156. Eating out (Listen and Read)

Many people enjoy the experience of going out to eat at a restaurant.

It is enjoyable to eat one's favorite foods, or to try some entirely new food.

Going out to a restaurant is also fun

because it allows a change from the usual routine of eating at home.

There are many different kinds of restaurants.

One popular type of restaurant is the fast-food restaurant.

When ordering fast-food,

you must first wait in line at the front of the restaurant,

and then order food from the counter.

After paying, the food is quickly delivered,

and you can then take the food to a table, where you can enjoy your meal.

In most restaurants, you don't have to go to a counter to order your food.

Instead, you're taken to a table soon after entering the restaurant.

There, a waiter comes to give you a menu.

You can choose your meal from the foods that are listed on the menu.

After ordering, it takes some time to prepare your food.

After a while, the waiter brings your meal to the table.

When you are finished eating, the waiter brings the "bill" or "check".

You then pay for the meal, and leave some extra money as a "tip" for the waiter.

In some restaurants, the waiter does not bring the meal to your table.

Instead, after you are taken to a table,

you then go to a counter called a "buffet".

There you can select different types of foods,

such as salads, soups, meats, breads, vegetables, and desserts.

After putting the food on your plate, you return to your table.

After eating, you can return to the buffet to get more food.

Other restaurants can be very fancy.

They may have beautiful decorations,

and they may have food that is prepared by expert chefs.

These restaurants may also serve fine wines with the food.

Of course, these restaurants are very expensive.

At these restaurants, it is often necessary to reserve a table by telephoning the restaurant in advance.

Different restaurants specialize in different kinds of food.

Fast-food restaurants may specialize in hamburgers or chicken.

Some restaurants specialize in steak or seafood.

Other restaurants specialize in foods that belong to a certain nationality.

For example, many restaurants specialize in Italian,

Mexican, Chinese, Indian, or Thai food.

Eating out at a restaurant can be a fun and tasty experience.

What is your favorite kind of restaurant?