Originally Posted by
Peterpack
How important do you think it is for your table to get all its meals at the same time ? let's say a table of 6-8 people, not too big
What is an acceptable variance for you between say the first person getting their main course and the last person ?
Critically important -- there should be only a few minutes, maximum, before all diners are served. I won't start eating until everyone in my party is served -- that's simple courtesy. If, by the time the last diner is served, my meal is cold, I'll send it back.
On those rare occasions when an order was lost or forgotten, I will ask the server to take my plate back as I do not intend to eat while my dining partner is waiting.