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cover of episode #320 How to order food in a restaurant in the USA
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Georgiana: 美国餐厅的菜单通常分为开胃菜、主菜、配菜和甜点四个部分。开胃菜是主菜前的小菜，主菜是主要菜肴，配菜是少量食物（如薯条或沙拉），甜点是饭后甜食。点餐时可以使用一些常用表达，例如表达想要点餐（I'd like the…，Can I have the…），寻求推荐（What do you recommend?，What's popular here?），以及定制订单（Can I have that without…，Could I add…）。 在美国餐厅，付小费是惯例，通常是账单总额的15%到20%，用于感谢服务员的服务。如果吃不完，可以向服务员要打包盒（Can I have a to-go box, please?，Could you box this up for me?）。点餐时，可以向服务员询问饮料，并表达是否准备好点餐。 通过问答的方式练习英语口语，可以提高英语流利度。例如，可以围绕一个简短的故事，用问答的方式练习英语口语，并讲解健康饮食的理念。在练习过程中，可以学习到一些地道的英语表达，并提高英语口语的流利度。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

What are the typical sections of a restaurant menu in the U.S.?

A U.S. restaurant menu is usually divided into sections: Appetizers (small dishes before the main course), Entrées (main dishes), Sides (small portions like fries or salad), and Desserts (sweet treats to end the meal).

Why is tipping important in U.S. restaurants?

Tipping is expected in U.S. restaurants as a way to thank servers for good service. Typically, 15 to 20% of the total bill is left as a tip, and most restaurants provide a suggested tip amount for convenience.

How can you ask for a takeaway box in a U.S. restaurant?

To ask for a takeaway box, you can say, 'Can I have a to-go box, please?' or 'Could you box this up for me?' This is a common practice if you don’t finish your meal.

What phrases can you use to customize your food order in a U.S. restaurant?

To customize your order, you can say, 'Can I have that without…' or 'Could I add…' For example, 'I'd like the cheeseburger without onions, please.'

What is the purpose of the mini-story practice in the podcast?

The mini-story practice is designed to improve fluency by asking simple questions and encouraging listeners to answer them. This method mimics real-life conversations and helps reinforce language skills.

Chapters
This segment explains the structure of a typical American restaurant menu, breaking down the categories of appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts, and also mentioning the "specials" section.
  • Appetizers are small dishes served before the main course.
  • Entrees are the main dishes.
  • Sides are smaller portions, like fries or salad.
  • Desserts are sweet treats served at the end.
  • Menus often include a section for specials, dishes recommended by the chef.

Shownotes Transcript

Today, I'll talk about how to order food in a restaurant in the United States! We'll review helpful phrases, cultural tips about tipping, and how to ask for a takeaway box. Plus, we'll practice fluency with a mini-story. Understanding the Menu When you go to a restaurant in the U.S., you'll usually get a menu that's divided into sections: Appetizers – small dishes served before the main course. Entrées – are your main dishes. Sides – small portions of your meal, like fries or salad. Desserts – sweet treats to end your meal! Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/320-how-to-order-food-in-a-restaurant-in-the-usa/