The man Who Judges Your Dinner Plates

What started as a simple post sharing his own dinner plate has grown into a yearly tradition, with many followers looking for his approval.

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For the past five years, Ethan Chlebowski, a 30-year-old software engineer from Minneapolis, has been anonymously critiquing peopleS dinner plates on X (formerly twitter) – and it’s become a surprisingly popular phenomenon.

It began in January 2019, when Chlebowski tweeted a photo of his own dinner – a colorful array of roasted chicken, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts – with the caption, “Rate my plate.” He expected a few laughs from friends. Instead, the post went viral. People began sending him pictures of their own meals, eager for his assessment.

Chlebowski’s criteria are simple: balance, colour, and variety. He favors plates with a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, and he appreciates a visually appealing presentation. He’s quick to point out plates that are overly beige or lacking in nutritional diversity.

“it’s not about being a food snob,” Chlebowski told The New York Times. “It’s about encouraging people to think about what they’re eating and to make healthier,more balanced choices.”

His feedback ranges from gentle suggestions (“Needs more green!”) to more pointed critiques (“This is just…sad.”). While some people are offended by his honesty, many appreciate his playful approach and find his comments motivating.

The “Rate My Plate” trend has spawned countless imitations and inspired people to take more pride in their meals.Each January, Chlebowski braces himself for another wave of submissions, continuing his quirky tradition of judging the world, one dinner plate at a time.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/15/style/rate-my-plate-ethan-chlebowski.html
https://www.abcnews.go.com/lifestyle/man-judges-dinner-plates-online-trend/story?id=106549998