Tag Archives: Shopping

5 Great Cookery Schools in Central London (OneTravel)

Here’s a list of five of the best cookery schools in London. I’ve been to all five, and I’m happy to vouch for all of them. Indeed, I’m a better cook for visiting each one. I’ve still got a long ways … Continue reading

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Best Cheap Eats in London – 2013

To say I ate and drank well this year does not begin to describe how delectable 2013 was for me. Both in London and beyond, I had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best meals outside the home I’ve ever eaten. Here’s a list of some excellent London eateries where I’ve found it possible to enjoy a satisfying meal for £5 or less. Keep an eye out for more posts over the coming days listings my favourite London restaurants and pizza places as well as the ten best restaurants I visited outside of London this year. Continue reading

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Top 5 Christmas Lights in London (CheapOair)

Tis the season to enjoy the twinkly show of holiday lights in London. Here’s the definitive list of the five best spots to get in the spirit. Merry Christmas and happy new year! Read my complete post at the CheapOair … Continue reading

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London’s Top 5 Department Store Christmas Windows (CheapOair)

Doing some last night gift shopping in London? Be sure to take a moment to enjoy all the festive sights and pretty lights! The city’s famous department stores do it up in grand style this time of year to show … Continue reading

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Cooking up a Scandilicious Christmas with Norwegian Seafood and Signe Johansen

Here’s a quick mention about a fun cookery session I recently sat in on at rather swank cooking school, Aveqia. Hosted by the Norwegian Seafood Council with London’s own Scandilicious chef Signe Johansen at the helm, it was a tasty opportunity to discover what makes seafood from Norway so special and delicious while dabbling in a bit of Scandi Christmas tradition too. Continue reading

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Tilia: Christmas Nibbles Sorted

Started in 2011 and incorporating a “Five Point Selection Criteria to identify producers who display qualities that set them apart from the pack”, Tilia connects Londoners with some of the best local suppliers of artisan food and drink. Currently, Tilia is only a London only thing, but there are plans to expand. Continue reading

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Spaghetti Bolowhatta? The Real Bolognese Revealed (Great British Chefs)

Let’s get to the meat of the matter. There’s no such thing as spaghetti Bolognese. Or, at least, there isn’t in the actual city of Bologna. You would do well to seek Bolognese inspiration for its rich tradition in pasta making. It’s a deliciously saucy city too and one which rightly lays claim as the original home of a large variety of food products – just not spag bol. Bologna and the region of Emilia-Romagna have as prominent a cuisine and as celebrated a food culture as anywhere in the world. Even among Italians from other parts of the country, the gastronomic sensibilities of the Bolognese are held in the highest esteem. Continue reading

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How to Manga like the Modenese (OneTravel)

With a population of fewer than 200,000 people, the list of icons associated with the northern Italian city of Modena is impressive. Pavarotti, Ferrari, Maserati, Balsamico, tortellini … whatever floats your proverbial boat, odds are you’ve been inspired by someone … Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Arrivederci and Grazie Mille!

Over the past several days I’ve been sharing highlights from my recent Ham Highway adventure across northern Italy in a special 14-part miniseries. The series features entries about the following destinations – Forni di Sopra, Sauris, San Daniele, Udine, Collio Goriziano, Trento, Torino, Parma, Modena, Nonantola, and Bologna – along with tips and suggestions to help you plan your own delectable Italian itinerary. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Bounteous Bologna

That I’ve been to Bologna four times (twice just this year) should speak volumes about how much I love this city. It and the region of Emilia-Romagna have as prominent a cuisine and as celebrated a food culture as anywhere in the world. Even among Italians from other parts of the country, the gastronomic sensibilities of the Bolognese are held in the highest esteem. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Balsamico and Lambrusco

During my day in Modena, I made a postprandial excursion to the nearby village of Nonantola (still within the provincial boundaries of Modena) where I visited a balsamic producer and a winery. Finding out what makes aceto balsamico tradizionale such a prized delicacy and why local quaff Lambrusco is a lot better than many wine snobs seem willing to realise added up to a wonderful way to spent an afternoon. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Modena: Fast Cars and Slow Food

For a town with a population of fewer than 200,000 people, the list of icons associated with Modena is impressive. Pavarotti, Ferrari, Maserati, Balsamico, tortellini … whatever floats your proverbial boat, odds are you’ve been inspired by someone or something Modenese at some point in your life. Continue reading

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Ancient Frescos and Fresh Mountain Air in Trento, Italy (CheapOair)

With a newly opened museum designed by star architect Renzo Piano; a distinctive sparkling wine with a rich tradition behind it; an exquisite regional gastronomy that’s big on flavour; and of course a stunning backdrop of snowcapped mountains, the lively … Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Antica Corte Pallavicina

Just outside the blink-and-miss-it village of Polesine Parmense, Antica Corte Pallavicina is a gorgeously restored 14th century castle situated on the banks of the Po that’s been transformed into a six room boutique hotel with Michelin starred restaurant. As refined as it is rustic, the venue is the result nearly two decades of dedication by local chef Massimo Spigaroli (whose other Michelin starred restaurant, Al Cavallino Bianco is located in the same village). Dining at Pallavicina was a sumptuous affair, yielding one of the loveliest meals I’ve had this year. Knowing that practically everything I put in my mouth came from here and was made onsite made all the more tasty. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: November Porc

Celebrating a decade since its inception, November Porc is a month long foodie festival held every weekend during (yep you guessed it) November with each weekend seeing the party move to a different village in the Province of Parma. If the idea of visiting Torino was the impetus to planning my trip, the possibility of attending one of the November Porc weekends was what led to designing my actual itinerary and coming up with its broad “Ham Highway” theme. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Torino Unshrouded

Initially pursuing an opportunity to visit Torino (perhaps better known to some of my readers by its anglicized name, Turin) was what eventually led to me coming up with my the full blown “Ham Highway” itinerary. The city was (and I assume still is) keen to have bloggers visit to write about the city. There was a chocolate festival scheduled for when I knew I would be able to go, and I was pretty sure I could get a commission to write about it. The more I looked into Torino, the more I of a hunch I had that it would be the sort of “content rich” place that I’d enjoy checking out. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: a-MuSe-ing and Bubbly Trento

After an all too short sojourn in Friuli (God, I hope I make it back there before too long), I hit the autostrada heading west to the region of Trentino for an overnight stay to see what sort of wonders its scenic city of Trento had to offer. With a newly opened museum designed by a star architect; a distinctive sparkling wine with a rich tradition behind it; and an exquisite regional gastronomy that’s big on flavour, locally sourced ingredients and seasonality – the answer I soon discovered was A LOT! Continue reading

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Wine of the Month by @willbedwards: Pol Roger ‘White Foil’ Brut

Champagne is a wine intimately linked to celebration and festivities, and Christmas is the one day of the year when the ‘wine o’clock’ rule is entirely disregarded. Wine, and particularly Champagne, makes a wonderful gift at Christmas; or if like me you are just choosing a breakfast tipple, then the Pol Roger ‘White Foil’ Brut is a perfect candidate. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Delectable Collio Goriziano

With the charming Udine as my base for a couple of days, I spent an afternoon in the nearby wine country of Collio Goriziano visiting a wine producer and cheese maker, both of whom had been recommended to me … along with finding out about a local ham maker whom I wish I’d had the chance to meet. Here’s the scoop on what makes this little nook of northern Italy such a yummy destination. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Udine

Udine is the hub and historical capital of the small Friuli Veneza Giulia province of the same name. With a sizeable university, it’s a lively setting with an interesting mix of people and pretty decent nightlife. If you’ve been to your share of checklist-y must-see Italian destinations (such as … oh let’s say … Florence) or you simply get a kick out off veering off the beaten path in an attempt to see what real life in a foreign country is like then Udine is a brilliant town to keep in mind. Continue reading

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TONIGHT: Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard Christmas Shopping Night Out

Tonight, Seven Dials will be transformed into a pedestrian shopping haven with the entire area closed to traffic. There will be live music including performances by “vintage pin-up singer” Roo Savill and urban pop trio Mama Do as well as other bands and DJ in shops and around the area; street food from Urban Food Fest and sweets from Merinuqe Girls; free cocktails at St Martin’s Courtyard; a Champagne & Fromage pop-up bar; in-store parties; free makeovers; exclusive one-day offers; comps and giveaways; a festive spirit in the air and lots lots more … there’s even a tikichris special! Check it out. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Speck-tacular Views and Smoky Brews in Sauris

Day two of my foodie odyssey had me saying goodbye to the Dolomite gateway town of Forni di Sopra and heading even higher (and deeper) into the Alps to the tiny Germanic enclave of Sauris for a taste of the local delicacies and to take in the sweeping views – all of which elicited some form of audible and involuntary whoa or wow from an overwhelmed me. Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Forni di Sopra and the Dolomite Loop

Situated within the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti Friulane, Forni serves as excellent base for outdoor adventure with plenty of nearby (and even in-town) opportunities for skiing, climbing and hiking. And as I discovered, It’s a fantastic place to have a drink as well. Here, the stereotypical Italian bella figura yields to a rugged and independent spirit. In Forni, I came across men with beards of mythic proportions and drank some of the finest craft beers I’d ever tasted. Aside from the snowy Alpine surroundings and the absolute quietude of the night, the scene was enough to have me wonder if I was back home in Hackney. Had I stumbled upon a secret hipster heaven? Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Ciao and Grazie!

Over the next several days I will share highlights from my adventure in a Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway miniseries of posts featuring entries about the following phenomenal destinations – Forni di Sopra, Sauris, San Daniele, Udine, Collio, Trento, Torino, Parma, Modena, and Bologna – all with tips and suggestions to help you plan your own delectable itinerary. Continue reading

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London’s Top Christmas Markets (OneTravel)

December is a fantastic time to visit London, offering a healthy dose of Christmas cheer that’s unparalleled. Here’s a roundup of the city’s best Christmas markets to help you fa la la your way to an excellently English Christmas. Read … Continue reading

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Win a £150 Voucher from Zalando: UK’s Largest Online Wardrobe

Online shopping for top brands with guaranteed free deliveries and returns – that’s not just a Yuletide offer from Zalando, the UK’s largest online wardrobe, but what they provide to customers year round. With a great range of festive styles, a smart selection of Christmas gifts, and of course vouchers to give that friend or loved ones who might be a little more difficult to shop for, now is a great time to browse Zalando’s online aisles – especially since I’ve got a Zalando gift voucher worth £150 to share with one lucky reader. Continue reading

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What Happens When Your Christmas Gifts are Left Alone at Night?

Ever wonder what sort of magic takes place this time of year when the shutters are closed and the lights turned off at a major department store? See what happens when Christmas gifts are left alone at night in this fun little clip from BHS featuring some very clever slow motion animation. The video is only about a minute and a half long but is chocked full of all sorts of great gifts available at BHS Continue reading

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Reminder: Win Seasonal Pasta Christmas Hamper from Carluccio’s Today! #BuonNataleUK

Okay. So I’m just back from a rather epic week-long foodie ramble across the north of Italy. Yes, I had an amazing time. Soon enough, I’ll be writing about all the delectable highlights I experienced and sharing some top tips learned along the way. Keep an eye out for plenty more posts about my trip. Until then though, if you have a craving for some cibo Italiano but can’t getaway before the festive seasonal, don’t forget to enter my latest competition for a pasta hamper from Carluccio’s. Continue reading

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Product Review: Heat Holder Socks (CheapOair)

Ever spent a whole day away from home with cold feet? I’m not being metaphorical and talking about being too shy or afraid to enjoy yourself. I mean being uncomfortable because you’re not wearing the right socks for the weather. … Continue reading

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Spotlight on illy SustainArt Prize Winner: Adan Vallencillo (Espresso Crazy)

Honduran artist and recipient of the 2013 illy SustainArt Prize, Adan Vallencillo, has arrived in Venice to commence his three-month residency with the Bevilacqua La Masa Foundation. Continue reading

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Win a Seasonal Pasta Christmas Hamper from Carluccio’s

Carluccio’s is a fantastic one stop resource when Christmas shopping for the foodies in your life, whether you’re browsing for authentic Italian foods in-store or shopping online for the best of Italy brought straight to your door, with a new next-day delivery service. Treating friends, family and colleagues to Carluccio’s selection of hampers, gift boxes, cakes, biscuits, sweets and chocolates is an excellent way to ensure the people most important to you have a deliciously buon Natale this year. To find out more about all the yummy festivities happening this Christmas at Carluccio’s plus the chance to win one especially scrumptious Christmas hamper for free, just keep reading! Continue reading

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Kamps: New German Backerei Café on Tottenham Court Road Near Warren Street

Kamps is a new German backerei café on Tottenham Court Road near Warren Street station. Stop by for a coffee (artisan wood roasted in Oxford) and a pastry, an especially budget friendly and tasty breakfast or a loaf of bread baked fresh in-store. Not yet open a full week with no marketing , the clean little shop is making fans quick. After my recent visit I can see why. Continue reading

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Deck the Halls with Post-it Index This Christmas

Hoping to avoid a fa-la-la-la-fail this Christmas? Post-it Index is an excellent and versatile resource to help you stay organised and on top of your game over the festive season. Continue reading

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Festive Season Ideas for Coffee Gifts and Entertaining (Espresso Crazy)

The festive season will be here before we know it. And if you’re like me, coffee is going to play an even more important part of life than usual over the coming weeks. Whether downing a much needed boost of caffeine during an exhausting round of shopping, capping off a fantastically filling roast dinner with a shot of espresso or leisurely sipping a moreish mocha while admiring twinkling lights on a Christmas tree, coffee is going to help me cope with my hectic schedule, celebrate the important moments with my family and friends, and relax as the final days of the year wind down. Continue reading

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Win a Selection of Christmas Chocolates from Hotel Chocolat

Love chocolate? Check out the recently launched 2013 range of Christmas chocolates from luxury British chocolatier and cocoa grower Hotel Chocolat. From gorgeous stocking fillers and stunning boxed chocolates to full-on family hampers, there’s something for everyone with something for all gift giving budgets. And for one lucky reader of this blog, there’s a chance to win free chocolate. Continue reading

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