Since the first edition in Valencia in 2024 when more than 30,000 people attended, more than 7 tons of potatoes had been cooked and 9,000 liters of Mahou beer had been served, the 2025 edition was awarded a win to La Ruta by Thacks Awards.
Author Archives: Thacks Panelists
A 30 hour Irish Assignment: Guinness and Chipper Food at the cliffs of Ballycotton – PART II
By John Thackray So, I touched down in SUNNY Cork at 19:00 local time, dashed to get my hire car and the upgrade to a brand new Jeep with 4,000km on the clock was a nice start though I didn’t have time to faff to get the radio working… I checked into my accommodation justContinue reading “A 30 hour Irish Assignment: Guinness and Chipper Food at the cliffs of Ballycotton – PART II”
A 30 hour Irish Assignment: Guinness and Chipper Food at the cliffs of Ballycotton – PART I
The greatest thing about living in Europe is that budget airlines exist – so you can find a return flight to another country less than 3 hours away for under €60. You can fly to Venice for a day to fill up on genuine pasta, or skip over to Morocco for a few hours toContinue reading “A 30 hour Irish Assignment: Guinness and Chipper Food at the cliffs of Ballycotton – PART I”
Spanish Wine Outings
Just an hour outside of Valencia… Valencia was often known for its cheap bulk wines, but it has already blossomed into one of Spain’s most interesting wine regions. Rehabilitated long-forgotten local grapes like the red Mando and the white Verdil are coming back to life, with the rediscovered use of amphoras. You will find interestingContinue reading “Spanish Wine Outings”
Restaurante Albacora (Valencia) Review
Restaurante Albacora in the Marina of Valencia, Spain, is a hidden gem that is tricky to get to if the pedestrian bridge isn’t open. But it is so worth it!! We started off with ‘Carpaccio de Gambas’ which is a seafood version carpaccio with fresh flavours beautifully presented – and some homemade bread. ‘Crujente deContinue reading “Restaurante Albacora (Valencia) Review”
Eurovision 2024 Predictions
Although Thacks Awards is mostly about food, drink and travel, herewith a beginners guide to something different: Eurovision. Panelist John had a look at all of the 2024 entry videos on YouTube and brings you this guide and intro… Just in case you need a random happy distraction from anything traumatic. Sometimes you do needContinue reading “Eurovision 2024 Predictions”
2023 was an up and down year
2023 was an exciting year in terms of destinations. And finding things different to your expectations. The seven panelists travelled to far-flung destinations like Japan, Columbia, Canada, Brazil, the USA from their bases in Spain, Austria, Cyprus, the UAE, Australia and South Africa. They also revisited foodie favourites like Italy, France and Germany. Some previousContinue reading “2023 was an up and down year”
2023 Top 3 Winner: THE CURRY CLUB, Cape Town, South Africa
From the moment I stepped into The Curry Club, I was overwhelmed by the aromatic fragrances from the Punjabi spices that began seducing my nose-buds. Punjabi cuisine has its origins in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, and it is known for its rich and flavorful dishes. Punjabi curries are typically less hot thanContinue reading “2023 Top 3 Winner: THE CURRY CLUB, Cape Town, South Africa”
2023 Top 3 Winner: BINGO IZAKAYA RESTAURANT, Kyoto, Japan
Tucked away in a side street of Kyoto is a very unassuming little gem of a restaurant. I wish I could say that it’s Kyoto’s best kept secret but the cat has been let out the bag a long time ago as this restaurant, Izakaya, is well known and quite possibly the best Izakaya inContinue reading “2023 Top 3 Winner: BINGO IZAKAYA RESTAURANT, Kyoto, Japan”
Eurovision 2023 Predictions
Although Thacks Awards is mostly about food, drink and travel, herewith a beginners guide to something different: Eurovision. Panelist John had a look at some of the 2023 entry videos on YouTube and brings you this guide and intro. Just in case you need a random happy distraction from anything traumatic. Sometimes you need aContinue reading “Eurovision 2023 Predictions”
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