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What’s important is the quality of the food, not what it’s served on. Right? Wrong! Sometimes, when you’re at a fancy restaurant, waiters serve your meal on such weird things and in such strange food containers that you pay more attention to them than your dinner. Those are the times that it’s acceptable to bombard your friends with pictures of your food, instead of eating it.

There’s a whole community of regular people and dedicated foodies who have banded together to form the online group ‘We Want Plates.’ Their mission is all in their name — they want restaurants serving food on actual plates, not on “bits of wood and roof tiles, chips in mugs and drinks in jam jars.” This is an internet community that loathes hipster things and trends, and “crusades” for the right to have their food brought to them on plates, as Mother Nature intended.

Keep scrolling and let us know in the comments what bad designs of food serving you found to be the most amusing. Let us know if you’ve seen something even weirder! Remember to upvote the worst food serving designs and ideas and share them with your friends. And after you’re done, have a look at Bored Panda’s other lists about restaurants that have gone too far with food serving and trying to impress customers too hard. Some of these eateries are beyond saving, don’t you think?

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

#1

Self-Aware Absurdity? Apple Pastry Desert Served On An Image Of A Plate.... On An iPad

Self-Aware Absurdity? Apple Pastry Desert Served On An Image Of A Plate.... On An iPad

cheekyjan Report

#2

A Meringue Served On A Magnetically Levitated Pillow

A Meringue Served On A Magnetically Levitated Pillow

It took over 5 minutes for them to get the pillow to hover. I nearly fell asleep.

Couldnt_think_of_a , essjay2009 Report

Bored Panda reached out to Ross McGinnes, the founder of the ‘We Want Plates’ community: “I 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. I searched Twitter for an account which would allow me to vent my spleen with like-minded people, but found nothing. We Want Plates was born. Four years later we have over 150,000 followers on Twitter, and three quarters of a million across all social media platforms.”

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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#3

My Bread Served Inside Roadkill

My Bread Served Inside Roadkill

urdsrevenge Report

#4

Cheese Foam That Is Spooned Onto The Back Of Your Hand By The Waiter And Then You Have To Lick It Off

Cheese Foam That Is Spooned Onto The Back Of Your Hand By The Waiter And Then You Have To Lick It Off

prisongovernor Report

“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.”

The creator of ‘We Want Plates’ listed how there are plenty of examples of food served on bizarre things, such as beef Wellington on barbed wire, tempura in a shoe, sandwiches in a phone box, and a chutney cupboard. “The worst I've encountered personally was when I was served a piece of cake on a table tennis bat in Barcelona around 2008. It still gives me sleepless nights.”

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#5

So These Motherf**** Actually Gave Me A Plate... Upside Down

So These Motherf**** Actually Gave Me A Plate... Upside Down

Jotapeme Report

#6

"I Put Fries In An Enclosed Bowl So They Steam And Get Soggy" - Some Prick Cook

"I Put Fries In An Enclosed Bowl So They Steam And Get Soggy" - Some Prick Cook

reddit.com Report

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jksimm515 avatar
Koalamonster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So you shove it all in there and don't give them a plate so they can actually eat it? Just... that's just annoying. At least with some of the other nonsense you don't have to excavate layers of food.

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The ‘We Want Plates’ community is very popular in the internet realm. Nearly 95,000 people follow the group on Facebook, another 20,000 on Instagram, and almost 156,000 on Twitter; while the plate-lovers’ subreddit has more than 509,000 members.

Lesley Lassiter from the Nashville Scene wonders whether the only reason restaurants put so much effort in presenting food is that the owners want to get popular online and get more customers. Naturally, this backfires more often than not because the presentation is impractical and just plain bizarre. There’s also the added question of money: do restaurants jack up their prices just because they spent an inordinate amount of cash on random things for serving food on?

The next time you’re out for dinner with your friends at your local artsy restaurant, watch their reactions when everything leaves the kitchen served on twigs, logs, and leaves. If your friends’ eyes light up and they start posting photos online, they might just be a ‘We Want Plates’ enthusiast.

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#9

My Boyfriend Was Just Served A Bloody Mary In A Fry Basket

My Boyfriend Was Just Served A Bloody Mary In A Fry Basket

I_Crush_Your_Head Report

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alexandra-murphy8 avatar
Neon Petra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks really, really unappetising. In a fry basket would look cool, but guys... it's a liquid. Let it stay in a glass.

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#10

Ravioli On A Clothesline, As You Do

Ravioli On A Clothesline, As You Do

corkboy Report

#11

Curry On A Chopping Board

Curry On A Chopping Board

skelto Report

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wandile dludlu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would have made better sense to have the rice on the board and curry in the bowl

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#12

It Has A Plate... But Still

It Has A Plate... But Still

Realwomprat Report

#13

This Dessert Trend Needs To Stop

This Dessert Trend Needs To Stop

ochad Report

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

I can't even begin to think how to consume those without making a mess

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#15

This Is The Most Awful Thing Ever. Broccoli Impaled On A Metal... Thing?

This Is The Most Awful Thing Ever. Broccoli Impaled On A Metal... Thing?

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lenkafedor avatar
Lenka Fedor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it supposed to be a tree. Like from the Lord of the rings. :) :) :)

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#16

Self Cleaning Bowl

Self Cleaning Bowl

WeWantPlates Report

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#19

Raspberry Ice Cream On A Twig, In A Hole Drilled Into A Rock

Raspberry Ice Cream On A Twig, In A Hole Drilled Into A Rock

neo3237 Report

#20

Love It When Sand Gets In My Soup

Love It When Sand Gets In My Soup

WeWantPlates Report

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alexandra-murphy8 avatar
Neon Petra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who thought this would be a good idea? The soup looks like vomit and the sand looks like that stuff they use to clean up vomit with.

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#22

My Parents Sent Me This Picture From Their Vacation In Italy

My Parents Sent Me This Picture From Their Vacation In Italy

MajesticHoneydew Report

#24

My Wife's Cocktail Was Served In A Hollow Stone And Had To Be Drunk Through The Hole, Without A Straw

My Wife's Cocktail Was Served In A Hollow Stone And Had To Be Drunk Through The Hole, Without A Straw

MrMagicMoves Report

#27

Our Appetizer In A Shoe. They Refused My Request To Try It On Or Take It Home.

Our Appetizer In A Shoe. They Refused My Request To Try It On Or Take It Home.

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kyoulover1 avatar
Rinpai
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the most insulting thing is that they think 3 tots is enough for a serving.

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#28

Horrifying

Horrifying

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Valerie Lessard
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is one of those tiny portion restaurants where you're supposed to eat at home first

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#29

Someone I Know Got Her Food On Some Kind Of Bone

Someone I Know Got Her Food On Some Kind Of Bone

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jksimm515 avatar
Koalamonster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to know what kind of bone that is!!! Also if it's easy to clean/ sanitize.... but mostly what it came out of.

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#31

This Expensive Salad Was Served Like This...

This Expensive Salad Was Served Like This...

Matingas Report

#32

These Snacks Served With Stones: Some Are Real Stones And Some Are To Eat. You Have To Guess!

These Snacks Served With Stones: Some Are Real Stones And Some Are To Eat. You Have To Guess!

happy_monster Report

#33

My Appetizer Served On A Goathorn And Straw...

My Appetizer Served On A Goathorn And Straw...

momslittlebear Report

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stimpy avatar
Stimpy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the "appetizer" looks like moldy sawdust... (ugh, gourmets!)

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#34

Just Go Ahead And Dump My Shrimp All Over Some Empty Beer Cans Please

Just Go Ahead And Dump My Shrimp All Over Some Empty Beer Cans Please

Stedyjay Report

#35

Why Would You Do That

Why Would You Do That

GrudonFactory Report

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alexandra-murphy8 avatar
Neon Petra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like some interpretation of some sort of medieval punishment.

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#37

The Same Tiles Were In The Bathroom

The Same Tiles Were In The Bathroom

catmore11 Report

#38

Pudding In A Pot. Wanna Know The Worst Sound Ever? Silverware Scraping Against Terracotta

Pudding In A Pot. Wanna Know The Worst Sound Ever? Silverware Scraping Against Terracotta

ketokadie Report

#39

I Ordered A Cocktail And The Bartender Started Preparing It In A Friggin Child's Welly

I Ordered A Cocktail And The Bartender Started Preparing It In A Friggin Child's Welly

Pablol Report

#40

Why Wouldn’t I Want To Eat Caviar Off A Wooden Hand??

Why Wouldn’t I Want To Eat Caviar Off A Wooden Hand??

Tyrus31 Report

#41

Fish Served On An Empty Beercan In A Dirty Ashtray

Fish Served On An Empty Beercan In A Dirty Ashtray

desmolase Report

#42

Just Saw This On Instagram... Send Help

Just Saw This On Instagram... Send Help

rosieisred Report

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Vanessa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

but now there will be sand all over the food when i find it! D:

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#43

Saw The Server Bring This Out And Thought It Belonged Here

Saw The Server Bring This Out And Thought It Belonged Here

playmaker99 Report

#44

Cheesy Triceratop

Cheesy Triceratop

rsoundar87 Report

#45

Friend Sent Me This. I Was Not As Impressed

Friend Sent Me This. I Was Not As Impressed

itsjacques Report

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#46

Spaghetti In A Cone

Spaghetti In A Cone

PupForge Report

#47

"Nacho Table" At A Celtics Game. I've Never Wanted A Plate More In My Life

"Nacho Table" At A Celtics Game. I've Never Wanted A Plate More In My Life

odontologist Report

#48

They Recommended To My Friend That He Get His Cheeseburger “In A Cup”

They Recommended To My Friend That He Get His Cheeseburger “In A Cup”

Drclaw411 Report

#49

Overcooked Eggs Served In The Pan That They Were Cooked In. Thanks...

Overcooked Eggs Served In The Pan That They Were Cooked In. Thanks...

Lerrcey Report

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Amina Hays
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cast iron pans carry a ridiculous amount of residual heat, so the eggs should only be slightly cooked, as they'll carry on cooking in the pan. They obviously didn't take that into consideration.

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#50

The Aesthetic Is "I Haven't Done The Dishes So I'm Just Using What's Clean"

The Aesthetic Is "I Haven't Done The Dishes So I'm Just Using What's Clean"

soy_ahoy Report

#51

Pizza With Scissors On A Slab Of Wood With Historic Grease Soaked In.

Pizza With Scissors On A Slab Of Wood With Historic Grease Soaked In.

Gr00z Report

#52

‘Fried Cheese’ Served In A Wine Glass At A Mexican Restaurant In Japan, I Don’t Know What I Expected

‘Fried Cheese’ Served In A Wine Glass At A Mexican Restaurant In Japan, I Don’t Know What I Expected

ohhurumpf Report

#54

Donuts Served On A Door At A Wedding

Donuts Served On A Door At A Wedding

pinkretainer Report

#55

My Friend Sent Me A Picture Of The Salad She Received At A Restaurant Yesterday

My Friend Sent Me A Picture Of The Salad She Received At A Restaurant Yesterday

pumpkinbread987 Report

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#56

Steak Tartare & Oyster Served On Your Hands At Librije In Netherland

Steak Tartare & Oyster Served On Your Hands At Librije In Netherland

WeWantPlates Report

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criminalgirl avatar
criminalgirl
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering your hands are supposed to be incredibly germ ridden most of the time...

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#58

Sushi, Sides And Mains Served In IKEA Style Organisers Because Plates Aren't Orderly Enough And Bento Boxes Are Too Common.

Sushi, Sides And Mains Served In IKEA Style Organisers Because Plates Aren't Orderly Enough And Bento Boxes Are Too Common.

pompousepistemophill Report

#59

Pitcher Of Poutine Being Offered In Montreal

Pitcher Of Poutine Being Offered In Montreal

thisbevic Report

#60

My Smoked Salmon Came In A Smoking Jar Of Salt. Tried To Lift It Out, Broke And Fell In The Salt, Rendering It Inedible

My Smoked Salmon Came In A Smoking Jar Of Salt. Tried To Lift It Out, Broke And Fell In The Salt, Rendering It Inedible

tika1104 Report

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Kevin Donegan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh come on. Just wipe off the salt. Inedible? You clearly grew up on a home where once something fell off the plate, it went into the garbage. Don't you know about the 5 second rule?!

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#61

What's In The Booooxxxx? Oh

What's In The Booooxxxx? Oh

darshanp82 Report

#63

Tuna Served On An Upside Down Cocktail Glass... If Only There Were A More Stable Food Serving Object To Eat Off Of

Tuna Served On An Upside Down Cocktail Glass... If Only There Were A More Stable Food Serving Object To Eat Off Of

randompopcorn Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So you have to tip in onto the plate to eat it and risk making a mess. Pointless.

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#65

Yeah I’ll Have A Crusty Can Instead Of A Glass I Guess

Yeah I’ll Have A Crusty Can Instead Of A Glass I Guess

travislow5 Report

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#66

I Hate To Stifle Someone's Creativity, But I Really Dont Like This

I Hate To Stifle Someone's Creativity, But I Really Dont Like This

voodoomudcake Report

#67

The Optimist Says The Glass Is Half Full

The Optimist Says The Glass Is Half Full

mjomark Report

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Pokemon sa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is Beer Ramen - It doesnt have actual beer in but created this way to have the similarities of a beer - vancouver loves this ish

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#69

They Brought The Breadsticks Out On A Plate, Then Proceeded To Take The Plate Out From Under The Breadsticks

They Brought The Breadsticks Out On A Plate, Then Proceeded To Take The Plate Out From Under The Breadsticks

timitee Report

#71

Shoonk! French Fries In A Pneumatic Tube

Shoonk! French Fries In A Pneumatic Tube

VigodaLives Report

#73

A Caesar Salad At A Resort In Costa Rica. While All The Parts Taste Good, How To Eat It Is Escaping Me....

A Caesar Salad At A Resort In Costa Rica. While All The Parts Taste Good, How To Eat It Is Escaping Me....

Madler Report

#74

Now I Get Why It Was Advertised As "Half A Bottle Of Fries"... Fries In A Cut Off Bottle Of Wine

Now I Get Why It Was Advertised As "Half A Bottle Of Fries"... Fries In A Cut Off Bottle Of Wine

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#76

I Love When My Steak Leaks Off My Stone Circle

I Love When My Steak Leaks Off My Stone Circle

dsl158 Report

#77

Who Wants Dessert?

Who Wants Dessert?

WeWantPlates Report

#78

I Ordered A Bagel..

I Ordered A Bagel..

Fla_fla_flunky Report

#79

"The Brick Keeps It Warm!" The Brick Was Stone Cold...

"The Brick Keeps It Warm!" The Brick Was Stone Cold...

randomwordvomit Report

#80

Fried Rice...in A Shovel For Some Stupid Reason.

Fried Rice...in A Shovel For Some Stupid Reason.

therealburndog Report

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fabianabarrientos avatar
hispanic! at the disco
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But I mean looking at the rest on this list this one might even pass as artsy.

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#81

These Individual Bowls Carved Into The Table

These Individual Bowls Carved Into The Table

0ldBookGlue Report

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

bowls? or holes where they put bowls for you to eat from? i'd guess the latter, seeing that the wood is not stained..

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#83

$70 A Head Luncheon? Have Some Butter On A Rock

$70 A Head Luncheon? Have Some Butter On A Rock

unfrufru Report

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SnowyLynx
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering the Luncheon was $70 a head, you wanna consider that the rock is actually bread in disguise

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#84

A Restaurant Where The Food Is Served Directly Onto The Table

A Restaurant Where The Food Is Served Directly Onto The Table

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#85

Does This Count? 😐

Does This Count? 😐

MrTibbs25 Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jeez, imagine the mess trying to drink it after the first couple.

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#86

Technically This Meat Is Served On A Plate, But....

Technically This Meat Is Served On A Plate, But....

borg42 Report

#87

Huckleberry Soda In A...lab Flask?

Huckleberry Soda In A...lab Flask?

mccoy_patton Report

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Lazy Panda
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is cool, not hurting anyone either. The cans and such were unsanitary but there’s nothing wrong with this

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#88

The Butter Was Just Smeared Directly On The Plank

The Butter Was Just Smeared Directly On The Plank

I_am_pyxidis Report