American Dining

I love to try new food and in America I have the opportunity to do just that. Being a 'nation of immigrants' as they like to call it, there are so many types of other ethnic food available and as I mentioned in my previous post here I have grown to love Greek and Indian food.
I find that going to eat in a restaurant in America is a totally different experience from that in Ghana.
The first time I entered a restaurant, I realized that instead of going to find anyplace to sit, as I would have in Ghana,we had to wait to be seated. Now this involved, a waiter coming up to us, and asking how many we were and leading us to a table..

One thing I found quite interesting was that Americans loved Ice, and I still don't understand why that is. You know I came over in the winter, and even with the cold weather, I would still be served  Ice in my glass of water. They just love to have Ice in their drinks. I am actually not complaining, because I love to chew on ice myself.

My first time of trying Indian food, I couldn't finish it, as it was still new to me, so I asked the waiter for a 'take away' bag. He didn't understand me, and I made a hand gesture of holding a bag. It was then that she said 'oh you mean a to-go bag'? I quickly learnt to replace 'take away' with 'to-go' anytime we went eating out, but I would gladly revert back to saying 'take away' when in Ghana because I am sure to get the 'what do you mean' look.

And when you dine in an American restaurant, be prepared to tip. After the bill is brought, you tip about 15-20% of your total spending. You know in Ghana, you tip only when you want to, and it is definitely not based on any percentage.

I find that in a fast food joint, things are done differently though. Most times you order food from the counter, and after eating you clear your table by yourself.

So guys, if you have any experience you would like to share, feel free to drop it in the comment section.