WHY DO (AMERICAN) WAITERS CLEAR YOUR TABLE SO FAST? The WaPo’s Roberto A. Ferdman calls it “the most annoying restaurant trend happening today.” Tyler Cowen (quoted in the article) and commenters speculate on the reasons.

The related question of why they’re so quick with the bill is a favorite topic on Quora. If you’re following my advice for enjoying Florence, on the other hand, you may be wondering whether you’ll ever see il conto.