All-you-can-eat

THEY’RE an open invitation for you to binge, cram and gorge as much food as possible, regardless of when you last ate. The food has usually spent the day festering under a hot lamp, or worse, been picked at by other greasy little fingers, yet, the all-you-can-eat buffet remains undiminished in its popularity. It’s a quick and easy way to stave off hunger and an attractive option for the budget-conscious.

For most people, that’s the end of it. But, if your stomach happens to be the size of Mount Kinabalu and the restaurant has put no restriction on the number of times you refill your plate, therein lies the opportunity to take spectacular advantage of the all-you-can-eat buffet.

A Mr Rappai, a large man known as "Theetta" or "Big Eater" did just that, prompting one chain of restaurants in the state of Kerala, southern India, to put up notices across the state capital banning the 18.5st man from their establishment.

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Rappai, who makes a living at eating competitions, generally makes quite a meal out of lunch, eating enough boiled rice and sambhar (spiced lentils) for 40 people.

Trouble began when the human Hoover agreed to a meal at an all-you-can-eat restaurant after it allegedly short-changed a group of college students. He duly exerted revenge by scoffing the contents of the buffet, before cleaning out their kitchens and demanding more.

Disgusted, the restaurant called the police, who ruled in Rappai’s favour and ordered that the cooking begin afresh.

Closing time presumably saved the restaurant from bankruptcy - but next time Rappai’s stomach starts rumbling, he would do well to consider a trip to Vegas, where he would find culinary heaven - for the all-you-can-eat buffets on the Strip are open around the clock.

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