[GoodbyeMrChips]

> I can't imagine wasting food from a restaurant -- I always have taken my leftovers home and eaten them later.

Is this a thing where you are from?

I suggest here in Blighty, the waiters would be rather confused by such a request; not to mention something of a social faux pas.

[pertique]

It's very common in the US, at least the parts I've been. It depends on the restaurant, of course, but most places will provide a takeout box to take home uneaten food if you ask.

In fact, it's not uncommon for the waiter to offer a box unprompted if you have a fair amount of leftover food.

[GoodbyeMrChips]

> in the US

Ah, this makes sense.

I recall eating in US restaurants and being given ridiculously large portions... something we half-joked - half-seriously suggested was down to the size of some of the patrons. Presumably is it instead the expectation that some of the food is taken home.