Hot Towel Service?

[Lady de Winter]

On a recent trip to Jiko, my table was presented with hot towels on a tray. I am familiar with this service and know what to do if there is lemon, etc. I am also familiar with this practice being either before or after the meal or both. In the case of Jiko, the tray was offered but after everyone took a hot towel, the waitress still stood there holding the tray out to the table. It was an uncomfortable moment since my tablemates and I were unsure of what she intended. It was the exact same posture as if no one had taken a towel and she was waiting for each of us to take one, but we already each had a towel. There were still fresh towels on her tray. I'm confused by this and perhaps I'm misunderstanding the way this custom works in the USA? Were we supposed to take another towel? I can't fathom we were supposed to put our used towels on top of fresh towels. If she intended to take the used towels, why didn't she have an empty tray? If the service staff doesn't remove the towel immediately on a separate tray, I place it to the left of my plate to be removed later.

I was confused and uncomfortable with this situation and wish not to repeat it. Please explain how this custom works in the USA and what the waitress intended by continuing to hold out the tray. Many thanks, as I have another trip planned to Jiko in the future!

 

[BrokeMack]

I'm used to the empty tray, as you mentioned.

 

[bc7ate9]

No idea...this is not a very common custom in the US. I'd be as clueless as you were!

 

[SSRFred]

Strange that she continued to stand there with unused towels on the tray. I suppose I would have asked her if she wanted us to give her back the used towels on that same tray or did she want to return with an empty tray.

You were definitely not misunderstanding the custom. She should not have continued to stand there with unused towels on her tray.

 

[bianca]

We just always hand them back to her to put on her tray....even with a clean one or two still sitting there. I just make the assumption that she brought one or two extra in case someone requested it. I'm sure she dumps them all out when she leaves the table.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Haha, apparently I'm not a classy gal -- I have no idea!!

 

[gonzalj1]

I assume the lemon is accompanied by salt and a shot of tequila?

 

[pumba]

we all got the hot towels at Ohana also...I imagined it was to wash the finger foods..like the wings..