Going Out to Eat: The Differences Between Spain and the USA

The process of dining out can be quite different depending on whether you're in Spain or the United States. From how you order to paying the bill, there are distinct cultural customs that shape the restaurant experience in each country.

Ordering in Spain

In Spain, you usually won't be rushed to order right when you sit down. Servers let diners settle in, review the menu thoroughly, and simply let them know when they're ready to order drinks or food. It's common to start by ordering a few small plates or tapas to share amongst the table, rather than individual main courses. Popular tapas include patatas bravas, croquetas, cheese and meat platters, and seafood like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).

As you're enjoying your tapas, feel free to call the server over to order additional small plates to keep sampling more of the menu. The pacing is relaxed, with food arriving whenever it's ready from the kitchen over an extended period. Spaniards often linger for hours, ordering fresh tapas along with bread, wine or sangria.

Ordering in the USA

The ordering process is quite different at American restaurants. You'll be greeted promptly by a server who will likely start by asking for your drink order before you've even had time to open the menu. Drink refills also come frequently throughout the meal.

Rather than small plates, American diners tend to order individual appetizers and then a single main entree per person like a burger, pasta, steak or seafood dish. Servers will take your full order all at once – appetizer, main course and dessert. You can expect the courses to arrive one after the next in quick succession once the food is ready.

Throughout your meal, servers keep checking on you to see if you need anything else. This attentive service is something to get used to compared to the more laidback approach in Spain.

Paying the Bill

When you're ready for the bill (or "la cuenta") in Spain, you'll need to request it from your server as it won't automatically come before you ask. Tipping is also less customary, as service charges are already included. However, leaving a 5-10% tip for good service is appreciated.

In the USA, the check is typically brought automatically when it seems you've finished eating. While service charges are built into the bill at some restaurants, tipping 15-20% of the total bill amount is expected.

Settling the bill is also a smoother process in Spain, where it's common for each diner to just pay their share directly to the server. At American restaurants, separate checks are often complicated, so the group figures out the payment distribution themselves before putting it all on one card or bill to pay.

So while you'll encounter fantastic food in both countries, the overall dining experience can be quite different in Spain compared to the USA – from the leisurely tapas-style ordering and pacing to the tipping customs and payment responsibilities. No matter which country you find yourself in, it's worth slowing down to savor each bite!

Questions:

1. What are the key differences in the ordering process at restaurants between Spain and the USA?

2. How does the concept of ‘tapas’ in Spain differ from the typical American dining experience?

3. What cultural significance do the differences in tipping and paying the bill have in Spain and the USA?

Vocabulary Word:

• Tapas: Small Spanish savory dishes, typically served with drinks at a bar.

Activity: Have students write and perform a short theatre play that depicts a dining experience in both Spain and the USA. They should highlight the differences in ordering, dining pace, and payment customs. This will encourage them to explore cultural nuances and practice their Spanish language skills in a fun, interactive way.