Bagna calda (pronounced banya) is sort of an Italian fondue. It's a skillet filled with olive oil, butter, garlic, and the aforementioned anchovy, plus spices and whatever, set on the table. You put various meats or vegetables on skewers and cook them right there at the table. Very fun party meal.
I was more after why there were 2 issue tables in the first place. Why not just one? I will try to look at it tonight. We had company all weekend and I'm heading for Las Vegas tomorrow, so time has been tight.