to each their own I guess. it sounds like CO served you a very nice meal, the likes of which you rarely see these days on NWA, unless in world business class on an int'l flight.

I am a big fan of service WITHOUT the cart in first. If you pick an aisle seat, there's no need to feel like you are confined to your seat - you should be able to come and go as often as you like, perhaps with the small nuisance of dealing with your tray each time.

the cart not only gives a "coach" feel to the first class experience, it also is a huge object in the way of movement within the cabin, and in the worst case (never heard of this but seems possible) a major threat to your health and safety should the plane encounter a sudden turbulence etc.

FC service without the cart was one major difference I always enjoyed when flying CO rather than NWA. The other was that the in-flight help seemed to be more friendly and easier on the eye in many cases. Perhaps that was just a case of "grass always greener" .. or perhaps something to do with IAH vs MSP based women?