What began as a peaceful dinner quickly spiraled into horror. My friend and I sat laughing over soft music when she suddenly froze, her fork suspended midair. “Do you see that?” she whispered. On her avocado salad were tiny black specks — what we assumed were chia seeds. But then… they moved. Our laughter died instantly. Those weren’t seeds. They were insect eggs — alive and glistening. Panic spread through the room as waiters rushed to our table, but the sight alone had us calling for medical help.
Hours later, at the hospital, we were told to stay alert for symptoms. The restaurant blamed “a supplier issue,” but no apology could erase that image from our minds. Since that night, every time I see a salad sprinkled with “seeds,” I feel a chill. It wasn’t just a ruined meal — it was a warning we’ll never forget.
