I remember on a 777 (I was sitting on the jumpseat) that we had placed a fruit basket placed on the middle console 2h prior to landing. Don't remember what they had earlier on that flight, I did enjoy dinner in F but they told me, they had dinner, so I guess the plate on the lap or plate on the middle console is plausible. and ... hey, they're allowed (while autopilot is on) to leave - maybe having a snack in the front galley?