Beyond the Reef | #TCTalofa

Posted on 2017-01-07 by tikichris

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Talofa! Thanks for joining me in remembering the amazing time I had in Samoa.

What I didn’t get around to describing in my previous post about my trip was the simple back-to-basics joy of being in Samoa. Everything slowed down to a soothing lull (except for my pulse, which quickened more than usual when jumping off a waterfall, coming upon a stunning vista or encountering a vibrant fish while snorkeling). It’s a laidback and easygoing place, but one where you can go on real adventures. Continue reading →

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Savai’i | #TCTalofa

Posted on 2017-01-06 by tikichris

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Midway during my week in Samoa I spent two full-on days of fun in the sun on the island of Savai’i.

Though far bigger that Upolu, Savai’i is largely unpopulated. It’s mostly wild too with amazing landscape, awesome coastline, and lots and lots of beauty spots for playing in the water. Continue reading →

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Exploring Upolu | #TCTalofa

Posted on 2017-01-05 by tikichris

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My Samoan adventure continued as I headed out to explore the island of Upolu.

The nation of Samoa is comprised of the most westerly islands of the Samoan Archipelago. The easterly islands represent American Samoa, a US protectorate (which I didn’t visit on this trip). There are two main islands in Samoa (the nation): Upolu and Savai’i. Although Savai’i is considerably larger, the vast majority of the population lives on Upolu, in and near the capital, Apia. During my trip, I visited Upolu, Savai’i and the tiny island of Manono. Here’s a roundup of awesome stuff I got to see and do beyond Apia while touring Upolu. Continue reading →

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Around Apia | #TCTalofa

Posted on 2017-01-04 by tikichris

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Welcome back to Talofa Samoa, a series of posts recounting the highlights from my November 2016 visit to Samoa. First up is a summary of the fun stuff I experienced in and around Apia, the capital of Samoa.

Samoa’s only actual town, Apia is a small but bustling port with a population of around 36,000 people. It served as a great base for me to revive and acclimate myself to island life after my long haul journey from the UK. Here’s a look at the best bits from my time there. Continue reading →

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Talofa from Samoa | #TCTalofa

Posted on 2017-01-03 by tikichris

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Hey y’all, listen up. I think I might have discovered paradise or, at least, a super close approximation of the ideal tropical island getaway. I’m talking about Samoa, where I spent a magical, wet and wild week back at the beginning of November.

Over the next few days, I’ll recount my time exploring Samoa – a small island nation in the South Pacific considered to be the geographic and cultural heart of Polynesia – with Talofa Samoa, a series of posts with tips on hotels and resorts, food and drink, activities, outings and more. Continue reading →

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Dining in with La Belle Assiette

Posted on 2017-01-03 by tikichris

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La Belle Assiette is an online booking service for private chefs. It invites people to “rediscover the pleasure of entertaining at home” by leaving the cooking and cleaning to professionals while freeing up time focus on having a good time at home with their guests.

Kemey and I recently took La Belle Assiette up on an offer to review a new chef and host a dinner party in our home. We had a lovely time and an excellent meal. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, London | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

8 of the Hottest Places on the Planet You Can Visit … and What You Can Do There (Going Places)

Posted on 2017-01-03 by tikichris

hikers-standing-in-front-of-beautiful-inspiring-landscape-death-valley-national-parkDan Sedran / Shutterstock

Done with winter weather already and in desperate need of some sun?

Consider making a break with a vacation to one of these sizzling hot destinations where it never gets too cold and sunny days are a given most days of the year.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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Eneko at One Aldwych

Posted on 2017-01-03 by tikichris

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Setting a high bar for my 2017 dining expectations, dinner for two at Basque chef Eneko Atxa’s One Aldwych outpost was a delicious experience of sophisticated flavour and elegant display.

The Txerri Boda Pork Festival starter (chorizo on milk bread, glazed sweetbread, and suckling pig tempura, £13) served in a lidded wooden box was a thoughtfully complete mini feast in itself. Flavours were subtle but deep. Textures, yieldingly tender. An equally tasty starter course but one far more dramatic in presentation was the Memories of the Bay of Biscay (oyster, crab, and wild prawn tartare, £15), brought to table amid wafts of dry ice haze. Continue reading →

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2017 Resolutions

Posted on 2017-01-01 by tikichris

Resolutions

Typos. I’ve got ‘em – and far too many for me to be blasé about. My number one resolution of 2017 (as it pertains to this blog and my work as a writer) is to type right and improve my proof reading.

It pains me to no end reading a post published on this blog and seeing it has a typo, or worse, realising I sent a client a piece of writing with an honest oopsy or two included. Continue reading →

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A Decade Down | Ten Years of tikichris

Posted on 2016-12-31 by tikichris

tikichrisPhoto by Kemey Lafond

Before 2016 comes to a close, I thought I’d take a moment to recap the 10 team ups I co-hosted over the year in celebration of my blog’s tenth anniversary and – more importantly – to thank the folks involved in helping me make each of those 10X10 events happen!

A trip to the pub … a spicy luau … laksa mac ‘n cheese … magic (!) … tiki drinks … pickled pumpkin and turkey two ways … unlimited falafel … upscale elbow rubbing … and especially odd art. Ah! I had a blast blogging this year. Continue reading →

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Still Loving My Lumix GX80

Posted on 2016-12-28 by tikichris

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Waaay back at the end of August, the folks behind the launch of Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GX80 got in touch to see if I wanted to get a chance to play around with (and keep) one of these handy mirrorless cameras. I said sure, and said I would be glad to blog (twice) about my experiences using the GX80 soon afterward.

I then hit the road for more than a month with subsequent jaunts all over the planet up until December – with said camera as my trusty go-to. Continue reading →

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Florida Destination Weddings: The Best Spots for Your Special Day (Going Places)

Posted on 2016-12-27 by tikichris

Shutterstockphoto3 / ShutterstockShutterstockphoto3 / Shutterstock

With its long coastline, vibrant cities, quaint small towns, resort communities, theme parks, and year-round warm weather, the Sunshine State is a popular choice for destination weddings. But Florida is a very big place. Narrowing down the list of options for a wedding destination ideally suited for you and your guests can be a challenge.

Here’s a look at a few of the best places for Florida destination weddings …

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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David Ortsman | 10X10 with tikichris

Posted on 2016-12-26 by tikichris
Copyright David Ortsman © 2009

Copyright David Ortsman © 2009

Here it is. The last of my 10X10 team ups.

For my concluding collaboration, I enlisted my artist friend, David Ortsman, to interpret a theme: tikichris eats the world. Not long after I floated the idea, David got back to me some amazing drawings that he thought best ‘addressed’ subject.

I love David’s art. It’s outsider and visceral, with a bizarre and darkly naïve edge. I was honoured he was keen to share some of his drawings with me in this context to use on my blog.

David Ortsman lives and works between Paris, Nogent sur Marne and Marseille. He is a permanent resident of the National Foundation for Graphic and Plastic Arts (FNAGP) in Nogent sur Marne.

Find out more about David and his art at david-ortsman.com.

I’ll wrap up my ramblings about 10 years of blogging soon with a few final thoughts and word of thanks to all . But before I do enjoy these drawings by David. Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas

Posted on 2016-12-25 by tikichris

Merry Christmas

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Cheers from Artesian | 10X10 with tikchris

Posted on 2016-12-23 by tikichris

A photo posted by Chris Osburn (@chrisosburn) on

The ninth celebration to mark my decade of blogging was a boozy little get together with a few other writers and friendly freelancer folk – a kind of yearend office party for those without offices – at one of my favourite bars in London: Artesian.

Regular readers of this blog might note it wasn’t all that long ago I was at Artesian, covering its new and limited run Festive Cocktail Menu. I just couldn’t keep away. And why should I? The bar and its mother ship bosom of luxury, The Langham London hotel, are among the most resplendent drop-in destinations in London. Continue reading →

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Trips100’s Top 10 UK Travel Blogs 2016

Posted on 2016-12-21 by tikichris

Travel

Oh man! This nice lil yearend surprise almost rolled right past without me taking notice! But I’m glad I did, and I want to take a moment to thank the people behind Trips100 for including me in their top 10 list of UK Travel blogs of 2016.

Yep, tikichris is listed in eighth place among an impressive assemblage of blogs if I do say so myself. Continue reading →

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Win a Bottle of Cruxland Truffle-Infused Gin

Posted on 2016-12-18 by tikichris

cruxland gin

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!

Want a taste of flavourful intrigue for your New Year’s Eve toast? Try Cruxland Gin. Infused with Kalahari truffles, this rich new quaff from South Africa is the perfect gin for conversation inspiring cocktails.

I’ve teamed up with the distillery to offer a bottle to one lucky reader for free. Continue reading →

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Where is Santa Claus From? (Miles Away)

Posted on 2016-12-18 by tikichris

Repina Valeriya / ShutterstockRepina Valeriya / Shutterstock

Everybody knows Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, right? Well, maybe. But that doesn’t mean he’s from there.

Here’s a fun list of destinations where you might see where the real Saint Nicolas actually lived and maybe even get to meet the jolly old man.

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

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Best of the Best of 2016

Posted on 2016-12-16 by tikichris

Best of the Best of 2016

I hope you enjoyed reading my Best of 2016 series and that the posts may assist you in having more fun, saving more money and making more of your time than you would have otherwise.

To help you browse my Best of 2016 posts, here’s a list with links to all of them: Continue reading →

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Best Hotels and Resorts of 2016

Posted on 2016-12-16 by tikichris

DSC_2592Little Kulala, Sossusvlei, Namibia

Nicest digs on the planet? Here are a few of ‘em! 2016 was one of the best years of travel for me yet. What made the year such an amazing time to ramble was, in large part, where I got to lay my head at night.

Check out my list of favourite hotels and resorts as I continue with my Best of 2016 series. Continue reading →

Posted in Best of 2016, Best of the Best, California, Hotels, Jamaica, Luxury, Namibia, Samoa, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best London Pop-Ups, Supper Clubs, Street Food, etc in 2016

Posted on 2016-12-16 by tikichris

DSC_4608Philly Cheesesteak, Liberty Cheesesteak Company

This year, many of my favourite London meals didn’t occur at a traditional restaurant or via a kitchen with a permanent address. Keeping with current dining trends and continuing with my Best of 2016 series, here’s my list of Best London Pop-Ups, Takeovers, Supper Clubs etc of the year.

My 2016 list of ‘everything else’ includes a Scandinavian catering company, a couple of pop-up restaurants, a vendor at Borough Market, a supper club, a (real) Philly cheesesteak food truck, a dynamic duo of seafood chefs, a mobile pizzeria, and one of America’s best BBQ restaurants who’s team just happened to drop by Brixton for a smoke out. Continue reading →

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Best Cheap Eats in London of 2016

Posted on 2016-12-16 by tikichris

Roti Canai at Roti KingRoti canai, Roti King

A halfway decent meal in London for £5 or under? Yeah, right.

No joke. It is still possible (if slightly less likely than this time last year) to eat well with only a fiver to spend. And not only in the hinterland! Three of the six establishments listed below as my preferred cheap eats are in Zone 1 and extremely easy to access. The other three? Hello Waltham Forest, you big gorgeous borough full of yummy East London treats of reasonable price and generous proportion.

And so my Best of 2016 series continues … Continue reading →

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Best London Bars and Pubs of 2016

Posted on 2016-12-15 by tikichris

DSC_4640Pink Chihuahua, downstairs at El Camion

London! You know how to quench a thirst.

My Best of 2016 series continues with a taste of my favourite bars and pubs in London. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Best of 2016, Best of the Best, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Pubs, Restaurants, Shopping, Tiki, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Bars of 2016 (Excluding London)

Posted on 2016-12-15 by tikichris

False Idol, San DiegoFalse Idol, San Diego

What a year! Ready for a drink? Might I recommend having it in style at one of these fabulous bars? They’re the best I came across in 2016.

If my ‘best of’ list of restaurants outside of London was particularly New Orleans focused, my list of non-London bars is very California biased and expressly tiki. But some watering holes beyond the Golden State made the cut, even a bar in New Orleans, and a tiki bar at that. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Best of 2016, Best of the Best, California, Drink, Food, France, Hotels, Jerez, Louisiana, Luxury, Music, New Orleans, Restaurants, Spain, Tennessee, Tiki, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best London Restaurants of 2016

Posted on 2016-12-15 by tikichris

Best London Restaurants of 2016Pig’s ear with sour pancakes, Shotgun

Here’s the next roundup in my Best of 2016 series: London restaurants.

The London Dining scene of 2016 seemed markedly better that that of the past couple of years before it. But maybe that’s more reflective of me and my reasons and opportunities to eat out.
Continue reading →

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Best Restaurants of 2016 (Excluding London)

Posted on 2016-12-15 by tikichris

P1010680La Petite Grocery, New Orleans

My Best of 2016 series commences with a look at some of the most amazing restaurants I visited this year.

There’s a whole lot of New Orleans propping up this list – which makes sense given the focus of my September foodie safari spent there. Indeed, some of these restaurants are remarkably close neighbours; two are just across the street from each other. But this year wasn’t only about luscious Louisiana cooking. I had great dining experiences in other corners of America too and across Europe. Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, Best of 2016, Best of the Best, California, Drink, Food, Jerez, Louisiana, Luxury, New Orleans, Restaurants, Spain, Travel, USA, Vienna | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best of 2016

Posted on 2016-12-15 by tikichris

Best of 2016

The year is now coming to a close. How was it for you? My mind’s still reeling trying to figure out that question for myself. To say the least, 2016 was intense, with plenty of ups and downs. Allow me a chance to look at some of the ups in a little more detail and to celebrate the year by highlighting some of my favourite food, drink and travel experiences.

What’s now become an annual December occurrence for this blog, I’m taking a moment to reflect on some of the things that made 2016 most delicious and fun. For the most part, I lived rather humbly during most of these past 12 months. But, there were certainly times of adventure, luxury, indulgence and wonder that exceeded my expectations and caused me to reexamine my notions of excellence. Over the next week or so, I’ll focus on those memorable moments through a Best of 2016 series of posts. Continue reading →

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Paul A Young Christmas Truffles | 10X10 with tikichris

Posted on 2016-12-14 by tikichris

Paul A Young Truffles

My next 10X10 way to celebrate 10 years of blogging is a fine chocolate Christmas treat for you.

I’ve teamed up with Paul A Young Fine Chocolates for a tasty in-shop offer: spend a minimum £5 at one of Paul’s boutiques to receive a free truffle from his Christmas collection. Just mention this blog when you visit.

The offer’s good for one day only though: Thursday 22 December 2016. Continue reading →

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Win Panettone and Prosecco from Carluccio’s

Posted on 2016-12-14 by tikichris

CARLUCCIO'S PANETTONE ALLA CREMA DI PROSECCO

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!

Hoping to end the year on a beautiful buon Natale note? Here’s a delicious and bubbly competition to help! I’ve teamed up with Carluccio’s to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a panettone filled with a prosecco flavoured cream plus a bottle of prosecco.

New to Carluccio’s for 2016, is a twist on a classic panettone. Filled with a prosecco flavoured cream and paired with a bottle of prosecco, this is the gift to set celebrations off with a pop!

Please note: Winner must be able to pick up prize at your local Carluccio’s outlet. Full terms and conditions are below. Continue reading →

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Infographic: How to Stay Safe Driving Home This Christmas

Posted on 2016-12-12 by tikichris

Autoclick-Driving-Home-For-Christmas-v1

For many, Christmas is a time to set off on the open road and see the family we haven’t seen all year. This might include travelling by plane, train or automobile and if you do have to jump behind the wheel, it’s important you are prepared for the extreme weather that can accompany the festive period.

We may think we know exactly what we are doing when it comes to driving in snowy or icy conditions, but it’s important to take extra care. Continue reading →

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Preview: Sleight of Hand on the Strand

Posted on 2016-12-12 by tikichris

Sleight of Hand on the Strand

International award-winning magicians Tony “Sonic” Middleton and Dominick Zwolinski bring their up close style of conjuring to a small audience in a private room at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand for one night only this month with their show Sleight of Hand on the Strand.

Prepare to be dazzled and amazed by jaw dropping deceptions in a close and intimate setting, and discover intriguing stories from the Great Illusionists of the 1900’s. The buildings of the Strand are lined with fascinating tales of great showmen, magicians and charlatans. Continue reading →

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Radio Alice | Pizza | Hoxton Square

Posted on 2016-12-11 by tikichris

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Radio Alice is a new pizzeria opened in Hoxton Square. The approach to serving pizza is unique. The results are delicious.

Pizzas are a bit different here. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, London, Pizza, Restaurants, Uncategorized, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

WSET’s From Still to Bar: Whiskey Flight at Shotgun

Posted on 2016-12-11 by tikichris

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Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has teamed up with some of London’s top bars to create From Still to Bar: a series of immersive experiences with each session focused on a different spirit. Kemey and I dropped by Shotgun in Soho recently for a strong lesson in all things whisk(e)y.

From Still to Bar was launched in June. Other bars involved were Mark’s Bar (for rum) and Punch Room at The London Edition (for gin).

For the tasting at the bar in Shotgun, I was offered a flight of three whiskies and an iPod Shuffle with headphones. Continue reading →

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Ormer Mayfair

Posted on 2016-12-10 by tikichris

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Michelin starred chef Shaun Rankin’s upscale restaurant attractively set downstairs at Flemings Mayfair Hotel – Ormer Mayfair – brings a refined and rich taste of Jersey to London. Seafood lovers and fans of dining with formal flair take note!

To have enjoyed such a lovely dining experience so late in the year has me wondering about all the other yummy opportunities I’ve missed enjoying in 2016. I’m glad Kemey and I managed to get round to Ormer – and not too long after its early autumn opening – for recent dinner. If you were looking to have a fine meal in an equally fine setting, you’d be wise to keep Ormer at the top of your to-do list. Continue reading →

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Coffee at The Fairmont San Francisco (espressoCrazy)

Posted on 2016-12-10 by tikichris

View from The Fairmont

As mentioned in my last post [for espressoCrazy], I was away for quite a while travelling in the US for the month of September. First stop on my tour was one of my all time favourite destinations, San Francisco. As with past visits, I had an amazing time. One of my all time favourite destinations, the city was a beautiful and welcoming as I remembered, and maybe even a little tastier this time around … or at least my coffee was.

This time round, I did San Fran right and stayed in a great hotel, The FairmontSan Francisco.

Read my complete post at espressoCrazy.

Posted in California, Coffee, Drink, espressoCrazy, Food, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment