Travel & Culture - Ordering at Local Restaurants & Cafes (Intermediate)

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up)

Let's discuss the experience of dining out in new places!

When you visit a local restaurant or cafe in a new place, what are some polite ways to get a server's attention? How might this differ from what you're used to?
What kind of information might you ask a server for before ordering (e.g., ingredients, portion size, recommendations)? How can you phrase these questions politely?
Describe a memorable dining experience you had while traveling – good or bad. What made it stand out, and what did you learn about local food or customs?

Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary)

Here are some key terms and phrases for ordering food and drinks at an intermediate level.

1. Menu (noun): A list of the food and drinks available at a restaurant or cafe.

Example: "Could we see the Menu, please, before we decide what to order?"

2. Server / Waiter / Waitress (noun): The person who takes your order and brings your food in a restaurant.

Example: "Our Server was very attentive and knowledgeable about the dishes."

3. Place an order (verb phrase): To tell the server what food and drinks you would like.

Example: "Are you ready to Place an order, or do you need a few more minutes?"

4. Dietary restrictions (noun phrase): Limitations on what a person can eat due to health reasons, allergies, or personal choices (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free).

Example: "Please let your server know if you have any Dietary restrictions when ordering."

5. Bill / Check (noun): The written statement of how much money you owe for your meal.

Example: "Could we have the Bill, please? We're ready to pay."

6. Recommendation (noun): A suggestion about what is good to eat or drink, often given by the server or a friend.

Example: "Do you have any Recommendation for a local specialty?"

Activity 3: Reading - A Culinary Adventure 📖

Read this story about a couple trying a local restaurant.

Sarah and Tom were excited to try a highly-rated local restaurant during their vacation. Upon arrival, they were greeted warmly and shown to a table. The Server brought them a Menu and a jug of water. After looking through the options, Sarah had a question. "Excuse me," she politely called to the Server, "I have some Dietary restrictions. I'm vegetarian. Could you tell me if the vegetable pasta contains any chicken broth?" The Server was very helpful, checked with the kitchen, and confirmed it was suitable. Tom, on the other hand, was unsure what to choose. He asked the server, "Everything looks delicious! Do you have a particular Recommendation from the local specialties section?" The server suggested a popular fish dish, describing how it was prepared.

They decided to Place an order based on the server's advice and Sarah's dietary needs. The food arrived, and it was excellent. They enjoyed their meal, chatting about their day. When they were finished, Tom caught the Server's eye and said, "Could we have the Bill, please?" The Server brought the Check promptly. They reviewed it, saw it was correct, and Tom paid with his credit card, adding a small tip for the excellent service. They left the restaurant feeling satisfied, having enjoyed not only the food but also the positive interaction with the knowledgeable Server. Asking questions and communicating their needs had made their dining experience much better.

Questions about the Story:

Answer these questions:

What did the server bring to Sarah and Tom when they were seated?
What was Sarah's concern when looking at the menu, and how did she address it?
What did Tom ask the server for help with, and what did the server suggest?
What phrase did Tom use to ask for the bill?
How did asking questions contribute to Sarah and Tom's dining experience?

Activity 4: Role Play - Dining at a Local Cafe 🎭

Let's pretend! One person is Maria (Customer), and the other is Leo (Cafe Server).

Leo (Server): Good afternoon! Welcome to The Cozy Corner. Here's our Menu. Can I get you started with something to drink?

Maria (Customer): Good afternoon! Yes, I'll have a sparkling water, please. I'm still deciding on food.

Leo (Server): (Returns with water) Here you go. Are you ready to Place an order, or do you need a Recommendation?

Maria (Customer): I do have a question. I have some Dietary restrictions; I'm allergic to nuts. Is the chicken salad nut-free?

Leo (Server): Let me double-check that with the kitchen for you. (Returns) Yes, the chicken salad is completely nut-free. Our chef is very careful about allergies.

Maria (Customer): That's wonderful to hear. In that case, I'll have the chicken salad. My friend will have the quiche.

Leo (Server): Excellent choices! (Later, after the meal) I hope you enjoyed everything.

Maria (Customer): It was delicious, thank you. Could we have the Bill, please?

Leo (Server): Right away. (Brings the bill) Here's your Check whenever you're ready.

Maria (Customer): Thank you, Leo. The service was excellent.

Let's Talk About It:

After you read, talk about this:

What Dietary restriction did Maria mention to Leo?
How did Leo offer to help Maria when she was deciding on food initially?

Activity 5: Let's Practice - Restaurant Conversation ✍️

Help David (Customer) complete his part of a conversation with a Server at a restaurant. Use words and phrases from Activity 2!

Server: Good evening! Here is the . Can I get you something to drink while you look it over?

David (Customer): Yes, please. Just water for now. My friend is gluten-intolerant; are there options for her ?

Server: Absolutely. We have several gluten-free dishes marked on the menu. I can also offer a from our chef if you'd like.

David (Customer): That would be helpful. When we're ready to , I'll let you know.

Server: Take your time. (Later) Are you ready to order now?

David (Customer): Yes. (After the meal) That was excellent, thank you. Could we have the , please? I'd like to speak to the to compliment the chef.

Server: Certainly, I'll bring your bill and let the manager know you enjoyed your meal.

Show Answers! (Activity 5) ✨