We were in the Chicago airport yesterday and had lunch. I almost fell off my chair (that seems to happen often with me) when I saw the tax on the bill. It was 10.22%. Wow, that is like VAT in Europe, but I think the highest I’ve ever seen in the US, except for hotel taxes.
Given your flame, I'm guessing you had the "old timer."
Nah... VAT in Europe is much higher than that. Here in France it\'s 19.6%, in the whole EU it ranges from 15% (Cyprus) to 25% (Denmark and Sweden). There is a reduced VAT rate in all countries for some products (food for example) and services.
Richard, very funny! Actually I had the other item on the check and no comments about my wife being the "old timer"