretagne, brittany, Brittany Ferries, ferries, Finistere, france, Saint-Pabu, Travel | Leave a comment

Division 194 at The King & Co

Posted on 2017-04-12 by tikichris

Po-boy purveyors, Division 194, have set up shop in the kitchen of Clapham pub The King & Co for the next several weeks with a menu oozing with New Orleans inspiration and a dash of American gourmand excess.

Truth be told I’m a rather harsh stickler when it comes to New Orleans’ famous sandwich, the po-boy, and often find issue with what folks say is a po-boy here in London. Much of what gets passed off to Londoners just ain’t po-boy material. Usually the bread is wrong or the fillings veer too far from the origins and spirit of this humble working class repast. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Drink, Food, London, Pubs, Restaurants | Tagged american food, BARS, beer, CLAPHAM, Clapham Park Road, deviled eggs, devilled eggs, Division 194, Drink, Food, London, po-boys, pubs, restaurants, reviews, sandwiches, south london, street food, SW4, SW4 7BZ, The King & Co, The King and Co, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | 2 Comments

Hiking Huelgoat | #SaintPabu

Posted on 2017-04-12 by tikichris

Set in the Arrée Mountains, the village of Huelgoat is a picturesque village bordered by a 37-acre lake and the 2,500-acre state managed Amorique Natural Regional Park with loads of great forest walks accessed from the centre of the village.

Huelgoat is a scenic hour and a half drive inland from Saint-Pabu. Kemey and I went there on my birthday – an ideal present for any outdoors lover and an opportunity to see another wild side of Brittany’s Finistère. Continue reading →

Posted in France, Saint-Pabu, Travel | Tagged Amorique, Amorique Natural Regional Park, Arrée Mountains, Bretagne, brittany, Finistere, france, hiking, Huelgoat, Saint-Pabu, Travel | Leave a comment

Should I Mail My Luggage Instead of Checking It in? (Miles Away)

Posted on 2017-04-12 by tikichris

If you’re planning a trip with bulky baggage or simply more luggage than usual, you might want to consider shipping your things to your destination rather than checking in with them when you fly.

Let us help weigh (heh) your options with this look at the pros and cons of shipping luggage.

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

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

Beaches and Coastal Walks Near #SaintPabu

Posted on 2017-04-11 by tikichris

For my third post about visiting Saint-Pabu in the Finistère of western Brittany, I’d like to share a list of some of the most scenic beaches and coastal paths in the area.

Anyone who’s ever been to coastal Brittany should be able to see that this list is hardly complete. To look at a map, its shore seems drawn by a trembling hand on an uneven and bumpy surface with nooks and coves and islets, occasional and broad sandy beaches and vast expansive bays interrupted by snagged cliffs and rocky shallows. And that’s what makes the Finistère such a gorgeous place – so much to see and to explore – and what made Kemey’s and my couple of weeks such an invigorating break. Continue reading →

Posted in France, Saint-Pabu, Travel | Tagged beaches, Bretagne, brittany, Brittany Ferries, Chappelle de Saint-Samson, coastal walks, ferries, Finistere, france, hiking, Landeda, Landunvez, Meneham, Plage de Corn Ar Gazel, Saint-Pabu, Saint-Samson, Travel | Leave a comment

Cognac Tasting at The Whisky Exchange

Posted on 2017-04-11 by tikichris

Cognac is perhaps the world’s most highly esteemed and least understood spirit. So the chance for a tasting with The Whisky Exchange buyer Dawn Davies MW at The Whisky Exchange’s Covent Garden flagship was one I relished.

The basics of Cognac are as follows. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, London, Shopping | Tagged armagnac, Bedford Street, Chateau de Lacquy, Chateau de Lacquy Armagnac, Chateau de Lacquy VSOP, cognac, covent garden, Drink, Frapin, Frapin Chateau de Fontpinot XO, Frapin Cognac, hine, Hine Cognac, Hine Rare VSOP, London, Prunier, Prunier 1986, Prunier Cognac, Shopping, The Whisky Exchange, WC2, WC2E 9HH, WHISKY EXCHANGE, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Getting to #SaintPabu with #BrittanyFerries

Posted on 2017-04-10 by tikichris

I’m back with the second post in my series about Saint-Pabu, my handy Bretagne base for a couple of weeks at the onset of spring.

Blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Saint-Pabu is a 20 minute drive north of Brest. As for other Bretagne towns of relative size, Morlaix is about an hour away, Quimper is roughly an hour and a half, and St-Malo is just over two. Wherever you’re headed in Brittany, your trip is bound to be scenic as I spied during my jaunts round its wild coastal region of Finistère. One such panoramic route was the hour-long drive from Roscoff to Saint-Pabu. Continue reading →

Posted in France, Saint-Pabu, Travel | Tagged Bretagne, brittany, Brittany Ferries, ferries, Finistere, france, Saint-Pabu, Travel | Leave a comment

Recipe: Miso Butter Wings | #WingingIt

Posted on 2017-04-10 by tikichris

My recipe for miso butter chicken wings turned out even more delicious than I had hoped.

Much of the success behind this recipe has to do with the quality and type of butter. I used beurre demi-sel (slightly salted French butter) that I picked up when I was in Brittany. I highly recommend using a slightly salted butter for this recipe. If you don’t you may need to add a pinch or two of salt to yours. Mixing the butter with the miso brings out rich flavours – sweet and salty like a sea salt caramel with a hint of fruitiness and a touch of tang. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Recipes, Shopping, Winging It | Tagged #WingingIt, Butter, butter chicken, chicken wings, chicken wings recipe, Food, hot wings, miso, Miso butter chicken, Miso Butter Wings, Miso chicken, Miso wings, recipe, recipes, Shopping, tikichris recipes, Winging It | Leave a comment

Comment Allez-Vous? Salutations de #SaintPabu

Posted on 2017-04-09 by tikichris

How’s it going? Me, I’m doing really well and still riding high on a Bretagne breeze of relaxation from my recent exploration of the shores and forests of Finistère in far west Brittany.

I spent the last two weeks of March in France, enjoying the arrival of spring in the small seaside village of Saint-Pabu. I was there with Kemey, staying at her mom’s cottage, just taking it easy for most part and venturing out from time to time for walks along Finistère’s brawny, creviced coast and through its verdant ancient forests. Continue reading →

Posted in France, Saint-Pabu, Travel | Tagged Bretagne, brittany, Brittany Ferries, ferries, Finistere, france, Saint-Pabu, Travel | Leave a comment

Spring Strawberries at StreetXO

Posted on 2017-04-05 by tikichris

Talk about a fruitful team up! The folks behind Seasonal Berries – a year-round campaign funded by British Summer Fruits and representing 98% of British berry growers – organised a spring fling lunch at edgy upscale Mayfair restaurant StreetXO to demonstrate the vibrant versatility of the much adored but seldom tampered with strawberry.

And I enjoyed every juicy second of this juicy and unique experience.
Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged BARS, Chef David Muñoz, cocktails, David Muñoz, Drink, Food, HAUTE CUISINE, London, luxury, mayfair, Old Burlington Street, restaurants, reviews, Seasonal Berries, Shopping, spanish food, Spanish strawberries, Strawberries, StreetXO, W1, W1S 2JR, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Decrease the Crease: 6 Tips for Wrinkle-Free Packing (Going Places)

Posted on 2017-04-04 by tikichris

It’s happened to all of us. You set aside time to carefully pack your favorite outfits for a special occasion. Then when you get where you’re going, you unpack your bags only to find your clothes look like you had slept in each every piece!

Want to arrive at your next destination looking your best instead of like a crumpled mess? Have a look at our list of tips to help you go wrinkle-free when you pack.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

Posted in Going Places, OneTravel, Travel | Tagged Going Places, OneTravel, Travel, wrinkle-free packing | Leave a comment

Here’s another skrei-umptious recipe: cod with wild garlic miso and barbecued asparagus, compliments of Chef Robin Gill of The Dairy in Clapham via the Great British Chefs website. With the wild garlic and the asparagus, it makes a great dish for the mid spring feasting.

Share this:

Newly appointed Executive Pastry Chef for The Langham London, Andrew Gravett, showcases classic recipes with seasonal ingredient, lighter textures and distinct flavours with his new Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood.

Share this:

Soaps that smell and look like candy? They’re a fun idea and make a brilliant novelty gift.

Share this:

Bacalao (aka salt cod) is smart way to preserve cod. It ups the flavour of the fish and gives it a nice, chunky texture too – perfect for frying and as a filler for tacos.

Share this:

Available from 25 April at selected UK Shake Shack outlets is the Chick’n Shack chicken burger.

Share this:

Sweet or savoury, your crepe (or galette) will be made fresh and with a smile at Les Deux Amies.

Share this:

There are so many things to do in Los Angeles that you can find yourself running out of time while visiting the city.

Share this:

The Manbody by Elliot Dodd is a short film being screened at Zabludowicz Collection. It provides odd viewing that soothes as much as it disconcerts.

Share this:

No noodling around here, Adam Rawson is back at Borough Wines & Beers’ Brewery Below with a “Rawmen” pop-up ramen bar.

Share this:

A graffiti-riddled Memory Lane cuts through Dalston with East End Mob, a newly opened exhibition at BSMT Space featuring works by some of London’s most influential and prolific street artists from the past decade.

Share this:

I finally made it down to Boxpark Croydon for a forage, including a big Brazilian style lunch at Cariaco.

Share this:

Two of Italy’s most delicious artisan foods – Parmigiano-Reggiano PDO and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena PDO – were celebrated in London recently as “The Perfect Italian Pair” at a media dinner hosted by Massimo Restaurant & Bar.

Share this:

Cloven Hoof spiced rum is a blend of dark rum from Guyana and lighter rum from Trinidad mixed with a range of spices such as clove, star anise, cassia and more.

Share this:

It’s almost time for summer vacation! Do you know where you’re off to yet?

Share this:

Do you want your yard to be Compost Bin HQ? This post tells you all about composting and the different types of compost bins.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Trying to find light meals that will fit each diet and nutrition needs of those attending your gathering can be difficult, especially if you know that more than one person struggles with dietary issues.

Share this:

Luxury Cognac Louis XIII by Remy Martin has launched its first ever pop-up boutique and taken over five of Harrods’ Brompton Road window displays.

Share this:

Like your breakfast with a twist – and for free? Check out Nestlé Breakfast Cereals’ Aisle of Wonder pop-up and the giveaway collaboration we’ve blended for tikichris readers.

Share this:

The Garage gets a reboot.

Share this:

Share this:

Spending early spring free time floating around western Brittany’s Finistère was a fine way to unwind and invigorate. The tiny seaside village of Saint-Pabu was a perfect point from which to plot daytrips, beach walks and forest hikes.

Share this:

Po-boy purveyors, Division 194, have set up shop in the kitchen of Clapham pub The King & Co for the next several weeks with a menu oozing with New Orleans inspiration and a dash of American gourmand excess.

Share this:

Set in the Arrée Mountains, the village of Huelgoat is a picturesque village bordered by a 37-acre lake and the 2,500-acre state managed Amorique Natural Regional Park with loads of great forest walks accessed from the centre of the village.

Share this:

If you’re planning a trip with bulky baggage or simply more luggage than usual, you might want to consider shipping your things to your destination rather than checking in with them when you fly.

Share this:

For my third post about visiting Saint-Pabu in the Finistère of western Brittany, I’d like to share a list of some of the most scenic beaches and coastal paths in the area.

Share this:

Cognac is perhaps the world’s most highly esteemed and least understood spirit. So the chance for a tasting with The Whisky Exchange buyer Dawn Davies MW at The Whisky Exchange’s Covent Garden flagship was one I relished.

Share this:

I’m back with the second post in my series about Saint-Pabu, my handy Bretagne base for a couple of weeks at the onset of spring.

Share this:

My recipe for miso butter chicken wings turned out even more delicious than I had hoped.

Share this:

How’s it going? Me, I’m doing really well and still riding high on a Bretagne breeze of relaxation from my recent exploration of the shores and forests of Finistère in far west Brittany.

Share this:

Share this:

It’s happened to all of us. You set aside time to carefully pack your favorite outfits for a special occasion. Then when you get where you’re going, you unpack your bags only to find your clothes look like you had slept in each every piece!

Share this:

Archives

Meta