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Travel

Taken with Tours, travels through the Loire Valley, France

Tooting Mama
49 Comments
November 17, 2016
5 Mins read
312 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

Brilliant blog posts on HonestMum.com

Wander Mum
Pink Pear Bear
My Petit Canard
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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About Me

Ranji Thangiah

Food writer, recipe creator and photographer

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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I’ve written about Shonda Rhimes and her book ‘A Year of Yes’. ⁣
I read the book ago and it’s message still resonates with me. 
 
Shonda was known for saying no to things. Her family and friends stopped inviting her to do things because they knew she wouldn’t go.
 
This was a wake-up call - what had she missed? When she dug deep, she realised it was more about confronting her fears. 
Shonda vowed to say yes to things that scared her. And say yes to more of the right things.
 
The result was life-changing.
 
When an opportunity came my way, I pushed past the self-doubt, fear and imposter syndrome and grabbed the opportunity with a big fat YES!
 
I’ve collaborated with Hi!! Magazine (@hi_online_lk). It's Sri Lanka's glossy luxury lifestyle magazine for the island community and the diaspora. It celebrates Sri Lankan culture, fashion, travel and food. It's an honour to be in their pages! 
 
Over the summer I headed into the kitchen where I was in full recipe creation mode: researching and developing new recipes, cooking, testing, re-testing, writing and photographing these delicious dishes.
 
Some dishes are more traditional with a twist on an authentic recipe - think slow-cooked jaggery beef rib. Others are more traditional. My jackfruit biryani is a vegan crowd-pleaser. It's a great recipe for a gathering of friends that will please those that eat meat and those that don't. And some, are more fusion-style recipes such as jaggery meringues.

I hope you are excited and I have whetted your appetite.

Join my mailing list and the recipes drop into your inbox. DM me or drop a comment - I'll send you the link. 

#srilankanrecipes #londonfoodphotographer #recipedeveloper #foodcontentcreator #londonfoodstylist
Supper clubs are a thing, a scene, a food movement Supper clubs are a thing, a scene, a food movement. Supper clubs are where you find great people cooking great food.

I got to know Sohini, host of the @smokeandlime supper clubs.
 
We initially met for dinner at a small Peruvian restaurant in the Elephant & Castle, in a nondescript building, where the Formica tables wore paper tablecloths, a giant TV blasted South American football and they served the best ceviche you’ll find South of the Thames.
 
At the end of May, I ventured down Walworth Road to experience one of Sohini’s supper clubs.
 
Smoke and Lime is cosy. Eight of us gathered around Sohini’s dining table where we were treated to a feast of home-cooked Bengali cuisine.
 
Sohini’s has pioneered a no-waste kitchen. She uses every scrap of every ingredient in her cooking. Cauliflower leaves are transformed into cauliflower pate. She’s a genius at turning local ingredients into delicacies - you have to try her rhubarb pickle.
 
The two stand-out dishes were the whole deep-fried sea bass and dhal with shaved fennel.
 
The star of the evening was the puchkas. Flavour bombs, mouthfuls of intense joy. I first tasted these in Darjeeling Express, small round pastry shells filled with spiced chickpeas and potatoes, dipped into a tamarind chaat sauce. Hot, sour, sweet flavours burst in your mouth as you gobble your puchka whole.

Now I have experienced the Smoke and Lime supper club, I’m ready to try more.

What are your favourite supper clubs?

#londonfoodphotographer #supperclublondon #srilankanfoodphotographer #londonfoodwriter #foodwriter #londonfoodie #foodstories
The Alphonso mango season is nearing its end. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I got so excited about Alphonso mango season, that I ran out and bought myself a box of 12 mangoes. Way too much  to eat in one sitting. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This year I have been busy making fresh mango lassis, which my husband and children slurped to the bottom of the glass.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The no-bake mango and white chocolate cheesecake was a big hit with friends and family. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And finally with the last of the mangoes I made this Alphonso mango sorbet. The it's the perfect summer dessert.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This super easy to make sorbet is a recipe doesn't require an ice cream. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is one of the best way to get your mangoes to last the season and beyond. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Even though the heat has cooled off this refreshing sorbet is the perfect summer treat. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The recipe is in my bio - hop to it and treat yourself with this mango sorbet! 🥭⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It was about a year ago I made my way to meet Glen It was about a year ago I made my way to meet Glen and take photographs of this soon-to-be new pub/restaurant on the North London scene.

Glen and his business partner Prince had just taken up residence in this pub a ten-minute walk from Highbury & Islington tube, a stone's throw from the Caledonian Road overground. 

I kind of knew the area. Back in the late 90s, this is where I hung when Upper Street was a thing, the epitome of cool, and Brit-pop rode the waves. 

The freshly painted pub with its elegant minimal decor was being prepped to throw open its doors to the public.

This was the @tamilperince 

But a year ago, nobody knew how this pub would fare. 

Dishes were being fine-tuned, the staff were given their pep talk, and excitement, apprehension and trepidation were palpable. 

The Tamil Prince serves good, solid South Indian fare. Prince, the talented chef is from Tamil Nadu. No one does a roti throw-down quite like Prince. Put this into a London pub and you're on to a winner.

Out of the tiny kitchen comes a small menu of hefty portions. 

Giant prawns asking to be peeled, teeth sunk into juicy flesh and consumed with satisfaction. Pulled beef pressed down onto a crispy dosa is begging you to pull it apart with your fingers and share it with friends. 

The menu, a year on, is tried and tested and continues to delight those making their way to N1 to chomp on lollipop chicken and scoop up their dal makhani with the crispiest, flakiest of rotis. 

The Tamil Prince opened to roaring success, critics piled in tried the food and left with their full bellies returning home to tap out glowing reviews.

The Tamil Prince is about, bundling up to N1 for a curry in a London boozer with your mates. You can't get more London than that. 

Congratulations on your first year and it was a privilege to see this all happen! #londonfoodphotographer #restaurantphotographer #commericalphotography #londonfoodie
Over the last year, I have been testing this no-ba Over the last year, I have been testing this no-bake mango cheesecake. After many tries, I have a recipe that’s easy to make and works. And to top that, it’s a show-stopper cheesecake.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This recipe contains white chocolate and double cream, therefore you can call it as a white chocolate mango dessert, a treat, a decadent treat! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This no-bake cheesecake takes a little organisation, but there’s no gelatin and no baking. What’s not to love! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It’s a case of pouring the contents from pots into a bowl and mixing, popping in the fridge to set and there you have it a deliciously easy, creamy cheesecake.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
A decidedly wicked cheesecake that’s ready to eat.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I have used Sri Lankan-inspired flavours to create this no-bake mango cheesecake recipe. The mango and lime are a winning combination and so very Sri Lankan. The lime cuts through the almost too-sweet Alphonso mango.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And cardamom, a feature of so many Sri Lankan recipes, is made for white chocolate. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The flavours are simply special and together, I hope, will be one of the best mango cheesecake recipes you can find!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Enjoy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jump to my bio to grab the recipe! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#mangocheesecake #whitechocolatecheesecake #cheesecakerecipe #nobakecake #londonfoodphotographer #londonfoodstylist #foodphotographerandstyling #nobakecheesecake #recipecreator #srilankancuisine #srilankanfoodblogger #srilankanfoodphotographer
What’s the difference between taste and flavour? What’s the difference between taste and flavour? Is there a difference? Or is it just one and the same? This was the topic of this week's newsletter.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
They are different. And come together when we eat. It’s the two senses of smell and taste that give us that pleasure when we eat a divine meal with the memories that linger thereafter. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Last week, last Tuesday, I tuned into a talk hosted by the @booklarder. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
@cynthia.uma interviewed @nikisegnit author of the Flavour Thesaurus. I bought a copy of the first volume of the Flavour Thesaurus when I started writing about food and creating recipes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s a book that yields so many flavour combinations, many of you may not have thought about. The book is part history of food, gastronomy, stories, science and recipes - if you are a food geek like me, it’s invaluable.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The first volume was published in 2010, it covered 99 flavours and 481 combined flavour pairings. The second volume of the Flavour Thesaurus has been published it covers 92 mostly plant-based flavours, from Kale to Cashew, Pomegranate to Pistachio.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’ve been playing with Sri Lankan flavours and one I’ve become hooked on is curry leaf cooked in butter with a touch of chilli. It’s a winning combination.  I’ve been trying to recreate a chicken liver dish, which involves marinating the chicken livers in curry leaf butter, chilli and yoghurt - the taste and flavour are out of this world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
At the moment, the recipe isn’t working.  My poor husband has had to eat my mistakes (four times and counting). I’m tweaking the recipe, I’m determined to make it work. And when it does, it’s dropping to my newsletter community first. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To join my newsletter community go to my bio & sign up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#londonfoodphotographer #recipecreator #foodwriter  #srilankanfoodphotographer #srilankancuisine
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I’ve written about Shonda Rhimes and her book ‘A Year of Yes’. ⁣
I read the book ago and it’s message still resonates with me. 
 
Shonda was known for saying no to things. Her family and friends stopped inviting her to do things because they knew she wouldn’t go.
 
This was a wake-up call - what had she missed? When she dug deep, she realised it was more about confronting her fears. 
Shonda vowed to say yes to things that scared her. And say yes to more of the right things.
 
The result was life-changing.
 
When an opportunity came my way, I pushed past the self-doubt, fear and imposter syndrome and grabbed the opportunity with a big fat YES!
 
I’ve collaborated with Hi!! Magazine (@hi_online_lk). It's Sri Lanka's glossy luxury lifestyle magazine for the island community and the diaspora. It celebrates Sri Lankan culture, fashion, travel and food. It's an honour to be in their pages! 
 
Over the summer I headed into the kitchen where I was in full recipe creation mode: researching and developing new recipes, cooking, testing, re-testing, writing and photographing these delicious dishes.
 
Some dishes are more traditional with a twist on an authentic recipe - think slow-cooked jaggery beef rib. Others are more traditional. My jackfruit biryani is a vegan crowd-pleaser. It's a great recipe for a gathering of friends that will please those that eat meat and those that don't. And some, are more fusion-style recipes such as jaggery meringues.

I hope you are excited and I have whetted your appetite.

Join my mailing list and the recipes drop into your inbox. DM me or drop a comment - I'll send you the link. 

#srilankanrecipes #londonfoodphotographer #recipedeveloper #foodcontentcreator #londonfoodstylist
Supper clubs are a thing, a scene, a food movement Supper clubs are a thing, a scene, a food movement. Supper clubs are where you find great people cooking great food.

I got to know Sohini, host of the @smokeandlime supper clubs.
 
We initially met for dinner at a small Peruvian restaurant in the Elephant & Castle, in a nondescript building, where the Formica tables wore paper tablecloths, a giant TV blasted South American football and they served the best ceviche you’ll find South of the Thames.
 
At the end of May, I ventured down Walworth Road to experience one of Sohini’s supper clubs.
 
Smoke and Lime is cosy. Eight of us gathered around Sohini’s dining table where we were treated to a feast of home-cooked Bengali cuisine.
 
Sohini’s has pioneered a no-waste kitchen. She uses every scrap of every ingredient in her cooking. Cauliflower leaves are transformed into cauliflower pate. She’s a genius at turning local ingredients into delicacies - you have to try her rhubarb pickle.
 
The two stand-out dishes were the whole deep-fried sea bass and dhal with shaved fennel.
 
The star of the evening was the puchkas. Flavour bombs, mouthfuls of intense joy. I first tasted these in Darjeeling Express, small round pastry shells filled with spiced chickpeas and potatoes, dipped into a tamarind chaat sauce. Hot, sour, sweet flavours burst in your mouth as you gobble your puchka whole.

Now I have experienced the Smoke and Lime supper club, I’m ready to try more.

What are your favourite supper clubs?

#londonfoodphotographer #supperclublondon #srilankanfoodphotographer #londonfoodwriter #foodwriter #londonfoodie #foodstories
The Alphonso mango season is nearing its end. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I got so excited about Alphonso mango season, that I ran out and bought myself a box of 12 mangoes. Way too much  to eat in one sitting. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This year I have been busy making fresh mango lassis, which my husband and children slurped to the bottom of the glass.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The no-bake mango and white chocolate cheesecake was a big hit with friends and family. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And finally with the last of the mangoes I made this Alphonso mango sorbet. The it's the perfect summer dessert.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This super easy to make sorbet is a recipe doesn't require an ice cream. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is one of the best way to get your mangoes to last the season and beyond. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Even though the heat has cooled off this refreshing sorbet is the perfect summer treat. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The recipe is in my bio - hop to it and treat yourself with this mango sorbet! 🥭⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#mangosorbet #mangoseason #summerdesserts #londonfoodphotographer #srilankanfoodphotographer #recipecreator
It was about a year ago I made my way to meet Glen It was about a year ago I made my way to meet Glen and take photographs of this soon-to-be new pub/restaurant on the North London scene.

Glen and his business partner Prince had just taken up residence in this pub a ten-minute walk from Highbury & Islington tube, a stone's throw from the Caledonian Road overground. 

I kind of knew the area. Back in the late 90s, this is where I hung when Upper Street was a thing, the epitome of cool, and Brit-pop rode the waves. 

The freshly painted pub with its elegant minimal decor was being prepped to throw open its doors to the public.

This was the @tamilperince 

But a year ago, nobody knew how this pub would fare. 

Dishes were being fine-tuned, the staff were given their pep talk, and excitement, apprehension and trepidation were palpable. 

The Tamil Prince serves good, solid South Indian fare. Prince, the talented chef is from Tamil Nadu. No one does a roti throw-down quite like Prince. Put this into a London pub and you're on to a winner.

Out of the tiny kitchen comes a small menu of hefty portions. 

Giant prawns asking to be peeled, teeth sunk into juicy flesh and consumed with satisfaction. Pulled beef pressed down onto a crispy dosa is begging you to pull it apart with your fingers and share it with friends. 

The menu, a year on, is tried and tested and continues to delight those making their way to N1 to chomp on lollipop chicken and scoop up their dal makhani with the crispiest, flakiest of rotis. 

The Tamil Prince opened to roaring success, critics piled in tried the food and left with their full bellies returning home to tap out glowing reviews.

The Tamil Prince is about, bundling up to N1 for a curry in a London boozer with your mates. You can't get more London than that. 

Congratulations on your first year and it was a privilege to see this all happen! #londonfoodphotographer #restaurantphotographer #commericalphotography #londonfoodie
Over the last year, I have been testing this no-ba Over the last year, I have been testing this no-bake mango cheesecake. After many tries, I have a recipe that’s easy to make and works. And to top that, it’s a show-stopper cheesecake.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This recipe contains white chocolate and double cream, therefore you can call it as a white chocolate mango dessert, a treat, a decadent treat! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This no-bake cheesecake takes a little organisation, but there’s no gelatin and no baking. What’s not to love! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s a case of pouring the contents from pots into a bowl and mixing, popping in the fridge to set and there you have it a deliciously easy, creamy cheesecake.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
A decidedly wicked cheesecake that’s ready to eat.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I have used Sri Lankan-inspired flavours to create this no-bake mango cheesecake recipe. The mango and lime are a winning combination and so very Sri Lankan. The lime cuts through the almost too-sweet Alphonso mango.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And cardamom, a feature of so many Sri Lankan recipes, is made for white chocolate. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The flavours are simply special and together, I hope, will be one of the best mango cheesecake recipes you can find!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Enjoy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jump to my bio to grab the recipe! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#mangocheesecake #whitechocolatecheesecake #cheesecakerecipe #nobakecake #londonfoodphotographer #londonfoodstylist #foodphotographerandstyling #nobakecheesecake #recipecreator #srilankancuisine #srilankanfoodblogger #srilankanfoodphotographer
What’s the difference between taste and flavour? What’s the difference between taste and flavour? Is there a difference? Or is it just one and the same? This was the topic of this week's newsletter.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
They are different. And come together when we eat. It’s the two senses of smell and taste that give us that pleasure when we eat a divine meal with the memories that linger thereafter. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Last week, last Tuesday, I tuned into a talk hosted by the @booklarder. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
@cynthia.uma interviewed @nikisegnit author of the Flavour Thesaurus. I bought a copy of the first volume of the Flavour Thesaurus when I started writing about food and creating recipes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s a book that yields so many flavour combinations, many of you may not have thought about. The book is part history of food, gastronomy, stories, science and recipes - if you are a food geek like me, it’s invaluable.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The first volume was published in 2010, it covered 99 flavours and 481 combined flavour pairings. The second volume of the Flavour Thesaurus has been published it covers 92 mostly plant-based flavours, from Kale to Cashew, Pomegranate to Pistachio.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’ve been playing with Sri Lankan flavours and one I’ve become hooked on is curry leaf cooked in butter with a touch of chilli. It’s a winning combination.  I’ve been trying to recreate a chicken liver dish, which involves marinating the chicken livers in curry leaf butter, chilli and yoghurt - the taste and flavour are out of this world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
At the moment, the recipe isn’t working.  My poor husband has had to eat my mistakes (four times and counting). I’m tweaking the recipe, I’m determined to make it work. And when it does, it’s dropping to my newsletter community first. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To join my newsletter community go to my bio & sign up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#londonfoodphotographer #recipecreator #foodwriter  #srilankanfoodphotographer #srilankancuisine
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About Me

Ranji Thangiah

Food writer, recipe creator and photographer

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

Most Popular

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easy chicken biryani recipe
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