英語口語對話(高級) lesson 9 Restaurant Business
Summary:
Vanessa and Lisa discuss about how to be a successful restaurant owner.
In this episode of World Report Vanessa and Lisa are in the middle of a live show in a radio studio. Listen to their conversation and answer the question that follows about the main idea.
Dialogue:
VANESSA: Owning a restaurant these days can be quite a profitable venture, but sometimes it can turn out to be a total disaster. Lisa has some appetizers for us.
LISA: Restaurants are a make or break business. So you can either make it big or lose the lot.
VANESSA: What’s the secret to the restaurant success anyway Lisa? Management, skillful chefs, set up? Or is it the “secret herbs and spices” recipe?
LISA: Obviously the culinary talent of the chef plays a significant role, but management, decoration and set up are also contributing factors to a thriving business.
VANESSA: The thing is people always try to combine food with leisure, so dining out seems quite appealing to all. It’s a rather social event I would say.
LISA: That’s a fact Vanessa and that’s where all restauranteurs are putting all their money, after choosing quality over quantity. A fancy little patisserie, warm and friendly company, over an exquisite bottle of vintage red wine! Can you think of a better night out?
VANESSA: Mmm, sounds scrumptious! Honestly speaking though, the perfect combo would be top notch food in a top notch joint.
LISA: I know the perfect joint Vanessa, just around the corner. Wanna grab some lunch?
VANESSA: I’m all for it Lisa. Let’s go! Sorry folks but we’re ravenous. Bye for now.
LISA: Bye and bon appetite!
Now answer the following question
What are Lisa and Vanessa discussing?
They are talking about the secret to the success of a restaurant
Now listen again to the dialogue in parts. After each part there will be 3 to 4 questions on some details
Part 1
VANESSA: Owning a restaurant these days can be quite a profitable venture, but sometimes it can turn out to be a total disaster. Lisa has some appetizers for us.
LISA: Restaurants are a make or break business. So you can either make it big or lose the lot.
VANESSA: What’s the secret to the restaurant success anyway Lisa? Management, skillful chefs, set up? Or is it the “secret herbs and spices” recipe?
LISA: Obviously the culinary talent of the chef plays a significant role, but management, decoration and set up are also contributing factors to a thriving business.
VANESSA: The thing is people always try to combine food with leisure, so dining out seems quite appealing to all. It’s a rather social event I would say.
Now answer some questions
1. Vanessa says “Owning a restaurant these days can be quite a profitable venture”. What does “a profitable venture” mean?
“A profitable venture” is a business opportunity that makes a lot of money.
2. Lisa says “You can either make it big or lose the lot.” What does “make it big” mean?
“Make it big” means be successful.
3. Lisa says “The culinary talent of the chef play a significant role”. What is “culinary talent”?
“Culinary talent” is your ability to cook well.
Now listen to the second part of the dialogue…
Part 2
LISA: That’s a fact Vanessa and that’s where all restauranteurs are putting all their money, after choosing quality over quantity. A fancy little Patisserie, warm and friendly company, over an exquisite bottle of vintage red wine! Can you think of a better night out?
VANESSA: Mmm, sounds scrumptious! Honestly speaking though, the perfect combo would be top notch food in a top notch joint.
LISA: I know the perfect joint Vanessa, just around the corner. Wanna grab some lunch?
VANESSA: I’m all for it Lisa. Let’s go! Sorry folks but we’re ravenous. Bye for now.
LISA: Bye and bon appetite!
Now answer some questions…
1. Vanessa says “Mmm, sounds scrumptious”. What does “scrumptious” mean?
“Scrumptious” means delicious.
2. Vanessa says “The perfect combo would be top notch food in a top notch joint.” What does “top notch” mean?
“Top notch” means first class or of premium quality.
3. Vanessa says “We’re ravenous”. What does “ravenous” mean?
“Ravenous” means extremely hungry.
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GLOSSARY
Appealing (adj.): Appealing means attractive or interesting. The opposite is unappealing.
Appetizers (N.): Appetizers a small amount of food eaten before a meal.
Combo (N.): A Combo is an informal word for a combination, usually used for food or clothes.
Culinary (adj.): Culinary means connected with cooking or the kitchen. It is a rather formal word.
Exquisite (adj.): If something is exquisite it is very beautiful and delicate.
Make it big: If you make it big you become famous or successful.
Profitable (adj.): if an activity is profitable it is beneficial or brings profit.
Scrumptious (adj.): If something you eat is scrumptious then it tastes great.
Thrive (vb.): Thrive means to grow, develop or be successful
Top-notch (adj.): If something is top-notch then it is of very high quality.
Venture (N.): A Venture is a new activity, usually in business, which involves risk or uncertainty.
