30 Times Customers Were Left Baffled And Had To Document The Absurd Ways Their Food And Drinks Were Served To Them

When chefs go above and beyond in terms of food presentation, it is because they want to create a narrative and add meaning to the experience of eating their food. As Tony Robbins, life coach and author, states, "The way we present our food can transform the dining experience into something memorable." When done correctly, this added meaning enhances the guest’s experience and leaves a lasting positive impression.

However, when done incorrectly, it detracts from the dining experience and leaves customers frustrated, grossed out, or simply baffled. Artistic plating is definitely not a race to see who can add the most unpredictability and absurdity to a table. Who doesn’t want their food to be served on plates like normal, civilized people? It’s unusual to serve customers food in avocado shells, slop on pieces of wood, chips in rocks, or sushi in bonsai.

Fortunately, there’s an entire online community dedicated to documenting truly extreme examples of restaurants that serve food and drinks on materials that are too embarrassing to discuss. The “We Want Plates” subreddit community has garnered up to 795k members who have declared war on plateless food and drink establishments. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, psychologist and author, mentions, "The presentation of food can significantly impact our perception of taste and enjoyment."

We have compiled the most horrifying photos to demonstrate just how bad things can get when those in charge have lost touch with reality. Scroll down for the best ideas that should never, ever be repeated.

We guarantee that you will begin to appreciate restaurants that use actual plates far more from now on. Meanwhile, try not to lose your appetite.

More info: WeWantPlates.com | Reddit | Facebook | Twitter

1. Friend got a "Curry On A Tile" order

RKips

2. Bringing to you, 4 Chips On A Rock

I have decided to clarify a few things.1. The 4 chips were free with two half-liter mugs of beer (~16 dollars).2. Yes, the rock was filthy and disgusting, and I did not look into the crevices to gaze upon mold central station, as there’s no possible way they were cleaning it properly.3. Yes, I did still eat the chips because I was pretty drunk and very hungry.4. The chips did not taste good and were a bit soggy.5. They did not refill the chips even though we ordered 4 more beers.6. No, I did not complain because I have immense social anxiety in restaurant situations.peachyfr

3. "I'm a hairstylist and by law cannot use wood-handled brushes because they 'can’t be sanitized', but I can legally be served food on wood"

emilyMartian

4. The Lady on the Plate

Weird-Road-2126

5. The Cream Sauce is Running Off the Sides and the Gravy Will Soon Join In

DPick02

6. Spaghetti In A Stein

WellDingDong

7. It Comes with a Mirror to Look at Your Lonely Self

Derockk

8. So Close but Still So Far

faucherie

9. "Glazed Donut Grilled Cheese Hanging Over Tomato Soup"

BrauMoarBier

10. The Raw King Crab on a Fence

fleamarketart

11. Check Out This Quesadilla

exponentia

12. The Sushi on a Tree

DesoleBitches

13. Why Would an Upscale Restaurant Serve a Cocktail in an Old Soup Can?

Simonsaid2

14. "Massive Breakfast Challenge on a Garbage Can Lid"

Animusical

15. Talk About a Cake Shake

annie_martin1

16. "Onion Ring Tower at Red Robin, Comes with Complimentary Paint Chips"

ukpittfan1

17. Nachos Are Already Messy on an Actual Plate, So This Atrocity Was at a Topgolf

they-call-me-milf

18. Don't Know What to Call This

Killingstar

19. Guys - Tapas on Jack Nicholson’s Head

pericoXVI

20. Just Use a Normal Glass

AarupA

21. "A Bloody Mary at My Workplace with a Top Burger"

cowstickwick

22. Things Are Getting Melted Here

girl_girl_girl

23. "Soup in a Test Tube in a Block of Wood"

TrueBirch

24. An $8 Avocado Half with Salt Labeled as “Guacamole”

reddit.com

25. Fancy a Sandwich Served on the Rocks?

ultimatebackmassage

26. When Your Salad Arrives in a Watering Can

Vampedface

27. Oh My Goodness!

XxRadioRadarxX

28. The Food Still Had to Touch the Table

AngieNovella

29. "Hot Chocolate in a Mini Wheelie Bin"

WiganLad82

30. My Pasta Arrived in a Metal Box

sexybeluga

The manner in which food is served can say a lot about the chef’s understanding of the culinary narrative they wish to present to their guests. It acts as an amplifier, which is why there is always a risk: you can either enhance an already excellent meal or ruin the entire experience.

However, restaurants must be alert enough to recognize when something is simply silly and act promptly to avoid embarrassing themselves. It’s that easy!