Guest Post by Thomas Carter, a writer for Apartime
FINDING YOUR WAY IN BARCELONA
Table Service:
Table service in Barcelona is definitely different that the norm in the United States. It is customary to chat over a meal or sit and chat over a coffee for a very long time while dinning in Spain. Waiters and Waitresses understand this customary norm and do not bring the check until requested. Also, water is not free nor is bread. If these items are brought to the table you will be charged for them. If you ask for a second basket of bread, this too will be added to your bill.
Tipping:
It is not customary to leave any type of tip after a meal. You may leave a small tip if you feel the meal was extraordinary and the service was impeccable and you feel like being friendly. For this reason, the service is not the same as in the United States. The servers are not working for a tip; they are paid a salary regardless of how they treat you or how efficiently they wait on your table. The Spanish dine in a longer and more relaxed process, so relax and enjoy!
Dinner times:
In general, meal times are a lot later in Spain than in the United States. Breakfast cafes and coffee shops are open early in the morning but restaurants do not open for lunch until 1pm. The average time to eat lunch is around 13:00-16:00. Lunch is the longest meal and most hefty of the diet to the Spanish. Dinner is eaten after work, an average time being 21:30, a lot later than the typical dinnertime for the United States. Smaller meals such as tapas are consumed at this time.
Daily Dress:
The city of Barcelona has changed dramatically over the last few years due to the separation from the Church and the entrance to democracy and this change is reflected greatly in everyday dress. Barcelona is a very trendy city but they still dress with respect. Shorts are not permitted in the city unless you are at the beach or running along the beach, chose a looser, light pant rather than shorts. For women, a light skirt of dress is permitted. Denim is accepted in all ways, all year round so bring your jeans! The Spanish have much concentration on their shoes, they think a shoe makes an outfit so be sure to not wear for instance sandals if you´re a male.
Coffee:
Most people in Spain like their coffee being served in small cups with little or no milk. Coffee is being served all day long and people is especially drinking their coffee during lunch break, combined with a little ´bocadilla´ or some sweet pastry. If you´re used to American coffee cup sizes, you could find your way to Starbucks or ask for a café americano at one of the many coffee bars.
This article was written by Thomas Carter, a writer for Apartime provider of Barcelona rentals
