The end of table-side service?

I generally feel the same about valet parking - however, when we are traveling to say Atlanta or Los Angeles - It's quite a bit easier and maybe even safer to have the car parked. Often we don't know the neighborhood well or flat can't find parking.

I understand that some people don't enjoy tableside service, but I think it's sad that it's very rarely an option at all. It reminds me of all the fun entertainment stuff that doesn't exist anymore. In the 1930s and 40s, tableside service was common; bars and restaurants were open until 4am (even in medium sized cities); live entertainment was featured in all kinds of different places (Dean Martin started in a chinese restaurant in Columbus, Ohio... three shows a night!). It's 2011 and the U.S. population is much larger than it was in 1940... with more people--representing, presumably, more tastes and opinions--why have entertainment/dining options decreased?

I guess that's not totally true... it would have really hard to find goat curry in Louisville in 1946. But why can't I go and see a midnight show on a tuesday night, and go to dinner _after_ that (and order tableside crepes suzette??). Sorry to get off topic, but several times recently I have been treated like a cretin for showing up well before posted closing hours at restaurants that go out of their way to promote themselves as late-night spots (in a depressing world where "late night" is 12am weeknights, 2am Fri-Sat).

Okay, I'm going to admit it: I feel the same way about tableside service as I do about valet parking. On the whole, I would just as soon get my service cordially but unobtrusively, and avoid all the fuss. Is it just me?

Robin- I so agree with you. I'm happy that it exists for the people who enjoy it, but I would rather my food be plated without a lot of ado in the kitchen.
Then again perhaps I'm just a jaded old fart who has filleted too many fish, carved too many ducks, and flamed too many desserts.

Okay, I'm going to admit it: I feel the same way about tableside service as I do about valet parking. On the whole, I would just as soon get my service cordially but unobtrusively, and avoid all the fuss. Is it just me?

Robin- I so agree with you. I'm happy that it exists for the people who enjoy it, but I would rather my food be plated without a lot of ado in the kitchen.
Then again perhaps I'm just a jaded old fart who has filleted too many fish, carved too many ducks, and flamed too many desserts.

Me, three. I even prefer my food at the chop-chop tables to be prepared and served without the flaming floor show. Gimme food - I'm there to eat.