A Warm Welcome at La Bella Vista

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Introduction

Situation

This dialogue captures a warm and friendly interaction between a host and a client at La Bella Vista, a restaurant. The client, Mr. Johnson, has a reservation and is visiting with colleagues on a business trip.

The host welcomes them, guides them to their table, and provides recommendations for appetizers and main courses.

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Conversation

Dialog

Host: Good evening! Welcome to La Bella Vista. Do you have a reservation?

Client: Yes, I booked a table for five under the name Johnson.

Host: Ah, yes, Mr. Johnson. We have your table ready. Please follow me.

Client: Thank you. We're here on a business trip and my colleagues are looking forward to trying your specials.

Host: Wonderful! Here is your table. Please take a seat. Can I start you off with some appetizers while you wait?

Client: That sounds great. What do you recommend?

Host: Our specials tonight include a delicious bruschetta and a crab cake with a tangy remoulade sauce. Both are excellent choices.

Client: We'll take both, please. And for the main course, what do you suggest?

Host: Our main course specials are a tender filet mignon with a red wine reduction. Both are very popular with our guests.

Client: Those sound amazing. We'll take two of each, and one vegetarian pasta, please.

Host: Excellent choices. I’ll get those appetizers out for you shortly. If you need anything else, just let me know.

Client: Thank you. We're really looking forward to the meal.

Host: My pleasure. Enjoy your evening, Mr. Johnson.

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Vocabulary

• Reservation

  • Definition: An arrangement made in advance to have a table at a restaurant or a seat on a plane, train, etc.

  • Sample Sentence: "I made a reservation for two at the new Italian restaurant downtown."

• Book a Table

  • Definition: To reserve a table at a restaurant.

  • Sample Sentence: "Can you book a table for us at the sushi place for Friday night?"

• Under the Name

  • Definition: Used to specify the name under which a reservation or booking is made.

  • Sample Sentence: "I have a reservation under the name Smith."

• Special

  • Definition: A dish that is not on the regular menu and is typically offered at a reduced price.

  • Sample Sentence: "Today's special is grilled salmon with a mango salsa."

• Appetizers

  • Definition: Small dishes served before the main course.

  • Sample Sentence: "We ordered a few appetizers to share, including calamari and stuffed mushrooms."

• Take Food

  • Definition: To remove food from the restaurant, typically to eat elsewhere.

  • Sample Sentence: "Could we get some containers to take food home?"

• Main Course

  • Definition: The central or most important dish of a meal, typically following the appetizers.

  • Sample Sentence: "For the main course, I’ll have the steak, medium rare."

• Look Forward

  • Definition: To anticipate something with eagerness or pleasure.

  • Sample Sentence: "I'm really looking forward to trying their dessert menu."

• Start Off

  • Definition: To begin something.

  • Sample Sentence: "Let’s start off with some drinks and appetizers."

• Tangy

  • Definition: Having a sharp taste or flavor, often pleasantly so.

  • Sample Sentence: "The tangy lemon sauce complemented the fish perfectly."

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Sample sentences

• Main course: The chef's recommendation for the main course is the grilled salmon with a lemon butter sauce.

• Special: Today's special is a lobster bisque that's been receiving rave reviews.

• Guest: We always strive to ensure that every guest has a memorable dining experience.

• Meal: The four-course meal includes an appetizer, a soup, the main course, and dessert.

• Start off: Can I start off by offering you some freshly baked bread and butter?

• Look forward to: We look forward to serving you at our restaurant soon.

• Under the name: I have a reservation under the name Thompson for two at 7 PM.

• Reservation: I called earlier to confirm our reservation for tonight.

• Book a table: You can easily book a table through our online reservation system.

• Business trip: While on a business trip, I always make time to dine at the local favorites.

• Appetizers: Our appetizers include a variety of small plates perfect for sharing.

• Tangy sauce: The grilled shrimp is served with a tangy sauce that complements the dish perfectly.

• Take food: Many of our guests prefer to take food home if they can't finish their meal.

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Exercises

Initial role play

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Final role play

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Personal experience

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Homework

Reading comprehension

1. What name was the table reserved under?

2. What appetizers did the host recommend?

3. How many of each main course did the client order?

4. What did the client say about their visit to the restaurant?

5. How did the host respond after taking the client’s order?

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Fill-in-the-Blank

Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the list:

1. The client made a __________ for five people.

2. The host greeted the __________ and guided them to their table.

3. Before the __________ arrived, the host offered some appetizers.

4. The client mentioned they were on a __________ and were excited to try the specials.

5. The host recommended bruschetta and crab cakes as __________.

6. The crab cakes were served with a __________.

7. The client ordered two of each __________ special and one vegetarian pasta.

8. They made the reservation __________ Johnson.

9. Many people prefer to __________ in advance to secure their spot.

10. The host asked if they could __________ with some appetizers.

11. The client said they __________ to the meal.

12. If guests can't finish their __________, they can always __________ home.

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Create a dialog

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