Help with a short film. Any film makers out there?

[Signalstar]

Hey so I am directing my first short film in the next week and I was wondering if anyone had any tips.

A few questions I have:

On paper, what color text photographs best on film?

For a scene I need to film a thrown plate hitting one of my actors in the head. Is there any way I can do this without actually throwing the plate?

I need to film in a Chinese restaurant. Everyone says I should just go inside and start filming in one with permission. But I expect filming will take a few hours so wouldn't it be better to create a set that looks like a restaurant.

Keep in mind I have next to no budget for this :p. Thanks.