Because the U.S. is an ethnically diverse country, Americans enjoy a variety of international dishes. You can eat at a restaurant, cafeteria or fast-food shop. Eating at a restaurant can be expensive, partly because you are expected to tip 15-20% of the meal price. Fast-food shops are the least expensive way to eat out. One does not tip at a fast-food shop.
CAMPUS DINING
Campuses generally have a cafe or expanded vending machine selections. SPC cafes offer cooked meals, fast meal items, desserts and salads. Prices vary, but most people can get a meal for less than $4. The Hard Drive Café, located in the Language Arts building on the Clearwater Campus, is open for breakfast and lunch. Cherubs Connections Café offers breakfast and lunch at the Dennis L. Jones Seminole Community Library at the Seminole Campus. There’s also Cherubs Gigabyte Café in the first floor lobby of the University Partnership Center at Seminole Campus. The St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus has a cafe on the first floor rear of the West St. Petersburg Community Library. Tarpon Springs Campus has Café Olympus in the Olympia Building.
RESTAURANTS
In large cities like Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, you can find restaurants that serve ethnic dishes and international cuisine. Listings are available in the telephone directory and in local newspapers and magazines. Many post their menus in the window so you can get an idea of prices before you enter. For some of the more popular restaurants, it is a good idea to call for a reservation.
FAST FOOD
These are quick and inexpensive and since the food preparation and handling are inspected regularly by government officials, they are quite safe. In the Tampa Bay area, such chains as Burger King, McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, etc. are widespread and conveniently located; they are open long hours and usually keep your food budget down.
FOOD SHOPPING
Preparing your own food is the least expensive way of eating. Many Americans do not spend as much time shopping for food as do people of other lands. Supermarkets are the least expensive places to shop, offering all kinds of foods including meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, canned, pre-cooked and frozen foods. They also sell household goods, drug items, toiletries, books and magazines. Supermarkets are open daily, including Sunday. Neighborhood or “convenience” grocery stores also are available, but are smaller and offer a more limited choice of items. Many are open longer than supermarkets; some even all night. Prices in these “convenience” stores are generally somewhat higher than supermarkets. Here and there you will find specialized grocery stores where you can find various ethnic foods (Italian, Asian, Spanish, Scandinavian and kosher).
TIPPING IN THE UNITED STATES
In the United States, many service workers depend on tips (a reward for good service) for most of their income. In most cases, tips are not included on bills for service. The following are considered to be adequate amounts to tip for average service. Larger tips should be left for extraordinary service while smaller tips can be left for poor service.
Waiter/Waitress - 15 to 20 percent of the bill
Bartender - 10 to 15 percent of the bill
Coat Checker - $1
Restroom Attendant - 50 cents
Car Park Attendant - $1
Bell Hop/Skycap - $1 per bag
Taxi Driver - 15 percent of fare, 50 cents minimum
Hair cutter - 15 percent of bill, $1 minimum
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