"In Latin America and around the Mediterranean people eat dinner around 10 PM. Here in Jacksonville, the last big push for reservations is at around 8 PM."
I don't know what is meant by mediterranean countries eating generally at 10pm. I believe I'm in a pretty mediterranean country and here we eat dinner at 8 or latest 9 pm. Ok, lots of people eat earlier or later as it's not a big issue, things are relaxed here, but saying that the majority of people in mediterranean countries eat dinner at 10 pm is not correct I think.
It's funny how many European countries have all sorts of eating rules, in France and Spain I have had some of the experiences mentioned.
Others for example were:
Going to a restaurant in Spain and seeing something on their display unit (this at lunchtime) and saying "I'd like some of that please" and being told adamantly that I can't have that because "it's lunch time and we don't serve that at lunchtime". I mean, it's there, I see it, I want it, but no, I can't have it. That just made me laugh.
Or, arriving at a restaurant in Spain and sitting in an outdoor room and wanting to choose something from the indoor room's menu but not being allowed to (?! does that make sense to you??)
Or arriving at a restaurant in France at 1pm (regular lunchtime in my parts) and being told that "oh it's quite late, ok you can stay but only one course" (?!)
I love Portugal because in respect to this sort of useless rules, we are really relaxed. If it's on display for sale, you can have it. If you want something from another room but there's only a seat in the opposite room (but it's the same restaurant), they are always happy to oblige. And unless you arrive at 4pm then most establishments will serve you lunch!
