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Correct me if I’m wrong, but the world with eat out-only options on the pandemic menu hasn’t been the same. And there’s nothing quite like surviving the lockdown and treating yourself with a nice dinner at a local restaurant. But on some unfortunate occasions, this idyllic scenario turns sour.

And sometimes it’s not even your fault. You see, when you spot the tail of a big, nasty rat that’s been running errands in a restaurant kitchen, you can expect the soup won’t go down smoothly. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg and things are sometimes even more sinister.

So welcome to hell’s kitchens, the places where Gordon Ramsay would get a heart attack, and where your nightmare material is made. Be sure to scroll on an empty stomach, and check twice before choosing your next eatery.

#1

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

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#2

Buffet At Charles De Gaulle Airport. Paris, France

Buffet At Charles De Gaulle Airport. Paris, France

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Health and safety should be an integral part of a restaurant's operation for multiple reasons. First, it’s the moral and ethical responsibility to protect employees and customers from injury and illness. Second is the regulatory requirements that entail both local food safety regulations and USDA, OSHA, and EPA requirements.

That means that if you’re seeing a rat in the restaurant’s kitchen, it’s way beyond what should be acceptable and you may as well leave the place immediately.

Aside from customers’ and employees' safety, food safety should be the top priority. One of the biggest concerns in any eatery is cross-contamination, which occurs when harmful germs get spread between food, onto surfaces, and equipment.

#3

Local Chinese Restaurant Gets A New Cutting Board

Local Chinese Restaurant Gets A New Cutting Board

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#4

In The Men's Room At My Corporate Place Of Employment

In The Men's Room At My Corporate Place Of Employment

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Centers For Disease Control and Prevention suggests a couple of helpful tips every customer should do before going to eat out. First, check inspection scores and look for certificates that show kitchen managers have completed food safety training. Second, look for safe food-handling practices.

A big part of staying safe is having your eyes open on things around you when you enter the restaurant. If something feels shady, or if you see a potentially hazardous situation, it may be best to skip the place altogether.

#5

I Saw This On A Restaurant Door. After I Ate There

I Saw This On A Restaurant Door. After I Ate There

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But why does the Oregon department of human services still allow them to be open?

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#7

1 Chicken Over Rice Please

1 Chicken Over Rice Please

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Freyja Cooper
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And he's doing that in the one spot where everyone can see him. Wtf

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#8

A Handful Of Jam Served On A Plate At An Upscale Restaurant

A Handful Of Jam Served On A Plate At An Upscale Restaurant

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No... just No. doesn't matter how clean your hands are and the fact that you use your hands to prepare the food, but this is a NO

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#9

Restaurant Bans Masks, Gloves And Social Distancing Because “Freedom”

Restaurant Bans Masks, Gloves And Social Distancing Because “Freedom”

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever calls it an "oxygen deprivation mask" obviously has at least been once really been deprived of oxygen...

Rukkia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah. Masks only cause problems if you have a serious respiratory illness to begin with, and then it just makes you notice your issue more. If you believe they do, then maybe don't ever get a surgery. My doctor being oxygen deprived would scare the s$&t outta me.

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I Liquored On
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No social conditioning allowed? Cool, so I can just s**t on his floor then?

alwaysMispelled
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always told the kids I nannied "society dictates we wear pants", so I guess no one needs pants anymore!

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Charlotte A.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"In the name of freedom we will not let you choose to wear a mask!"

Wayne Dorman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that the owner also owns a MAGA cap.

Valley Girl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He has the whole matching set...shirt, pants, boxers, socks, flag, hearing aid, folding chair, tiki torch, snuggie, colostomy bag.

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Gab s
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is is illegal in Europe right now. Actually restaurants are closed in my country because of covid. Only delivery until end of the month and the population continues vaccinations.

Emperor Kitten
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its illegal in most of the US as well. They don't get shut down, but they do get heavily fined. These idiots think its worth the price of they can stick it to the man.

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Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"People love us on yelp" I just looked up their yelp page and comments have been disabled because there have been so many negative reviews, lol. Look up Apple Bistro in Placerville, CA. They also made the news for their ignorance: https://abc7.com/apple-bistro-cafe-placerville-restaurant-refuses-to-require-masks/6324919/

Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They posted it on the door. "This may not be for you." I'm fine with letting natural selection take care of it.

Peko
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it only affected them perhaps. But they can still spread it to other people and be a strain on the health care system.

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Malcolm Rutledge
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since masks don't deprive anyone of oxygen, that one won't be a problem.

El Dee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the ultimate red flag, they are literally warning you they don't give a s**t about health, cleanliness and safety. Do NOT eat in this restaurant..

F. H.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first two are beyond any discussion. But the one about the gloves is kind of true. Gloves only protect when you change them very often.

Audrey Bob-The-Builder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That sign makes me sick... with Covid apparently cause that's the only thing you'll get there

Bryn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad grew up in a small town. In that town, there was a BBQ joint where the owner would regularly make ranting posts on Facebook and on their door about how covid was fake, they didn't need to wear masks, and they were still open for dining despite the lockdown. The health services had a lot to say, and they walked out with a closed restaurant.

M Kate McCulloch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He does have a point with the gloves. Washing hands regularly is much more effective at preventing the spread of food borne (sp? I know it's not born...) illnesses.

E. Rangel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These should be fined, big time. People think they are invisible yet they get sick and then run to hospital and want to be cured right away if they dont take precautions then they should sit on their thumb, shut the door and wait for doomsday

abby smink
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with the gloves thing (defeats the purpose if you touch literally everything while wearing the same gloves, and I assume they mean the patrons and not the staff.) But as for the rest..yeah, I'm not eating there. Enjoy your virus.

Janet C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oxygen depravation mask? What a whiny baby. Tell that to a doctor or nurse who wears a mask 14+ hours a day.

panda123
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s not freedom if you can’t choose to wear a mask

Christel Nellemann
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hehehehe, let him tell that to his surgeons, if he should need , say, open heart surgery...

Steven Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for the warning, I won’t ever be eating at that restaurant

Cameron Jacobs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd go in there in a heartbeat. Love the critical thinkers who read something other than fear mongering headlines meant to scare you into submission.

Gabbinzola
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see that they use ADT. I'm assuming they don't lock their doors and let a "pathogen" in and the alarm goes off when it's too late...

Bacony Cakes
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wear your oxygen restrictor anyway. It's only gonna affect you, after all. All those other suckeroonies can't stop you.

Vicky Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

also no brain cells are allowed inside please leave them out!

Piet Puk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet their staff isn't allowed to wash their hands either.

Jill Bussey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So all their staff and customers are either dead by now, or suffering from long Covid?

RoseTheMad
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont know about the US because iirc it depends on the state, but shouldn't this be illegal because masks are mandatory by law in most places by now? If that's the case, just report the restaurant.

Molly Block
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Surely this is only mean to be a farce. Only right wing republican nuts would believe this sign.

Dre Mosley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I avoid places that don't require masks because anti mask people are usually science denying nutjobs and conspiracy theorists. They're the ones that blow off Covid until they get it.

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The CDC also suggests ordering food that’s properly cooked in order to avoid food poisoning. “Certain foods, including meat, poultry, and fish, need to be cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful germs that may be present. If a restaurant serves you undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs, send them back to be cooked until they are safe to eat.”

#10

A Restaurant Known For Their Wings In Ne Philadelphia. Pretty Gross....

A Restaurant Known For Their Wings In Ne Philadelphia. Pretty Gross....

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#11

At This Fast Food Place In Town

At This Fast Food Place In Town

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rats are very clean, look at them cleaning their hands before going to control the chef from under the hat

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#13

What’s Wrong With People

What’s Wrong With People

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#14

Signs Of A Bad Restaurant

Signs Of A Bad Restaurant

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Another great tip is avoiding lukewarm food, because essentially, cold food has to be served cold and hot food has to be served hot. “Germs that cause food poisoning grow quickly when food is in the danger zone, between 40°F and 140°F,” the CDC states.

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#15

Wtf....a Bolt Was Found In A Bowl Of Chilli. Fairfax Frisch's

Wtf....a Bolt Was Found In A Bowl Of Chilli. Fairfax Frisch's

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#16

Employee Spits In Food For Instagram Likes

Employee Spits In Food For Instagram Likes

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#18

Subway Employee Picking Her Feet Behind The Counter. How Fresh

Subway Employee Picking Her Feet Behind The Counter. How Fresh

reddit.com Report

Also, don’t underestimate the knowledge and power of the server. If you feel unsure about an ingredient or the whole meal, let them know and look for a solution.

The CDC recommends asking a server if they use pasteurized eggs if you opt to eat one of the following: Caesar salad dressing, custards, tiramisu, or hollandaise sauce. Remember that raw and undercooked eggs can make us seriously ill unless they have been pasteurized to kill the germs.

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After all, health and safety kitchen rules are common sense, but it's up to the restaurant managers and owners to make sure everyone sticks to them.

#20

Millennials Aren’t Killing Restaurants Like Applebee’s And TGI Friday’s. Food Like This Is

Millennials Aren’t Killing Restaurants Like Applebee’s And TGI Friday’s. Food Like This Is

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nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

where I'm from, we don't really eat cheese (because it's not in our culture and they're mega expensive). but when a restaurant said this dish has a cheese, they meant the cheese slices like this, just slap it on top. not even melted. cold sliced cheese on top of your spaghetti. so to my LOW standard of what is cheese, this one is better because at least they had the effort to bake it? lol

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#21

In A Restaurant That Sells Ice Cream

In A Restaurant That Sells Ice Cream

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#22

Local Restaurant Where I'm From. Who Needs Food Safety Right?

Local Restaurant Where I'm From. Who Needs Food Safety Right?

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Cameron Alford
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that fat is good protein (dont get offended im not the skinniest person myself)

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#24

I Found This In My Drink At A Restaurant

I Found This In My Drink At A Restaurant

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During the coronavirus pandemic, restaurants around the world have been in between being closed and opened. For those who’re worrying that COVID-19 may be transmitted from food, the CDC states that “currently, there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is spread by handling or eating food.”

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However, it makes sense to follow stringent health and safety practices and limit any chance to your business and employees be exposed to coronavirus as much as possible.

#25

The Restaurant Where The Workers Stand On The Counter (Near The Food Prep Station) Without Shoes On

The Restaurant Where The Workers Stand On The Counter (Near The Food Prep Station) Without Shoes On

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#27

Stay Trashy Burger King

Stay Trashy Burger King

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K Killian
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Patron: One more Whopper please. Employee: (Points to sign) Sir, let's not do this again.

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#29

Local Restaurant Pouring Garbage Into The Sewers

Local Restaurant Pouring Garbage Into The Sewers

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Downunderdude
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how fat burgs are created. Too mean to put in a grease trap.

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#30

This BBQ Restaurant Serves Their House Sauce In A Shaker And It's Awful

This BBQ Restaurant Serves Their House Sauce In A Shaker And It's Awful

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#31

Signs Of A Bad Restaurant

Signs Of A Bad Restaurant

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#32

The Restaurant I Work In Won't Allow Employees To Eat Inside Since Covid Started, Today They Set Up A Break Table For Us By The Dumpster

The Restaurant I Work In Won't Allow Employees To Eat Inside Since Covid Started, Today They Set Up A Break Table For Us By The Dumpster

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#33

The Customers In This Restaurant Are Savages

The Customers In This Restaurant Are Savages

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#34

A Restaurant In My Town. I Think This Fits Here

A Restaurant In My Town. I Think This Fits Here

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#36

When You Go On A Rare Date With Your Husband To A Well Known Restaurant In Downtown Fullerton And He Gets The Soup Of The Day. Potato With Something Extra. Guess They Ran Out Of Cream

When You Go On A Rare Date With Your Husband To A Well Known Restaurant In Downtown Fullerton And He Gets The Soup Of The Day. Potato With Something Extra. Guess They Ran Out Of Cream

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#37

Receipt At An Already Overpriced Restaurant. When I Asked The Waiter He Just Shrugged And Said "Oh Yeah, We Need To Fix That"

Receipt At An Already Overpriced Restaurant. When I Asked The Waiter He Just Shrugged And Said "Oh Yeah, We Need To Fix That"

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#38

Ordered Steak And Mac And Cheese At A Riverside Restaurant For $30. They Brought Out Kraft Mac And Cheese

Ordered Steak And Mac And Cheese At A Riverside Restaurant For $30. They Brought Out Kraft Mac And Cheese

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#39

The Salad This Restaurant Gave Me

The Salad This Restaurant Gave Me

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Desto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the salad I make at home, because I don't know how to make a salad lol

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#40

And Just Like That, I Won't Be Eating At This Chinese Restaurant Again

And Just Like That, I Won't Be Eating At This Chinese Restaurant Again

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#41

I Think I Found The Secret Ingredient To Those Chicken Sandwiches

I Think I Found The Secret Ingredient To Those Chicken Sandwiches

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why even though macdonalds, KFC food is very unhealthy, I eat there because franchises are usually cleaner and have a stricter quality control than independent restaurants

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#42

These Doorway Curtains At A Sushi Restaurant

These Doorway Curtains At A Sushi Restaurant

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nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's just doorway curtains with the fabric warped, right? not someone's pyjama pants?

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#43

Literally Affecting My Decision This Evening

Literally Affecting My Decision This Evening

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#44

This Soap Dispensing Ketchup Bottle I Encountered At A Restaurant

This Soap Dispensing Ketchup Bottle I Encountered At A Restaurant

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#45

The Bathroom In A Restaurant My Fiancé And I Ate At

The Bathroom In A Restaurant My Fiancé And I Ate At

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Desto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TBH that does look cool but very disgusting they need to change that mirror

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#46

Paid $16 For This Caesar "Salad" At A Concept Restaurant Last Night

Paid $16 For This Caesar "Salad" At A Concept Restaurant Last Night

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#47

Glad We Ate Before They Started Cleaning On Top Of The Food

Glad We Ate Before They Started Cleaning On Top Of The Food

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Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

End of day cleaning is like this. You clean top to bottom. He's on a step ladder, the other guy is passing with the washing up stuff. This pic is from 2.38 am - a very decent end of day i'd say..

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#48

Restaurants That Serve Cold Butter, Causing The Bread To Break When You Spread It

Restaurants That Serve Cold Butter, Causing The Bread To Break When You Spread It

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haha laser go brrr
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really don't see the problem. At home, my butter is refrigerated and cold no matter what

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