Basic English vocabulary for restaurants

Summary

In this informative video script, James from EngVid offers a comprehensive guide to dining in a restaurant, especially for those new to a country. He explains the differences between fast food, casual dining, and fine dining, and covers essential restaurant vocabulary, including 'appetizer', 'main course', 'sides', 'specials', and 'prix fixe'. James also advises on the etiquette of ordering, paying, and tipping, ensuring viewers feel confident in navigating a restaurant experience.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ The video script is a lesson about dining in restaurants, aimed at English learners who may be unfamiliar with restaurant terminology and customs.
• 👥 'Party of' refers to the number of people in a dining group, and is commonly asked when entering a restaurant.
• 📋 A 'menu' is a list of food items available at a restaurant, and is provided to diners to make their selections.
• 🥤 Upon seating, a server typically asks if the diners would like to order a drink, which can include non-alcoholic options.
• 🍤 'Appetizer' is a small dish served before the main course to stimulate the appetite, and can include items like soup, salad, or a few shrimp.
• 🍽️ 'Specials' are daily offerings that may provide better value or highlight fresh ingredients, such as the 'catch of the day' or 'soup of the day'.
• 🍴 'Main course' or 'main' refers to the primary dish that is the focus of the meal, often customizable with different 'sides'.
• 🍰 'Dessert' is the sweet course served after the main meal, often accompanied by coffee or tea.
• 💰 'Check' or 'bill' is the final request made by the diner to receive the payment details for the meal, which may include tax and tip.
• 🤑 Tipping is customary in North America, with a range of 10-20% being standard for good service.
• 📚 The script encourages viewers to visit EngVid for further learning and to take a quiz to test their understanding of restaurant dining.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video script?

The main purpose of the video script is to teach English learners about the basic concepts and vocabulary related to dining in a restaurant, making it easier for them to understand and participate in such settings.

What are the three types of dining experiences mentioned in the script?

The three types of dining experiences mentioned are 'fine dining', 'casual dining', and 'fast food'.

Why is it important to be polite when ordering at a fast-food restaurant?

Being polite when ordering, such as using 'may I have' or 'can I have', can lead to better service or treatment from the service industry workers.

What does the term 'party of' refer to in the context of a restaurant?

'Party of' refers to the number of people in a group dining at a restaurant, such as 'party of two' or 'party of four'.

What is a 'menu' in a restaurant setting?

A 'menu' is a list of food items that a restaurant offers for customers to choose from.

What is an 'appetizer' and why is it ordered first?

An 'appetizer' is a small dish served before the main course to stimulate the appetite. It is ordered first to start the meal.

What does 'whet your appetite' mean in the context of dining?

'Whet your appetite' is an idiom meaning to stimulate one's appetite, often referring to having an appetizer before the main meal.

What is the term for a meal deal that includes multiple courses at a fixed price?

The term for a meal deal with multiple courses at a fixed price is 'prix fixe', which is French for 'fixed price'.

What is a 'main course' in a restaurant?

A 'main course' is the primary and usually largest meal item ordered, such as a steak with potatoes or a chicken dish with vegetables.

What is the difference between a 'side' and a 'substitution' in a restaurant order?

A 'side' is an additional food item that does not usually come with the main course, while a 'substitution' is when a customer requests to replace one item with another, such as swapping out rice for French fries.

What is 'dessert' and when is it typically served in a meal?

'Dessert' is a sweet course typically served after the main course, often accompanied by coffee or tea.

What does the term 'check' or 'bill' refer to at the end of a meal in a restaurant?

'Check' or 'bill' refers to the payment due for the food and service received at the restaurant, which may include taxes and tips.

Why is it important for British people to understand the concept of tipping in North America?

It is important for British people to understand tipping because it is a customary practice in North America to give extra money to service staff as a gesture of appreciation for good service.