an apparatus with multiple - level eating surfaces , which can be made as separable modular units , molded units having a one - piece construction , and as folded units comprising materials such as paper , plastic , styrofoam . although it is generally intended for the molded and modular units to be reusable and the folded units to be disposable , the reverse is also contemplated . modular and molded units typically have a base structure , several pillars of uniform or differing heights , and several elevated eating surfaces supported by least one of the pillars . alternatively , some folded embodiments have elevated eating surfaces are supported by one or more pillars configured as a rear platform into which several liquid and grease resistant inserts can be secured . since the present invention provides a dining plate or tray having an enlarged surface area for eating which at the same time maintains a compact footprint , applications may include , but are not limited to , use where table space is limited and does not allow the use of separate salad and dessert plates , use for transporting more food items during each trip to a buffet table without enlarging the size of the base plate people would have to carry , and use in providing a dining plate or tray that maintains separate compartments for foods without undue base plate enlargement ; and use as a reward system for children to teach them to eat new foods by offering them a fun way to work their way up to the dessert .