Episode 4: Seating and Appetizers at The Sage Garden — 5,000 Core English Words

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Chapter four. Getting a table, and ordering something to start.

Simon did not give up. He sent Ryan an invitation: dinner on Saturday at The Sage Garden, with his friend Emma. Then, at the last minute, Simon said he could not come. So now Ryan is walking into the restaurant alone, a little nervous, to meet someone he has never seen.

Listen to how he asks for a table, waits at the bar, and orders drinks and appetizers.

Hostess: Good evening, and welcome to The Sage Garden. Do you have a reservation?

Ryan: Yes, I do. It should be under Simon. A table for three, but now it's just two.

Hostess: Let me check. Yes, here it is. Seven o'clock, a party of two now. Would you prefer to sit inside or outside?

Ryan: Inside, please. It was raining heavily a minute ago.

Hostess: Good choice. Your table isn't quite ready. It should be about ten minutes. Would you like to wait at the bar?

Ryan: Sure. Is the other person here yet? Her name is Emma.

Hostess: Not yet. When she arrives, I'll send her over to you.

Ryan: Thanks. Oh, and where is the restroom?

Hostess: Downstairs, through the door on the left. Just follow the sign.

Waiter: Hi there. What can I get you?

Ryan: What do you have that's cold and not too sweet?

Waiter: We have a few local beers, or if you'd like something without alcohol, our lemonade is made fresh, with real lemon and only a little sugar.

Ryan: I'll have the lemonade. With lots of ice, please.

Waiter: You got it. Are you waiting for someone?

Ryan: I am. A friend of a friend. To be honest, I hate this kind of thing. I never know what to say.

Waiter: Relax. This is a wonderful place for it. People come in nervous and go home happy. I've seen it a hundred times.

Ryan: I hope so. This is a nice room. Is that old furniture?

Waiter: It is. This building used to be a pub, a long time ago. The owner kept the big clock and the tables, and his wife did the paintings. She loves art in every form. Here's your lemonade.

Ryan: Thank you. Can I pay for this now, or does it go on the bill?

Waiter: I'll move it to your table. No need to do anything.

Emma: Excuse me. Are you Ryan?

Ryan: Yes. You must be Emma. It's so nice to meet you.

Emma: You too. I'm sorry I'm late. I had a meeting at the theater, and I'm the chairperson this year, so I can't leave early.

Ryan: Don't worry about it. I just got here. Simon told me you teach art.

Emma: I do. And he told me that you have the ability to eat a whole pizza alone.

Ryan: That is surely the only thing he told you.

Emma: He also said you're a big supporter of the worst football team in the country.

Ryan: That's true, and it's a heavy thing to carry. Should we kill him on Monday?

Emma: Let's eat first.

Hostess: Excuse me, your table is ready now. Right this way, please. Watch your step.

Waiter: Welcome. Here are the menus. The writing on the board shows today's specials. Can I get you something to drink?

Emma: Could I have a glass of sparkling water, please? Something colorless and boring. I have to wake up early tomorrow.

Waiter: Of course. And are you ready to order, or do you need a little more time?

Ryan: Could you give us a minute? What do you recommend to start?

Waiter: Everything comes from a farm on the northern coast, so the vegetables are very fresh. The soup of the day is carrot and potato, with a little cream. Our jalapeño poppers are popular too. They're peppers filled with cheese, and we fry them in a hot pan.

Emma: Are they very spicy?

Waiter: A little. I can ask the kitchen to make them mild.

Emma: Yes, please. I'd like those. And is the chicken soup a big bowl? I haven't eaten since breakfast.

Waiter: It's a good size. It comes with rice, and we boil the chicken for hours. It isn't on the menu, by the way. It's a kind of experiment from our cook.

Emma: Then I'll take the experiment.

Ryan: And I'll have the carrot soup. Could we also get an extra spoon? I think we're going to share.

Waiter: Sure. Would you like to order your main course now, or after the appetizers?

Ryan: After, please. We're not in a hurry.

Waiter: Take your time. I'll bring some bread, and I'll be right back with your drinks.

Emma: Anyway, this is nice. I wish I knew more places like this. I needed a break, and a real meal. I moved here in the fall, and my routine is school, theater, bed.

Ryan: Even on weekends?

Emma: Even on weekends. I'm a very active person, but I need practice at being a human being who goes out.

Ryan: Then we'll practice. After dinner, I'll show you the center of town. It's clean, it's quiet, and there is one place that sells bad candy and very good ice cream.

Emma: That's the best plan I've heard all week. Remind me to thank Simon.

Ryan: I thought we were going to kill him.

Emma: We can do both. Is there anything else I should know about you? Do you have a farm? A pig?

Ryan: No pig. Just a small apartment and a big wish for this soup to arrive fast.

That is the end of chapter four. Ryan and Emma met, sat down, and ordered soup, poppers and something to drink.

Keep these with you: "Do you have a reservation?" "A party of two." "Could you give us a minute?" "What do you recommend?"

In the next chapter, the main course arrives. But one of the plates is not what they ordered.

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