Dinner at La Riviera

Conversation

Dialog

Waiter: Good evening! Welcome to La Riviera. Do you have a reservation?
Mark: No, I’m here on a business trip—just looking for a quick dinner.
Waiter: No problem. Table for one?
Mark: Yes, please. Somewhere quiet, if possible.
Waiter: Of course. Right this way.
(They walk to the table)
Waiter: Here’s the menu. Can I start you off with something to drink? Maybe sparkling wine?
Mark: Just still sparkling water for now, thank you.
Waiter: Any food allergies or preferences I should know about?
Mark: No allergies. I’d like something light. Maybe fish?
Waiter: The grilled salmon is very popular—served with steamed vegetables.
Mark: That sounds perfect. I’ll have that.
Waiter: Great choice. I’ll be right back with your sparkling water.
Mark: Thanks. I have a meeting in an hour, so something quick would be great.
Waiter: Understood. I’ll make sure the kitchen takes care of it right away.

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Vocabulary

1. I’ll be right back with
   ➤ Meaning: I will return shortly bringing something.
   ➤ Example: “I’ll be right back with your drink.”

2. I’ll have that
   ➤ Meaning: I choose that item (often from a menu).
   ➤ Example: “The pasta sounds good. I’ll have that.”

3. That sounds perfect
   ➤ Meaning: That option is ideal or just what I wanted.
   ➤ Example: “Grilled salmon with vegetables? That sounds perfect.”

4. Food allergies
   ➤ Meaning: Reactions caused by eating certain foods (like peanuts or shellfish).
   ➤ Example: “Do you have any food allergies we should be aware of?”

5. Right this way
   ➤ Meaning: Follow me in this direction (often used by hosts/waiters).
   ➤ Example: “Your table is ready. Right this way, please.”

6. Somewhere quiet
   ➤ Meaning: A place with little noise.
   ➤ Example: “Could I sit somewhere quiet? I have a meeting later.”

7. Reservation
   ➤ Meaning: An arrangement to have a table saved at a restaurant.
   ➤ Example: “Do you have a reservation for tonight?”

8. Start off with
   ➤ Meaning: Begin with something (commonly used for food/drinks).
   ➤ Example: “Can I start you off with some drinks?”

9. Sparkling water
   ➤ Meaning: Water with bubbles (carbonated).
   ➤ Example: “Would you like still or sparkling water?”

10. Something light
    ➤ Meaning: A meal that is not heavy or filling.
    ➤ Example: “I’m not very hungry. Just something light.”

11. Takes care of it
    ➤ Meaning: Handles it or solves it.
    ➤ Example: “Don’t worry, the kitchen takes care of it quickly.”

12. Sparkling wine
    ➤ Meaning: Wine with bubbles, like champagne.
    ➤ Example: “Would you like some sparkling wine to start?”

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Exercises

Vocabulary

Quiz vocabulary

1. What does “I’ll have that” mean?
A) I’ll return soon
B) I don’t want that
C) I choose that item
D) I cooked that myself

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2. What is “sparkling water”?
A) Water with sugar
B) Water with bubbles
C) Frozen water
D) Water with lemon only

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3. If a waiter says “Right this way,” what should you do?
A) Wait at the door
B) Go to the bathroom
C) Follow them
D) Sit down immediately

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4. What does “That sounds perfect” express?
A) Uncertainty
B) Confusion
C) Enthusiasm or satisfaction
D) Disagreement

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5. What are “food allergies”?
A) Foods that people dislike
B) Reactions to certain foods
C) Foods eaten after midnight
D) Expensive foods

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6. What is a “reservation” at a restaurant?
A) A complaint about service
B) A type of food
C) A saved table for a guest
D) A list of available dishes

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7. What does “Somewhere quiet” mean in a restaurant?
A) Near the music
B) Near the kitchen
C) A peaceful place with little noise
D) Outside in the street

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8. If the waiter says, “Can I start you off with something to drink?”, what are they doing?
A) Ending the meal
B) Taking the main order
C) Offering a beginning drink
D) Asking you to leave

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9. What does “something light” refer to in a meal?
A) A dessert
B) A cold dish
C) A small or easy-to-digest meal
D) A drink

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10. “Takes care of it” means:
A) Ignores the problem
B) Solves or handles something
C) Complains to the chef
D) Waits until later

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11. What is “sparkling wine”?
A) Wine with added sugar
B) Wine with gas/bubbles
C) Wine with fruit
D) Wine served with ice

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12. If a waiter says, “I’ll be right back with your water,” they mean:
A) They are leaving the restaurant
B) You need to wait until tomorrow
C) They will return soon with water
D) You need to go get it

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Fill-in-the blanks

Word Bank
(Use each phrase once)

• I’ll have that

• I’ll be right back with

• That sounds perfect

• Food allergies

• Right this way

• Somewhere quiet

• Reservation

• Start off with

• Sparkling water

• Something light

• Takes care of it

• Sparkling wine

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Complete the sentences with the correct phrase from the box:

1. Waiter: Good evening! Do you have a ______________?

2. Guest: Could I sit ______________? I need to focus before my meeting.

3. Waiter: ______________, sir. Follow me.

4. Guest: I’m not too hungry. Just ______________ would be great.

5. Waiter: Would you like to ______________ a drink?

6. Guest: Just some ______________, please. No alcohol for now.

7. Waiter: Any ______________ I should be aware of?

8. Guest: I’ll go with the grilled salmon. ______________.

9. Guest: That fish dish looks great. ______________.

10. Waiter: Excellent choice! ______________ your drink.

11. Guest: I’m in a bit of a hurry.
    Waiter: Don’t worry—the kitchen ______________ it quickly.

12. Waiter: Would you prefer a glass of ______________ to start the evening?

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Reading Comprehension

Read the conversation “Dinner at La Riviera” and answer the questions:

1. Why is Mark eating alone at the restaurant?
A) He was stood up by a friend
B) He lives nearby
C) He is on a business trip
D) He is celebrating a promotion

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2. What kind of seating does Mark request?
A) Near the window
B) Near the entrance
C) Somewhere bright
D) Somewhere quiet

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3. What drink does the waiter first offer Mark?
A) Orange juice
B) Sparkling wine
C) Coffee
D) Tap water

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4. What dish does Mark order?
A) Pasta with meatballs
B) Chicken salad
C) Grilled salmon with vegetables
D) Steak and fries

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5. What does the waiter promise to do?
A) Bring dessert for free
B) Call a taxi for Mark
C) Make sure the kitchen prepares the food quickly
D) Give him a table near the window