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Dear bars and restaurants, we do genuinely appreciate how hard you try to impress us. After the pandemic hit, it has been a continuous struggle to save your business and attract both workers and clients. So it's only normal to put that extra bit of effort into everything, from the thoughtful playlist to premium Marseille soap in the bathroom.

Some restaurant owners and chefs take the dining experience up to the next level and come up with very ingenious ways to serve their food. Think of starters served straight on the table, croquettes served in an iron mask and no, I am not kidding.

Thanks to the internet's beloved We Want Plates project founded by Ross McGinnes back in 2015, we now have a crazy collection of absurd food servings to scroll through. “It’s the global crusade against serving food on bits of wood and roof slates, chips in mugs and drinks in jam jars,” says its description and hey, thanks for the public service, you guys.

Psst! More hilarious food servings from We Want Plates can be found in our previous posts here, here and here.

More info: wewantplates.com | Reddit | Facebook | Instagram |Twitter

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    #2

    The Juices Dripped Onto My Legs Through That Nice Crack In The Board

    The Juices Dripped Onto My Legs Through That Nice Crack In The Board

    Platinumtide Report

    #3

    This Rose Flavored Chocolate Dessert That You Have To Lick Off Your Hands! (Miami)

    This Rose Flavored Chocolate Dessert That You Have To Lick Off Your Hands! (Miami)

    TheFlavorFox Report

    Previously Bored Panda spoke with Ross McGinnes, the founder of the ‘We Want Plates’ community. Ross started the campaign in 2015 after a friend posted a picture of an average-sized steak on Facebook, which had been served to him on a large chopping board.

    “It was captioned, unironically, 'That is a big meal!' It wasn't a big meal—he'd fallen for all this style-over-content hipster gastropub nonsense,” he recounted. Then, Ross searched Twitter for an account which would allow him to vent his spleen with like-minded people, but he found nothing. That’s how We Want Plates was created. Today, the project has 900,000 followers across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Reddit.

    #4

    Reject Modernity, Embrace Tradition

    Reject Modernity, Embrace Tradition

    theirskills Report

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    #6

    You Could Order Barbie Meat At A Chinese Hot Pot Restaurant My Sis-In-Law Went To Last Night

    You Could Order Barbie Meat At A Chinese Hot Pot Restaurant My Sis-In-Law Went To Last Night

    luketherock Report

    McGinnes also noted that some restaurants put food on strange things because they want to try to impress their customers. Sometimes, that turns against them. “My local pub used to do a great Sunday roast: twelve quid, piled high, tasted great and yes, it came on a plate. One weekend they added a quirky offering to the menu: little sandwiches, pies, dainty cakes and mini milkshakes served on a miniature picnic bench. The benches, painted bright pink and yellow, sat on top of tables seating actual grown adults. And what was the first thing these infantilized diners did? It wasn't to try the food—it was to whip out their phones and take a picture.”

    #7

    So I Went To Alinea This Weekend

    So I Went To Alinea This Weekend

    dabuttmonkee Report

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

    That's just pretentious. Am I supposed to lean over the table and risk getting my arms all dirty just for more blueberries lol.

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    #8

    Pasta, Sauce, Bread. In A Wire Cone

    Pasta, Sauce, Bread. In A Wire Cone

    AI_YA Report

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    NoneYa41
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    one of the more ridiculous trends unfortunately. i keep seeing this and can't grasp the "why" of it at all....

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    #9

    Breakfast In A Egg Carton

    Breakfast In A Egg Carton

    Vastylez Report

    “Over the following months the picnic benches became increasingly popular, coinciding with the specials board becoming progressively smaller, before it eventually disappeared altogether,” Ross told us. He remembered sitting there one Sunday, watching bench after garish bench emerge from the kitchen like a technicolor carnival of idiocy, before his usual roast arrived.

    #10

    Dinner With A Side Of Tetanus Anyone?

    Dinner With A Side Of Tetanus Anyone?

    rawgabbitschnitzel Report

    #11

    A Friend Ordered Tiramisu In Scotland. Why Sugar The Lid?

    A Friend Ordered Tiramisu In Scotland. Why Sugar The Lid?

    NoBid9404 Report

    #12

    Friend Of Mine Went To A Restaurant And Their Starter Came In A Book

    Friend Of Mine Went To A Restaurant And Their Starter Came In A Book

    deadsocial Report

    “The meat was cold and the potatoes were burnt. It was once their main Sunday trade, but the traditional roast had died an unpalatable death. But that’s OK because they were doing a roaring trade with the benches, right? Sure, until the pub down the road started doing them too. Then the one around the corner.”

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    Ross recounted that before you know it, everyone’s doing the same ‘quirky’ thing. “Except it’s not ‘quirky’ anymore because you can’t move for mini picnic benches and now all their roast dinners are rubbish to boot,” he told us.

    #13

    Plates Shouldn’t Fall Over When You Stab Them With A Fork

    Plates Shouldn’t Fall Over When You Stab Them With A Fork

    ruspow Report

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

    When asked for food served in a stable way, this restaurant would bring straw and horses instead of plates.

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    #14

    Uhm.. How Do I Drink It..?

    Uhm.. How Do I Drink It..?

    lmews Report

    #16

    The Croquette In The Iron Mask

    The Croquette In The Iron Mask

    izzygomes Report

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

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, would be fun if every time you pick one up, the tongue goes in to retrieve one more

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    #17

    Lunch Served On A Heavy Stone? I Felt Bad For My Server Who Had To Carry It

    Lunch Served On A Heavy Stone? I Felt Bad For My Server Who Had To Carry It

    Xboxben Report

    #18

    Crepes Served As Babushka Barbe

    Crepes Served As Babushka Barbe

    auxdear Report

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    #19

    My Meal Was Served In A Folded License Plate. I Mean I Guess It Is A Plate In A Way

    My Meal Was Served In A Folded License Plate. I Mean I Guess It Is A Plate In A Way

    motherofdargans Report

    #20

    Friend's Mother Went To A Restaurant And Got A Glass Of Pasta! Upside Down!

    Friend's Mother Went To A Restaurant And Got A Glass Of Pasta! Upside Down!

    VinWing13 Report

    #23

    My Boyfriends Ice-Cream Came In A Little Metal Tub, But Mine Came In A Little Plastic Wheelbarrow

    My Boyfriends Ice-Cream Came In A Little Metal Tub, But Mine Came In A Little Plastic Wheelbarrow

    lazycarrotcake Report

    #25

    I’d Send This Back. This Replaced An Amazing Restaurant In My Town That Was Killed By Covid

    I’d Send This Back. This Replaced An Amazing Restaurant In My Town That Was Killed By Covid

    throwawaydogmama Report

    #26

    Spaghetti-No

    Spaghetti-No

    sarahdara Report

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    #27

    Pasta Flight, Ended Up Everywhere

    Pasta Flight, Ended Up Everywhere

    moglyman Report

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

    Ridiculously unnecessary, not practical for guests and too much idiotic work for the kitchen. The chef here is a jerk.

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    #28

    My “Flying“ Noodles. They Where Cold Within A Minute

    My “Flying“ Noodles. They Where Cold Within A Minute

    PaulusLangus Report

    #30

    Kids Food On Dvd-Case (Photo From Restaurants Own Page)

    Kids Food On Dvd-Case (Photo From Restaurants Own Page)

    Minion2 Report

    #32

    Removing Splinters With Greasy Fingers

    Removing Splinters With Greasy Fingers

    aloofloofah Report

    #33

    We Want Tables?

    We Want Tables?

    Bragisson Report

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

    I actually was planning to do my garden table somewhat like this, with left over 'green roof' materials. I hate mowing and grass, so it would be Sedums; the problem it it's either boring or very uneven.

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    #34

    I Swear, It's A Chocolate Mousse And Pop-Corn On A Wooden Board....

    I Swear, It's A Chocolate Mousse And Pop-Corn On A Wooden Board....

    Call_Me_Bitsch Report

    #35

    Flattened Chips Due To The Weight

    Flattened Chips Due To The Weight

    EverFinch Report

    #36

    I Guess We Are Serving Fish On Fish Bones?!

    I Guess We Are Serving Fish On Fish Bones?!

    mmajamm Report

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

    Should I quit my job, and become a professional fish skeleton cleaner?

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    #37

    Aah Yes, I Finally Experienced The Classic Shovel Plate

    Aah Yes, I Finally Experienced The Classic Shovel Plate

    deodit Report

    #38

    An Actual Non Stick Pan, Instead Of A Plate

    An Actual Non Stick Pan, Instead Of A Plate

    henlohihenlo Report

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

    Well, that's bowel cancer waiting to happen. Never use metal on non-stick cookware, kids.

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    #39

    This Would Be Embarrassing

    This Would Be Embarrassing

    kooshetty Report

    #40

    So This Is Supposed To Be The Best Way To Eat Caviar...

    So This Is Supposed To Be The Best Way To Eat Caviar...

    Zaea Report

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    #41

    "How Do You Want Your Chocolate Mousse? Clean Or Dirty?" Paris, France

    "How Do You Want Your Chocolate Mousse? Clean Or Dirty?" Paris, France

    vic9248 Report

    #42

    I Guess The Chicken Wings Are… Flying?

    I Guess The Chicken Wings Are… Flying?

    IanthegeekV2 Report

    #45

    In An Ad For A New Greek Place In Town. Yummy, I Love My Hand-Torn Bread Served To Me On A Round Stone Covered In Paste

    In An Ad For A New Greek Place In Town. Yummy, I Love My Hand-Torn Bread Served To Me On A Round Stone Covered In Paste

    chonky_tortoise Report

    #46

    $12 Gin & Tonic

    $12 Gin & Tonic

    Radiodead31 Report

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

    You're gonna do a classic cocktail like this, really? Gin deserves better than this.

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    #47

    Not One, But Two Pans And A Cutting Board

    Not One, But Two Pans And A Cutting Board

    Taroin Report

    #48

    2 Scallops On Seashells Placed On Top Of Fake Grass, Real Rocks And All On Top Of A Log

    2 Scallops On Seashells Placed On Top Of Fake Grass, Real Rocks And All On Top Of A Log

    awawawa222 Report

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

    Scallops on shells are okay.... the other stuff is just there for you to pay 20% more, as normal.

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    #49

    We Want Cups. Mai Tai In A Spam Can. Sea-Tac Airport

    We Want Cups. Mai Tai In A Spam Can. Sea-Tac Airport

    e______ok Report

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

    I would call the health-inspectors on that place! No way, a can produced for containing meat-product can be sterilized enough -in a normal restaurant/bar's conditions- to be safe enough for anything else serving in it.

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    #54

    Shoe Boba (Not Mine, Found It On Twitter)

    Shoe Boba (Not Mine, Found It On Twitter)

    GMMHCR Report

    #55

    I Was Reading A Review Of A Spanish Restaurant And This Come Up....

    I Was Reading A Review Of A Spanish Restaurant And This Come Up....

    amaquinadeuoberro Report

    #56

    Not What I Meant When I Said 'A Pallet Of Food'

    Not What I Meant When I Said 'A Pallet Of Food'

    YeMothor2457 Report

    #57

    Pot Of Yoghurt And Some Bread In A Box Of Inedible Rocks

    Pot Of Yoghurt And Some Bread In A Box Of Inedible Rocks

    Eddy1050 Report

    #58

    Tonka Truck Full Of Wings

    Tonka Truck Full Of Wings

    LoveMaterials Report

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

    I had that truck as a kid (but with clear plastic windows), never ate my food out of it though for obvious reasons.

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    #59

    Everyday We Stray Further From God’s Light

    Everyday We Stray Further From God’s Light

    dreamsofdion Report

    #60

    Just Put It On A Plate, This Presentation Adds Nothing

    Just Put It On A Plate, This Presentation Adds Nothing

    whitemike40 Report

    #61

    The Kid's Meal At The Big Texan Served In A Hat. The 7 Year Old Recipient States, "Yeah, This Is Kinda Weird, Dad...."

    The Kid's Meal At The Big Texan Served In A Hat. The 7 Year Old Recipient States, "Yeah, This Is Kinda Weird, Dad...."

    Bon_of_a_Sitch Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #62

    The Meat Juice Fell Off The Side And Stained My Jeans

    The Meat Juice Fell Off The Side And Stained My Jeans

    kehos Report

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

    It looks fabulous, but the chef didn't get the memo that food is meant to be eaten.

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    #63

    Hot Dogs In A Dog Bowl

    Hot Dogs In A Dog Bowl

    OgOnetee Report

    #64

    Giving New Meaning To The "Onion Dip"

    Giving New Meaning To The "Onion Dip"

    gall-nyu Report

    #65

    Fries Served In A Small Trash Bin

    Fries Served In A Small Trash Bin

    alex1058 Report

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

    It would piss me off to order a side of fries and get that small an amount.

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    #66

    We Thought That They Allowed Dogs Here Until We Realized That The Bowls Are For Us!

    We Thought That They Allowed Dogs Here Until We Realized That The Bowls Are For Us!

    MikeyRidesABikey Report

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

    Doesn't everyone serve up burger & fries - well maybe "hot dogs"! And a bowl of water of course!

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    #68

    Two, Put Your Beef In That Box

    Two, Put Your Beef In That Box

    voxadam Report

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

    Steak looks nicely cooked, but the effort with the box is misplaced, it just looks boring, and where are the sides/garnishes?

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    #69

    Nearly Bought This Watering Can For My Daughters Mini Cacti Until I Read The Label

    Nearly Bought This Watering Can For My Daughters Mini Cacti Until I Read The Label

    lauraf2009 Report

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

    I would have bought it for your daughter's cacti anyway. Your idea for it's use is way better.

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    #70

    Chicharrones.. Served On Animal Skull They Even Have A Plate Right There..

    Chicharrones.. Served On Animal Skull They Even Have A Plate Right There..

    millllosh Report

    #71

    It's Like They Heard People Like Ribs But Didn't Really Grasp It

    It's Like They Heard People Like Ribs But Didn't Really Grasp It

    ChristmasMint Report

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    #72

    It's Called El Ultimo Baño (The Last Bath). Roasted Whole Quail In Foamy Broth And A Piece Of Spongy Bread. It Was Pretty Meh-Tasting. Once Won The City's Weekly Tapas Award. (Bar Is Called Depikofino)

    It's Called El Ultimo Baño (The Last Bath). Roasted Whole Quail In Foamy Broth And A Piece Of Spongy Bread. It Was Pretty Meh-Tasting. Once Won The City's Weekly Tapas Award. (Bar Is Called Depikofino)

    wintrydrop Report

    #73

    Cocktail In A Takeout Box. Only A Little Leaky

    Cocktail In A Takeout Box. Only A Little Leaky

    NikkiFinn1987 Report

    #74

    Saw This In An Ad On Facebook - Who Doesn't Like Their Sashimi In A Tipped Over Wine Glass

    Saw This In An Ad On Facebook - Who Doesn't Like Their Sashimi In A Tipped Over Wine Glass

    HonzaS97 Report

    #75

    I Ordered A Cocktail, I Got A Salad

    I Ordered A Cocktail, I Got A Salad

    notquitesuew Report

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

    If it's not a cocktail which contains bell peppers, than it's a very poor choice, besides being ugly. The aromas disolving from pepper will screw up your cocktail.

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    #76

    Yeah I'll Have Some Brisket On The Rocks Please

    Yeah I'll Have Some Brisket On The Rocks Please

    burgereclipse Report

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

    I would be concerned about which parts of the salad are edible, and which are garnish.

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    #77

    Apple Pie And Whip Cream In Pots

    Apple Pie And Whip Cream In Pots

    NatureLifted Report

    #78

    We Got Appetizers Served On A Tray Full Of Stones

    We Got Appetizers Served On A Tray Full Of Stones

    slothyninja Report

    #79

    The Menu Specifically Called It A Charcuterie Plate

    The Menu Specifically Called It A Charcuterie Plate

    meowmiixx Report

    #80

    I Just Thought You Guys Were No Fun, But I Get It Now….

    I Just Thought You Guys Were No Fun, But I Get It Now….

    EZZE__________ Report

    #81

    Went To A Fancy Cocktailbar Just To Get My Bloody Mary In An Old Tomato Can. Also Spotted Someone Getting A Whole Pineapple Instead Of A Glass

    Went To A Fancy Cocktailbar Just To Get My Bloody Mary In An Old Tomato Can. Also Spotted Someone Getting A Whole Pineapple Instead Of A Glass

    CorrectSheepherder0 Report

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

    The pineapple is common and acceptable in contrary of a rusty can!

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    #83

    Fiancée Said "Do You Think I'm Allowed To Put Ketchup Directly On The Cutting Board?"

    Fiancée Said "Do You Think I'm Allowed To Put Ketchup Directly On The Cutting Board?"

    captain_dudeman Report

    #84

    Onion Rings And Gravy On A Stone Slab!

    Onion Rings And Gravy On A Stone Slab!

    BANDRABOYMULLI Report

    #86

    Deep Fried Mushroom On A Ceramic Log

    Deep Fried Mushroom On A Ceramic Log

    latenightsnack1 Report

    #87

    Berries Straight From The Tree

    Berries Straight From The Tree

    ebarley Report

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

    This is a cute presentation, but as a decoration, not a desert. It's 10 berries and cherries.

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    #91

    Onion Rings Served On An Oil Funnel

    Onion Rings Served On An Oil Funnel

    HuskingENGR Report

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    #92

    A Pizza On A Board That's Too Small. Cutting It Was A Challenge

    A Pizza On A Board That's Too Small. Cutting It Was A Challenge

    faerae_princess Report

    #93

    I'm A Cow Now

    I'm A Cow Now

    MisterSkater Report

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

    The astroturf or grass touches the food. How do they sterilize it for the next customer?

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    #94

    Some Cutlery Would Be Nice Aswell..

    Some Cutlery Would Be Nice Aswell..

    OGcheezey Report

    #96

    Calamari In A Box, Pasta In A Pan. The North End In Boston

    Calamari In A Box, Pasta In A Pan. The North End In Boston

    Conis1 Report

    #97

    They Call This A “Sushi Cupcake Ferris Wheel”

    They Call This A “Sushi Cupcake Ferris Wheel”

    L_gecko Report

    #98

    I Was So Hungry For Cake That I Didn't Realize Until Mid-Way Through That I Got Served In A F*cking Tile

    I Was So Hungry For Cake That I Didn't Realize Until Mid-Way Through That I Got Served In A F*cking Tile

    -drunk_russian- Report

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

    This is one of the better lack of a plate, at least a tile can be properly cleaned.

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    #99

    Decent In Comparison To Some Of The Sh*t I've Seen But Damn Just Give Me A Damn Plate!

    Decent In Comparison To Some Of The Sh*t I've Seen But Damn Just Give Me A Damn Plate!

    imfanboi19 Report