Tylo Times » Food and Drink

Coffee Carts Abound in London

Cindy — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:10:00 +0000

When touring London and you don’t have time to sit at an outdoor cafes, don’t worry, coffee carts abound in London, run by young baristas trying to make a mark on the city’s thriving coffee scene. These convenient coffee carts do their best to be where the tourist are and they are usually not too far from a London hotel , a museum, or any of the historical sites.

The ‘Exchange Coffee’ , has a brilliant brew, such as for their espresso based coffees, they use the Monmouth Espresso blend. This small operation is located at the Northern tip of the Lewisham Street Market every Saturday, which is located in the South-East area of London.

The Brewed Boy, located between Brewer and Rupert Streets, then at the Cabbages and Frocks Market, Marylebone High Street, and at the St. Marylebone Parish Church Grounds on Saturdays. This coffee on wheels not only serves top-quality Square Mile coffee, but also totes about books as well. Look for a grey-steel van in Soho, run by an Aussie who loves his coffee and loves to exchange books, and you’ll get a great brew for only 2 pounds, a real coffee-bean deal.

You can’t miss ‘Indie Coffee’, due to a most unique coffee vehicle, which is a converted Sumatran food cart. Indie Coffee is located at 50 Church Street, and uses a La Marzocco espresso machine to brew a smooth espresso, plus you’ll get to choose from a glass case full of baked goods.

‘Pitch 42′ , located on Whitecross Street at the Whitecross Street Market, offers the finest, flawless cups of coffee served in proper glassware. While there, drinking the best cup-of-coffee you might just get to hear the sweet piccolo playing in the background and you also chow down on a chorizo sandwich or a cheese sandwich Racletts made by Pitch 42.

Located at 4 Strutton Ground is the ‘Flat Cap Coffee Co.’, whose owner was the barista champion of Brazil in 2007. This stunning black and wood set-up provides Victoria’s office workers with Square Mile coffee, pastries from Villandy and tea Pigs.

Coffee Carts Abound in London is a post from: Tylo Times

Beautiful Honeymoon in Rome

Cindy — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:36:43 +0000

My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Rome, Italy and it was absolutely the most romantic two weeks of my life. Of course some people say this was partly due to the fact that it was my honeymoon and Kyle and I are so much in love that anywhere we went would be incredibly romantic, but Rome is a city without Rival. It is amazing in its beauty, architecture, art and culture and also has the feel of being the ancient city that it is. Kyle and I saw most or all of the major historic landmarks and were absolutely awed by them. Though I have to say one of the best afternoons we spent there was when we sat at this great little table in an outdoor patio café and ate pasta and drank wine during a light storm.

All of the combined factors created that fabulous afternoon. We had already been to the Colosseum, Vatican City and other major landmarks so much of the city was already present with us as we sat and enjoyed our morning coffee and pastry. That’s right, I said pasta and wine earlier, but it started with coffee and pastry. The cafe was the first place we sat down after leaving the comfort of our suite. We talked about everything we had done and will do and just as we were getting ready to leave we noticed it had started to rain. So, we sat back down and asked for more coffee.

We had one of the nicest conversations sitting there in with the lit candle and flowers, which filled the entire patio. We talked about the beauty of Sistine Chapel and the enormous talent of Michelangelo. The combined aromas were inescapably sensual and it was almost like the day was created for us. Before we knew it, it was already past lunchtime and we decided to go ahead and order some pasta. About this time an older man walked out and sat down at another table. He was the only other person out there the entire time so we didn’t feel like we had been taking up space or anything. And so the rest of the afternoon went. We talked, laughed, ate food and drank wine. Ah, that was a beautiful honeymoon.

Beautiful Honeymoon in Rome is a post from: Tylo Times

Cape Town Wineries

Cindy — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:50:50 +0000

Any time is a great time for tourists and travelers to visit the wine lands of Cape Town. This is an environment that not only boast the warmth of the sun, but the cool breezes from the sea, coming straight on down from Antarctica. Other than Europe, France and Spain most notably, the wine-lands of Cape Town are oldest, established areas for the vineyards and the production of wine in the world. Could be true, that these regions in Africa may even be the most beautiful, with many top Cape Town hotels surrounding the region, there are plenty of opportunities to spend some time exploring and tasting.

The wine here is still moderately priced, even given the worldly knowledge of the winemakers, and the quality of the grapes. The heat of the region tends to bring out the rich and warm flavors that only warm weather wineries are capable of producing. Now, after the days of Apartheid, the wine industry in South Africa is changing and improving at a rapid rate. For a while the sweeter white wines were cultivated, but the truth is that some of the boldest and the best of the reds are now coming out of this region.

In less than ten years, the makers in South Africa have achieved what it has taken those in Napa decades to accomplish. New wine makers are the driving force in Africa currently, and what they have been producing is thrilling and exciting. Some of the best varieties in Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet are now being produced in this region. There is a bit of the French conservatism and restraint that has been fusing with the opulence of the New World ideas. While Chenin Blanc is fading away, the whites produced in the region such as the Rieslings, the Chardonnays and the Sauvignon Blancs are becoming popular.

Many of the wine makers of South Africa welcome visitors, tasters, and suggestions. One of the best regions to visit on a wine tour through South Africa is the Stellenbosch Winery. This is located in a college town, offers many options for inexpensive dining, and they are making some serious wines. The wines made here are elegant, and everyday, and when one wanders through the winery, one will be offered up a variety of cheeses as well. This is one stop on a tour of tasting that is a must see, must experience location.

Cape Town Wineries is a post from: Tylo Times

Springtime in Melbourne, Australia

Cindy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:20:58 +0000

One of the best times of the year to visit the city of Melbourne, Australia is during the springtime, which lasts during September throughout November. In this northern region of the continent this is the time just before the monsoon season sets in. The flowers are in bloom and the coasts are dotted with the many migrating whales and dolphins. This is also the time that the five star hotels in Melbourne fill up with those attending the festivities surrounding the Melbourne Cup. Many festivals occur during this time, from jazz music and blues, to the visual arts and opera, this is a time that should not be missed out upon. This is also a time when many of the youth of the country, hit the roads to head out for spring break, making their ways to Sydney, Melbourne and the ever popular break spot of Margaret River. The surfing at this time is good, as well as the diving and underwater adventures. These are combined with the adventures found on land in the way of food festivals and wine tastings.

In Melbourne, the racing carnival continues long after the Cup. The horse races continue to take place daily, as well as fashion shows and parties. The main race track in this city, that is home to the Cup, as well as Oaks Day races and the Derby, however many smaller venues are located throughout, and as stated the races and festivities continue on through the month of November. One does not need to be well versed in the sport of horse racing to enjoy the traditions and to partake in the social aspects. This is the celebration of the end of the winter season and return of the months of sunshine and warmth. This is one time when the excitement of the new season is just barely contained, and the entire city is filled with the excitement. Visitors during this time should be aware that the citizens of Melbourne are fashionable and love to flaunt it, with some of the ceremonies held in black and white style. So pack the bags

Springtime in Melbourne, Australia is a post from: Tylo Times

Interesting Cuisine in Singapore

Cindy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:12:15 +0000

There are many activities one can find and unique places to see in Singapore, so many so, that even if this is ones tenth time to the island, there is always something new to try. The five star hotels Singapore offers vary from the hip and trendy, to the historical, to the boutique hotels with vintage furniture and funky decor. There are also many resorts and spas for those wanting to pamper themselves with a healthful and relaxing trip. And for those health minded travelers, there is one restaurant that is not like any other, and that is the Imperial Herbal Restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, the waiter or waitress my ask to look inside your mouth, check your pulse, or give a quick painless tug on your hair. This is one way that they determine what you need, as far as nutrition, or an adjustment to the yin or yang energy in your body at the time. A couple of the exotic appetizers touted to set your energy right, are the deep-fried, breaded ants and scorpions. And the servers are not quiet about what they find out about your or your health. If you had too much to drink the night before, they will know. And if you have gone prematurely grey and dye your hair, they will know that as well. And they are not shy with your personal business.

Once they make a diagnosis, they will decide what choices from the menu that would best suit one on any given day. And while all the food prepared here is delicious, is top notch Chinese cuisine, be prepared to put some things in your mouth you may never have put there without some pressure and coercing. For in the kitchen, in jars and bottles, one will see pickled gecko lizards, deer penises, caterpillars and worms, seahorses, snakes and webbed duck feet. Mr. Li is the resident herbalist and chef, and while all this sounds unappetizing, the goal of the restaurant is to take ones medicine with a spoonful of sugar, or sweet and sour sauce as the case may be. The Imperial Herbal Restaurant has been in business for over twenty years, and many locals come to get nourishment before staying up all night to study for finals or to finish a work project. Well known throughout the city of Singapore, this is one of the many restaurants that should not be overlooked when traveling throughout the island.

Interesting Cuisine in Singapore is a post from: Tylo Times

Double-Decker Bombay

Cindy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:16:17 +0000

I took a joyride around South Bombay in an open top Double-Decker bus. I’ve never done that before, but I thought I do the touristy thing since I was at one of the Bombay India Hotels a a tourist and see what it was like. I was meeting a bunch of my friends at the IPL Bar Crawl to watch the cricket match that would be playing on the big screen. The entry into the club was nominal, but the drinks were on the expensive side, but luckily I brought enough money to get the drinks coming during the whole match. I was pleasantly surprised about how organized the whole event was, we had purple ID wristbands letting the club people know we were guest that signed up for this event. because there was a whole random crowd trying to fit in.

This was my first time to the club and I really enjoyed that the drinks kept flowing, free shots were being handed out to the women in multi-colored blinking glasses. Then my friend introduced me to the organizers and I discovered how small of a world it really is, I found out that one of the organizers was related to my old college roommate. I always here in-order to get a job in a club, it’s all in who you know, so I promptly asked about employment. While the boys watched the cricket match, was selling myself to the promoters. I was a little drunk from the shots, but hopefully they didn’t notice that when I handed them my phone number.

Then my friends pulled me away and announced we were moving to our next stop. They rushed me to stand first in line so we could get seats on top of the Double-Decker bus. Once we all got on, we were off to Bootlegger. I really couldn’t fathom how the bus driver managed to negotiate the mammoth bus around all the narrow lanes, but he did. He even went the wrong way on a road making the oncoming cars back up! Impressive indeed. We were laughing so hard watching all the drivers flip-off the bus driver. But, then we heard people start yelling ‘Tree’! and we turned around in enough time to duck. Some weren’t so lucky and got hit in the head. We still couldn’t stop laughing. The whole Double-Decker bus experience was a blast. I wonder if they’re hiring? That seems like it would be as much fun and working at a club.

Double-Decker Bombay is a post from: Tylo Times

Fruit Trees of Singapore

Cindy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:57:21 +0000

A reason I enjoy getting out of Singapore and driving in the countryside of Malaysia is that I can see tons of fruit trees growing in the compounds of people’s homes. Recently, I made a trip to Kukup, it’s a fishing town on the South-Western tip of the state of Johor. It was the season for rambutan and I saw many trees fruiting by the roadside. I also saw may roadside fruit stalls which reminded me of Singapore in the 50′s and 60′s. And from what I’ve heard, most of the Best Singapore Restaurants will peruse these fruit stalls and purchase the freshest fruits for their guests. These fruit trees and fruit stands remind me of when I was a child. Very fond memories.

In my kampong, I used to have many fruit trees. I remember climbing those trees was one of my favorite things to do as a child. I found the guava tree was the best for climbing because its branches were strong. I called the guava fruit ‘pak kia’ (literally meaning chicken droppings fruit). I had 2 types of fruit; one with pink flesh and the other with a white flesh. The seeds are extremely hard and not digestible. I remember mistaking eating some guava seeds and believe me, you don’t want to go through what I did. So, please, really, stay away from swallowing the seeds.

But, my most favorite fruit from the kampong days was the soursop. Our tree was a prolific fruit producer which produce a more tastier and bigger fruit than what I can buy today in the markets. They are actually hard to find in the markets because they ripen too quick and are expensive, so shoppers tend not to purchase them. I remember the fat green caterpillars that live on the trees, I liked playing with them, but they did not like playing with me.

Fruit Trees of Singapore is a post from: Tylo Times

Thanksgiving in Bangkok

Cindy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:42:41 +0000

I’m in Bangkok and I’ve noticed the all the malls and shops are putting up Christmas trees and the decorations that go with Christmas. Right now, today, it’s Thanksgiving in the States, but there’s not much evidence around Bangkok to this Holiday. I know it’s a strictly American holiday, but, all the same, there is some showings of Thanksgiving. Like the Bangkok Business Hotels, they offer for the American here on business a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Some are even putting on a huge Thanksgiving banquet. This has brought out all the American expats to mingle alongside the American business person. An interesting combination.

Thanksgiving is not really a holiday for me, too busy with a business project deadline, but I do take it a little easier today and managed to move all my appointments to the next day. I have replied to important emails and yes, did a little bit on the project, but for the most part, I’m just chilling, watching some movies and I actually got to read a little in a book I’ve been wanting to start. I was about a quarter through the book when I realized I’ve read it before. I found myself laughing out loud. So, I’ve found myself with sometime on my hands, a luxury I rarely get, so I decided to head down to the restaurant in my hotel and see if Thanksgiving Dinner was still being served. It was, and a little bit on the expensive side, but the buffet smelled so good and it made me very homesick. As I perused the buffet, I loaded my plate with turkey, stuffing, yams, ham, potatoes, cranberries sauce, gravy and made a note to go back for pumpkin pie. It was packed in the restaurant, there was not a free table, so I ask a table that had an available chair if I may join them, they were absolutely delighted to have me join them at their table. Expats. We had a marvellous conversation, we even exchanged emails addresses, we hit it off that good. After seconds, I notice I was over stuffed and satiated, but that didn’t stop me from sweet talking the waitstaff to let me take another plate back to my room. I told them that another tradition to Thanksgiving is the leftovers for the next day.

Thanksgiving in Bangkok is a post from: Tylo Times

Raves Goa

Flowering in Singapore

Cindy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:38:00 +0000

I’ve been in Singapore for about two weeks now and no one told me about the beauty of the flowering Sea Apple trees. I’ve seen trees flowering in the East Coast of Bedok, a city near Little India and along Beach Road and Holland Village. I wonder if they have been flowering elsewhere. My trip to Singapore is a business trip which hardly allowed for free time to find out just how far into the country and along the coastline are these Sea Apple trees flowering. Being an amateur botanist, and having a few days of vacation time, I booked a few more days at the 5 Star Singapore hotel where I’m staying in order to explore a little bit more.

The white flowers on the Sea Apple tree are compact and come in cluster. They are very prominent with just even a quick glance, especially against an overcast day which Singapore seems to be having lately. I’ve been told, my noticing the flowering is a little late, they are starting to turn brown. I do see some browns against white and the dark green of the Sea Apple canopy, now that I take a closer look. This does not stop me from taking some photos.

The flowering most likely started a half a month ago. I feel some regret to not be here at the beginning, but at least I’m here now, and took sometime off work to study this amazing tree. I decided to travel and take some more photos, but the winds were very strong at midday which made it almost impossible to get a good shot. But, not to fear, I found some very wonderful photos of the Sea Apple tree on the Internet. Alas, they are not mine, but all the same, they are quite exquisite. I found my favorites on Flickr. One day my amateur botany photos will be just as good as those on Flickr.

Flowering in Singapore is a post from: Tylo Times

Caribou Coffee in Dubai

Cindy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:28:51 +0000

Travelers who have been around a bit know that a five-star hotel in Dubai is a very fortunate thing. It means that the guest is in for a trip that is spent in absolute luxury, with all the grace and hospitality one could ever hope for. The hotels are extremely cutting edge in design, and everything is the finest quality. And despite the sense that one is relaxing in a kind of heaven, far away from everyday concerns, there is also the assurance of being well-connected, where the state of the art in technologies are available in the room. There is a delightful combination here of the familiar and the new, with diverse cultures existing in the same place.

The UAE has a very long and fascinating love affair with coffee, and there are local rituals that are very exciting to learn. Dubai is a place where the old and the new come together, however, so it might come as no surprise to see that Caribou Coffee is here. It opened its first shop at the Dubai International Finance Center. The Arabian Coffee Company plans to open 250 shops in the UAE in the next decade.

Caribou Coffee with 16 different blends, and a very distinctive interior design, with wood panels on the walls and a decor to suggest a hunting lodge, is keeping its look and its selection as it starts to take root here. With Dubai’s reputation as a global center, and a lively youth culture, along with the population of local and expatriate artists, a coffee franchise here is a very astute idea. It will be fascinating to see how Dubai and the rest of the UAE responds to the coffee shops, and how they will start to modify them with their own cultural practices. There is an eagerness on all parts of the business deal to mix tastes and traditions, so that this U.S. export will start to become something with interesting local variations.

Caribou Coffee in Dubai is a post from: Tylo Times