Hot dishes

We were at a new Indian restaurant in Michigan which serves decent food but doesn't warm its plates and even refused to warm them when requested a couple of visits ago. On our most recent visit, their heat was off, making the situation more dire since the plates stacked in view were sure to be very cold. When we ordered, we asked the waitperson to please warm the dishes before bringing them to us. After a second request, he rolled his eyes, then sent out the owner who asked us if we were serious.

After we assured her we were, she asked the staff to microwave the dishes. The food was then served and sat getting cold while we waited for the plates (which did arrive warm).

The table debated whether it was common practice in the US to warm dishes and, if not, why not? Some of these folks are from England where thay say most restaurants do this. They say even Applebee's and Olive Garden warm their dishes--why isn't it done regularly elsewhere...

What are your thoughts on this? Is it common in Chicago? Is it ridiculous to request such a thing?

In every place I've worked the plates were warmed. I even notice plate warmers at most buffets in the area.

Flip