Part of the reason that these elegant service styles have fallen by the wayside is that each requires a well-trained staff and some rather expensive equipment. A team of waiters is required to properly perform this type of service. This style of service is often performed with great flair and showmanship, making it extremely popular with diners. Foods are plated at the table and presented to the guests by the service team.
Food is fully prepared in the kitchen and artfully presented on heavyweight silver platters.
Often, a rolling cart is used to transport the platters to the dining room. Platters are dramatically presented for the guests' viewing before the food is plated. An assistant waiter places empty warm plates in front of the guests. Well-trained servers take care to ensure that the placement of the food on the plate is attractive and artistic. As you can see, there's a great deal more involved in these classic styles of service than just carrying plates from kitchen to table.