Is the Russian service you describe akin to the Silver Service used by catering professionals in the UK?
Shanks, I don't
think so. Or at least, I don't think it's exactly the same thing. To me, silver service entails more than waiting on individuals at table. It also requires all those super trendy things like being able to balance half a dozen different plates up the length of your left arm, whilst serving the different vegetables from them onto diners' plates with two spoons held in the right hand and used in a way I can best describe as a cross between scissoring and using chopsticks. (One of the spoons stays firm as a base under whatever you pick up, the other closes down on the food on the first one and holds it in place.)
...off to consult my sister, who not only works in catering, but does so in the US. Always knew she'd come in useful one day...
