Burgers and fries has become a fairly popular meal option in England but we don't eat that combination all the time. Surprisingly, most of us view eating out or having takeaway food delivered as something of a treat. Mostly we cook from scratch, peeling or chopping vegetables then boiling, frying or roasting. I guess we are kind of weird that way.
Today was my birthday and for our celebratory evening meal, Shirley and I decided to travel back in time to the 1970's - to the city's first proper American burger joint - specialising in burgers and fries. God - we hadn't been in there in thirty years. I don't know why - because it was always very good. It used to be known as "Uncle Sam's Chuck Wagon" but for years after it was known as "Uncle Sam's Diner". Now it's simply "Uncle Sam's"
Like the menu, the interior had hardly changed. I ordered Sam's Special topped with white cheese sauce, bacon and salad. The burger itself was of course expertly flame-grilled. We also had a side order of onion rings plus "Birra Moretti" - Italian lager.
A Sam's Special is hard to hold in two hands but I managed to do it without collapse or a massive side squidge. It was heavenly.
I told the young waitress that we hadn't been there in decades and admittedly, just to impress her, I lied by saying that I had been mates with the diner's founder - a fellow called Uncle Sam who lived at Whirlowdale. I am not sure that she believed me. To be truthful, I don't really know who Uncle Sam was.
Earlier in the evening, after nursery school, the two granddaughters came to see us with their doting parents. We had a "Bosh!" birthday cake and prosecco and they sang me "Happy Birthday!". Phoebe gave me a card she had made herself and Margot dumped in her nappy (American: diaper) just to let us know that she was there.
Happy Birthday Mr. Pudding and many more! Nothing beats a giant cheesy bacon cheeseburger and hot, salty fries every once in a while. A perfect birthday treat!
ReplyDeleteThis American probably hasn't eaten a burger in 25 years! I gave up red meat a long time ago. I used to be a vegetarian, but now I do eat some meat, but no red meat. And Happy Birthday to you! Your granddaughters are adorable.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Mr. Pudding. What are you? Like eighty now?
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, YP! It sounds like a fun celebration, including Margot's contribution. 😉 💩
ReplyDeleteFYI, I rarely eat out more than once a week. Plant-based dining is not readily available in my area other than the Impossible Burger at Burger King.
Happy Happy Day! Cheers to many more.
ReplyDeleteOther than the dirty nappy, the grandkids look happy to celebrate, too.
Alas, I am the American who rarely eats a burger and fries .... or KFC or any fast foods.
Happy Birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteWhite sauce in a burger is not something I've ever heard of, I'd like to try it.
The contrast between the sisters is quite noticeable: Phoebe has lengthened out and looks almost of school age. Margot on the other hand is still a baby with some enerygy storage. How they change!
I didn't know when I commented before but my grandbaby shares your birthday!
DeleteThey might need to call him pudding
Happy birthday, pal. I would gladly have joined you in that trip to the burger joint. Maybe I can convince Judy to make me one tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! The food sounds delicious. I always thought Americans ate more pizza than anything else. On TV shows I watch they are always phoning for pizza or going out for pizza or bringing pizza home. Phoebe and Margot are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY YP. I too had a burger last night (no buns), with rosti, broccoli spears, and a fried tomato. It too was delicious, but without the Trump ambiance.
ReplyDeleteThings will get easier for them, but not for you. Happy birthday, anyway.
ReplyDeleteBelated birthday greetings YP.
ReplyDeleteLovely photo of the girls.
Happy birthday. It sounds like a perfect celebration, with the best, of course, at the end. Little children are enchanting, even when they're filling their nappies.
ReplyDeleteA very happy birthday, although I am not sure if it is today or yesterday, or the day before. I can't mark it on the calendar for next year to send you a nice gift.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the burger side squidge, and if the egg yoke is still runny, it falls onto your plate, or lap.
I know they are not sisters, but I am reminded of the the line from a pop song, Sisters are doing it, sisters are doing it for themselves.
A Bosh birthday cake must be vegetarian, so does that mean it contains no fish?