Here’s a look at our top 10 posts—offering perennial tips and inspiration to prepare you for your 2016 adventures.
Read my complete post at OneTravel.
My list of favourite hotels veers toward the luxury end of the spectrum, but budget friendly considerations are included. In large part, hospitality and appreciation won out over bling or lavish excess.
It’s worth noting I’m using the term “hotel” loosely to mean a broad range of accommodation. This short list includes an albergo, an inn, a hostel, and a safari lodge as well as a more traditionally conceived hotel.
This list is in alphabetical order and – as is the case with all my Best of 2015 lists – merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of well established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are somehow related to where work and play took me.
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In a way this list is for ‘everything else’ that I loved taking a bite of this year but didn’t fit neatly into any specific category. It’s worth noting, I tend not to gush about pop-ups, supper clubs and such. So, the four outfits listed here – a couple of kitchen takeovers (one at a pub the other at a wine bar), as well as a catering company, and a supper club hosted in a private home – all really impressed me.
This list is in alphabetical order and – as is the case with all my Best of 2015 lists – merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of long established and brand new businesses as well as ones that are somehow related to where work and play took me.
By their very nature these enterprises may be subject changes in location, dates, and services offered. Also, I might be mentioning only one aspect of what they do and where you can find them. Check for yourself with the links provided before venturing out to try any of them.
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Some of London’s best meals are still its cheapest. This seems especially to apply in the east (Walthamstow!) more than the west. But even foraging for affordable food in the heart of the West End or passing through some of Central London’s hippest and most trafficked areas, grabbing a bargain bite that’s filling and flavoursome remains a possibility.
Please note, this list – as is the case with all my Best of 2015 lists – merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of long established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are somehow related to where work and play took me.
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My list of best London bars and pubs is in alphabetical order (bars first, then pubs) and – as is the case with all my Best of 2015 lists – merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of well established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are somehow related to where work and play took me.
Bottoms up!
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One reoccurring theme I hadn’t expected to encounter along the way was the mention of coffee as an ingredient to making the smoked meat taste so good. Not quite with the same frequency of mention as quality of meat, wood type, temperature, or cooking time, coffee still came up a number of times in my research and in conversation as an important component to making the best “low and slow” smoked meats.
Read my complete post at espressoCrazy.
Please note, I left out London bars as I intend to share my faves in my next ‘best of’ post. Also keep in mind that venues are listed in alphabetical order and that this list – as is the case with all my Best of 2015 lists – merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of well established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are somehow related to where work and play took me.
Cheers!
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Building upon the success of its first London outpost, the new Kanada-Ya Panton Street brings authentic tonkatsu ramen to the west side of Theatreland with plenty more space than at its ultra popular sister site just east in St Giles. Heck, they’ll even let ya book a table (if your party’s big enough) at this newest venture of the small but oh so slurp-tastic global group of famed ramen bars (with locations in Japan and Hong Kong).
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I kinda hate to say it – if only for my own gluttonously self-centred reasons – but as 2015 comes to an end I find myself wondering if the London dining scene has plateaued. I saw a lot more replication, style over substance, and high prices for the sake of high prices (or paying rent that squeezes out independent mom ‘n pop traders) than I recollect from recent years past. And too many people in general still seemed too obsessed with building a better burger and smashing avocados.
Nevertheless, there were standout restaurants scattered around town where I had exceptionally memorable meals worth mentioning in a ‘best of’ roundup. They came in all shapes and sizes … and in a variety of less than typical situations ( a fish and chip shop … a cargo container … a driving range?) from the ultra fancy schmancy to the decidedly stripped down and plain – but in every circumstance the food was the star.
Please note, this list – as is the case with all my Best of 2015 lists – merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of well established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are somehow related to where work and play took me.
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First of all, it must be said that a significant number of the restaurants listed in yesterday’s Best BBQ post would have featured prominently in this overall list had I not decided to give the BBQ places their own separate list. Definitely some of the best meals I had in 2015 (and maybe in my life) were enjoyed at a few of those BBQ establishments – and all of them listed were far better restaurants than most I’ve encountered, whatever the cuisine.
Also, I left out London restaurants as I intend to share my fave London eateries in future ‘best of’ posts in this series. As a London-based writer covering London first and the rest of the world second (although there’s more and more world coverage competing with London stories for my times these days), I tend to differentiate between what happens in London and elsewhere. Elsewhere was extra awesome this year – especially with respect to restaurants.
So without further ado, here’s a look at the eight best non BBQ/non London restaurants (plus two honourable mentions) I had the good fortune to visit in 2015. Please note, this list merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of well established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are somehow related to where work and play took me.
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To kick off my Best of 2015 series of yearend posts, I’d like to start with a roundup of the 25 best BBQ restaurants visited during my BBQ Bound road trip through the American South in October.
Listed below are 25 BBQ restaurants. Each one of these independent and mostly family-owned establishments astounded my palate profoundly with authentic and traditionally made American food.
The list is in alphabetical order, but I do have opinions about which places rank where on my list. Moreover, I definitely have an answer to whom should indisputably be ranked the top BBQ in America– as I had the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted there.
Curious about how I’d rank ‘em? Buy me a beer.
Why 25? I hit just over 30 joints during my tour. Only a few didn’t make the cut. And aside from one particular place that was hands down my absolute fave, all the others pretty much came in neck-and-neck as runners up.
Please note, this list is hardly exhaustive and merely reflects how I chose to spend my time during the year and is comprised of well established and brand new venues as well as businesses that are somehow related to where work and play took me. It is not without glaring omissions. For each pit checked off, several other shrines of wood-smoked tradition were closed when I would have been able to visit or just out of reach for whatever reason.
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Lines deliciously blurred throughout 2015. That made categorising my 2015 faves a fun but challenging task.
Did I love ‘bar x’ for its amazing coffee, speedy breakfast, kick ass cocktails, affordable and scrumptious snacks, or overall ambiance? Was my stellar experience at ‘pub x’ so great because of the hard work of the publican and an amazing beer list or because the food from the street food vendors taking over its kitchen was such a treat? What should I do if one of my favourite meals was in the working kitchen of a caterer? Can one of London’s best restaurants be at a golf range … or in a cargo container?
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In need of a last minute recipe? Keen to impress your family and dinner guests? Wondering what to do with your leftovers? Looking for some inspiration or simply love to admire the ideas of great chefs and photographs of amazing food? Presto! Great Italian Chefs to the rescue!
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Amid a tangle of Spitalfield lanes being filled rapidly with fancy restaurants and upscale boutiques, is La Tagliata. It’s a classy but comfy sort of place – intimate and attractive (especially if you like artist Modigliani) with seating areas divided into little rooms. Prices are more than reasonable than most nearby options, and the food is terrific.
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I had a tiempo fantastic when I swung round to take a gander at the spiffy new interiors (thumbs up) and take a bite out of the new menu.
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Last month’s dash through Rome (see more about that trip here and here) was spent mostly on the streets admiring the city’s most famous sights and bouncing between its best attractions. Almost every meal was of the budget friendly variety and enjoyed on the go (Roman cuisine is ideally suited for both) … and with no complaints. But, Kemey and I did allow ourselves to indulge in a bit of luxury while taking it all in. And what a luxurious indulgence it was!
Opened in 2009 with 116 rooms and suites, the lavish Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto joins two renovated and restored 19th century villas for one ultra-lux hotel with two fine dining restaurants, a rooftop solarium, a state-of-the-art spa (replete with waterbed shower treatment room), five meeting and function rooms, a fitness centre and a collection of art displayed throughout the hotel featuring works by Picasso, Dali, Dali and Chirico.
I was invited by the hotel for a sample of things to come from its main restaurant, Magnolia, which is closed for a refurb at the moment but with big plans to reopen under the guidance of Michelin starred Executive Chef Franco Madama. Time Restaurant & Wine Bar in the lobby was in full swing though and provided a relaxing setting for working through an assortment of dishes to be introduced once Magnolia reopens.
From a plate of the Roman classic bucatini all’Amatriciana that could more than hold its own against any served in the Eternal City to a more inventive and novel grilled tuna with spinach, pomegranate and wasabi yoghurt – dishes demonstrated an adept skill to indulge without overdoing it. Taster courses of aubergine with chestnut and red pepper, and pureed potato with walnuts and smoked caciocavallo, and a gorgeous chestnut and orange cheesecake confirmed a menu constructed with an ingenuity tempered by an understanding of what makes Italian cuisine so great (showcasing minimal, top quality, seasonal ingredients).
As much as Madama’s dishes pleased, I was just as delighted by libations on offer and deeply impressed with Bar Manager, Domenico Maura, for his knowledge of all things thirst quenching, his skill as a barman and his gracious hospitality.
Divulging my penchant for Old Fashioneds, Maura had me try the bar’s perfectly quaff-able house version to then be followed by a glass of his very own “New Old Fashioned.” A mix of Genever Gin, simple syrup, orange bitters, mineral water and mint, Maura’s update proved a magnificent rendition (though I might still be inclined to stick with the old Old Fashioned still; if it ain’t broke …). Kemey’s love for Negroni was satisfactorily met with the bar’s Luxury Negroni featuring Bitter Rossi D’Angera, Gran Lusso Martini Vermouth and Tanqueray Old Tom Gin.
The liquid highlight of the night – if not the year – for me came at the end with a wee glass of Mirto di Lusso (and Il Mirto Nero Classico Riserva at that). In a class all to itself compared to any other mirto I’ve ever had, this was one of the most flavoursome drinks I’ve yet to come by. Full bodied, silky and leggy as a supermodel, with minty/citrus notes accentuating its punchy berry flavour, it rounded out an excellent meal in elegant style.
After our mirto, it was back to the streets for more explorations and more than a few mentions in the conversation about how fabulous our experience at Time Restaurant & Wine Bar turned out to be – and when we might be able to get back to Rome for a meal at Magnolia once it’s reopened.
Time Restaurant & Wine Bar is located in the lobby of the Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto, Via Vittorio Veneto, 155, 00187 Rome, Italy. Find out more at jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/rome/jumeirah-grand-hotel-via-veneto.
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!
Spicy with notes of vanilla and orange, Old Forester 86 Proof is a fantastic whiskey – on its own or in a cocktail – and despite its 145 years of production it’s a rather new bottle to be found on the shelf here in the UK (look for it at The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and other fine spirits retailers).
I love the stuff and am happy to share a spare bottle stashed away for one lucky tikichris reader’s Christmas prezzie. The 70cl bottle, valued at £40, comes in a special gift box. It’s a full-bodied spirit (43%) with a high rye content for a toasty taste.
To be in with a chance to win a bottle of Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon and have it delivered to your home in time for Christmas, simply tweet the following:
Please take a moment to read the terms and conditions before tweeting!
T&C
I’ll pick one winner at random on Monday 21 December at 11.30am BST. The winner will receive one 70cl bottle of Old Forester in a special gift box, valued at £40. To be eligible to win, you need to have an address in the UK where the prize can be delivered. Obviously you also need to be of legal drinking age to receive this alcoholic product and must be able to show ID that proves your age.
Find out more at oldforester.com and please drink responsibly.
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!
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As is the widespread custom, homes get spruced up in Christmas decorations starting from the 8th of December, during the Immaculate Conception. When you go to Sicily in this period time, you will notice that feasting usually begins on the 24th of the month, where tables are piled high with mouth-watering dishes for everyone to enjoy. This serious eating tends to last for 24 hours! You will also note that sweets are given much importance. Traditional winter foods are sold in shops and are expected during the traditional Christmas banquet.
If you are planning a traditional Sicilian Christmas dinner, rich flavours will play an important role. Pasta al forno is a typical dish served for Christmas Eve. Such example is Lasagna al Cacata traditional of Modica. Here are some other typical holiday foods, which you can try to make or are sure to find everywhere. Sfincione is a traditional Sicilian dish often served in Palermo which is made of pizza dough and covered with tomato sauce, sardines, onions, caciocavallo cheese, olive oil and bread crumbs. Buccellato is a kind of pastry that is stuffed with dried figs, almonds, raisins, pine seeds, walnuts, candied orange peel and sugar. Other recipes include grappa or Marsala wine. They come in large sizes and according to tradition, the bigger it is, the more luck is bestowed on those who eat it. Cosi Chini is a typical pastry that has dried figs and almond stuffing.
Torrone, while not a typical Christmas treat in Sicily, you will find these sold in supermarkets everywhere during winter months. They come out in the cooler months in Sicily when they are less likely to melt. It is a popular nougat confection made typically of honey, egg white, sugar, toasted almonds or other nuts. These come in either a round cake or the more classical rectangular tablet. Cobaita, a nougat made with honey and sesame seeds or almonds and walnuts is a popular type of sweet. Nugatoli cookies can also be found everywhere and they contain chopped dried nuts such as almonds and pistachios and flavoured with cinnamon. Zabaglione is either a beverage or a dessert made of egg yolks, sugar and sweet wine. The dessert version has the characteristics of a light custard which is whipped to incorporate a large amount of air.
Spending Christmas time in Sicily would be a great way to visit the place and get to know the culture. You will enjoy the views without all the usual flock of tourists and you will get to experience the annual holiday traditions which are as old as time. If you planning to visit Sicily, a particular place you have to go is Pasticceria. There are many everywhere. And they sell typical sweets. The Best Pasticceria a Palermo is Cappello. You can´t miss it! Click here for its official facebook page.
It’s a good one to keep in mind as we settle into full-on festive season mode too. Ginormous range Gifts for chocophiles? Check. Attractive Central London bar with a competent staff? Check. Great dining space with some availability left for year end parties? Best call ahead but that was a “check” as of last week.
Rabot 1745 also hosts a range of chocolate events including “Tasting Adventures” and a “Bean to Bar” chocolate making class.
I’d been to Rabot 1745 a few times over the past few years but had never had the pleasure to dine there. After my lunch there last week I realise I’d been missing out. It’s a great, inventive restaurant where novelty (not gimmick) defines a robust menu. Highlights from meal included an intriguing (but deliciously so) main course of rare seared tuna with cacao-creole roast sweet potatoes and spicy cucumber, peanut and coconut salad (£19). Sides (£4.50 each) were tasty too. I especially liked the chips with cacao ketchup and the basil and cocoa nib carrots. A dessert of cacao-honey roast fig with nib ice-cream, Brittany shortbread and conched chocolate sticks (£8) yielded a delightful end. Drinks suited my liking immensely.
Named for the 250-year-old Rabot Estate in St Lucia where Hotel Chocolat sources its cocoa, the restaurant leans on the Caribbean for its creations from the kitchen and the bar. If you like rum and rum cocktails, you’ll be as happy to imbibe here as at any bar in London. I loved working through the stash of bottles of award-winning and ultra smooth Plantation Rum.
When you go try to grab a table out on the terrace (or book ahead to secure one). There are space heaters and blankets; so, unless it’s super duper cold outside you should be fine. The privileged views over Borough Market really blew me away.
Rabot 1745 is located at 2-4 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL. Find out more at hotelchocolat.com/uk/restaurants/rabot-1745.
Entering its second week of trading as a bonafide brick-and-mortar, Brockley Market mainstay, Good & Proper Tea Co, brings a tried and true favourite to the similarly brand-spanking The Bower just outside Old Street Station with a delectable offering of whole-leaf, single origin teas, all carefully chosen by founder Emilie Holmes and accompanied by a short and sweet assortment of house-made crumpets and cakes.
This wee comptoir’s scope is narrow but goes deep with a smart selection of teas to cover all the bases of a complete range – from black to white with herbal too. I had a couple o’ cuppas of teas recommended by Emelie when I slid by last week for taste of what was brewing. The Yunnan black tea was a cocoa and smoke heavy hitter, great for a morning rev. The Eastern Beauty, a fragrant and silky “dark” oolong was a sweet and sour winner that I’d be glad to have again (and again … and especially as winter drear sets in).
If you don’t know your Yunnan from your Assam, or your lemongrass from lemon verbena, then you’re luck because much of the fun of the Good & Proper experience is getting to learn and try tasty things and find out what sorts of teas might suit your taste buds best (assuming staff isn’t swamped with a queue of new adherents when you drop by). Also a lot of fun is watching your tea being brewed very techy, geeked-out and slightly mesmerizing Steampunk machines designed to speed up and enhance tea making. The “theatre of tea” is an important aspect, according to Emelie.
But rest assured if you’re in a rush and prefer to simply ask for a “builder’s”, Emilie and team will be happy to oblige with efficiency.
Something to eat? Good & Proper serves amazingly scrumptious crumpets, on their own or as toasties. I was heartily pleased with the ham and cheese “crump’ monsieur when I paid a visit. Next time if more inclined for something sweet, I might go with a crumpet with homemade hazelnut spread (along the lines of that well-known Italian treat whose name begins with an “N” and rhymes with ella, ella, ella).
Not one to bandy about Shoreditch and its Silicone Roundabout? Be on the lookout for the Good & Proper Co Citroen H Van or Brew Bar at Brockley Market on Saturdays and at pop-ups, markets and special events around town.
As a black coffee snob from foreign shores, I tend to reserve my tea drinking to the quainter moments of life – or when I fear the offer of coffee from a stranger means someone’s going to stir around a scoop of instant coffee granules in a mug for me. But Good & Proper impressed and had me reassessing my relationship with the brew so closely identified with this country I’ve called home for over a decade. Not twee, dainty or presented with pomp – and certainly not about dipping bags of tips in scalding water or taking any shortcuts – Good & Proper Tea Co does justice to a time honoured drink.
Good & Proper Tea Co is located at Unit E, The Bower, EC1V 9NR. Find out more at goodandpropertea.com.
