I always ask for a to-go box when they bring the food

That is a fab idea. I have friends who always bring their own tupperware so they don't have to wait - it's the waiting that makes me keep picking at things!

(Maybe I'll just start bringing one of my beloved bentos along with me! I'm totally getting more; two are not enough... although I wish I could just buy the inner containers, as I really don't need half a dozen of the thermoses kicking around!)