Interesting, seems a little odd for a carrier like Emirates to end the post take-off drinks run, since most their competitors seem to still do it. Perhaps was just a one off?
Also, a little off-topic but I'm making my first EK SYD-DXB flight (previously only flown EK from SYD-AKL). What is this "as you like it" thing? Is it just a selection of items passengers can order at any time during the flight?