So sit back and let the chug-a-chug rhythm lull you as you ponder the world outside your window.
Read my complete post at Going Places.
If you are planning a trip to Mauritius – which is not a honeymoon but for a group of thirtysomethings (a single mum with her toddler son, her almost single sister, and her very single best friend in the rainy/cyclone season –then this series is for you.
Over the next several days, I’ll be sharing the highlights from my – and my travel companions’ – time in Mauritus. Continue reading
jiratto / Shutterstock
Here’s a teaser course of some of spring’s prettiest, tastiest and most splendidly fragrant moments.
Read my complete post at Going Places.
In my quick series of posts, I shared some of the best bits from my recent visit to Vienna – focusing mainly on the excellent cafes, restaurants and bars visited as well as the coolest galleries and a handful of other artsy and design-oriented stuff I enjoyed checking out. However, there is so much more to experience than I was able to cover in this go. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed reading about my trip, and that it might come in handy when you plan your own visit. Continue reading
Swish digs at the Park Plaza, host of the UK Blog Awards ceremony
Shortlisted for Best Travel Blog and Best Food and Drink Blog (thanks to all who voted to put tikichris over the edge in both categories), I’m so bummed that I won’t be able to attend. True to form though, I’ll be away. And yep, I’ll be travelling somewhere tasty – Appleton Estate rum distillery in Jamaica (don’t hate) – with the idea of keeping notes and taking pics to share the very best of the experience in a series of blog posts. Continue reading
Kemey and I liked all the dishes we tried during our visit and were especially impressed with the service (we were in kind and competent hands with our server Maria who looked after us so well). Continue reading
Heir Häfliger at Bäckerstrasse 4
Schönbrunn Palace … St Stephen’s Cathedral … the Belvedere … the Albertina … even a cursory list of Vienna’s top attractions packs the sort of artful wallop that would delight even the pickiest of culture vultures. And by all means as many of these (and so many other) places should be included in any sightseeing itinerary of the historic Austrian capital. But that doesn’t mean visitors to Vienna must relegate themselves to an urban escape set only in the past. Continue reading
I had lunch at this friendly little café and comptoir recently with a friend. Continue reading
Yeah, I know. That was a really cheesy way to introduce this recipe. Even a little bit nutty. Doh! There I go again. Anyway, however much my dumb rhymes and pathetic puns might cause you to cringe, I’m certain they’re worth it for the taste of this easy to make version of macaroni and cheese. Continue reading
With children of her own, professionally trained chef Kim Wilshaw has worked to teach mothers how to cook baby food which incorporates spices and has taught Indian cooking classes. Keen to carry on spreading the good news about spices, she recently started the Spice Deli supper club, cohosted with her husband, Tarun, in their Golders Green home. Continue reading
COMPETITION IS OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
That’s right, I’m giving away an ace trio of utensils to made your outdoor cooking go more smoothly. Continue reading
Finding out about the opening of Theo’s Simple Italian presented a very simple choice for an Italian food lover like me. I had to try it. And I’m so glad I did. Continue reading
Thanks for sticking with me and reading my I’m a Mess series of posts about my hassle-free experience trying out Hassle. Continue reading
Here’s a look at the tastiest bites and most satisfying sips from my visit. Continue reading
Talk about a pain perdu! My eggy bread took a long detour through Japan on its way to France! Continue reading
And that’s what I’m doing now. Continue reading
The more I’ve come to appreciate wine the more I’ve realised there’s still a lot I don’t know and that such a lack of knowledge tends to be the case with so many so-called connoisseurs. Similarly, as I continue to acquaint myself with Mayfair – one of my favourite parts of London for a meandering mosey – the more I feel smoke and mirrors of the brashest affluence and exclusivity for its own sake have obscured and tarnished this upscale and historic neighbourhood’s resplendence.
So, bravo to Ben Van de Meutter – manager, buyer, and Head Sommelier at Shepherd Market Wine House – for knowing his stuff and backing it up with enthusiasm and presenting his wares in an approachable manner and in an easy-going and comfortable setting. Continue reading
COMPETITION IS OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
I left the report with a spring in my step (thanks to the zingy smoothie I had during the session) and feeling especially keen to share what I had learned with folks. More than that though, I wanted to share a taste of good food options Pod has on offer. Fancy £50 worth of free food and drink that’s super healthy and guaranteed to increase your pod-uctivity? Keep reading. Continue reading
A few weeks back, I was glad to attend a Greek Cheese and Wine Tasting at this lovely shop just off Broadway Market. The event was by Isle of Olive’s sommelier, Uli Gamber, who guiding the small assemblage (there might have been 12 of us in total?) through pairings of eight wines with an assortment of cheeses. All the wines – listed below – were available for purchase in shop. Continue reading
Opened this week and set at the base of the Norfolk Towers hotel near Paddington Station, Roba aims to appeal to locals and tourists alike as they bobble about in search of something good to eat. I reckon such customers would be in for a fine meal indeed should they happen to give Roba a go. I was pleased with what I had to try and impressed with Chef Secchi’s doings enough to want to pay his restaurant another visit. Continue reading
Back in 2012, soon after BRGR.CO had launched I went round to review and was not aimpressed with what was on offer. I thought the offering was bland. But everybody deserves a second chance. Plus, a lot can change over the course of a few years. So I’m pleased to report that the invitation to drop by for a taste of the St George cheeseburger led to an opportunity to see how this burger joint has upped its game and updated the menu for the better. Continue reading
Since the trip, I no longer take for granted a cork stopper whenever opening a bottle of wine (and I have developed an educated disdain for screw caps and synthetic stoppers). I see cork applications all over the place as well – not just the walls of my house either, but shoes, gadgets, housewares, toys, flooring, furniture … Cork is an incredibly versatile material and as green a resource as any. Continue reading
I’m just back from a recent visit and am keen to share the best bits of my trip with you. So keep an eye out for more posts to come in my Wiener Demeanour miniseries. Until then, take a gander at this list of practicalities to help you make the most of your time in Vienna.
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So far so good. No technical or scheduling hiccups. And my house has never been cleaner. Continue reading
The tiles came by way of Wicanders, a brand of Portugal’s top cork producer Amorim, and were imported to the UK by Siesta Cork Tiles. Wicanders’ main business is flooring, but its line of Dekwall applies the same knowhow and use of sustainable material for tough, flexible wall tiles. Continue reading
I’m looking forward to checking out, tea and kitchenware brand – and festival sponsor – Bonavita. The Seattle-based brand will be on hand during LCF to host masterclasses and to showcase the UK launch of its two best selling products: 8-Cup Coffee Brewer with Stainless Steel Lined Thermal Carafe and the Digital Variable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle. I’m especially keen to take a gander at the 8-cup brewer.
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I *heart* paella made with Label Anglais free range chicken.
Yep! On Friday 8 April, this Soho shop focused on Vietnamese food will be giving away free (chef’s selection) banh mi from noon to 1pm. If you’re in the area, be sure to check this out – and be prepared to queue up though as I expect this freebie offer to be a popular one! Continue reading
Wanna known what you missed (or – if you were lucky enough to be among the sated Rib Fest attendees – to revel in the remembrance)? Here’s the menu from the night: smoked St Louis pork ribs and belly, fontina and aged sharp white Cheddar mac ‘n cheese, collard greens, pickled vegetables with hot red sauce and Alabama white sauce.
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Yes, this post is the second time in less than a month about afternoon tea at the Langham (see my review of the Langham’s limited run Easter afternoon tea here). No I’m not really that much of an afternoon tea fanatic. But I am a fan of flavour – and there’s plenty of that to be had and to be admired. Especially yummy sandwiches, scones, and pastries are presented with masterful yet lighthearted display. Moreover, I can’t think of a better-established venue for afternoon tea – or most other luxuries – in the heart of London than the Langham.
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COMPETITION IS OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
Sown & Grown cereals include the following great flavour combos: Continue reading
I’ll publish one photo a day during April (that’s 30 pics). I probably won’t say anything more about this on my blog though. So if you’re interested in having a look, Continue reading
In the initial post of my I’m a Mess series, I mentioned that I was going to look into giving Hassle a go and see how much it could help bring order back to my life. So I did – and I’ve got nothing but good things to share with you about the experience.
I’ll get to the specifics with a review of the actual service and my cleaner in a later write up (it’ll pretty much be a rave, by the way). But in this piece, I want to focus on one of the key benefits of my Hassle experience.
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Here are some highlights of our trip: Continue reading
