Venting about HuHot
Write the owners a letter and explain your situation. Managers and waiters/waitresses are not the owners. The key is to word it nicely but let them know how negatively this experience has effected you and others. I'm sure (from experience) that once you give them all the facts they will make an exception and let you at least leave with the remainder of your one plate. I write letters all the time and let me tell you, they work. It can't hurt, right? Good luck.
Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone. I did end up getting a response from the manager who said that they actually have a to-go option where you can fill two bowls that they cook on the grill and then put directly into a to-go box for you, and it's a one time thing (meaning you can't go up for more bowls). That's an acceptable solution for me!