Send Me to London

So I hate to ask my readers for a favor, but this one really means a lot to me.  I have entered a contest through Facebook where I could win a trip to London.  Flavorpill is giving away a trip to London Town to the person who has the most votes, which could possibly be me.  There is a condition that I need to have the most votes.  So I ask that you do me this one small favor, please click this link, and leave a comment, any old comment will do.  Maybe you could even tell all your friends about it.  There is no need to like the page, no need to give up your privacy.  It would be so cool if I won this trip.  As a thank you to all my readers I will do budget friendly research when I go over there.  I will look for all the places where your wallet won't be drained of pounds.  If I win, I promise to run a contest of some loot from London town I think everyone needs in their life.  There is a real chance that I could win this.  Make a girl's dream come true and send me back across the pond.  I will love all my readers forever.  Pretty please with scones and clotted cream on top will you give me your vote.

Tastes Like America

There is nothing more American than a juicy burger. But what happens if you are outside our borders and feeling a tinge of nationalism in the form of a craving? All that shopping at Selfridge's leave you drained. Then head to Guerilla Burgers for a refuel. This burger joint will become your destination when the ex-pats crave burgers, hot dogs, and fries, not chips. Burgers start at about £5. Your patty can be beef, turkey, or a chicken breast. Add fries, regular, sweet, or smothered to round out your pleasure meal. For the good ole American try add a shake. There are other various options if you are not jonesing for a patty. There are nachos, shrimp (prawns), fish tacos, and various dipping sauces to add variety to your meal. Monday's through Wenesday arrive before 7PM for happy hour. For under £10, enjoy a cheeseburger, fries, and beer or wine. On a health kick, you can lose the bun and no one will judge. As you are throwing back an ale, or savoring your meal your foot will be tapping along to all the hits from the 60s and 70s. Piece of advice ex-pats, maybe make a reservation for next Sunday? You can pretend there are fireworks as you chow down on a juicy burger.
image via Guerilla Burgers

Adding a Pill of Flavor to Your Day

Before the skies decided to open on Tuesday with a summer thunder storm, I was supposed to be in downward dog participating the the record breaking yoga class on Central Park's Great Lawn. This great, huge event was organized by the people of Flavor Pill. Delivered daily, Flavor Pill will fill you in on all the cultural events happening around your city. They facilitate bringing the culturally savvy together. Their editors scour and comb through what your city is offering and tells you which ones you should participate in. This means everything from the obscure, to the underground, and your in the face main stream. Currently broadcasting events in New York, Chicago, LA, San Fran and across the pond in London, you can find the flavor in your city. Obviously they are expanding. There are free events, ones that cost pennies, and ones that should be for special occasions. However, there is no reason why you should not participate. For those like me trying to be more well rounded a little culture in our life is a good thing. Sometimes we meet people who want to talk about things other than which celeb is in rehab and where to find a maxi dress for under 50 bucks.

image via Laura Skwarek

Slice of American Pie Abroad

So you are across the pond enjoying the sites, sipping some tea, and getting your culture on. Then it hits you, you need a taste of home. You cannot go another night eating fish and chips or tandoori chicken. Instead of Texas Embassy in Trafalgar Square, head over to The Blues Kitchen for soul food to mend your cravings for ribs. Serving the standard fare you can get spinach and artichoke dip, followed by a Po boy. Yes you read that right, you can get your favorite Louisiana sandwich all the way in the heart of London. By getting your grub on with your favorite foods, you think you are going to leave unsatisfied with an empty wallet. Well prices here are reasonable. In addition to chowing down you can enjoy the live music that is pumping through the joint every single night. Come to eat and listen to great blues as you down soul food. When you are missing a slice of American pie, head to Camden and have some Mississippi Mud Pie to fill the void.

Doodle While You Drink

I went to my fair share of Hi-lighter parties in college, but never could really appreciate my artwork unless I was under a black light. I am a want to be struggling artist at heart, and when I found out about Doodle Bar in London, I was about to book my flight for this Friday's party, End of Week's Doodles. My London friends and followers should mark their calendar for this Friday, and upcoming Friday's to head down to 33 Parkgate Road, SW11 4NP. When you step into this place, get ready to embrace your inner Monet and doodle on the walls, tables, waiters, fellow patrons. If it is there, you can doodle on it. Together with other doodlers you will create a unique piece of artwork and share an experience that is different to the standard bars. Interested in a more serious drawing experience? On Tuesday's the Bar holds drawing classes for you to perfect your figures. At only 10 pounds a session, you are on your way to getting your work on the walls of the Tate Modern. Charcoal and paper are available for a small price, or bring your own materials that inspire you. Head to the Doodle Bar, and let your mind wander, your teacher is not there to yell at you.