Ted Tastes Francesca Feasts

Day 6 – Bagels, Bambi & Beef on Sizzling Platters 🦌🥯🥩

July 16, 2025
Ohayo from Kyoto!
Today was a wild one — we left the city behind for a day trip to Nara Deer Park, where we made some unexpected four-legged friends, dodged rain clouds, ate lunch under a pergola, and ended the day with a steak so good, it nearly caused a toddler takeover.

Here’s how it all went down…

🥯 Breakfast: Bagels on the Run

We were off to the famous Nara Deer Park today, so breakfast was all about speed and snacks.
- We raided the local supermarket for blueberry bagels, croissants, and buns, and ate them on the go — while navigating the metro to Kyoto Station, and then hopping on the train to Nara.
- A few hiccups and delays along the way meant we arrived later than planned (shoutout to Japanese train station signs for keeping us on our toes).
By the time we arrived, it was nearly lunch — and our stomachs were making noises louder than a herd of deer.

🥪 Lunch: Convenience Store Fuel & Curious Deer Encounters

Before heading into deer territory, we hit up a convenience store for a quick lunch.
- Francesca grabbed sushi, Ted went for fried chicken, Mum had a chicken salad, and Dad slurped up some cold noodles.
- Let’s just say the food was fine — not our most memorable meal, but good enough to keep the hangry monsters away.
Then came the real excitement: deer. Everywhere.
We hadn’t even entered the park before a herd of hungry deer came casually strolling down the sidewalk like they were heading to a team meeting.

Some were majestic. Some were cheeky. The calves were super cute.
One even tried to nibble Lucia’s feet.

We found a peaceful spot under a pergola by the lake, right as the skies started to spit. There, in the quiet… Ted decided it was the perfect moment to ponder the curious case of the Beef Wellington death cap mushroom trial in Victoria. 🧐🍄

We left the park with full minds, full SD cards, and slightly deer-scented shoes.

🥩 Dinner: Sizzle, Steak & Sneaky Toddler Bites

After all that walking, deer-dodging and deep thinking, we were ready for a proper dinner. And boy, did Kyoto deliver.

We landed at Kyoto Niku Shokudō, a local spot known for its beefy brilliance.
- Each of us ordered a steak set, served on a sizzling platter with miso soup, steamed rice, and fresh salad.
- Dad got extra kimchi (because of course he did).
- The beef was tender, juicy and absolutely incredible — the kind of meal that makes you go quiet for a second so you can really appreciate it.
Lucia was a big fan. So big, in fact, that she almost ate all of Mummy’s steak. Toddlers and sizzling platters: a dangerously tasty combo.

✨ Final Thoughts

From bagels at sunrise to beef at sunset, and a whole deer-filled day in between, Day 6 was a reminder that not every meal has to be fancy — but when it is, it should definitely be on a sizzling plate.

Tomorrow we’re back in Kyoto, and there’s talk of temples, tofu, and more festival fun… so stay tuned!

With full bellies and furry memories,
Ted, Francesca & the Deer Whisperer Lucia 🦌🍱🔥

P.S. Ted’s still thinking about that mushroom trial. Francesca’s still thinking about the deer. Lucia’s still thinking about steak.
Day 5 – Shinkansen Snacks, Kyoto Feasts & Festival Fun 🚅🍱🎉

July 15, 2025
Konbanwa from Kyoto!
Today was all about movement — moving cities, moving snacks into our mouths, and moving our feet to the beat of a magical summer festival. That’s right, we said goodbye to Tokyo and zoomed off to Kyoto aboard the legendary Shinkansen (bullet train) for the next leg of our Japanese foodventure.

Here’s the scoop on our travel-filled, street-festival-fabulous day:

🥐 Breakfast: Croissants on the Tracks

This morning we had one mission: get to Kyoto.
Our Shinkansen was at 10:30am, so we made our way to the station, weaving through the busy morning rush with our bags and sleepy faces.
- We grabbed a quick brekkie from a bakery in the station: flaky croissants for us kids, and a wrap for Dad .
- Then we hopped aboard the Shinkansen — zooming across Japan at rocket speed while munching on buttery pastries. 🚄💨
We still can’t get over how fast and fancy the train was. Lucia spent half the ride squealing at the window and the other half asleep.

🍣 Lunch: Traditional Plates in a Kyoto Gem

We arrived in Kyoto just after 12:30pm, dropped our bags at the hotel, and headed straight out in search of food. (As you do.)

We found a tiny traditional Japanese family-style restaurant, known as a Syokudo, serving Teishoku which is like a DIY set menu with a main dish and various tasting plates.
- We picked out a main dish: salmon, tuna, or grilled chicken, and various small plates of deliciousness: rice, seaweed, pickles and even okra (surprisingly slimy, surprisingly tasty).
- It was simple, quiet, and totally different from Tokyo — in a good way.
🛍️ Dinner: Supermarket Smorgasbord Showdown

Tonight we tried something very different — a supermarket dinner challenge!
Each of us got a budget of ¥1,000 (around $10), and we had to pick our own meal and a drink.

But here’s the twist:
- The store was packed.
- Festival music was playing.
- Lucia kept grabbing random things.
- And there were too many amazing choices!
It took half an hour of wandering, debating, and snack analysis, but we all finally made our picks. 🍢🍙🍤🥤

Then we walked back to our apartment and sat around the little Japanese table, opening our supermarket treasure boxes like it was snack-themed Christmas.
And honestly? It was one of the best dinners yet. Everyone found something they loved, and nobody had to do the dishes. 🎉

🏮 Gion Matsuri Festival: The Calm Before the Celebration

One of the coolest surprises about arriving in Kyoto was realising we’d landed just before the Gion Matsuri — one of Japan’s most famous festivals that takes over the city every July.

While the main festivities haven’t started yet (they officially kick off on the 17th July), the preparations are already in full swing, and it’s giving us a sneak peek into the magic to come.
- Our street already has giant wooden floats being built — tall, intricate, and surrounded by scaffolding and ropes.
- Lanterns are starting to appear, and there’s the sound of traditional festival music drifting through the air — flutes, drums, and distant chatter.
- Shops and stalls are slowly transforming, and you can feel the excitement building.
It’s like watching the city slowly getting dressed for a party, and we get front row seats. 🎉

Francesca is counting down the days. Ted is plotting the snacks he’ll eat during the parade. Lucia just keeps pointing at the lanterns and yelling “more!”

✨ Final Thoughts

Today was about going somewhere new and realising that sometimes the best food adventures are the ones you build yourself — even in a supermarket. And arriving in Kyoto during Gion Matsuri felt like stepping into a dream.

More noodles, temples, and lantern-lit fun coming soon…

Stay hungry and festive,
Ted, Francesca & little festival queen Lucia 🚅🍜🏮

P.S. Ted wants to do the supermarket dinner challenge again. Francesca wants to live in the festival. Lucia just wants more croissants.
Day 4 in Tokyo – Fishy Feasts, Fluffy Pancakes & Funky Streets 🐟🥞🌆

July 14, 2025
Hey food fans! It’s Ted and Francesca here again, reporting from the very busy and very delicious streets of Tokyo. Day 4 was all about fishy bites, fluffy delights, funky fashion, and end-of-day feasting — and yep, we’re still full.

Let’s dig in…

🧇 Breakfast: Back to the Berry Best

We couldn’t resist — we went back to Tiphareth Coffee Roastery for another round of ice cream-topped berry waffles, because honestly, they might be the best waffles in Tokyo.
- Francesca washed hers down with an iced chocolate, and Ted sipped on a refreshing boba because bubbles make everything better.
- Mum and Dad? Surprise, surprise: coffee. Again. (We think they might be turning into beans.)
🐟 Lunch: Snacking Our Way Through the Tokyo Fish Markets

Instead of sitting down for lunch, we turned the famous Tokyo fish markets into our own personal buffet. 😎

We tried:
- Tooth fish (not as scary as it sounds),
- Eel,
- Tuna sushi sliced straight off the bone,
- Dumplings,
- Beef broth and rice,
- And for dessert — a mochi marathon with mango, strawberry, and chocolate.
The verdict?
- Mango = meh.
- Strawberry = hmm.
- Chocolate = DEE-LISH-OUS. 🍫
⛩️ Afternoon Tea: Pancakes, Shrines & Spicy Sauce

Post-lunch, we hopped back on the metro to Harajuku for some sightseeing, shrine-walking, and hopefully some Harajuku fashion spotting.
- We visited the Meiji Shrine and even got to see a beautiful traditional wedding procession!
- Sadly, no Harajuku girls in sight — just funky shops selling clothes they might wear. Francesca had her eyes on a pair of platform shoes. 👠
After all that walking, we made a beeline for the legendary Rainbow Pancakes — and wow.

We shared:
- Fluffy pancakes topped with crème pâtissière, macadamias, and peaches.
  They were soft, sweet, and totally worth the hype.
Next door was a hot sauce shop where we taste-tested some spicy sauces and bought a mango chilli sauce for later. We chickened out of the spiciest one — maybe next time. 🔥

🥡 Dinner: Takeout Treats & 7-Eleven Surprises

By the time dinner rolled around, our legs were tired and our feet were crying. So we called it a night and stayed in.
- Mum made a dash to a nearby hole-in-the-wall spot and came back with a Japanese/Chinese fusion-style feast:Bang-bang chicken, spicy eggplant, yakisoba, and gyoza.
- We devoured everything in record time. Seriously, it didn’t stand a chance.
For dessert, we hit up the local treasure trove that is 7-Eleven and scored:
- A waffle ice cream sandwich 🍦
- And a tiramisu ice cream sandwich (yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s amazing). 🍰
🎉 Final Thoughts

From sushi on the street to pancakes like clouds, Day 4 was another Tokyo tastebud triumph. We’re starting to feel like locals — just with more snacks and fewer sensible shoes.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s adventure as we say atode to Tokyo and head for Kyoto — who knows what we’ll eat next (but you can bet Ted’s already planning dessert).

Sayonara for now!
– Ted, Francesca & the waffle-loving, mochi-chewing Lucia 🍙👶

P.S. Lucia tried to lick the hot sauce samples when no one was looking. She’s fine. We think.
Tokyo Day 3 – KidZania Careers & Colourful Cravings 🛠️🥦🧋

July 13, 2025
Konnichiwa again, fellow foodies and fun-chasers! It’s Ted and Francesca reporting from Day 3 in Tokyo, where we did something truly wild… we became grown-ups. 😱

Okay, not actually grown-ups — but thanks to KidZania, we spent the day pretending to be adults, earning money, flying planes, fixing gas pipes, and (most importantly) making cheesecake. But don’t worry, we still made time for our real jobs: eating epic food.

Here’s how it all went down:

🍜 Brunch: Balinese Bliss in the Heart of Tokyo

After a very slow start and some metro maze madness, we finally landed in Shinjuku with one goal: feed Ted before he turned into a hangry Godzilla. 🦖

The food gods led us to a cozy Balinese restaurant that instantly reminded us of our Christmas in Bali — warm vibes, spicy smells, and zero wait time (thankfully).
- We shared mie goreng (fried noodle magic), satay chicken (grilled to perfection), and a spicy beef bowl that made our taste buds do a happy dance.
- It must’ve been salty though, because we left extra thirsty, so we tracked down some bubble tea and more of that fancy Tokyo coffee Mum and Dad are basically addicted to now.
Francesca said the meal was “a flavour flashback to Bali,” and Ted stopped being hangry, so it was a win all around.

🛠️ KidZania: Tiny Grown-Ups, Big Fun

The main event today was KidZania Tokyo — and let us tell you, it was radical.

We got to try out real jobs and earn pretend money, which is basically grown-uping without bills or boring meetings.

Here’s what we did:
- Ted fixed gas pipes while Francesca published a book in Japanese (move over, JK Rowling)👷🏽📚
- Francesca and Lucia baked a cheesecake like pros (Luci was possibly the cutest little chef ever)👩‍🍳
- We both flew a plane and drove cars (everyone survived, you’re welcome) ✈️🚘
- We opened a bank account had our own ATM cards and walked around like tiny business bosses. 💳🕴️
🥕 Dinner: Veggie Victory at ‘We Are The Farm’

After 4 hours of serious adulting, we were starving — but also craving veggies. Tokyo has been amazing, but let’s just say our bodies were crying out for something green.

So we found a place called We Are The Farm, which might be the most veggie-glorious restaurant in Tokyo. The restaurant is part of a farm and serves fresh produce direct from it’s fields so it’s super fresh and tasty.
- We munched on cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and kale drizzled with balsamic vinegar or dipped in soy sauce – a veggie taste sensation. 🌽🌈
- We devoured a creamy burrata (so fast there was no time for photos — R.I.P. burrata pic).
- We also shared beef cutlets and some fried chicken because, you know, balance.
Mum declared it her favourite meal in Tokyo so far. Dad just nodded with a mouth full of mushroom.

On the way home, Ted finally gave in to the siren call of the ice cream vending machine at the metro station — grabbing a late-night dessert he’d been eyeing since Day 1. Lucia also wanted in on the action despite the fact that we were trying to rush her home to bed as it was well past her bedtime. 🍦🚇👶

💼 Final Thoughts from Tokyo’s Youngest Workforce

KidZania taught us one important lesson: Being a grown-up is fun… when there’s no bills, and cheesecake is involved.

We worked hard. We played harder. And we ate like legends.

Tomorrow? Who knows. But if there’s food, we’ll find it — and feast.

Stay tuned, stay hungry,
Ted & Francesca (and honorary toddler CEO Lucia) 💼🍴✨

P.S. Lucia got “hired” as Head of Dancing and refused to wear shoes for her entire KidZania shift. Respect.
Tokyo Day 2 – Lights, Soup, and Singing in the Storm 🌈🍛🎤

July 11, 2025
Ohayo again, fellow food adventurers! 👋
It’s Ted and Francesca, your favourite junior jet-setters and snack-attack specialists, back with Day 2 in Tokyo — and what a day it was! We’re talking glowing art, curry dreams, thunderstorm drama, and a karaoke performance that Tokyo may never recover from.

Here’s the full delicious download:

🥐 Breakfast: Pastrami, Pastries & A Dash of Metro Mayhem

We had a bit of a slow start this morning (this blog doesn’t write itself!), so we grabbed breakfast on-the-go from a cute little bakery tucked into the Metro station.
- The pastrami croissants were buttery and salty in the best way, and the brioche was fluffy like a carb-shaped cloud.
- No time for sitting down — we were on a mission to reach teamLab: Borderless, Tokyo’s super famous light-art extravaganza. And spoiler: it was worth every Metro stop.
💡 Lunch: Glorious Soup Curry

After spending hours wandering through glowing flowers, bouncing light balls, and infinity mirror rooms at teamLab: Borderless, our brains were dazzled… and our tummies were rumbling.

Luckily, Tokyo provided again. 🙌
We stumbled into a cozy little Soup Curry restaurant nearby — no idea what it was called, but we’ll call it Curry Heaven.
- We shared a few different bowls including katsu curry (crispy perfection) and brothy veggie options that tasted like warm hugs in a bowl.
- Mum and Dad picked up fancy iced coffees next door (we’re starting to think they need cold brew to function).
  Then it was off to Shibuya Crossing — where we crossed paths with about 1,000 other people at once. It was like playing real-life Frogger. 🐸🚦
🌧️ Dinner: Curry, Chaos & Karaoke Rain Escape

We ended the day with a bang… well, a sing, actually.
- After a legendary karaoke session at Rainbow Karaoke (our playlist included everything from Queen to Benson Boon), we stepped outside and BAM — torrential rain and booming thunder!
- So we dashed for the nearest shelter — which turned out to be an Indian vegetarian restaurant, aka our new favourite place to get soaked and stuffed.
We feasted on:
- Giant naan breads the size of our heads
- Dahl so comforting it deserved a blanket
- A rainbow of vegetable curries that made us forget we were drenched
By the end, we were full, dry-ish, and ready to call it a day. 🌧️🍛❤️

🎤 Bonus Bops:
- Ted sang with the enthusiasm of a rock star.
- Francesca hit high notes only dogs could hear.
- Dad did a surprisingly emotional version of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” No regrets.
- And Lucia, our 2.5-year-old whirlwind, was absolutely unstoppable — singing, dancing, and even stripping off mid-performance like she was headlining Baby Glastonbury. 👶🎤💃
- Mum was the rainbow at rainbow karaoke singing her heart out 🌈
💡Bonus Lights:

teamLab: Borderless is top of most people’s must do Tokyo list, so we booked this one weeks ago and were excited to see if it lived up to the hype. It’s an immersive experience of lights and illusions with no map or set way around, so every room is different and the artworks move around. There’s secret doorways and suprises in every corner. It was two hours of absolute wonder. We all loved it ❤️.

So, to sum up Day 2: pastries, pixels, puddles and perfect curry. Tokyo keeps surprising us — and feeding us ridiculously well.

Next up: temples, treats and possibly… sumo-sized snacks. Stay tuned!

Sayonara for now,
– Ted & Francesca 🥐🎨🍜

P.S. The secret to surviving a Tokyo thunderstorm? Naan. Lots and lots of naan.
Day 1 in Tokyo – Waffles, Wasabi & Wagyu! 🇯🇵🧇🍣🔥

July 10, 2025
Konnichiwa, food fans! 🥷🍜
After a looooong flight and a sleep that felt shorter than a microwave countdown, we woke up to our first full day in Tokyo – sweaty, jetlagged, and very hungry. Lucky for us, Japan delivered in every possible way (well… except for one piggy disaster 🐷💀 — more on that soon).

Here’s what went down on our first day eating our way through Tokyo:

🍦 Breakfast: Cool Vibes & Ice Cream Waffles at Tiphareth Roastery

We barely made it two blocks from our Airbnb before the Tokyo heat hit us like a sumo wrestler in a sauna. 🥵
Enter Tiphareth Coffee Roastery — our oasis of cool air, good smells, and caffeine-fueled happiness.
- Ted, Lucia and I went all-in with waffles covered in berries and ice cream, plus a bubble tea and an iced chocolate that made our brains freeze in the best way.
- Mum and Dad sighed with relief as they clutched their iced coffees like precious treasure.
  The best part? We got to sit next to the actual coffee roasting machine like VIPs. 10/10 breakfast. Would waffle again.
🍣 Lunch: Sushi Adventure in Asakusa

After a metro ride that included a few scenic detours (we may or may not have gone in the wrong direction twice), we found Sushi Izakaya Nihonka Asakusa. Time for our first real sushi experience!
- We ordered maki rolls (cucumber & tuna), nigiri (salmon & tuna), and tried miso soup that was slightly slimy and not particularly tasty.
- Dad got a sushi bowl that looked like a rainbow in a dish — raw fish, rice, pickles, and mysterious garnishes we couldn’t pronounce but totally loved.
Wasabi level? 🔥🔥🔥

🐷 Afternoon Tea: The Pig Cafe That Shall Not Be Named

We were so excited for the Pignic Café, thinking it would be all cuteness and joy.
Spoiler: It. Was. Not.
- There were hungry and screechy pigs (thet liked eating teds toes ), no matcha latte for Dad (tragedy), and a vibe that screamed “we regret everything.”
- after my little sister talking about it for weeks the pig jumped up on her and she screamd her head of.
- Ted and I split a donut and a macaron, which were just okay. Honestly, the best part was leaving. Sorry, piggies. 🐷👎
🥩 Dinner: Wagyu Wonders at a Tokyo BBQ Feast

After zooming up Tokyo Skytree to a dizzying 450m (the views! the height! the wobbly legs!), we descended back to Earth with one thought: MEAT. 🍖

We found a Kobe Beef korean BBQ spot where:
- We cooked our own wagyu — rib, loin, and other juicy cuts of beef so tender they practically melted.
- We added a Korean rice bowl, some veggies, and kimchi for a spicy kick.
Everyone left happy, full, but in a bit rush back home after our little sister luccia fell of the chair and bumped her head.

⚔️ Bonus Bite: The Samurai Museum Experience

No food here, but too cool not to mention.
- We learned about the epic (and brutal) history of the Samurai, tried on full Samurai armour, and even got to throw ninja stars (Ted = natural assassin).
- We also saw real Samurai swords — shiny, sharp, and definitely not for waffles.
And that, dear readers, was Day 1 in Tokyo. We’ve had sushi success, waffle wins, and one unfortunate pig encounter — and we’re just getting started.

Stay tuned for more noodles, ninjas and next-level noms!

See you soon — or as they say in Japan, ja ne!
– Ted & Francesca 🥢🍧🗼

P.S. Tomorrow might involve robots. Or ramen. Or both. We’re ready for whatever Japan throws at us (as long as it’s edible).
Our Last Delicious Day in Sydney 🇦🇺🍴

July 9, 2025
Hey foodies! 👋 It’s Ted (the Taste Master) and Francesca (Queen of the Feast), and we’re kicking off our epic food adventure blog Ted Tastes and Francesca Feasts with one final, flavour-packed day in our hometown — Sydney! 😢🍽️

We’re about to take off on a mega journey through Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia & Singapore as we move back to the UK from Australia (yep — big stuff!), but before the passport stamps and noodle slurping begin, we had one last delicious hurrah in Mosman. Here’s the bite-by-bite breakdown:

🥪 Breakfast: Roastville Rocket Fuel

We kicked things off at Roastville, a favourite spot for a morning munch.
- We both went classic with a toasted cheese & tomato panini — crispy, gooey, salty perfection.
- We washed it down with a green juice (yes, we’re fancy now) and coconut water, which made us feel like we were already on a tropical island.
- Dad did his usual Flat White Fan Club thing and called it “the perfect cup.” He even stocked up on fresh beans like he’s planning to open his own café in Vietnam. ☕️
🥗 Lunch: Avenue Road Favourites

Next stop, Avenue Road Café, where things got serious.
- Mum and Dad both devoured their go-to slow cooked chicken tikka salad — it smelled like a spice bazaar and looked way too healthy.
- We shared a toasted chicken schnitzel wrap (crumbly goodness) and sipped on Oreo milkshakes thick enough to bend a spoon.
  Honestly, 10/10 — would shake again. 🥤🍗
The 24 hour preparation time is worth the effort – the chicken tikka is melt-in-the-mouth.

🍰 Afternoon Tea: Petal-Powered Sweetness

Later, we met up with a family friend for one of the prettiest cakes ever created by human hands:
- A Black Star Pastry orange cake, topped with edible flower petals. It looked like it belonged in a fairy tale and tasted like citrusy magic.
  Francesca declared it the “most Instagrammable dessert in the southern hemisphere.” 🌸📸
A beautifully crafted Black Star Pastry orange cake – a perfect blend of flavors and aesthetics.

🍝 Dinner: Meatball Madness and Goodbye Feels

To wrap up our day (and our Aussie chapter 😭), we had a proper home-cooked feast with some of our best family friends:
- Homemade meatballs, fresh tagliatelle, and piles of garlic bread.
- There were laughs, hugs, and a tiny bit of sauce on our shirts. Okay fine, a lot.
So that’s it — our final day of feasting in Sydney! We’re off to eat everything Asia has to offer and share it all with you, one bite at a time. 🍜✈️🌏

Stay tuned — next stop: Tokyo!
Sushi, skyscrapers and slurpy noodles await…

Stay hungry, stay curious!
– Ted & Francesca 💛

P.S. If you’ve got any tips on where to eat in Japan, hit us up in the comments or message Mum (she’s our travel agent). 😉