* 19 Going for a Drink, Eating Out (p.3 of 3)
19.13 When you are not ready to order in a restaurant
I'm not ready to order yet. Listen <“Do you know what you want?” – “No. I’m not ready to order yet. May I have a few more minutes to decide?”>
I haven't decided what I want yet. Listen <“Are you ready to order?” – “No. I haven’t decided what I want yet”.>
I need a few more minutes to decide. Listen <“Can I take your order now?” – “I need a few more minutes to decide.”>
19.14 When you are ready to order in a restaurant
I'm ready to order. Listen < – “I’ll take your order in a minute.”>
Can you take my order now? Listen < – “I’ll be back in a minute.”>
Can I order now? Listen < – “I’ll be right with you.”>
19.15 When you inquire your dining partner about their ordering plans
What are you ordering? Listen A “What food are you planning to order?” < – “I’m ordering a bowl of soup and a beef sandwich.”>
What are you having? Listen < – “I’ll have a steak with a small salad.”>
What are you drinking? Listen A “What drink are you planning to order?” < – “I’m drinking a glass of red wine with my meal and then a cup of coffee with my desert.”>
Have you decided on something? Listen < – “I think I’ll take lamb chops.”>
19.16 When you ask a waiter about restaurant specials
Do you have any specials today? Listen < – “The specials are listed on the back of the menu.”>
What are your specials today? Listen < – “Let me tell you about our specials.”>
What is the special of the day? Listen < – “The special of the day is fried salmon with white rice and steamed vegetables.”>
What would you suggest? Listen < – “Pork chops with red wine is very good.”>
What would you recommend? Listen < – “Shrimp cocktail is good for starters.”>
Do you have any recommendations? Listen < – “I would recommend lobster bisque and crab cakes made from the local variety of crab.”>
What's the soup of the day? Listen < – “Our soup of the day is chicken noodle soup.”>
19.17 When you give instructions how your steak is to be cooked in a restaurant
I'd like my steak rare. Listen <“How would you like your steak prepared?” – “I would like my steak rare.” – “Excellent choice!”>
I'd like my steak medium. Listen <“How would you like your steak?” – “I’d like my steak medium.”>
I'd like my steak well-done. Listen <“How would you like that done?” – “I’d like my steak well-done.”>
Can I get it well-done? Listen < – “Sure. Would you like soup or salad with it?”>
Please make sure it's well-done. Listen < – “Yes, I will. Would you like a baked potato or rice with it?”>
I want the steak thoroughly cooked. Listen < – “I will make sure of it. What kind of dressing would you like on your salad? We have Italian, Ranch, and Blue Cheese.”>
19.18 When you order an additional serving in a restaurant
I need more water. Listen <“Oh, waiter! I need more water.” – “Sure. Is there anything else I can get for you?”>
I need more bread. Listen <“Ma’am! I need more bread.”>
I need more coffee. Listen <“Pardon me! I need more coffee.”>
I need more butter. Listen <“Excuse me! I need more butter.”>
May I have some more bread, please? Listen (used with can or may or could) <“Miss! Can I have some more bread, please?” – “Oh, sure! Is there anything else?”>
Could I have more coffee, please? Listen (used with can or may or could) < – “Just a moment.”>
Could I have some more butter, please? Listen (used with can or may or could) < – “I’ll be right there.”>
19.19 When you ask for a bill in a restaurant
I'd like the bill, please. Listen A “I would like to receive the bill for my food and drink.” <The waiter asked, “How was your dinner?” Jane replied, “It was really good. I’d like the bill, please”.>
Check, please. Listen <After Bob had finished his dessert, he said, “Check, please”.>
Could I have the bill? Listen (used with can or may or could) <“Waiter! Can I have the bill?”>
Could I have the check? Listen (used with can or may or could) <“Did you enjoy your meal?” – “Yes, it was great. Could I have the check?”>
19.20 When you want to pay for the meals or drinks of your friends
I'm buying the dinner. Listen <Jim told me, “I am buying the dinner.”>
The dinner is on me. Listen A “I am paying the bill for the dinner.” <John grabbed the check and told his friends at the table, “The dinner is on me.”>
I'm buying the drinks. Listen <“I am buying the drinks.” – “Thank you, dear friend. It’s so nice of you.”>
The drinks are on me. Listen A “I am paying for the drinks.” <“Guys, the drinks are on me”, said Bill at the end of the dinner.>
19.21 When you want each person to pay for their meals or drinks
Let's go Dutch. Listen A “Let us split the cost of our meal so that everyone pays for his or her own expenses.” <After the dinner my girlfriend told me, “Let’s go Dutch.”>
Home Contents Topics Contacts Testimonials Tell a Friend about PhraseTeacher.com Audio Course “PhraseTeacher”