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We Want Plates is a community of both regular people and dedicated foodies who are joining their forces to make restaurants serve food on actual plates, not on bits of wood and roof tiles. To do so, they are shaming all the ridiculous food presentations they are receiving online, and their crusade has made them quite famous.

Founded in 2015 by Ross McGinnes, We Want Plates already has 157K followers on Twitter, 100K on Facebook, and 30K on Instagram. However, the biggest unit of their army is located on Reddit — over 650K troops. I think it's safe to say that the growth of the project is a pretty good indication that restaurants should think twice before serving cured meat on a bone or pouring a cocktail into a baby bottle. At least I hope so.

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

#1

Welcome To Hell

Welcome To Hell

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Titas Burinskas
BoredPanda Staff
Verified
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The last photo of the guy looking at the server, like, "are you seriously doing this?" made me lose it.

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One of the moderators of the We Want Plates subreddit, Merari01, said that even though the food itself is the cornerstone of dining, its presentation is important too. "A wonderful meal is enhanced by a superb presentation. But an overly excessive display can detract from the meal," the moderator told Bored Panda.

"For me, the line [between creative and absurd] presentation is crossed when the creativity hinders the enjoyment of the food. Food that cannot be eaten without messing up the table, because the sauce gets everywhere since there's no plate but a piece of slate used. Food that cannot be eaten without carefully dismantling it from the display on which it is mounted and pinned. Our current top post is a good example. You'll have to dismantle the display and then there isn't much room on the board for cutting the meat."


#2

Edible Plates Only

Edible Plates Only

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

This one I kinda like. If they are using a recyclable paper to help keep it hygienic underneath I wholeheartedly approve.

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In an earlier Bored Panda interview, McGinnes noted that some restaurants put food on strange things, because they want to try to stand out from the crowd. "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 try the food — it was whip out their phones and take a picture."

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Over the following months the picnic benches became increasingly popular, coinciding with the specials board becoming progressively smaller, before it eventually disappeared altogether. "I sat there one Sunday, watching bench after garish bench emerge from the kitchen like a technicolor carnival of idiocy, before my usual roast arrived. 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. Before you know it, everyone’s doing the same ‘quirky’ thing, except it’s not ‘quirky’ any more because you can’t move for mini picnic benches and now all their roast dinners are rubbish to boot."

Yes, serving bread chips on a comb might get your restaurant tagged in a photo on social media, but customers will probably also caption it "NOPE" and won't come back to your place ever again.

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When you're done enjoying this post, check out the equally hilarious posts we did on We Want Plates here and here.

#4

Eggcelent Fried Bitterballen

Eggcelent Fried Bitterballen

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#7

Little Bite Size Appetizer Served On A Box Of Uncooked Potatoes

Little Bite Size Appetizer Served On A Box Of Uncooked Potatoes

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#9

Deconstructed Hand S'more?

Deconstructed Hand S'more?

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#10

A Friend Of Mine Showed Me This Photo Today, Served In A Restaurant In Las Vegas

A Friend Of Mine Showed Me This Photo Today, Served In A Restaurant In Las Vegas

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#11

This Was A Tiramisù, The Top Layer Was Crushed Oreos. Delicious, But How Did They Come Up With This?‭

This Was A Tiramisù, The Top Layer Was Crushed Oreos. Delicious, But How Did They Come Up With This?‭

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#12

We’re Just Eating This Cake With Our Faces

We’re Just Eating This Cake With Our Faces

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

I still don't understand the trend of smearing crap on the outside of a glass.

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#13

Yes That Is A Bagel Filled With Cheese Mounted Like A Deer Over A Bowel Of Tomato Soup

Yes That Is A Bagel Filled With Cheese Mounted Like A Deer Over A Bowel Of Tomato Soup

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

i'm not gonna lie, i kinda want this, I love cheesy bagels and tomato soup and I love cheese

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#14

Old School Friend Just Posted This Abomination

Old School Friend Just Posted This Abomination

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#15

I'm Glad To See They Be Serving Ramen The Traditional Way

I'm Glad To See They Be Serving Ramen The Traditional Way

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#16

Does This Count?

Does This Count?

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

A bit twisted, a bit sick, a bit lack of sleep, a bit of "who aprove this idea" and a lot of What da f... uck.

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#18

They Call This Everything But The Kitchen Sink

They Call This Everything But The Kitchen Sink

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

It would have looked SO yummy without the sink. But now I'm thinking of dirty dishwashing water.

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#19

Browsing Through My Old Photos And Found This... Chips In A Pine Cone!

Browsing Through My Old Photos And Found This... Chips In A Pine Cone!

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#20

I Guess There Is Technically A Plate... But Common

I Guess There Is Technically A Plate... But Common

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#22

Big Dawg Breakfast Served In An Actual Dog Dish

Big Dawg Breakfast Served In An Actual Dog Dish

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#23

Thanks For The Plate But Am I Supposed To Lick The Glass Clean?

Thanks For The Plate But Am I Supposed To Lick The Glass Clean?

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

I would lick the glass and make everyone so uncomfortable.. that they take it off the menu

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#24

Tiramisu Served In A Coffee Maker

Tiramisu Served In A Coffee Maker

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#25

Cured Meat Served On A Bone

Cured Meat Served On A Bone

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

In my opinion this isn't even bad compared to most of the others. It functions well as a plate and looks exceptionally clean.

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#26

Fries In A Maison Jar... Why

Fries In A Maison Jar... Why

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

Not the worst of the bunch... but the last fries are going to be squished and hard to reach. Also, I am now craving saucy fries.

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#28

Some Goober Filled My Drink Full Of Rocks. Does This Count?

Some Goober Filled My Drink Full Of Rocks. Does This Count?

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#32

A Shovel Is Not A Plate

A Shovel Is Not A Plate

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

If they needed to use a plate to place this dinged up shovel containing food, why not skip the middle man and put the food on the plate?

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#33

I'm In A Fancy Italian Restaurant And They Just Served Me This

I'm In A Fancy Italian Restaurant And They Just Served Me This

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#34

Wings From A Tonka Truck

Wings From A Tonka Truck

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#35

At Least It Has Straws!

At Least It Has Straws!

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

One thing I was taught as a young Chef apprentice was this; ' when you are making a dish there 3 things to consider when presenting it - too little, just enough and too much' .This monstrosity falls firmly into the latter category !!

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#36

What's The Best Way To Tackle This Meal? Seafood Special Served In A Vintage Tackle Box

What's The Best Way To Tackle This Meal? Seafood Special Served In A Vintage Tackle Box

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

its cute + practical to put the ice, display the goods and easy to grab - its a win

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#37

Tfw You Misread The Menu And Thought You Were Ordering A Cheesecake And You Get This Monstrosity

Tfw You Misread The Menu And Thought You Were Ordering A Cheesecake And You Get This Monstrosity

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#38

This Is Just A Creative Way To Give Us Less Shrimp

This Is Just A Creative Way To Give Us Less Shrimp

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#39

Put The Ramen In A Bowl Ffs! (Found This On Instagram, Served In A Bar, Hope It Belongs Here)

Put The Ramen In A Bowl Ffs! (Found This On Instagram, Served In A Bar, Hope It Belongs Here)

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Colin Mochrie At Its Finest
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine tryjng to take a swig of drink but distracted by conversing you swig your....top ramen? $8.99 for this glass of goodness.

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#41

My Son's Grilled Cheese Came In A Doggy Bowl

My Son's Grilled Cheese Came In A Doggy Bowl

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#42

We Wanted Plates But An Exception Was Made

We Wanted Plates But An Exception Was Made

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#43

Don't Tell Me What But Atleast Tell Me Why? From A Cafe In Mumbai, India

Don't Tell Me What But Atleast Tell Me Why? From A Cafe In Mumbai, India

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#44

Finally Caught One In The Wild! (Pun-Intended)

Finally Caught One In The Wild! (Pun-Intended)

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#45

Clearly Designed To Make You Feel Like An Animal Eating Twigs Off The Forest Floor

Clearly Designed To Make You Feel Like An Animal Eating Twigs Off The Forest Floor

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

Looks like leftover veggies from a weekend market , scattered on the road.

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#46

Pumpkin Ice Cream In A Pumpkin

Pumpkin Ice Cream In A Pumpkin

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

I had coconut ice cream in a mini coconut. Very intense coconut flavor.

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#47

You’re Joking

You’re Joking

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

I have no idea how you're supposed to eat that but it's making my sweet tooth water 🤤

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#48

Is A Whole Plate Too Much To Ask For?

Is A Whole Plate Too Much To Ask For?

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

They're worried if you have a whole plate you'll realise buite very little food that is.

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#49

I Simply Do Not Understand

I Simply Do Not Understand

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

This is pretty common where I live, a beer and a Caesar ordered together. Lots of restaurants and bars want to make their Caesars better than the others and garnish it with crazy stuff. I garnish mine with one skewer of olives, mini gherkin, spicy green bean and pepperoni stick. A bar I like in Toronto puts a slice of pizza on top, as well as other stuff. Google the Landing Cure if you want to see what one looks like.

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#53

Marshmallow On A Paver

Marshmallow On A Paver

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#54

Why?

Why?

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#55

An Upside-Down Beverage, You're Supposed To Drink With A Straw From The Saucer

An Upside-Down Beverage, You're Supposed To Drink With A Straw From The Saucer

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#56

Everyday We Stray Further From God

Everyday We Stray Further From God

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

The burgers don't even look good. Patty looks dry. Bun looks dry. Raw carrot slices?

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#57

The Inhumanity

The Inhumanity

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

These kids did this themselves though, as an internet challenge.. so..

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#58

Grilled Cheese On A Skewer. Looks Delicious But What’s Up With The Presentation?

Grilled Cheese On A Skewer. Looks Delicious But What’s Up With The Presentation?

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#59

The Waiter Had The Audacity To Joke It Was Loaded

The Waiter Had The Audacity To Joke It Was Loaded

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#60

Samosas On A Bike

Samosas On A Bike

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#61

This Drink Was Called The Almost Famous. The Coffee Butters Tasted Like Ash Tray. When He Put The Ash Tray To His Mouth The Drink Leaked From The Holes Meant To Hold Cigarettes

This Drink Was Called The Almost Famous. The Coffee Butters Tasted Like Ash Tray. When He Put The Ash Tray To His Mouth The Drink Leaked From The Holes Meant To Hold Cigarettes

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#63

Nothing Says Delicious Dessert Like Eating A Pile Of Sprinkles Off Of A Cutting Board

Nothing Says Delicious Dessert Like Eating A Pile Of Sprinkles Off Of A Cutting Board

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#65

Kobe Beef Bun A Piece Of Structural Steel (Sushi Samba, Covent Garden UK)

Kobe Beef Bun A Piece Of Structural Steel (Sushi Samba, Covent Garden UK)

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#67

Why Doesn't The Butter Deserve A Bowl Like The Tapenade?

Why Doesn't The Butter Deserve A Bowl Like The Tapenade?

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#68

A Friend Of Mine Sent Me A Pic Of His Chili Soup

A Friend Of Mine Sent Me A Pic Of His Chili Soup

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

It looks like a flower pot... but hot drinks are served in earthen utensils called “kulhad” mainly tea or kahwa...

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#69

How About A Table For The Table?

How About A Table For The Table?

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

This is just a different way of presenting something like a high tea. Normally it would be presented on one of those tiered cake platters. Nothing wrong here.

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#70

The Pan Was Still Scalding Hot

The Pan Was Still Scalding Hot

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

That is ok and pretty common here in South Africa, especially with seafood dishes. Your food gets cooked and served in the pan, but presentation needs some work on this one

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#71

They Gave Us A Hand

They Gave Us A Hand

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#73

It’s Called Carry Out But This Is Taking The Piss

It’s Called Carry Out But This Is Taking The Piss

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

If you get to keep that super cute little suitcase, I think it's worth it.

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#74

“Can I Get Two Drinks And 2 Tacos With Salsa On Only One Part Of The Taco” ... But This Place Did Have Plates For Most Things And It Looks Pretty Good

“Can I Get Two Drinks And 2 Tacos With Salsa On Only One Part Of The Taco” ... But This Place Did Have Plates For Most Things And It Looks Pretty Good

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#75

The Typical Lunch On A Slate With The Added Addition Of Ghost Cutlery

The Typical Lunch On A Slate With The Added Addition Of Ghost Cutlery

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#76

I Mean It Was One Of The Juiciest Steaks...but Why On A Flat Cutting Board

I Mean It Was One Of The Juiciest Steaks...but Why On A Flat Cutting Board

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

TBF, it is a cutting board and you are going to be using a steak knife. However, the board will be reused and therefore hygiene could be an issue if it's not cleaned properly.

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#77

My Friend’s Side Of Sausage At Brunch Looked Like They Had To Go Into The Forest To Forage For It And Then Ran Out Of Regular Plates

My Friend’s Side Of Sausage At Brunch Looked Like They Had To Go Into The Forest To Forage For It And Then Ran Out Of Regular Plates

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#80

But The Butter??

But The Butter??

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#82

Fried Shrimp Served On A Wooden Lightning Bolt With An Attached Goku Figurine

Fried Shrimp Served On A Wooden Lightning Bolt With An Attached Goku Figurine

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#83

Steak Tatar Served With A Beef Fat And Butter Candle That You Have To Wait To Melt Before You Can Properly Mix In And Eat With

Steak Tatar Served With A Beef Fat And Butter Candle That You Have To Wait To Melt Before You Can Properly Mix In And Eat With

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HappyPig1723
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Judging by how this restaurant's serving is, I wouldn't want to wait ANOTHER 20 min.

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#84

We Want Plates - And A Table And Chairs Would Be Nice As Well Come To Think About It

We Want Plates - And A Table And Chairs Would Be Nice As Well Come To Think About It

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

Where is the problem here? You can sit, you have a table and the food is on a plate made of slate.... everything fine

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#85

The Back Of My Own Hand Has To Be The Worst Food Holder!

The Back Of My Own Hand Has To Be The Worst Food Holder!

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#86

From The Ig Of A Bar Near Me. There’s Nothing I Love More Than Taking A Nice Refreshing Sip Out Of A Bong, Or A Lightbulb

From The Ig Of A Bar Near Me. There’s Nothing I Love More Than Taking A Nice Refreshing Sip Out Of A Bong, Or A Lightbulb

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#87

My Dad’s Veal Parm... He Wasn’t Complaining Though

My Dad’s Veal Parm... He Wasn’t Complaining Though

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#88

So, Heard Everyone Slurps Their Noodles.... And Called Chef's Special At That

So, Heard Everyone Slurps Their Noodles.... And Called Chef's Special At That

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

Looks like vermicelli ... used to make sweet dish with milk and dry fruits...

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#89

Is This A Joke

Is This A Joke

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

Oh I know this restaurant, I think. It's called Lambert's. They throw rolls at you. the paper towels are for the okra and some other fried stuffs they come around with. It's a very popular destination. Food's pretty good, but the portions are massive. And they offer refills on some foods if you can eat it.

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#91

What An Absolute Abomination...

What An Absolute Abomination...

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#92

Found This On Tiktok

Found This On Tiktok

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#94

Interesting Way To Eat Bread In Andalucía, Spain

Interesting Way To Eat Bread In Andalucía, Spain

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HappyPig1723
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The egg carton thing is kinda-good, and I've had bread on a napkin before, so while it isn't my ideal dining situation, it's actually fine.

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#96

Cheese Sticks With Salad Underneath, In A Margarita Glass, In A Dry State

Cheese Sticks With Salad Underneath, In A Margarita Glass, In A Dry State

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#98

Lamb Chops On A Washing Line

Lamb Chops On A Washing Line

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#100

Food On A Rock On A Board

Food On A Rock On A Board

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#101

$30 For 3 Scallops, Hash, And A Rock

$30 For 3 Scallops, Hash, And A Rock

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#102

Tacklebox Anyone?

Tacklebox Anyone?

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#105

Sandwich And Fries In A Crate. Excuse Me?

Sandwich And Fries In A Crate. Excuse Me?

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

Secure the beer in the corner and I wouldn’t mind this if I were attending a hockey game.

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