Conversations for waiters

Target Language:
*Waiter: Welcome to Antico's. Here are your menus. Today's special is grilled salmon. I'll be
back to take your order in a minute.
*Waiter: Are you ready to order? / Customer 1: I'd like the seafood spaghetti.
Waiter: And you? / Customer 2: I'll have a hamburger and fries.
Waiter: Would you like anything to drink? / Customer 1: I'll have a coke, please.
Waiter: And for you? / Customer 2: Just water, please.
Waiter: OK. So that's one seafood spaghetti, one hamburger and fries, one coke, and one water.
I'll take your menus. / *Waiter: Here is your food. Enjoy your meal.
*Waiter: How was everything? / Customers 2: Delicious, thanks.
Waiter: Would you like anything for dessert? / Customer 1: No, just the bill please.

Lesson Plan: At a Restaurant
Eating out is fun and exciting. It allows one to experience new taste sensations. It allows one to
see unique dining settings and ambiances. It allows one to save time and effort since someone
else does the cooking and cleaning up. There are any number of expression you are likely to
encounter at a restaurant. Below are just a few of them.
English Expressions
Expression
By a waiter
May I take your order?
Are you ready to order sir?
How would you like ( ... your steak)?
You have a choice of ( ...baked
or mashed potatoes).
Would you care ( ...for something to
drink)?
May I get you anything else?

Response
Could I have a few minutes, please?

Yes, I'll have the salmon.
Medium rare, please.
I'll have the mashed.
Yes, I¶ll have an iced tea.
No, I'm fine thanks.

By a customer
Could I get another ( ... roll, please)?
Could I see the (... menu)?
This steak is (... still bloody. Could you

Certainly, I will bring it right away.
One moment, please.
Right away, ma'am.
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have the chef cook it a little more)?
This isn't what I ordered, (... I wanted
a BLT and you gave me meat loaf)?
Can I get the check, please?

I'm so sorry sir. It's my first day and
I¶m still a little confused.
Right away, sir.

Once you have eaten, or maybe before you order you may describe the food just eaten to your
dining companion. You may also want to know how something may taste before ordering
it. There are a number of words that can be used to describe food. Look at these examples.
Words used to describe food

Bland
Rich
Spicy
Sweet
Sour
Bitter
Ways to prepare food
Pickled
Baked
Broiled
Fried

Salty
Hot

Boiled
Sautéed

Words to describe the taste of food
Delicious
Awful
Good
Tasty
Yummy
Yucky
Disgusting
English Dialogue
Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one
part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the
progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar

conversations.
Waiter: Welcome to Kasey¶s Kitchen. Do you have a reservation?
Customer: Yes, the name is Johnson, Paul.
Waiter: Ah, yes, here you are. That was a party for one, correct? / Customer: Yes.
Waiter: Right this way. Here¶s the menu. I¶ll return in a moment to take your order.
Waiter: Are you ready to order, sir? / Customer: Yes, I¶ll have the T-bone steak.
Waiter: How would you like that cooked? / Customer: Well done, please.
Waiter: You have a choice of potatoes- French fried, mashed, or baked.
Customer: I¶ll have the baked potato.
Waiter: Would you like that with butter or sour cream or both?
Customer: I¶m on a diet, so only butter.
Waiter: The vegetables today are corn on the cob, peas and carrots, or broccoli.
Customer: I¶ll take the corn on the cob. / Waiter: And what would you like for dessert?
Customer: What do you have?
Waiter: We have apple, cherry, and lemon meringue pie, chocolate and vanilla cake, peach
cobbler, and chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream.
Customer: I¶ll take the cherry pie, a la mode, please.
Waiter: Would you care for something to drink?
Customer: I¶ll take a large ice tea with my meal and a cup of black coffee with dessert.
2


Waiter: Very good sir. Enjoy you meal. / Customer: Thanks.
Ordering Food in a Restaurant
One of the most important tasks in English is ordering food when you go to a restaurant. There
are basic forms and questions, as well food vocabulary that you can use in places where people
speak English.
Read this dialogue
Waiter: Hello, Can I help you? / Kim: Yes, I'd like to have some lunch.
Waiter: Would you like a starter? / Kim: Yes, I'd like a bowl of chicken soup, please.

Waiter: And what would you like for a main course? / Kim: I'd like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Waiter: Would you like anything to drink? / Kim: Yes, I'd like a glass of Coke, please.
Waiter... After Kim has her lunch.: Can I bring you anything else?
Kim: No thank you. Just the bill. / Waiter: Certainly.
Kim:I don't have my glasses. How much is the lunch? / Waiter: That's $6.75.
Kim: Here you are. Thank you very much. / Waiter: You're welcome. Have a good day.
Kim: Thank you, the same to you.
At the restaurant
1) The waiter
What can I do for you?
Can I help you?
Can I take your coat?
Have you booked a table?
How many are you?
Would you follow me, please?
Can I take your order, sir/madam?
What would you like to start with?
What would you like to drink?
What would you like for dessert?
How would you like your steak? (rare, medium, well done)
Do you want a salad with it?
What kind of dressing?
Anything to drink?
Do you want a dessert?
The burgers are very good.
Sorry, the hamburgers are off.
Is everything all right?
3

Did you enjoy your meal?
Are you paying together?
May I show you to a table?
If you wait, there'll be a table for you free in a minute.
Do you want vegetables with it?
Why don't you try the pizza?
It'll take about 20 minutes.
2) The guest
A table for two, please.
May we sit at this table?
The menu, please.
What's on the menu?
Do you want fish?
What's Irish Stew like?
We're not ready yet.
The steak for me, please.
Can you bring me the ketchup, please?
A salad, please.
I'll have the same.
That's all, thank you.
Can I have the bill (AE: check), please?
This is on me.
Here you are.
The rest is for you.
Have you got wine by the glass?
I'd prefer red wine.
Please bring us another beer.
Could I have chips (AE: French Fries) instead of salad?
What can you recommend?
Please bring me the bill (AE: check) with my coffee.

I think you've made a mistake.

Reserve a table
Example 1
Waiter : Excuse me, how many people?
4


You : Five, can we get a non-smoking section?
Waiter : Sure but there are few people ahead of you right now.
You : How long do we have to wait? / Waiter : Around five to ten minutes
Example 2
Waiter : How many do you have? / You : Just two. Can we have a table outside?
Waiter : You may have to wait for a while. / You : For how long?
Waiter : Twenty minutes / You : Well, I think we'll try another place then. Thank you!
English Conversations - At Restaurant

Ranjan is meeting prema for lunch at the North restaurant both of them have been out meeting
clients and have decided to meet for lunch to discuss the prospects of selling the products of their
company.
Ranjan : (Who has arrived earlier) Hello, Prema. I am glad you were able to come. Did you get
my message?
Prema: Hello, Ranjan. I¶m sorry I¶m a bit late. I got your message about meeting you for lunch
just as I was leaving for my appointment with the builders of Akash Deep. I could¶t get away any
earlier.
Ranjan : Don¶t worry. I haven¶t been waiting long. Where would you like to sit? Shall we sit in
that corner? / Prema: Yes, let¶s. It will be quieter over there. / Ranjan: How was your day?
Prema : Quite successful. But very tiring. People are interested in our products but are hesitant
to switch over to something new. I was wondering whether«« .
Ranjan: Before we get involved in a deep discussion lets order something to eat. (Calling to the

waiter) waiter.
Waiter: (Placing menu cards before both of them). Good afternoon. What would you like to
order?
Ranjan: Prema, What would you like to eat? A soup to begin with?
Prema : No, thank you. I don¶t think I¶ll have soup. I¶ve never been here before, so I
don¶t know what their specialities are.
Ranjan: (Reading the menu) would you like some chicken curry with pullao?
Prema: Let me see. Waiter, are the prawns fresh?

5


Waiter: Yes, Ma¶am Absolutely fresh. Why don¶t you try some fried prawns with Chinese
fried rice?
A Chinese meal.
Ranjan: That is a good suggestion. Let¶s have a Chinese meal.
Prema: All right, you order, Ranjan.
Ranjan: Right Let¶s have a plate of chicken fried rice, sweet and sour prawns and an
American chopsey. Prema, would you like mushrooms or bamboo shoots?
Prema: No, thank you. What you¶ve ordered is more than enough.
Ranjan : What about something to drink? An orange juice or a lemon squash or««..
Prema : I¶d love to have a Limca.
Ranjan : That¶s good. Waiter, a Limca cold Drink for the lady. And a fresh lime juice for me.
And please serve us quickly. We haven¶t much time.
Waiter : Right Sir. It won¶t be long. (Writing down the order).
Ranjan: You were about to make a suggestion about our marketing policy.
Prema: I was wondering whether we couldn¶t recommend a cut in in the price of our product. As
it is, the profit margin is very small. And the overhead costs of introducing a new product
are already very high.
Prema: But we could increase the price once we have established ourselves in the market.

The waiter arrives with the LIMCA soft drinks.
Waiter : Here you are Sir. Limca for the lady and a fresh lime for you sir.
Ranjan : Thank you. Please hurry up with the lunch order.
Waiter : In a moment sir. What will you have for dessert?
Ranjan: (Looking at the menu again). Prema, what would you like? An ice cream, a soufflé or
a fruit custard? / Prema: Nothing at all. Thanks.
Ranjan: (Closing the menu-card and handing it back to the waiter). No dessert, thank you.
Waiter: What about coffee?

6


Ranjan : Will you have coffee after lunch, Prema? / Prema: Yes, Please. I¶ll have coffee.
Waiter: with cream or milk? / Prema : Black please. / Waiter: And for you, sir?
Ranjan : Oh! I¶ll have coffee but please. Be quick about it. The waiter hurries away.
Ranjan : I¶m not sure how well it would go down psychologically if we cut on prices. It might
give people the impression that our¶s is an inferior product.
Prema: Well then. You have to offer other forms of incentives. After all, why should people
buy our product and not keep using the brand that they are always used to!
Ranjan: You are right. We¶ve got to scratch our heads and come up with what is known as a
³unique selling preposition´. What is it that our brand has
The waiter comes laden with the lunch dishes.
Ranjan : Ah! here comes the lunch. Let¶s leave the lighting systems alone for a while and enjoy
our lunch.
Prema : (Eating the food) Mmm! This is delicious. So many restaurants serve Chinese food.
But I haven¶t had food which is quite so well prepared as this. How did you discover this place?
Ranjan : Just by chance. Actually I was visiting an office in the next block. It was lunch time
and I looked around for a place to eat and found. The Nirula¶s. It isn¶t very grand but the food is
wholesome. I¶m glad you like it.
Prema : Thank you for bringing me here.

Conversation in restaurant - customer and waiter - role play in English
B. Speaking
Task 1: Work in pairs. Talk with each other about your favourite restaurant. What do you like
most about it - the food, the ambience, the waiters, etc.?
Task 2: Read the following dialogues and then role-play them.
Customer : Waiter, there¶s a dead fly swimming in my soup.
Waiter : That¶s impossible, madam. Dead flies can¶t swim.
*Customer : Waiter, there¶s a fly in my soup.
Waiter : Look, there¶s a spider on the bread, he¶ll catch it for you!
*Hari : Hello Ravi, How are you? I thought we could go out to a restaurant to celebrate Mittu¶s
birthday.
Ravi : A great idea! We¶ll give her a treat. Where shall we go?
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Hari : Let Mittu come. She can decide««.Here she is!
Ravi and Hari (together): Happy Birthday, Mittu!
Mittu : Thank you. So have you decided? Where shall we go? / Hari : You choose, Mittu.
Mittu : Let¶s try Asha Bhavan - that new place in Kanthi Nagar. I¶ve heard they serve a
delicious spread there, especially salads.
Ravi : It would be very crowded! Today is Saturday.
Mittu : I¶ll make a booking now. Then we could be sure of getting a place. Hari, please pass me
today¶s newspaper.««..Thanks ««. (Turning the pages of the newspaper) Ammm «« aha
here it is! 24098765. (dialling) Hello, is that Asha Bhavan? I¶d like to make a reservation for this
evening. In whose name? mm... mmm... Mr. Ravi Arunkumar, please ««that¶s right «« a
table for three, please ««. at 7pm. Thank you. Bye!
Ravi : It¶s only 5.30 now. Let¶s play some Pictionary till it¶s time to leave.
7.03 pm - At the restaurant µAsha Bhavan¶
Hari : The place looks very festive. I wonder if there is anything special happening?
Ravi : Look there¶s the maitre d¶ hotel, I¶ll ask him (going up to a gentleman smartly dressed in

a suit) Excuse me, but is there anything special today? Your restaurant is looking very festive.
D¶hotel : Good evening, sir Yes, today is the first anniversary of our restaurant. We are
expecting a large crowd. Have you made a booking?
Mittu : Yes. In the name of Mr. Arunkumar «« a table for three.
Maitre : (signalling to a lady dressed in the restaurant colours of lavender and gold) Just a
moment, madam. The hostess will show you to your table.
Hostess : Good evening! Please come with me. (Seats them at a table in a corner) Is this alright?
Mittu : Yes, thank you. (A waiter arrives with a tray of drinks. The Hostess serves them.)
Hostess : Please enjoy your µwelcome¶ drink. / Mittu : What is it?
Hostess : It¶s chilled tender coconut water with honey and mint.
Ravi : (sipping his drink) It¶s delicious! Thank you!
Hostess : Excuse me. I have to see to other guests. Enjoy your meal!
(The three of them sip their drinks and look around the restaurant.)
Mittu : We¶ll order the food a little later. Let¶s enjoy the ambience of this place first.
Hari : I like the rich decor of the place and also the clever arrangement of green plants between
tables to ensure privacy.
Ravi : And the music is not too loud « we can carry on a conversation! (Catching the eye of a
waiter passing by and indicating to him that his service was required at their table by nodding his
head.) Let¶s order food. (The Waiter dressed in a lavender and gold uniform appears at
their table.)
Waiter : Good evening! Would you like to go for the buffet, Sir? Madam? We serve a very good
buffet here. There is also a salad-bar.
Mittu : I think I¶ll go for the salad-bar. I¶ve heard they do scrumptious salads here. Is it all
freshly prepared?
8


Waiter : Yes, madam. All the food prepared here is fresh. Every night all left-over food is given
away.
Hari : I¶ll try the buffet. I can see quite a spread there. Can you please bring the soup to the

table, please?
Waiter : Certainly, sir. Which would you prefer? «.. the chicken ±noodle soup or the baby
corn±mushroom soup? / Hari : The baby corn-mushroom, please.
Waiter : And, what about you, Sir? / Ravi : Do you have any à la carte service?
Waiter : Of course, Sir. I¶ll get you the menu-card. (brings Ravi a menu-card)
Ravi : Give me a few minutes please.
Waiter : Would you care for some hors-d¶oeuvres?
Ravi : No,thank you. We¶ll start with the soup. (The waiter leaves while Ravi studies the menu
card) They serve quite a variety of food here. There¶s Chinese, Italian, Mexican, as well as
Lebanese, in addition to Indian. Everything is also very reasonably priced! This dish of Tacos is
only Rs. 75, and it has prawn, cuttlefish, and lots of vegetables in it, from its description on the
menu «. But it would be too heavy for me «.Mmm«let me see «.. shall I have a plate of
vegetable spring rolls? « or, «.. maybe, I¶ll go for soup and kebabs «.? «. Oh dear, this is so
difficult. (Mittu returns to the table with a plate full of salad.)
Mittu : Come on Ravi, the waiter is waiting. Have a dish of steamed vegetables and some pita
bread. Or, since you have been showing off your French, try a French dish!
Ravi : They don¶t have any. I think I¶ll have the soup and vegetable cutlets.
(The waiter returns with the soup and serves them.)
Ravi : I¶ll have the same soup and a plate of vegetable cutlets.
Waiter : Very good, Sir. (Returns with the soup and cutlets and serves Ravi.) Enjoy your meal,
Sir, «. Madam. / Ravi : Bon appétit!
Mittu : What does that mean, now?
Ravi : It¶s like saying µEnjoy your meal¶ in English. (They eat in silence for a while, enjoying
the music and the aromatic food on their table.)
Hari : This buffet is superb. They have such a variety of vegetables and salads. This corn and
raw mango salad is out of this world! How¶s your cutlet, Ravi?
Ravi : It¶s good. I¶m glad they haven¶t added too many spices in it. It has a nutty flavour.
(Noticing some activity at the entrance of the restaurant.) Look, some celebrities have come in.
O, I recognise that young starlet Faguni. I wonder who the other two people are?
Hari : I recognise that gentleman «.. He does a cookery show on DD every Wednesday and

runs a restaurant in Mumbai, that serves only Parsi food.
Mittu : And I know who that elegant lady is «. She is Lajmi Uday Sing, the gourmet cook who
writes a weekly column on food in µThe Bondhu¶ every Saturday. Okay, people, are we done?
Or, does anyone want dessert?
Hari : Of course I want dessert! There is such a tempting spread on the counter.
(Hari leaves to fetch the dessert.)
Waiter : Would you like some dessert, sir? Here is the menu card.
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Ravi : Yes, please. I¶d like the date pancake.
Mittu : I don¶t think I¶ll have any, thank you. (They eat their dessert.)
Ravi : (To the waiter) Could I have the cheque, please?
Waiter : What about some coffee, Sir? Ravi, Hari, Mittu : No, thank you! (The waiter returns
with the bill. Ravi pays. Waiter takes it to the Cashier.)
(The Hostess comes to their table.)
Hostess: Did you enjoy your meal? Was everything alright?
Ravi : O, yes! Everything was perfect! We enjoyed the meal very much.
Hari : I was wondering if you did any outdoor catering?
Hostess: Yes sir, we do. In addition to the food we also arrange for the crockery, cutlery, as well
as serving.
Hari : Here is my card. Perhaps we could discuss this in detail when you are not so busy.
Hostess: Certainly, Sir. Here is our card. In case I am not available, my assistant Najab Hussain
will be able to help you.
Hari : Thank you so much. Goodnight! / Ravi : We had a very pleasant evening. Goodnight!
Mittu : Thank you, my friends. I had a lovely birthday dinner. Goodnight!
Task 3: Your teacher Ms. Nethra is getting married. The class wants to give her a gift for her
new home. Five of you have been selected as class representatives and have todecide what to
present her. Have a discussion about your choice of item/s and give reasons for your choice.
*Multi-purpose silver bowls / Some crystal glasses / Crockery - tea set/dinner set / Stainless steel

cutlery

At the Restaurant / Ordering
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Lisa: Yes, we'll have the chicken with vegetables, and the vegetable pasta please.
Waiter: Anything to drink? / Lisa: Just some water please.
After the Meal
Waiter: Can I get you anything else? Coffee? Dessert? / Lisa: No, just the bill please.
Making a Reservation
Mike: I'd like to make a reservation for 2 people on Friday night.
Waiter: What time would you like? / Mike: 8:00.
Waiter: We don't have anything available at 8:00. Is 7:30 ok.
10


Dining at the Restaurant
David is finished with work at the conference and is taking Annie out to dinner. Pay attention to
how the waiter asks what they want to drink and eat. Listen to David and Annie¶s responses in
English. Follow along through the whole dinner process to improve your English. From getting a
table, then ordering their food and finally asking for the check.
Dining at the Restaurant - Getting a table
Waiter: Good evening sir. Welcome to ³the Outback´ / David: Hi. Do you have a table for two?
Waiter: Yes sir. Right this way please. / David: Thank you.
Waiter: Here¶s your menus. Can I get some drinks started for you?
David: I need a sec to look. / Waiter: What would you like ma¶am?
Annie: I¶ll have a water for now. Do you have mineral water?
Waiter: Yes ma¶am we do. And you sir?
David: Okay. I think I¶m gonna (going to) have a Budweiser.
Waiter: And would you like me to start some appetizers before your meal?
David: Yes. We¶ll have the chicken wings.

Waiter: Okay great. And what kind of sauce would you like?
Annie: With ranch dressing please. Thank you. / Waiter: You¶re welcome sir.
Ordering Food
Waiter: Are you ready to order now? / David: Have you figured out what you want Annie?
Annie: Yeah. I¶ll have the ³Alice Springs Chicken´. / Waiter: And for your side dishes?
Annie: Sauteed vegetables and a baked potato. / Waiter: And for you sir?
David: I want to have the sirloin steak. / Waiter: And how would you like that cooked this
evening?
David: Make it medium rare. / Waiter: Okay sir. I¶ll put your order in right away.
Asking for the Check

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David: Can we have our check please? / Waiter: Of course sir. Just a moment.
David: What¶s this charge here? / Waiter: That is for your appetizer sir.
David: Oh I see. Does this total include tax?
Waiter: It does sir. Will you be paying with cash or credit card? / David: Credit.
Waiter: Okay, may I have your signature here on the bottom please. / David: Sure.
Waiter: Okay. Thank you very much for visiting us. Have a good evening.
David: You too. Thank you. / Waiter: Good bye. / David: Bye.
Ordering lunch and dinner
What else do you recommend?
Waiter:

² Are you ready to order, sir?

Mr Ryefield:

²

Yes. I ll have the beef stew for starters and my wife would like tomato
soup.

Waiter:

²

One beef stew and one tomato soup. What would you like for the main
course?

Mr Ryefield:

²

I ll have the Cayenne Pepper Steak and my wife would like the Fried
Trout with mashed potatoes.

Waiter:

² I m afraid the trout is off.

Mrs Ryefield:

² Oh dear. Err... What else do you recommend?

Waiter:

² The sole is very good.

Mrs Ryefield:

² OK. I ll have that. Do you have any coleslaw?

Waiter:

² No, I m sorry, we don t.

Mrs Ryefield:

² Just give me a small mixed salad then.

Mr Ryefield:

² Same for me.

Waiter:

² Certainly. (...) Would you like something to drink?

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Mr Ryefield:

² Yes, please. May I see the wine list?

Waiter:

² Certainly. Here you are.

Mr Ryefield:

² A bottle of Chablis µ99, please.

Waiter:

² Excellent choice!

This english conversation teaches you how to order food on the phone. You will learn normal
questions that they will ask so you can response to them and get your desire food.
Example 1
Waitress : Good morning. This is ABC pizza. How may I help you?
You
: Hi. I'd like to order a pizza. / Waitress : What size
please?
You
: Large please. / Waitress : What flavour would you like?
You
: I want Hawaiian. / Waitress : Anything else? / You: No.
Waitress : Can I have your address please?
Example 2
Waitress : Good morning. This is ABC pizza. How may I help you?
You
: I want to order a pizza.
Waitress : What topping would you like to order today?
You
: Can you give me some advice?
Waitress : Sure. We have Super Supreme, Hawaiian and Seafood.
You

: Good. I want to try Large size Seafood one please. / Waitress : Anything else?
You
: One garlic bread and beef spaghetti
Waitress : Ok. Can I have your phone number and address please?
********************************************************************
Waiter : Yes Sir, I am at your service. / Rahul : What is available to eat?
Waiter : All types of food are available like South Indian, Chinese etc.
Rahul : Well. I take Mughalai. Please make it punner, aloo masala, tandoori roti and butter nan.
Waiter : Don't you want hot soup? / Rahul : Yes I need French onion soup.
Surya : I want South Indian special masala dosa, rava kichadi and vada.
Waiter : How about some soup sir?
Surya : No. Not for me. / Waiter : How about the dessert sir? / Rahul : I don't have any idea.
Waiter : You can also order later.
Surya : That'll do for now. Let's order for dessert after we eat all this. Tell me how long will you
13


take?
Waiter : In a few minutes sir, we won't keep you long. / Surya : Very good.
Rahul : Give me butter scotch ice cream. / Surya : I want mango milk shake.
Rahul : Give me the bill. / Surya : I shall pay for it. / Rahul : No. No I will pay
***************************************************************
WAITER: Good Evening sir, welcome to our restaurant. / GUEST: Good Evening!WAITER:
Please be seated, I¶m just bringing a glass of water for you. / GUEST: Thanks!
WAITER: What would you like to have sir ? / GUEST: What¶s your specialty ?
WAITER: We are known for a delicious Chinese food.
GUEST: Please bring one plate Manchurian with Fried Rice.
WAITER: Kindly wait, your order will be delivered within 5-10 minutes. / GUEST: OK.
WAITER: (After Five Minutes) Here is your order sir. / GUEST: Please bring one Coke also.
WAITER: Yes sir.

GUEST: (After having the meal) The food was quite good and your service also.
WAITER: Thanks a lot! / GUEST: Please bring the bill. / WAITER: Here is the bill sir.
GUEST: This is your bill and tip also.
WAITER: Thank you, please do visit next time and have very wonderful night. / GUEST: I
will.
In this text I'm going to write about the hospitality industry.
The hotel ³vent de mar´ is situated in puerto de Sagunto, this level is three stars but is more
comfotable. The hotel jobs are: 1) hotel manager, this person is responsible for all staff.
2) Marketing Manager, this person finds business for the hotel and organizes advertising the
hotel.
3) Accountant, this person does the hotel's finances and does the acounts for the hotel.
4) Concierge, responsible for greets guest at the dor and collects guests and luggage from the
airport.
5) Bartender/Barman, serves guests at the bar
6) Head Waiter, serves food and drinks to guests and trains new staff.
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7) Waiter serves in the restaurant
8) The Recepcionist, this person works behind the front desk, welcomes guests when they arrive
and gives them their keys, checks in new guests, sends e-mails and comfiming booking, takes the
reservations, prepares bills when guests check out, answer the phone, and checks records.
In a Restaurant
Menu:
Appetisers
y

sea food coctail

y

grilled prawns

y

Goat's cheese

y

Garlic Bread

y

Grilled king prawns

y

Mediterranean Salad

y

Mushrooms with Tomatoe sauce

Main Course
y

Duck stuffed served with orange sauce

y

Turkey roast served with potatatoes and mushrooms

y

Salmon bake served with mint sauce

y

Tuna grill ot bake served with béchamel sauce

Dessert
y

Banana split

y

Lemmon Cake

y

Strawberry with whipped cream

y

Strawberry Cake

y

Cheese Cake

15


A range of wines, minerals and spirits are available from the restaurant.
One conversation in a Restaurant
Waiter- Good morning, do you have a reservation madam?
Customer- yes, a table for two. My name is Alice Gray.
Waiter- Would you like smoking or non smoking? / Customer- Non-smoking, please
Waiter- Fine Madam. Would you follow me please? / Waiter- Would you like to see the menu?
Customer- yes, I'd like to see the menu / Waiter- Are you ready to order?
Customer- yes, I'd like to appetiser an Mediterranean salad and then Duck stuffed seved with
orange sauce. / Waiter- Would you like anything to drink?
Customer- A bottle of a red wine / Waiter- And Would you like any dessert ?
Customer- yes, I'd like to dessert a Strawberry with whipped cream / Waiter- And« Would
you like something else? / Customer- yes, A capuccino, please
Waiter- Ok Madam, I'll be with you in a minute
CRUISES SHIPS
I think is wonderfull to travel in a cruise ship, the cruise ships are floatings resorts, when in a
hotel, the cruise ship, have a differts works in here. The captain is the most senior person on
board the ship, the name of the people to work in a cruise is a crew. The principal Medical
officer, the staff captain, the chief Engineer and the hotel Manager all report to the captain.
The hotel Manager has overall responsibility for the gallery staff, food and beverage, the purser
and the purser's staff as well as general entertaiment on board.
Giving advice and recommendations
When a person travel to a Tropical for exaple Indian, South Africa's the travel agent recommend
to the customer diferents recommendations.
-

You should have a vacinattion against Malaria;
You shouldn't carry large sums of money;

You Avoid wearing expensive jewellery in the street;
You Avoid drinking tap water;
You musn't leave any bags unattended;
You should wear sunglases and a hat;
You should't wear casual clothes at the meeting.
16


How to Be a Waiter

Working in a restaurant environment can be tough work, especially when you have a nagging
boss, complaining customers, limited time, and interesting co-workers. Yet, so many people are
applying for this job, whether they know how to do it or not. The restaurant business is stressful
and competitive. Even if you have worked in it for a very long time, there is still more you can
learn. When starting out, you're lucky to be training with someone who takes the time to show
you the ropes. Perhaps you may be training with someone who doesn't want to teach you, or just
doesn't know anything about the job. Alternatively, you might work in a good environment - but
that doesn't mean we can't improve!
Edit Steps
1. Always arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled shift.
2. Make sure you are presentable before you leave for work. Always be wellgroomed and keep your clothes clean. Wear clean shoes and socks. Your hair
should be neat and washed, your nails clean, your uniform/clothes clean and
modest. Apply limited quantities of makeup and hold off on the perfume/cologne.
(NOTE: Scents on servers can interfere with the smells of food and wine and
upset the customers.)
3. Approach your table with a smile and a greeting. Introduce yourself and say
your name clearly. " Hello, nice to see you. My name's ___ Can I show you the
menus and perhaps take a drink order?" Ask if they've been to the restaurant
before, except watch out - if the answer is "yes , you served us last week" - the
gambit fails!! Greet customers with a smile as they enter. Maintain balanced eyecontact, but avoid staring too much. As you seat them at their table, perhaps stir

up small conversation as you proceed to take their drink orders.
4. Take drink orders clockwise starting at your left. If children are present ask for
their beverages first, followed by ladies and then gentleman all following the left
to right order.
This is now the time to discuss the specials.

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5. When you have served their drinks, ask if they have any questions about the
menu. Don't rush them unless they are late and even then do it gently. If they are
ready to order, take their order clockwise starting at the left and closest to you...if
not, proceed to your next table.
6. Bring out orders in their entirety. Never bring one guest's food without the
other's, unless specially instructed otherwise (this may happen if one or more in
the party plans to leave early). Normally, there shouldn't be any circumstance
causing one part of an order be ready much later than another. If on occasion you
foresee this happening and causing a problem, briefly explain the situation and
ask how the customer would prefer handling this.
7. Don't overly badger the customers. Avoid going into eagle-hawk mode.
Customers hate to be ogled at or constantly interrupted. How would you feel if
someone was glaring at you as you ate your meal? If a table wants something they
will glance around to look for you. If you stay alert and watch (not stare) your
tables as you walk the floor most customers will make eye contact as a signal that
they need you. This can give them the feeling like you're paying attention without
hovering or badgering them. When their good food and conversation is over, they
will start looking around at other diners or the walls. This can tell you when to
clear plates, offer desserts or drop the check.
8. Clear any of the plates from the current course as soon as it is obvious the
customer wants them to be removed. #Always clear plates from the previous

course completely, before bringing plates from the next course to a table.
*Before clearing plates, be sure to ask politely. Use a manner and tone consistent
with both the atmosphere and the customer. Generally, "May I clear?" is good.
In most establishments, make no reference if they are still eating or more likely,
the one who is doing the talking is still eating.
9. If you were outside of America, you clear the plates after everybody
finished their course, as they would start eating only when all the food is
served, and they will (hopefully) indicate that everybody is finished their
meal by having the fork and knife at the center of the plate. It varies a bit in
Asia, but observe, personalize and adjust.
10. When the main course is served, always ask "May I get you anything
else?" and give them a second to think about it. Check back again within five
minutes, with "Are you enjoying everything?" with specific references about the
hosts dish,..." How is your Steak?" at the very least. Listen to their response and
more importantly read their body language: Many people are shy to speak up
about problems, and they may blame that on you come time to leave a tip.
11. When the main course is cleared ask.." Would you like to see the dessert
menu?", but clear the breads and/or soup that they were having before ordering,
even if they are not finished.

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12. When they are finished with their meal, ask them "Is there anything else
I can bring you?" If they say no, promptly give them their bill and wish them a
good day. Don't assume the man will pay. If it becomes directly known to you
during their visit which guest will be paying, you may leave the check at the end
of the table by him or her. Otherwise, leave the check in the middle of the table.
Check is always face down. If it is inside a check envelope, lay it flat on the
table, don't stand it up.

13. Take their payment. Inform your guest that you will prepare the payment for
them, i.e. change if cash or you will process their credit card for them. Never ask
if they want change: Just break the bills and return quickly with the
change/receipt.
14. When you return, thank them and say something like, " It's been nice to
see you" , "hope to see you again soon", OR if they seem to be lingering after
their meal, just say "thank you", as they may need refills and such.
Edit Tips
*After taking an order, repeat it back to the customers. This gives them confidence in you,
and studies show can result in bigger tips.
y

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Learn proper table service manners: serve from the left, remove from the right;
beverages poured from the right as the cups and glasses are always on the right; glasses
never picked up when filling; bring fresh wine glasses with every new wine; and MANY
others... Books written on this subject include "The Main Course on Table Service". Get
one and read it. This knowledge is critical for employment in an upscale restaurant, and
"couldn't hoyt" in a diner.
Learn the correct way to set a table: forks left, knives right, napkin left(usually).
coffee/teacup handles at 5o'clock with teaspoons parallel to the handle... etc.
When clearing a table do it quietly as not to disturb the diners at other tables.

If you have spare time: If two people are sitting at a table and one goes to the restroom
or excuses her- or himself for a moment, and if the other person looks even slightly
uncomfortable or awkward siting alone, go by and make small talk until the partner
comes back or as long as you can before another table needs attention. (Do not fail to
keep an eye on other tables while doing this.)
Even if not required in training, memorize the menu cover to cover ASAP. Talk to the
kitchen to familiarize yourself with any specials. Taste sauces if possible.
If you are not busy at the moment and notice a customer at another table is in need of
something, assist them. If you help out your fellow waiters, they will be more likely to
help you out as well. Good service (no matter who provides it) will ensure that customers
will come back - that's keeping your paychecks coming.
Striking up friendly chat is usually recommended, but keep it short and bear in mind
that some customers desire privacy more than others and may become irritated by
intrusions.

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y

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y
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y

y
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y
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y
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Customers can boil up and become upset over the most minuscule things, such as the
wrong drink order. When this happens, stay calm and correct the situation and apologize
to the customer. You may find the LEADS policy helpful:
Listen to the customer's complaint.
Empathize with the concern ("I know it can be frustrating when you get the wrong
order...").
Apologize personally for the problem, even if it isn't your fault.
o Do what it takes to make it right with the customer, such as offering a free
appetizer or other cheap item, or reducing the bill (check with your manager).
o Stand by your promise.
Never tell a customer you will do something or "be right back" and not do it. Do not
promise to do something, anything, and not do it.
Interaction and cooperation among co-workers is crucial in the speed of the deliverance
of food. Be kind to others, though they may be sour.
Answering the phone may be part of the waiter's job. Clearly speak into the receiver to

be understood, and make sure you understand what the customer wants. Always write
down the customer's phone number.
Use caution when writing down orders.
Remember good drinks and quick service = good mood = good tips. Try your hardest to
keep their water/tea glasses filled without being intrusive.
Even when having pleasant conversation with co-workers, face your tables so you can
see if they motion or start looking for something. If customers see you with your back
turned, chit-chatting with a friend, they are more likely to be annoyed and feel they are
not receiving good service.
Keep a spare shirt or tie at the restaurant. Accidents happen and a sloppy waiter is not
good for the appetite.
If someone forgot to make tea and there is only enough for half a glass or a little more,
add more ice and fill the rest with water. Customers appreciate fast service more than
anything. Go back and start the tea. If they notice the tea is weak (most won't), tell them
you will start a fresh brew just for them.
Don't give each table the same speech. It's much more personal that way.
When serving couples, always take the woman's order first.
Smile A LOT! Depending on the environment you work in, make jokes, small talk etc. to
keep the mood light and friendly.
If a customer complains, don't try to blame it on the cooks, hostess, or anyone else.
Simply apologize and work to resolve the problem. Check with the manager before
offering discounts, comped meals, etc...If the customer is still not satisfied, ask if they
would like to speak to the manager.
When you get busy, make sure to let new tables know you will be with them in just a
minute. Don't get frantic, trust me, you'll start forgetting things.
Never talk about how long of a day you've had or complain to customers or coworkers.
No one wants to hear it. Leave your problems at the door and fake a smile if you have to.
Be polite, call men Sir and women Ma'am or Miss.
Interact with the kids. Parents love it. If children are becoming rowdy or irritable, offer
to bring them crayons, paper, crackers, something to keep them busy. The parents will

often be very grateful.
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y
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Plates and silverware should always be brought before food arrives. You can to this
when you greet the table, or after you have brought the drinks.
Once you get into a routine, stick with it. Analyze it frequently to see if there's anything
you can to more efficiently.
Learn the menu, the ingredients and the cooking processes. Customers ask weird
questions sometimes and if you don't know the answer, be sure to ask someone who
does...most likely a manager.
Be friendly with your co-workers, bartenders, cooks, busboys. If they like you, they'll
help you out more and make you job so much easier.
Stay alert for refills, customers trying to get your attention, frowns from guests, dropped
silverware, spills, empty plates etc.
If the restaurant you work at does not give free refills, but a customer asks for one, be
sure to inform them and ask if they would like another anyway.

Edit Warnings
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Working as a waiter, especially one in a very busy restaurant, can bring on a lot of stress.
Don't let one mistake trip you up the whole night. If you let one bad thing get to you,
you'll slip up more and more. Just shake it off, take a breather, and move on. Talk to
someone you like or respect and get it off your chest - "I screwed up! I'm sorry" lightens
the burden as does the honest reply "...You should have been here when I was doing your
job!!"
Never try to hide a mistake from management: You'll only make the problem worse.
Acknowledge it promptly and let them help you resolve the situation.
Keep it friendly...if people have a problem with you, or you with them, just keep some
space between the two of you.
Don't date your co-workers. This may bring trouble to the job site, particularly if you
split up, as you still have to see them everyday.
When customers get nasty or rude, stay calm, listen, and communicate. If that doesn't
work, grab the manager and let him/her deal with it.
If your friends come to visit, keep conversations short and treat them as you would
other clients. If they are not eating or ordering anything it is not looked good upon if they
stay for more than just a couple minutes.
Never go to a table smelling like smoke. If you are allowed a cigarette break, follow it by
washing your hands, rinsing your mouth, and when possible, decontaminating your
clothing by spritzing yourself with a twist of lemon.

NEVER contaminate a customer's food or drink, no matter how rude and unreasonable
they have been. It's unprofessional and could have serious consequences for you if you
are caught.

Edit Things You'll Need
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Pens that work, scratch paper, a table crumber, a lighter (if smoking is allowed in the
restaurant), and a waiter's friend (bottle/wine opener).
Comfortable, good quality shoes with a good grip (kitchens can be slippery).

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y

If you have long hair make sure to bring extra hair-ties just in case you or a co-worker
needs it.
How to Be a Competent Server

Did you enjoy your service today? Good afternoon, how are you doing today?
My name is John Q Waiter I will be the narrator for your journey today. May I start you out with
something to jog your brain?
Edit Steps
1. Understand what it takes to be a competent server. Ask yourself the question "what
do we need to feel fulfilled when being served?". In the service world, you either do your
job well or you make no money.
2. Consider the customer's side of the transaction. As a customer, we need to feel taken
care of, we are paying to be pampered. Of course, the extent of pampering is dependent

on the type of restaurant, as in McDonalds may not bring you a refill on a water, whereas
another style of restaurant would do this. Customers are demanding they are paying to be
served at the table. It is for this reason that the server needs to be able to adjust to all
situations on the go.
3. Learn the five rules for servers:
o Always have a smile, a genuine happy outlook shows through. What you do is
your livelihood. How you conduct yourself and convey it to others pays your bills
and keeps food on your table.
o Anticipate what people need before they have to think about it. This may seem
difficult but it is really common sense. If the glass is half full, fill it, if the plate is
empty, take it away and ask what else they need. Even if you know the answer,
this makes the customer feel relaxed.
o Be knowledgeable, understand the menu, and be able to show the customer
your expertise in your line of work. The service industry is much underrated, but
not everyone can do it.
o Know your customers and let situations dictate the kind of service that is
needed. Business professionals on lunch want to be left alone to conduct business.
They may not want to sit and chat. A birthday party may require a lot of
attentiveness. You could make a great or bad memory for the customer¶s special
day.
o Do not act over-eager. Show the customer that they matter. If they feel that, they
will reward you. When they think, you are just there to see what is left on the
table, you may not see much there. Always remember it is gratuity, the customers
have already paid for the food.
Edit Tips
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The service industry is age old, in one capacity or another. We all have times when we
need taken care of during small vacations of convenience; the server can make or break a
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y

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customer¶s experience. Not only can it make or break it for the customer, also it can make
or break the restaurant as well. Word of mouth about a bad dining experience can go a
long towards a restaurant¶s longevity. The server has a critical role in this aspect of the
restaurants ability to maintain and grow its customer base.
As you are expanding the dining experience for the consumer, one has to keep in mind
that we live in a digital world. Anything and everything can be posted online in
numerous sites on the World Wide Web. One would hate to have their name or where
they work listed on one of these sites. So, don¶t let it happen to you.
In general many people may not consider the service industry as a profession, yet think
in your life day-to-day how often you are served, how often do you depend on that person
behind the counter or at the side of your table to fulfill or add to your daily needs?

Edit Related wikiHows
Vocabulary
Note: Many English words and expressions about food come directly from French. This is why
some words about food are written with an accent (for example: à la carte). However, you may
also see such words written without accent.
Vocabulary
part of speech

Meaning

Example sentence

à la carte
adjective

without a side dish

Is it possible to get the steak à la
carte? I don't eat potatoes.

à la mode
adjective

with ice cream

Would you like your apple pie à la
mode?

alcohol, liquor
noun

a distilled liquid such as rum or
whiskey

This beer has 5% alcohol.

all you can eat
adjective

customers pay one fee and can eat as
much as they wish

These are all you can eat fries, so
let me know if you want more.

appetizer
noun

small snack before a meal

Would you like some garlic bread
or another appetizer to start?

appetizing
adjective

looks pleasing to eat

I'm afraid these pancakes don't
look very appetizing.

apron
noun

a cloth covering worn over the clothes Remove your apron before you
while cooking
come out to the dining room.

awful (taste)
adjective

very bad taste

The customer said that her pasta
was awful.

bar
noun

place in an establishment where
people go to get a drink (especially
alcoholic drinks)

If you sit up at the bar you don't
have to order any food.

23


barbeque
noun/verb

southern style of cooking over a grill

The barbeque wings are our
specialty.

barstool
noun

tall seats that customers use at the bar

The guest fell off his barstool
before he even ordered a drink.

bartender
noun

staff member that mixes, pours, and
serves alcoholic beverages

I do part-time work as a bartender
in a local pub.

beverage
noun

drink

Can I bring you some beverages
while you look at the menus?

bill, cheque, check the slip of paper that tells the
noun
customer how much to pay

Table 3 would like you to bring
them their cheque.

black coffee
adjective + noun

coffee without any milk

Should I bring some cream, or do
you take your coffee black?

boil
verb

style of cooking that involves placing
food in a deep pot of extremely hot
water

We usually boil the potatoes first
so that they will cook faster.

book off
verb

mark a day that you cannot work

I need to book off the first week of
May.

booster seat
noun

a plastic unit that fits on top of a chair Will your child be needing a
to help small children reach the table booster seat today?

booth/bench

noun

type of seating in which people sit
side by side on a cushioned area

We'd prefer a booth if you have
one available.

booze
noun(idiom)

alcohol

You've been into the booze
already, haven't you?

bottle opener
noun

a device used for opening beer bottles All of the servers keep bottle
that don't twist off
openers on their keychains.

bread basket
noun

slices of bread and butter served
before and with a meal

I'll bring you a bread basket to

hold the kids down until dinner.

breaded
adjective

rolled and cooked in bread crumbs

The shrimp is breaded in our
homemade batter.

buffet
noun

self-serve tables of food that are set
out for the customer to pick and
choose from

The plates and everything you need
are up at the buffet.

burnt
adjective

overcooked to the point of turning
black

The toast is burnt around the
edges.

buspan

noun

rubber tub used for collecting dirty
dishes

The buspan is stacked so high it's
too heavy for me to carry.

busboy, busser

a person who helps out in a restaurant

Ask the busboy to help you bring

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noun

(especially clearing and setting tables) out all of the food.

cash
noun

paper money payment

I don't have any cash. Do you
accept Visa?

cash out

verb

counting and submitting the payment
of all of the customers bills at the end
of one's shift

Don't forget to include any
coupons from tonight when you
cash out later.

cashier
noun

staff member responsible for
collecting customer's money at the
front of an establishment

We don't have a cashier; you have
to pay your server.

charge
verb

to add a fee

I will have to charge you an extra
dollar to add ice cream.

check on
verb

make sure the guests are satisfied

You should always check on your
guests about two minutes after you
serve the meal.

chef
noun

staff member who is professionally
trained to prepare food

Our head chef is one of the best
cooks in town.

clear
verb

remove finished or unused items from You need to clear this table and set
a table
it for four.

cocktail
noun

an alcoholic drink with juice

Would anyone care for a cocktail
on this warm sunny day?

coffee maker
noun

machine that dispenses coffee into a
glass container for pouring

You need to teach the new waitress
how to operate the coffee maker.

coffee round
noun

an offering of coffee and refills
around a section of a restaurant

Let's ask the busboy to do a coffee
round while we take a smoke
break.

combo,
combination
noun

mixture

The combo platter has veggies,
ribs, and chicken fingers.

comment card

noun

a piece of paper that customers are
given to record their dining
experience

When she asked for a comment
card I knew she was going to
complain about the food.

complaint
noun

a problem with service or food

The guest brought his complaint to
the manager.

condiments
noun

types of sauces that are added for
flavouring (i.e. mustard)

All of the condiments you should
need are on the table.

cook
verb/noun

prepare and heat food until it is ready
to serve

The guest says that this chicken
isn't cooked enough.

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