Episode 2: Ordering Lunch with Simon: Everyday Food & Break Time — 5,000 Core English Words

📖 This lesson is part of the comprehensive series 5,000 Common English Words Through 46 Real-Life Conversations by Echo Stories English.

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Chapter two. Ordering lunch.

It is almost noon at a small software company. Ryan is at his desk, writing a detailed report about a new project. His colleague Simon has just come out of a long meeting, and both of them are getting hungry.

Listen to how two coworkers talk about work, choose a place to eat, order their food, and pay the bill.

Simon: Hey Ryan, how are you doing?

Ryan: Hey Simon. I'm okay. I'm trying to finish this document before the boss asks for it.

Simon: Which one? The report for the conference?

Ryan: No, another one. It's about the new regulations in our industry. The title is longer than the report.

Simon: That sounds interesting.

Ryan: It isn't. I was here until midnight, and then the printer had a paper jam. How was your meeting?

Simon: Long. We had to discuss the contract with our new partner, and then review every single task. The boss didn't shout, but he didn't smile either.

Ryan: Did he say anything about the job interviews?

Simon: Yes. Twelve people want to apply, and he will consider all of them. He wants someone with experience, not a beginner.

Ryan: That's reasonable. Hey, is it possible to continue this over lunch? I can't focus when I'm this hungry.

Simon: Good suggestion. My break begins in ten minutes. Do you know anywhere good around here?

Ryan: There's a great Chinese place right around the corner. It's centrally located, it's fast, and the owner is really friendly.

Simon: I love Chinese food. Let me get my jacket. The coldness in this office is killing me.

Ten minutes later, they walk through the entrance of the Golden Dragon. There is a short line, but it moves quickly.

Waiter: Hi there, welcome. How many?

Ryan: Two, please.

Waiter: For here or to go?

Ryan: For here.

Waiter: Right this way. Is this table okay, or would you like the one by the window?

Simon: This is fine, thanks. This chair is more comfortable than the one at my desk.

Waiter: Here are your menus. Can I get you something to drink while you decide?

Simon: Just water for me, please.

Ryan: Can I have a cup of black tea? No milk.

Waiter: Sure. I'll be right back.

Simon: Wow, there's such a wide variety. What's good here?

Ryan: Everything. The spring rolls are my favorite, and the orange chicken is very popular.

Simon: I'm more of a dumpling person. What's in the vegetable ones?

Ryan: Cabbage, I think, and a little pepper.

Waiter: Here are your drinks. Are you ready to order?

Ryan: Yes, I think so. We'd like to start with an order of spring rolls and an order of dumplings to share.

Waiter: Steamed or fried?

Simon: Steamed, please. And what comes with the beef dish?

Waiter: It comes with rice and a small salad. The sauce is made with tomato and black pepper. It's a little spicy.

Simon: Perfect. I'll have that.

Ryan: And I'll have the orange chicken. Could you add some extra vegetables?

Waiter: No problem. Anything else?

Ryan: That's all for now, thank you.

Simon: So, can I ask you about something that isn't work?

Ryan: Please. I hear about work all day.

Simon: Where do you see yourself in the future? Do you want to build a career here?

Ryan: I think so. I'd like to manage a team one day and develop my own products. The company is growing, I earn enough, and the benefits are good. I can't complain. What about you?

Simon: Secondly to my wife, this job is the best thing in my life. But I'd like to reduce my hours a little. I never see my kids.

Ryan: That's fair. You should communicate that to the boss.

Simon: I will. Oh, here comes the food.

Waiter: Careful, this plate is hot. Who had the dumplings?

Simon: Those are for both of us. Could I get a fork, please? I'm not very good with chopsticks.

Waiter: Of course. And here's a pair of chopsticks for you, sir. Enjoy your meal.

Ryan: Thank you. This dish looks amazing.

Simon: It's so good. By the way, I have a friend who has just moved to the city. Her name is Emma. I think the two of you should meet.

Ryan: Simon, are you trying to set me up?

Simon: Maybe. She's a teacher, she's funny, and she doesn't know anyone here yet. Just think about it.

Waiter: How was everything?

Ryan: Delicious, thank you.

Waiter: Did you save room for something sweet? We have fresh fruit and a green tea cake today.

Simon: Not for me, thanks. I have to become a useful person again at one o'clock.

Ryan: Just the check, please.

Waiter: Sure. Is this together or separate?

Ryan: Together. It's on me today.

Simon: Are you sure? Then I'll get the next one.

Waiter: You can pay at the front whenever you're ready. Have a great day.

Ryan: You too. Simon, write down this place. We're coming back.

That is the end of chapter two. Ryan and Simon talked about their careers, ordered lunch, and split nothing, because today Ryan paid.

Remember the small, useful questions: "For here or to go?" "Are you ready to order?" "Is this together or separate?"

In the next chapter, Ryan makes a phone call. His grandmother is turning eighty, and he needs a big table at a pizza restaurant.

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