Originally Posted by
MaxBuck
It may or may not be improper, depending upon the circumstances. More than five or ten minutes elapsed with empty, dirty dishes? Time to clear them away.
Interesting how different people in different places interpret things. I (and I suspect most people this side of the pond) would find a waiter clearing plates away whilst someone at the table is still eating to be incredibly rude. Indeed, as a relatively slow eater, I still can't get used to this practice when I visit the USA - it puts so much pressure on you to eat up and get out (that and bringing the bill unbidden, often without even asking about dessert or coffee).
What was the absolute height of rudeness however, was threatening to throw the plate in the river if it wasn't cleared - obnoxious and classless IMO.