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Travel

Taken with Tours, travels through the Loire Valley, France

Tooting Mama
49 Comments
November 17, 2016
5 Mins read
198 Views
takenwtours

For our Autumn vacation this year, ( around the same time as the UK October half term) we took a few days out to travel to Tours, the gateway to the Loire Valley, just a three-hour drive from Paris, and boy it was magnificent!

Travelling to Tours

We hired a car, so we could take our highly energetic 10-month-old pup, Mr L, with us. Once again we rented an Airbnb house which gave us and the children plenty of room, and a garden for Mr L to roam around in.

Our house was located just outside the city of Tours, which made it the perfect spot for day trips to neighbouring chateaus which are scattered across the Loire Valley.

The Loire Valley is beautiful, and Autumn was  the perfect time to visit, the trees turning, from green to gold to russet, the days started out frosty with clear blue sky, and gave way to bright, sunny afternoons. What more could we possibly want?

Three chateaus in three days

This was we why came. Chateaus are in abundance around Tours we were completely spoilt for choice. But we chose three chateaus that we felt were well worth a visit (and also because dogs were allowed in the grounds):

Chateau Amboise

chateauamboise

Chateau Amboise is built on a spur on the river Loire, and is famous for being the burial place of Leonardo Da Vinci. You can see his tomb in the chapel located on the grounds of the chateau.

amboisechapel

In 1434 the chateau became a royal residence to Charles VII of France having seized it from its owner, Louis d’Amboise. The chateau has been graced by the presence of Catherine de Medici (brought up her children here) and Mary Queen of Scots.

Much of the Chateau was destroyed during the French Revolution, and as a result, great parts of the chateau had to be demolished.

This chateau even provided an audio guide for children, in English, which kept our two children happy and engaged.

Admissions

Entry to chateau and gardens with audio guide: Adult €15.20, Child €10.50
Children under 7 years get free entry

How to get to Chateau Amboise

Chateau Villandry

chateauvillandry

Chateau Villandry is the sort of chateau that you have to stop, stare and breathe in its beauty, it is a truly magnificent chateau, the sort of stuff  you find in fairy tales.

Chateau Villandry isn’t really a chateau, more of a rather grand house, with the trappings of a chateau. Much of the house is decked out in 18th-century grandeur.It doesn’t have the royal patronage of Chateau Amboise, but it’s gardens are, well what can I say, stunning.

villandrygardns2

The children weren’t so keen on the house, but they were taken with the garden, especially the woods, (I sent them on a nature trail) and getting lost again, and again in the maze.

Admissions

Entry to chateau and gardens: Adults €10.50,  child €6.50
Entry to garden only: Adult €6.50, child €4.50
Children under 8 years get free entry

How to get to Chateau Villandry

Chateau Chenonceau

mistlifting

If you are only going to see one chateau, this is the one to see: Chateau Chenonceau. The children saw this in the guide book and this is the once they really wanted to go to: “The floating chateau!”

The chateau is a mix of styles, gothic and renaissance.

After parking the car, we walked along a tree-lined avenue, there was mist over the river which partially hid the chateau, and as it lifted, our first glimpse of the Chateau was breathtaking.treelinedave

The chateau did belong to the mistress of King Henry II, Diane Poitiers, who adored the chateau (if it was mine I would too). She had the idea of building the two-story extension over the river, she was in desperate need of a ballroom. Unfortunately, her lover died, the widow of Henry II, Catherine de Medici, ousted the mistress and took the chateau for herself, completing the extension and no doubt having all those balls. Diane Poitiers did get another chateau, Chateau de Chaumont so it wasn’t all bad.

chenonceau

This chateau is the most visited after Versailles, and if you want to beat the crowds, get here early.

Admissions

Entry to chateau and gardens: Adults €13.00  child €10.00
Children under 7 years get free entry

How to get to Chateau Chenonceau

A humbling experience in the Troglodyte caves

A visit to Troglodytes des Goupillieres can only be described as an incredibly humbling experience, especially if you have feasted your eyes on the lavishness and ostentatiousness of aristocratic living.

These caves show just how peasants, from the middle ages for 900 years, had to eek out a livin hand to mouth, with one family surviving in one room (with animals).

troglodytehomes

It was an eye-opening experience for the children, learning that not everyone in the olden days got to live in a beautiful castle.

donkey

What the children liked the most was wandering in and out of the living areas, enjoying the petting farm (the goat and feeding the donkey are firm favourites), and burning off excess energy in the kids play area. There’s even an onsite restaurant, for when you are feeling peckish.

Troglodyte caves can be found all around the Loire Valley, many  have been converted into wine cellars, where you can come for tastings and buy a case of delicious Chinon, others have been converted into gites, and you can book yourself a stay through Airbnb.

Admissions

Entry to Troglodytes des Goupillieres: Adults €6.50  child €5.00
Children under 5 years get free entry

How to get to Troglodyte des Goupillieres

And let’s not forget the Loire Valley wine

Oh yes the wine. We left this ’til last, big mistake. It was a bank holiday and many places for tasting were closed. Disaster!

On our way back to the house, we spotted a place that looked like it might be open, the lights were on and there were cars in the car park! Yes Mummy is getting her wine.

The Cave au Vin was superb, we tasted some delicious whites and reds. This particular Cave au Vin even had a little play area to keep the children occupied while we tasted the produce. (Only in France!)

We’ve brought home a mixed case of Chinon, Bourgueil, and Pouilly Fume. (This is one happy mummy!).

Fancy a trip to Tours?

Tours Val de Loire International is the nearest airport with flights all year round from the UK (London Stanstead, Ryan Air).

Tours is only 238 kilometres from Paris, around three hours by car.

By high-speed TGV train Tours is just under an hour from Gare Montparnasse.

Dear Bear and Beany

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dog friendly chateaus Loire Valley Tours
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49 Comments
  1. Tooting Mama

    October 19, 2020 8:47 pm

    Oh you so are! How lucky – I do miss France, hoping to be back soon!

    Reply
  2. My Petit Canard

    November 27, 2016 9:18 pm

    What a gorgeous little getaway. Much more exciting than the likes of peppa pig world or somewhere like that. I love the idea of doing a little chateau tour like this, youre so lucky to have places like this on your doorstep now 🙂 Ill definitely have to remeber this for the next time we decide to pop over to France! Lovely post, thanks for sharing it on #MarvMondays. Emily

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 27, 2016 10:35 pm

      Thank you so much! It was a fabulous break, and I really do appreciate how lucky we are. I have done my time with Peppa Pig World! The chateaus and gardens are stunning, so if you are planning a trip to France, do pop down to the Loire (and the wine is amazing too!)

      Reply
  3. Amie

    November 25, 2016 10:56 pm

    Really beautiful photos! My partner is going fishing in France next year and we both live the there. I’m so excited to take our two over there for a nice educational holiday (I love war museums) #MarvMondays

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 26, 2016 4:36 pm

      That will be one fabulous holiday, enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Cherry @ The Newby Tribe

    November 23, 2016 1:46 pm

    Gosh I love your photos and the castle looks incredible! I would love to bring my kids to France – we used to visit loads when we were kids and were always visiting chateau’s! Just gorgeous! #marvmondays
    Cherry @ The Newby Tribe recently posted…Wonderful Winter At Waddesdon ManorMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 26, 2016 4:39 pm

      Thank you, well France is so close! The chateaus are just beautiful – well worth a visit if you ever head this way.

      Reply
  5. Zena's Suitcase

    November 23, 2016 8:59 am

    The Chateaux’s you visited look so magical. I haven’t explored France in a long time, but you’ve really inspired me to go back soon
    Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…Drayton Manor Park Magical Christmas Review @draytonmanor #DMPMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 26, 2016 4:41 pm

      Yes, it was a magical experience, it’s hard to imagine this is how people lived. I think you should head this way soon, I’m sure you’d love it.

      Reply
  6. Laura - dear bear and beany

    November 22, 2016 9:46 pm

    No one does Chateau better than the french! We visited a coupe when I went as a child, but I don’t think it was these. The wine tour we definitely didn’t do and that would be top of my list now! Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove x
    Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…Review: Mr Tumble Lights and Sounds and Felt Set…My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 26, 2016 4:40 pm

      You are so right, the French do know how to build a chateau, the are just so impressive.

      Reply
  7. Cliona

    November 22, 2016 8:39 pm

    Your photos are so gorgeous ❤️I’ve never been to the Loire Valley although I’ve had some wonderful holidays in Brittany and Normandy. The castles would be totally my cup of tea, I’m always fascinated by how people lived.

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 26, 2016 4:38 pm

      Thank you! The Loire is just gorgeous, I’m completely fascinated by the renaissance era, going to do a little research on it.

      Reply
  8. Louise Pink Pear Bear

    November 22, 2016 3:26 pm

    Ooooh looks so pretty! I am utterly in love with the French chateaus we visited this summer. I’m adding these to the list for next year! Thank you so much for being a part of the #bigpinklink it’s great to have you with us!
    Louise Pink Pear Bear recently posted…Big Pink Link 41My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 22, 2016 7:41 pm

      Oh I do hope you make it to the Loire Valley – it’s so gorgeous out there.

      Reply
  9. Something About Baby

    November 22, 2016 3:25 pm

    Wow, your photos are amazing! These all look like such stunning places to visit, with lots to do to keep you and the kids occupied. I’m glad you got your wine! #MarvMondays
    Something About Baby recently posted…Getting Festive: A Christmas Cake Recipe and Arty Apple ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 22, 2016 7:43 pm

      Thank you, there is so much to do there, yes and getting the wine haul or so important!

      Reply
  10. Rachel George

    November 22, 2016 3:14 pm

    Looks like a fabulous place to visit. Your photos are amazing, you have a real eye for things.
    Rachel George recently posted…Helping Harvey.My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 22, 2016 7:43 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  11. Nicola Cassidy

    November 21, 2016 10:59 pm

    Disaster on the wine timing! What beautiful venues – this would be one of my ideal holidays. Love the contrast between the castles and the peasant caves. You’re making me want to book flights to France!
    Nicola Cassidy recently posted…Duffy’s Toyworld – why we need to look beyond the chain storeMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 26, 2016 5:04 pm

      I know what a muppet, leaving that til the last moment! It was a fabulous holiday, the Loire is well worth a visit if you are thinking about France for a holiday.

      Reply
  12. catherine

    November 21, 2016 10:06 pm

    The chateaus are so pretty. Like fairytale castles emerging from the mist.
    #marvmondays

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 22, 2016 7:44 pm

      Fairytale like is so right, and yes looking at the castle in the mist was simply magical.

      Reply
  13. Jo - Mother of Teenagers

    November 21, 2016 7:51 pm

    This brought back so many happy memories for me. When I was a teenager my school did a foreign exchange with a school in Olivet in the Loire Valley and I went every year to stay with my pen pal for 6 years. In fact my first boyfriend was from that area as a result. It is such a beautiful area and I was taken to many of the Chateaux you mention and to Paris too. I would love to go back. Thanks for the memories.#MarvMondays

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 9:22 pm

      That’s just so wonderful, I’m thrilled this post brought back so many happy memories. It’s such a beautiful area and how lucky you got to visit over six years. I just loved it there!

      Reply
  14. Katy - Hot Pink Wellingtons

    November 21, 2016 6:56 pm

    We did a camping tour of the Loire Valley when I was little and I’m sure we visited all of these. I definitely remember Chenonceau though, no mistaking that one! I remember my Dad being rather fond of the wine too! I’d love to explore that beautiful garden, it’s absolutely stunning – now considering my own family tour of the Loire Valley! Thanks for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
    Katy – Hot Pink Wellingtons recently posted…5 Happy Things #26My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 7:45 pm

      It’s so amazing, and pretty brilliant for kids, and yes, of course the wine! What’s not to love!

      Reply
  15. Kat

    November 21, 2016 6:41 pm

    Oh wow what a beautiful way to spend an autumn break, such gorgeous architecture and gardens. Fantastic photos of the adventure too! #MarvMondays

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 7:46 pm

      Ooh it was simply wonderful to be out there, really fabulous – thanks for dropping by.

      Reply
  16. Wandermust mummy

    November 21, 2016 5:41 pm

    Looks beautiful # marvmondays

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 7:46 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply
  17. Charlotte | Baking Betsy

    November 21, 2016 10:22 am

    That looks like the most amazing trip! That last chateau is jaw droppingly stunning, and I would love to explore the gardens at Chateau Villandry. I think I’d find those caves most fascinating though. #MarvMondays
    Charlotte | Baking Betsy recently posted…Living Arrows 143My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 7:49 pm

      Yes, Chemononceau, now that’s the chateau of chateaus and real must if you ever go to the Loire Valley.

      Reply
  18. Yvonne

    November 21, 2016 9:35 am

    I have not visited any of these. The Chateau’s look lovely, although I am most interested in the wine trip 🙂 x
    Yvonne recently posted…Book Gift Guide For Christmas… AlmostMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 7:49 pm

      Hey, that was the most important part of the trip – can’t miss out on the fabulous wine!

      Reply
  19. Elizabeth

    November 21, 2016 7:21 am

    Such a stunning place to visit! I would love to visit those caves more than the fancy houses – such stories those walls could tell!
    Elizabeth recently posted…Toffee Popcorn with Peanuts {Recipe Video}My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 7:51 pm

      Visiting the caves was an incredibly humbling experience, so hard to imagine that’s how people had to survive and to be next to all those fancy pants castles, it was a time of huge inequality. Guess the revolution had to happen!

      Reply
  20. clairejustine

    November 21, 2016 6:13 am

    It looks lovely here. I could just take a walk around here now. Lovely pictures, love the top one with the reflections on the water 🙂

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 7:51 pm

      That’d be Chenonceau – it was simply stunning, and so beautiful in the morning mist.

      Reply
  21. Carolina Twin Mom / Mary Peterson

    November 21, 2016 4:16 am

    My husband was just peeking over my shoulder and exclaimed, “Whoa! What’s that?” You are so fortunate to have these chateaus so close by to you! Exquisite. I’ve also forgotten about Airbnb, so this is a good reminder to check it out when we’re planning our next trip. Thanks for sharing your vacation photos! #SharingtheBlogLove

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 7:52 pm

      Thank you for your lovely comment, we are so lucky, totally appreciate what we have within a few hours drive.

      Reply
  22. Elizabeth (Wander Mum)

    November 20, 2016 10:37 pm

    The chateaux are just stunning. Incredible but interesting to compare the grand castles with the caves. I’m keen to explore more if this area…especially with all that lovely wine too! #citytripping
    Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…Ultimate Packing List For Holidays With ChildrenMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 21, 2016 7:53 pm

      I think you had better add the Loire valley to your travel list, it was such a beautiful place. It’s well worth having a holiday here.

      Reply
  23. Cathy (Mummytravels)

    November 19, 2016 10:22 am

    We visited this part of the Loire when I was a child – probably around 7 or 8 and the chateaux are just amazing. It would be a fascinating contrast to see the cave homes though. #citytripping
    Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…City Tripping #53My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 20, 2016 7:14 pm

      The Troglodyte caves were so fascinating, really worth visiting.

      Reply
  24. Kat

    November 18, 2016 8:00 am

    Wow, your photos of the chateaus and gardens look as if they were plucked out of fairy tale books! Perhaps when I return to France some day, I’ll make sure I visit the Loire Valley to see these castles. #citytripping

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 20, 2016 7:21 pm

      Thank you, they really are fairy-tale castles, so amazing, hope you get to France someday soon.

      Reply
  25. Ahila

    November 18, 2016 3:44 am

    The Troglodyte caves look fascinating. Would love to visit them someday. #CityTripping

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      November 20, 2016 7:23 pm

      Oh yes, they are incredibly fascinating, it’s really hard to imagine whole families had to live in such small spaces.

      Reply
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Ranji Thangiah

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I'm Ranji! I am a food photographer, recipe creator, lover of Sri Lankan food which I want to share with you.

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That'll be a full Sri Lankan for me.​​​​​​​​​
@cynthia.uma I want to say good luck as you welcome your first guest to your new Sri Lankan restaurant @rambutan_ldn.

I know this project has been in gestation for a long time, and I can only imagine the excitement you are feeling as you welcome your first guests to dine with you. 

I also know you're going to smash this while putting Tamil Sri Lankan food on the map!

If you can't wait that long, grab a  copy of Cynthia's awesome cookbook Rambutan. 

This is the roasted butternut squash curry, perfect for soaking up fragrant spices that pack a punch. 

My husband and I, we are hooked on seeni sambol toasties. This was something my mum used to make, and you'll find it in the book. Think cheese toasties with an onion jam on acid! Try it, you'll be hooked too! 

🍀Good luck Cynthia, I'm rooting for you! 👊🏾

Recipe: Sri Lankan butternut squash curry, recipe from Rambutan cookbook
Photography: Moi 
Food styling: Moi

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My creative juices are feeling drained, and I’ve My creative juices are feeling drained, and I’ve sucking up the last dribbles from my creative well.

I did a shoot for two recipes I had created. 

I loved the recipes, hot spicy traditional Sri Lankan curries, kalupol chicken and a side of sambar. The flavours that had depth, the kind of flavours reach into you and touch your soul! 

But, I hated the pictures.

It was frustrating. 

Even though I had meticulous planned my shots, they just didn’t work.

It sometimes happens, especially when you feel sapped of your creativity. 

Creativity is a muscle that has to be exercised, and then there are times when it simply needs a rest.

I gave my brain a break from food photography, and embarked of a photo walk in the fascinating company of @step_hen_les_lie, a brilliant and insanely knowledgeable street photographer.

I needed to engage and see the world, in a different way.

With street photography, the shot comes you. If that sounds easy? Think again. 

Street photography tests your mental sharpness, your power of seeing the out of the ordinary. 

It’s a case of walking, waiting and watching, waiting for something unusual, out of place or something just plain old god damn bonkers to happen. 

And you need a truckload of patience, and be ready to catch that shot! 

Check out my photographs and let me what you think. 
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We connected over fish. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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After connecting on Instagram and following her foodie adventures around the world across Australia and India, I finally got to meet Sohini, who runs the fabulous food account @smokeandlime.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sohini creates inventive menus for her line of supper clubs inspired by her Kolkata heritage.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We met, in South London, in the Elephant and Castle.I’ve worked around the Elephant for almost twenty years. With jobs that took me down the Aylesbury Estate; I’ve seen tea dances in the Elephant & Castle shopping centre where I played ten pin bowling when I volunteered with a cub troupe from Peckham. This was at a time when the Elephant was a no-go for gentrification.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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How it has changed. Sprouting out of the earth like giant stalagmites are these huge glass towers with apartments commanding eye watering rents. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Like the old housing estates, the old carbuncle of a shopping centre has been bulldozed; In its wake are small eateries and boutiques. The big brands aren’t here yet, but it’s only a matter of time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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At Sohini’s suggestion we met at a little Peruvian place, @saborperuano_elephant, just under Strata Tower in a brutalist concrete parade of shops. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This restaurant is old school, no frills, white vinyl tablecloths, giant-screened TV. Yet the food is…..EPIC!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The ceviche, marinaded in tangy cheeksuckingly good leche de tigre, succulent beef hearts threaded on to skewers, fresh crispy deep fried squid, and I’m pretty sure we ate vegetables to. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And, for two hours straight, we spoke about nothing else but food. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It’s was great. And my heart is lost in Peru! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thai aubergines. It's hard to believe these are ve Thai aubergines. It's hard to believe these are vegetables.​​​​​​​​
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That green, they look like little semi precious stones, or marbles, the ones I used to play with when I was a kid.​​​​​​​​
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I saw these in my local Sri Lankan grocers, and had to grab my phone and snatch picture!​​​​​​​​
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They're almost too cute to cook!​​​​​​​​
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When I was a kid, we always made thin, French-styl When I was a kid, we always made thin, French-style crepes. And our topping was only ever lemon and sugar. 🍋​​​​​​​​
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The American fluffy pancakes were, well exotic. ​​​​​​​​
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We only ever saw them on American kids' shows. And they always seemed to have pancakes for breakfast. And they always covered them in syrup! I'd watch wide-eyed agog at these pile of delicious pile of pancakes.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
When I was a kid, pancakes were a once-a-year thing.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The excitement and build-up was almost too much as we approached Pancake day, aka Shove Tuesday, gobbling up all the good stuff before we headed into Lent and abstinence before we crack open the Easter eggs. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Now, I can make whatever pancakes I like. And I like to make fluffy American ones. Perhaps it reminds me of those Saturday morning American kids' shows, and those hearty American breakfasts, served by all-American moms to their all-American families.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
There's something indulgent about a pile of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, ready and waiting, drenched with something delicious and to be devoured by a brood of hungry mouths. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
What pancakes did you make this year? And more importantly, what was your topping? ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#pinkladysnapsfeb23 @foodphotoaward @pinkladyappleuk @davidloftus ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
February open theme #foodphotobiteswithritu @foodphotobiteswithritu @happytummybyritumbhara judge: @ferraronierica ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
American pancakes: Recipe @marthastewart, Food styling: Moi​​​​​​​​
Photography: Moi. Syrup: @lylesgoldensyrup​​​​​​​​
Inspiration: @louisehagger - an incredible food photographer with so much wit & creativity 🤩​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#buttermilkpancakes #americanpancakes #pourshot #pancakeday #pancakeday2023 #foodstylistlondon #londonfoodphotographer #foodphotographylondon #londonrestaurantphotographer #commercialphotography #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community #hautecuisines
Making my mother Sri Lankan Love cake has become a Making my mother Sri Lankan Love cake has become a tradition. I like to make it about this time of year, you know, love and #Valentines and all that.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The recipe I bake yields a hefty portion.  Love Cake is dense, it’s not designed to be wolfed down in a single session. It’s a cake to savour and relishes to cherish while sipping a cup of Sri Lankan tea.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Having made it so often it's only now that I am digging into its provenance.  Sri Lankan Love Cake has an interesting backstory of colonialism, culture, and personal stories of migration.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
If you want to know more about the history of this delicious cake, hop to the Tooting Mama website, there’s a link in my bio. You’ll find the recipe there too. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Because, the only way to experience Love Cake is to make it. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#lovecake #srilankancuisine #srilankanfood #restaurantphotographer #londoncommercialphotographer #foodstylistlondon #saveurmag #bonappetit #londonfoodstylist #srilankanfoodphotographer #Londonfoodphotographer #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community #hautecuisines #raw_sweets #raw_sweets_
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That'll be a full Sri Lankan for me.​​​​​​​​​
@cynthia.uma I want to say good luck as you welcome your first guest to your new Sri Lankan restaurant @rambutan_ldn.

I know this project has been in gestation for a long time, and I can only imagine the excitement you are feeling as you welcome your first guests to dine with you. 

I also know you're going to smash this while putting Tamil Sri Lankan food on the map!

If you can't wait that long, grab a  copy of Cynthia's awesome cookbook Rambutan. 

This is the roasted butternut squash curry, perfect for soaking up fragrant spices that pack a punch. 

My husband and I, we are hooked on seeni sambol toasties. This was something my mum used to make, and you'll find it in the book. Think cheese toasties with an onion jam on acid! Try it, you'll be hooked too! 

🍀Good luck Cynthia, I'm rooting for you! 👊🏾

Recipe: Sri Lankan butternut squash curry, recipe from Rambutan cookbook
Photography: Moi 
Food styling: Moi

#srilankanfoodrecipes #srilankanfoodphotograher #srilankanfoodlovers #srilankanfoodiesaroundtheworld #srilankantraveldiaries #srilankantravel #foodandflatlay #foodstylingandphotography #foodstylingphotography #foodphotographymagazine #restaurantphotographer #londonfoodphotographer #seedifferently #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #seedifferently #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale
My creative juices are feeling drained, and I’ve My creative juices are feeling drained, and I’ve sucking up the last dribbles from my creative well.

I did a shoot for two recipes I had created. 

I loved the recipes, hot spicy traditional Sri Lankan curries, kalupol chicken and a side of sambar. The flavours that had depth, the kind of flavours reach into you and touch your soul! 

But, I hated the pictures.

It was frustrating. 

Even though I had meticulous planned my shots, they just didn’t work.

It sometimes happens, especially when you feel sapped of your creativity. 

Creativity is a muscle that has to be exercised, and then there are times when it simply needs a rest.

I gave my brain a break from food photography, and embarked of a photo walk in the fascinating company of @step_hen_les_lie, a brilliant and insanely knowledgeable street photographer.

I needed to engage and see the world, in a different way.

With street photography, the shot comes you. If that sounds easy? Think again. 

Street photography tests your mental sharpness, your power of seeing the out of the ordinary. 

It’s a case of walking, waiting and watching, waiting for something unusual, out of place or something just plain old god damn bonkers to happen. 

And you need a truckload of patience, and be ready to catch that shot! 

Check out my photographs and let me what you think. 
#streetphotographylondon #londonphotographer #documentaryphoto #londonrestaurantphotographer #foodphotographerlondon #visualstorytelling #candidstreetphotography #streetphotomag #streetlifeworldwide #seedifferently #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #capturestreets
We connected over fish. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
After connecting on Instagram and following her foodie adventures around the world across Australia and India, I finally got to meet Sohini, who runs the fabulous food account @smokeandlime.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sohini creates inventive menus for her line of supper clubs inspired by her Kolkata heritage.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We met, in South London, in the Elephant and Castle.I’ve worked around the Elephant for almost twenty years. With jobs that took me down the Aylesbury Estate; I’ve seen tea dances in the Elephant & Castle shopping centre where I played ten pin bowling when I volunteered with a cub troupe from Peckham. This was at a time when the Elephant was a no-go for gentrification.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
How it has changed. Sprouting out of the earth like giant stalagmites are these huge glass towers with apartments commanding eye watering rents. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Like the old housing estates, the old carbuncle of a shopping centre has been bulldozed; In its wake are small eateries and boutiques. The big brands aren’t here yet, but it’s only a matter of time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
At Sohini’s suggestion we met at a little Peruvian place, @saborperuano_elephant, just under Strata Tower in a brutalist concrete parade of shops. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This restaurant is old school, no frills, white vinyl tablecloths, giant-screened TV. Yet the food is…..EPIC!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The ceviche, marinaded in tangy cheeksuckingly good leche de tigre, succulent beef hearts threaded on to skewers, fresh crispy deep fried squid, and I’m pretty sure we ate vegetables to. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And, for two hours straight, we spoke about nothing else but food. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s was great. And my heart is lost in Peru! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#londonfoodphotographer #Londonfoodie #restaurantphotographer #commericialphotographer #stilllife #stilllifephotography #stilllifestories
Thai aubergines. It's hard to believe these are ve Thai aubergines. It's hard to believe these are vegetables.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
That green, they look like little semi precious stones, or marbles, the ones I used to play with when I was a kid.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
I saw these in my local Sri Lankan grocers, and had to grab my phone and snatch picture!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
They're almost too cute to cook!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#pinkladysnapsfeb23 @pinkladyappleuk @davidloftus​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
 #myediblecaptures monochromatic bliss by @andreakoever judge @eli_and_co sponsor @blueberrybackdrops ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#aubergines #stilllife #stilllifegallery #stilllifephotographer #raw_minimial #belightinspired #shotoniphone #foodstyling #srilankanfood #restaurantphotographer #londoncommercialphotographer #foodstylistlondon #saveurmag #bonappetit #londonfoodstylist #srilankanfoodphotographer #Londonfoodphotographer #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community
When I was a kid, we always made thin, French-styl When I was a kid, we always made thin, French-style crepes. And our topping was only ever lemon and sugar. 🍋​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The American fluffy pancakes were, well exotic. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
We only ever saw them on American kids' shows. And they always seemed to have pancakes for breakfast. And they always covered them in syrup! I'd watch wide-eyed agog at these pile of delicious pile of pancakes.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
When I was a kid, pancakes were a once-a-year thing.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The excitement and build-up was almost too much as we approached Pancake day, aka Shove Tuesday, gobbling up all the good stuff before we headed into Lent and abstinence before we crack open the Easter eggs. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Now, I can make whatever pancakes I like. And I like to make fluffy American ones. Perhaps it reminds me of those Saturday morning American kids' shows, and those hearty American breakfasts, served by all-American moms to their all-American families.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
There's something indulgent about a pile of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, ready and waiting, drenched with something delicious and to be devoured by a brood of hungry mouths. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
What pancakes did you make this year? And more importantly, what was your topping? ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#pinkladysnapsfeb23 @foodphotoaward @pinkladyappleuk @davidloftus ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
February open theme #foodphotobiteswithritu @foodphotobiteswithritu @happytummybyritumbhara judge: @ferraronierica ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
American pancakes: Recipe @marthastewart, Food styling: Moi​​​​​​​​
Photography: Moi. Syrup: @lylesgoldensyrup​​​​​​​​
Inspiration: @louisehagger - an incredible food photographer with so much wit & creativity 🤩​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#buttermilkpancakes #americanpancakes #pourshot #pancakeday #pancakeday2023 #foodstylistlondon #londonfoodphotographer #foodphotographylondon #londonrestaurantphotographer #commercialphotography #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community #hautecuisines
Making my mother Sri Lankan Love cake has become a Making my mother Sri Lankan Love cake has become a tradition. I like to make it about this time of year, you know, love and #Valentines and all that.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The recipe I bake yields a hefty portion.  Love Cake is dense, it’s not designed to be wolfed down in a single session. It’s a cake to savour and relishes to cherish while sipping a cup of Sri Lankan tea.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Having made it so often it's only now that I am digging into its provenance.  Sri Lankan Love Cake has an interesting backstory of colonialism, culture, and personal stories of migration.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
If you want to know more about the history of this delicious cake, hop to the Tooting Mama website, there’s a link in my bio. You’ll find the recipe there too. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Because, the only way to experience Love Cake is to make it. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#lovecake #srilankancuisine #srilankanfood #restaurantphotographer #londoncommercialphotographer #foodstylistlondon #saveurmag #bonappetit #londonfoodstylist #srilankanfoodphotographer #Londonfoodphotographer #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community #hautecuisines #raw_sweets #raw_sweets_
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About Me

Ranji Thangiah

PHOTOGRAPHER & BLOGGER

I'm Ranji! I am a food photographer, recipe creator, lover of Sri Lankan food which I want to share with you.

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