Here's my take on it. If it's something that can't be reasonably consumed later (ie pasta, rice, noodles) I don't take it with me. If it's something I'd enjoy later in my hotel room or home, I'll take it. That's steak, chicken, etc.

I can't fathom trying to eat pasta that's six hours old. On the other hand, I've eaten Thai that is still edible after six hours.

As for my grandmother, she's the same way I am. She's been pretty well fed her whole life, and I don't think she's taken food home just because it's uneaten. She'll take home food if it's good to eat, for breakfast or lunch. My grandfather, didn't even go to restaurants where bread came with the meal until he moved in with my family and I'd take him to fancy restaurants. He was a good man, but he preferred buffets, because he would take what he wanted, not what people said he should eat. And none of my family would condone taking food home from a buffet.

As for taking the jelly or condiments off the table, well, that's borderline thievery. You are taking something provided for your use, not provided as your property.

CK.