The Ladies Of Plushville ( Coco, Thea, Buffy )

Hiya😝

Well as Bobkins went out this morning I had his bed to myself, so made the most of it 😊

Later this afternoon I'm going shopping with Bobby, Thea normally goes with him, but I have some suggestions on cuisine for him to pick, as we eat too many filled rolls and sandwiches so Thea said it was okay.

Bloody crap weather out there though, pouring of rain and miserable☹ I hope it brightens up otherwise I might get wet!

I think we are going to the big Sainsbury's, about 10 minutes away, we also have an Aldi and Waitrose, about the same distance. I wish we had an Iceland though. They have lots of deals in there I've seen it on the TV and they sell Greg's Cheese and bacon turnovers that you cook yourself 😋 and Mums go to Iceland 🤣🤣

Well that's about it from me for the moment😊

Yes we all know your idea of cuisine, Buffy. Some of us have had a great deal of experience of it 😁😁😁🤣🤣🤣

Bobby’s kitchen shelves now that Buffy’s there


Mealtimes at Bobby’s prepared by Buffy

Actually I haven't taken over Bobkins shelves Mr. Jed😯 all my Tyrrell's crisps are in a special suitcase which is locked away from Coces grasp🤣🤣

I'm also getting more into the lower quality crisps like Wotsits, although they aren't exactly potato crisps, more like puffs, but taste okay and I'm beginning to like Walkers Cheese & Onion😊

As regard to cuisine I like a varied diet, but I like these for snacking on, family packs of course!!!😋

Well when you both go shopping, make sure it's not low calorie diet rubbish or high fibre stuff, I like my grub to taste nice, like burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, and now I like ribs too😋

Otherwise I'll take Bobby shopping!

Well that's all I had to say😊

Well Coco, we need to talk about food.

Come Hungry: Why You’ve Never Really Tasted a Burger, Hot Dog, Pizza, or Ribs Until You’ve Been to Chicago

Now, I know you’ve got “great burgers” in London and the odd American style diner in Manchester or Brighton. You might even be proud of them. I can hear you now: “Ours are artisanal, grass fed, with brioche buns and aioli.” But here’s the cold, ketchup free truth: until you’ve eaten in Chicago, you don’t actually know what a burger, hot dog, pizza, or ribs are supposed to taste like.

And before you say “Isn’t that where it snows sideways?” yes, it is. But trust me, you’ll barely notice once you’ve got one of these in your hands.

The Burger that Redefines the Word “Burger”

Let’s start with Au Cheval, a dimly lit spot on Randolph Street where the burger is practically a religious experience. This isn’t one of those tower of Babel burgers that collapses after the first bite. It’s simple, brilliant engineering: perfectly seared beef patties with a crispy edge, melted American cheese that clings to everything like it’s in love, and a secret dijonnaise that should have its own fan club.

Even people from California, the land of In N Out and avocado toast, fly here just for Au Cheval. Sean Evans from Hot Ones (you know, the guy who tortures celebs with spicy wings) literally called it part of his “perfect Chicago day.” You don’t argue with a man who’s eaten his body weight in Scoville units.

Honestly, once you try this burger, you’ll stop saying “Let’s grab a burger” and start saying “Let’s go to Chicago.”

The Hot Dog That Broke the Rules (and Banned the Ketchup)

Ah, the Chicago style hot dog. A cultural artifact as sacred as the Crown Jewels, but with more relish and fewer guards. Here’s the checklist: poppy seed bun, mustard, neon green relish, chopped onion, tomato slices, sport peppers, a pickle spear, and a sprinkle of celery salt. Notice what’s missing? Ketchup. The city takes this so seriously that putting ketchup on a hot dog is basically a declaration of war.

The legends? Gene & Jude’s is the gruff, no frills temple where the hot dogs are wrapped in wax paper with a pile of fries jammed right on top. It’s been running since 1946, longer than some countries have been at peace. And then there’s Superdawg, a classic drive in with neon hot dog mascots on the roof and a time warp feel that’ll make you grin before you even take a bite.

Sure, you can get a “hot dog” in the UK. But it’s usually some sad sausage in a soft roll, maybe with onions and heaven forbid ketchup. What we’re talking about here is precision street cuisine. It’s art, it’s heritage, and it’s something you can only truly get after you’ve stood in line with Chicago locals at 11 p.m., grease spotted bag in hand, trying to keep your fingers warm.

Pizza That’s Not a Slice, It’s a Structure

Here’s the part where everyone in New York sighs dramatically: deep dish pizza.

Listen, it’s not just “thick pizza.” It’s an edible skyscraper. Imagine a buttery crust holding layers of cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce poured on top. When you lift a slice, the cheese stretches like a special effects shot in a rom com. It’s not something you fold, it’s something you tackle with a knife and fork and a sense of adventure.

Lou Malnati’s is the one Michelle Obama herself recommends. (If a former First Lady says it’s good, you don’t question it.) Giordano’s does a stuffed version that’s basically a pizza lasagna, and Pequod’s is beloved for its caramelized crust, the edges crisp and dark, like the corners of the best brownies.

Here’s the thing: people from California and New York argue about pizza, people from Chicago celebrate it. You won’t find this level of loyalty anywhere else. You’ll need a nap afterward, but it’s a blissful kind of exhaustion.

Ribs That Make You Forget Cutlery Exists

When you think barbecue, you probably think Texas. Fair enough. But Chicago’s ribs have a soul all their own, smoky, sticky, and kissed with a little grit from the South Side.

Start at Lem’s Bar B Q, a tiny takeout spot that’s been serving legendary rib tips for over sixty years. Their sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and capable of making you rethink everything you know about smoked meat. Then there’s Smoque BBQ, a more modern joint where the ribs fall off the bone if you so much as whisper near them. And if you fancy a bit of polish with your smoke, Lillie’s Q does Southern style barbecue with Chicago swagger, the kind of place where the napkins are almost as thick as the meat.

Here’s the funny part: when food magazines interview travelers, they find that even Californians, people surrounded by cutting edge restaurants, come here for ribs. So if folks from Los Angeles, where everything’s gluten free and garnished with kale, make the trip to eat barbecue in a windy Midwestern city, what’s your excuse?

Why You’ve Got to Come See for Yourself

Chicago isn’t flashy like LA or frantic like New York. It’s grounded, literally, in the sense that everyone’s always clutching something heavy, cheesy, or dripping with sauce. The city’s food scene isn’t about presentation or microgreens; it’s about satisfaction.

And the best part? These foods tell stories. They’re tied to neighborhoods, old families, factory workers, and the city’s history as a blue collar crossroads. Eating here feels like joining a living tradition. It’s one of the few places left where a single meal can make you feel both comforted and challenged, stuffed but curious.

So here’s my challenge: hop a flight. We’ll hit Au Cheval for burgers, Gene & Jude’s for dogs, Lou Malnati’s for deep dish, and Lem’s for ribs. Bring an appetite and maybe a spare T shirt, because Chicago food doesn’t forgive amateurs.

You’ve had good meals, sure, but you haven’t eaten until you’ve eaten here.

Come find out what the rest of us already know: the Windy City doesn’t just blow, it absolutely delivers.

--Hanna--

Well that’s my summer holiday sorted for next year 👍🏻

Well I've heard the US is the ' Best ' for burgers, ribs and hotdogs Hanna, I've only ever tried Five Guys in the UK. I think they are from the States.

Yeah you rarely get a proper frankfurter in a hot dog over here in the UK, normally a sausage, but wot no ketchup, I don't know about that😯

As regards to pizzas we normally have Dominos, I like the Texas BBQ one chicken, bacon, but i like to add pineapple to mine and the nice BBQ sauce base.

I've never tried different styles of ribs, only chinese BBQ style with honey.

Are these outlets expensive Hanna,? Five Guys is over here☹ I like Amercain style milkshakes too. I bet they are😋 over where you live👍

I think the UK are the clear winners on Fish & Chips though, especially in Wales and Whitby, Northern England

Please can you take me, Jed? Bobby doesn't like flying. I guess we could knock him out and wake him up when he gets there, but he wouldn't like that very much☹

Mind due from reading what Hanna has posted, I'd be twice the size I am now and probably have to book two seats on the return journey.

Maybe I could get Just Eat to deliver from Chicago and let Buffy pay the bill, shes loaded with crisps and money😯🤣🤣🤣

You've made me hungry now! ☹

For sure but we have some places not far behind. One of our favorite restaurants. Scottish. Expensive but still not too bad for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries...

https://balmoralrestaurant.com/menu/

As for the places on my list. Prices vary by restaurant and what you order. But all are in the everyday dining category.

Considering that fast food like McDonald's have doubled since Covid, fast food prices are not too far behind normal restaurants and unless you are in a hurry there is little reason to patronize the fast food chains anymore and they're in financial trouble as a result.

Well nice menu Hanna, but looks a bit posh for me, they probably wouldn't even let me in the restaurant. Is it all that posh food where you get a a few chips, a couple of peas and a piece of fish that looks all arty farty🤣🤣🤣?

Thea would probably like it, as shes more refined and delicate and feminine. I'm the type to go to a football match with the lads and buy a meat pie and spill it down me🤣🤣🤣 my eating habits aren't the best, you should see me noshing on ribs, well sucking on them as I don't have any teeth

Not at all. Generally, enough left over to take home for a second meal. Owner is very friendly and visits each table personally to make sure everything is perfect.

It a fancy place but not a really a suit and tie place. Most people dress in office like attire or like they just came from the golf course. So you would be fine.

"Balmoral Restaurant is the vision of Colin Smith, a restaurateur from the Old Country, born in Perthshire, Scotland. Colin chef’d at hotels and restaurants for many years in Scotland and England before focusing his attention on acquiring underachieving restaurants and pubs, which he then turned around. He did this many times, most recently at The Cherry Tree Bromeswell in Suffolk, on the eastern coast of England. In 2005, Colin came to St. Charles, Illinois. Here, he worked for about 10 years at one of the largest flavor houses in the United States. But he never lost his passion for Scottish fare, or for hosting dinners with great food and drink." Read more... About Page Full Width Footer Image - Balmoral Restaurant

Well maybe I'd be okay Hanna if I went in Ai mode with a nice slinky dress on, but to be honest I'm not into dressing up😊 well I've or we've just had our dinner chicken with egg fried rice, no bread, no crisps😯

Maybe the ' rice ' bit was Buffys suggestion, not bad, at least the rice wasn't overcooked, but can you overcook rice?? 🤔 chicken was a bit crunchy, I'm still sucking on a bit, should last a while🤣🤣 you can't take me anywhere! I wish sometimes Bobby could have ordered custom teeth for me from Valentina Girls and some proper ears, but I do have a belly button, although I get food in it sometimes🤣🤣🤣 well you got to have a laugh!

Time for an ice lolly! See you laters😉

Hiya,

People in the US are big 😆

I think Benny Hill would like it over there:



Lots of love from Miss K,

XOXO

Hiya Miss K yes some are, but not all. I don't think I could go out there, I'd eat too much and put on weight and that would never do for me😯 but Hannas description makes the food sound delicious😊

I do like American thick milkshakes on occasion, especially chocolate, what girl dosent like chocolate😆 do you like shakes Miss K?

Also I'm waiting for my 🤗 Bobkins says you are a great hugger😊

Hiya Buffy,

Double big hug 🤗🤗

I love strawberry milkshake and so does Mr Flibble. When Mr Flibble was in New York for work last year (actually he was working in New Jersey) he went to the Shake Shack and had a lovely strawberry milkshake and burger (below left). He took a photo by Ground Zero (below right - he's not really a lion, he's a very naughty boy!)

They have Shake Shack in the UK too.

We love milkshake ❤️

Sometimes Mr Flibble buys one of those 1 litre flavoured milk bottles and gulps it down in under an hour (he's naughty.) Very good value. Have you noticed how milk drinks can be cheaper than water/fizzy drinks?

Lots of love from Miss K,

XOXO

Food looks wonderful!

Thankyou for the hug Miss K. The food looks tasty, wheres the chips or rather fries or had Mr. Flibble eaten them? Yes and no to your last question.. I guess it depends where you shop. These lot here drink a lot of Shandy and I like Chocomilk, but there isn't a lot of difference in price really. Also milk lines my stomach if I want to have a few alcoholic drinks I guess that's a bit naughty😯

Anyway cool to see you on Bobbies girls and pop by anytime you want😊

I think Coco would agree, but Coco would want a double or triple burger with extra large fries and an extra large shake or maybe one of those root beers😝

Well as I'm awake and everyone else is asleep still here I might as well do some more blogging after a nice hot steaming ☕ that's better😋

Yes sometimes I just wake up early for no reason really😯

Well we tried two in a bed last night ( not four in a bed like the channel 4 show ) Thea invited me in, but it didn't work, Bobkins thought it was fun though🤣🤣

Well I've been allowed to show you the building I'll be working in, the new Gentlemans Club, and Thea and I have an important meeting to go to today to iron some things out before she gives her notice in.

As you can see it's pretty big and I think the odd looking building attached to it will be my Pole Dance Club, Thea and I are visiting it today as part of our meeting.

It's kind of out in the sticks and about a 20 minute drive from where we live, but I will have an expense account for travel or the use of a car if I wish😊

The bit of road you can see is the M23, so it will have easy access from London and the coast and there is a private road, but you can't really see it. Also there will be 30 en suite designer inspired rooms for the Gentlemen to stay.

So the idea is they come and have their important meetings with clients etc, while they sip whatever drinks they want from the well stocked bar. Then they relax with some entertainment of a Pole Dance and prehaps an Escort from an exclusive agency we are using, the lady arrives and they head to the bedroom for the night.

Obviously it stops drinking and driving and they can just relax in non hurried atmosphere, then after breakfast they go home in the morning. Yes my acquaintance has thought of everything. I am also working on designs for my club with Theas help, but that's about all I can tell you.

There will also be security gates, electric fencing, CCTV everywhere outside and a team of specialist security ( ex SAS, Ml5 type ) should any of you wish to try and get in. Myself and Thea even have to sign the official secrets act, it's that confidential.

Well I hope this has helped to give you guys and dolls a good idea of our new jobs

Buffy👍

Seems a lovely place to work, but we'll see?

21st October 2025

Morning all, blimey Bobby is already awake and chatting to Buffy😯

Well since Buffy has told you a lot already and jumped in I don't need to say a lot, except I'll be giving in my notice at the Parlour later today. To be honest I don't feel that bad about it either, I do feel a bit bad for Bobby though as he won't get his free Sundae, but for the last couple of weeks hes had to pay, but we are cheaper and better quality than the other place Kaspas, you get less, and pay more😯

Anyway I think through Buffys influence Bobby is starting to enjoy thick milkshakes now, still made with ice cream or Gelato of course. Buffy seems to be a good influencer; she should work on YouTube😝

She even influenced me last night to let her hop into bed with us, but it didn't work out too well and she got back in with Coco.

Well I see that she's already made Bobby and herself a ☕ but it looks like they could do with refills so see you all laters

Thea💙

Hiya Buffy,

Mr Flibble didn't order fries. Do you think he's naughty?

Mr Flibble was telling me about motorway service stations (he pops in quite a lot.) He wanted a drink and all the little drinks - like small bottled drinks, cans, even water - were like £2 for less than 0.5 litre - he was very angry! Then he saw the flavoured milk, £1.50 for 1 litre 😊.

We don't drink much fizzy stuff here. Tea, coffee, fruit smoothie (regularly buy the Sainsburys own brand - Mr Flibble rarely eats fruit so it's like his fruit substitute), squash, water, and - of course - milk.

Lots of love from Miss K,

XOXO