TRAINING PROGRAM

RESTAURANT PERSONNEL ENGLISH

FOOD & BEVERAGE DIALOGUES:
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

I
II
III
IV
V

Polite Phrase
Useful English Conversation
Table Reservation
Politely dealing with complaints
Paying the bill

POLITE PHRASES

When your guests arrive, you should greet them according to the time of
day:
Good morning sir
Good afternoon madam
Good evening
If know your guest well:
Good morning, sir, how are you today?
Good evening madam, its nice to see you here again.
If your guest ask you: How are you? you should reply:
Very well thank you.
When they leave:
Good-bye, sir.
Good-bye madam, and we look forward to seeing you again.
If you know the guest well:
Bye bye, sir.
Please thank you:
Good-bye, sir, and thank you for your coming.
We enjoyed the meal very much Thank you, madam, I hope
youll come again.
Restaurant English:
You should use Please if you want something:
Thats ($28.95) altogether, please.
If you wish to give something that has not been asked for, dont say please,
but mention what it is:
Heres your bill, sir.
Hers your pineapple juice, madam.
The soup sir. Enjoy.
If you are giving something that has been asked for:
Could I have some salt, please? Certainly, sir, here you are.
Id like to see the menu Here you are, madam.
Use please when you wish to the tell people politely what to do:

Would you come this way, please?

Please pay at the cash desk over there.
Please help yourself at the buffet table, madam.
Affirmatives
In English, just to say Yes often doesnt sound very polite.
Here are some suitable phrases are:
Well be having dinner at 7:30 tonight Very good sir,
Ill make note of that.
Can we dress informally? Certainly madam, that will be quite
all right.
Do you take travelers cheques? Yes, of course, sir.
To a customer you know well:
We d like our usual table please Right you are, sir.
Negatives
And just saying No is often impolite, Phrases are:
Could we have table a table for seven? Im afraid were fully
booked just now, sir.
Im sorry, but we are closed on Mondays.
Is there a floor show tonight? No as a matter of fact, theres no
Entertainment on Tuesday evenings, madam.
Do you have oysters on the menu? Well actually, we dont
have oysters tonight, sir, but the crayfish are very good.
Apologies
Polite negatives are often needed when apologizing:
Excuse me sir, but Im afraid we ill have to move you to another
table. This ones already reserved.
Im sorry madam, but Im sure youll understand.
If you didnt understand what a guest said, you can say:
Im sorry sir, but I didnt quite catch what you said.
Sometimes guests may apologize to you. You should answer:
Im sorry, were a bit late for dinner Im afraid. oh, thats
perfectly all right sir.
I hope were not causing you a lot of bother. No, not at all,
Madam.
Restaurant English

Being helpful:
Good morning, Can I help you?
Ill call you back as soon as I can (on the phone)
Yes sir, Ill make a note of that
One moment, madam, Ill just check.
Well attend to it right away, madam.
Recommending:
Sometimes guests cant make up their minds. A gentle suggestion may help:
I suggest you try the mushroom soup, madam.
I can thoroughly recommend the Rib Eye Steak, sir.
Or mention alternatives:
You can either have the set lunch or a la carte, madam.
Asking for information
And finally, dont be afraid to ask your guests questions if they seem
hesitant. In English, silence is not polite:
What would you like to drink, madam?
And how about a sweet?
What name was it please?
Which would you prefer, sir, the dessert of the cheese board?
Is everything to your satisfaction, sir?
Useful phrase 1
What would you like to start with?
Would you line marmalade, honey or jam?
How would you like your eggs?
Poached. Scrambled, fried or boiled? Hard or soft boiled?
There is a fixed price for the English and Continental breakfasts,
all inclusive.
The continental breakfast consists of juice, toast and marmalade
and coffee or tea.
At what time would you like your breakfast?
Would you prefer tea or coffee?
Would you like to have the Continental or the English breakfast?

Useful phrases - 2
To pay:

in cash
In foreign currency
By credit card

Credit cards are accepted.

Do you want it all on the same bill or do you want to pay separately?
There is a 10% tax and 5% service charge.
What seems to be the trouble?
I think youll find that is correct.
Useful Phrases 3
Have you made a reservation sir?
Would you like to come this way, please?
Would you like a drink before your meal?
Are you ready to order?
What would you like to start with?
Restaurant English
Being helpful:
Good morning, Can I help you?
Ill call you back as soon as I can (on the phone)
Yes sir, Ill make a note of that.
One moment, madam, Ill just check.
Well attend to it right away, madam.
Recommending:
Sometimes guest cant make up their minds. A gentle suggestion may help:
Suggest you try the French onion soup, madam.
I can thoroughly recommend the New York Steak, sir.
Or mention alternatives:
You can either have the set lunch or a la carte, madam.
Asking for information
And finally, dont be afraid to ask your guests question if they seem hesitant.
In Enlish, silence is not polite;
What would you like to drink, madam?
And how about the sweet?
What name was it please?
Which would you prefer, sir, the desert of cheese board?
Is everything to your satisfaction, sir?
Useful phrase 3
And to follow?
How would you like your steak done?

Would you like to see the wine list?

Im afraid we have none left?
Useful phrase 4
What would you like to drink with your meal?
That comes to $ 5.50 in all.
That will be $5.50 all together
Draught or bottle?
Ice and lemon?
On the rocks.
The cigarettes are at the bar.
Would you like to order wine with your meal?
We serve wine by the bottle and by glass.
The house wine is served in bottles or the glass.
Medium, sweet or dry?
Useful phrase 5 (Exercise)
What type of function is it to be?
How many people are to be catered for?
What type of service would you require?
What sort of table plan do you have in mind?
Do you have any special requirements?
When is the function to be held?
Ill send you some sample menus.
We shall confirm the booking by letter.
You will be hearing from us shortly.
The cost of the drinks will be charged separately.
That can easily be arranged.
Will there may be any special dietary requirements?
Useful phrase 6 (Exercise)
When would that be for?
How many would that be for?
What time would you like to arrive?
What name is it please?
Very good (madam). We look forward to seeing you.
Im sorry I didnt quite catch that. Could you spell your name please?
Im afraid we only serve (lunch) until (2.30).
Im afraid were fully booked at that time.
Useful phrase 7
Is something wrong, madam?
Excuse me, but could you tell me what the trouble is, sir?
Im afraid we dont have any just now.
Im afraid that is not possible, madam.

Thats rather difficult Im afraid, sir

Were rather full this evening Im afraid.
Im sorry madam, but
Im extremely sorry to hear that.
Im sorry sir, but we are obliged to observe the regulations.
Im so sorry madam, there must be some mistake.
I do hope you will accept our apologies.
Im sure you understand.
We attend to it right away.
We will certainly see what we can do about it, sir.
Ill see that its changed right away, madam.
Ill have seen to immediately.
Useful phrase
We offer special menus for different diets.
We guarantee the meat is imported beef.
We have selection of vegetarians dishes.
SNACKS
A: Im not very hungry. Id like a snack.
B: Would you like the Calamari, sir?
A: No.
B: How about Vietnamese spring rolls, Sir?
A: The spring rolls, thats a good idea. Ill have that.
B: And what would you like to drink, sir?
A: What have you got?
B: We have liqueurs, wines, cocktails and beer. Would you like to try a
Dramburi, sir?
A: Whats that like?
B: I dont know, sir. I never tried it myself.
A: All right. Give me a small one.
B: Very good, sir.
********************
ICE CREAM
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:

Good afternoon, madam.

Good afternoon.
What would you like to have, madam?
Ill have ice-cream.
What flavors would you like, madam?
What flavors have you got?
We have vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, pineapple, coffee, or raspberry.
We also have sundae, banana split, rainbow parfait, ice cream float and
malted milk
B: Do you have Parfait Glace Au Mocha, dont you?
A: Im afraid we dont madam.

B: Well, then TI think Ill have rainbow parfait.

A: Very good madam. Would you like anything else?
B: No, thank you.
THE BARMAN IN ACTION
It will also be useful to know something about taking orders for drinks at the
bar. Here are some orders:
Spencer
A pint of Stout, please, barman.
Barman Im sorry, sir, but we only have only TIGER Draught
Spencer
Is it strong?
Barman Well, the export beers are stronger, but they are in bottles or caned,
Im afraid not draught.
Spencer
Ill have a bottle of SAIGON beer, please.
Barman Certainly, sir, here you are.
**********************************
James
A double scotch please.
Barman
On the rocks, sir?
James
No thanks. Just a little water on the side, please.
Barman
Anything else, sir?
James
Yes a dry Martini with ice and lemon twist and something nonalcoholic for me please.
Barman
A tonic. Fruited or a coke perhaps?
James
Tomato juice please. Do you have any bits to nibble?
Barman
Certainly sir, Ill bring you over some peanuts.
Wilson
Two TIGER draught please.
Barman
Glass or haft litter?
Wilson
Oh, glass.
Barman
Anything else, sir?
Wilson
Yes, A vodka tonic please and do you sell cigarettes?
Barman
Yes, sir.
Wilson
Ok. Give me a pack of 555, please.
DRINKS AND DESSERTS
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A

Id like a pot of tea, please.

Indian or Chinese, sir?
Indian, please, And Ill have a cake.
What kind of cake would you like, sir.
We have chocolates or fruit cakes, pan cakes, pies and French pastries.
Ill have a fruited cake, please.
Very good, sir. A pot of Indian tea and fruited cake.
Thank you.
Excuse me, Miss. This tea is very strong.
Ill bring you some hot water.
Good. And bring me some more sugar, please.

B Yes sir, Right away.

* * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * ** * * * * *
A Good afternoon , sir.
B Good afternoon. Are you still serving lunch?
A Yes, we are. Heres the menu, sir.
Would you like a drink before lunch?
B Yes, please. Id like a Bourbon with coke.
A May I take your order, please.
B Of course. Ill have the sirloin steak.
A Yes, sir. How do you like it done, sir?
B Medium rare, please.
A Any vegetables, sir?
B Ill have some spinach
A What will you have for dessert, sir?
B Bring me a crme caramel, please
A Very good, sir. And would you like coffee afterwards?
B Yes, please
SEA FOOD
A: I think Ill have some seafood today.
What kind have you got?
B: The shell fish is very good to start with, madam. Or if you like the baby
Clams or the mussels are also very good.
A That sounds very interesting. What type of fish is it?
B: You can have, catfish, see bass, or eel, madam.
A: Dont you have salmon?
B: Oh yes, we have salmon and tuna, madam.
A: O.K. Ill have the salmon pan fried, please.
B: Very good madam.
LOCAL FOOD
A:
B:
A:
C:
A:

Good evening, gentlemen

Good evening, Miss. Wed like to try some local food.
Very good, madam. Heres the menu
Can you explain it to us, please.
Ill try, sir. This is steamed chicken on rock salt.
Or if you like sea food we have Tom Bao Thit Sot Thom
It is deep fried shrimp and minced pork with pineapple sauce.
B: Dont you have beef?
A: Yes we do, madam. May I recommend you to try our stir fried beef with kai
lan. We
wont make it too spicy for you.
C: Is that a promise?
A: Yes, sir.
B: So well have some fish soup, fried crispy rice noodles and he beef. And
for desserts wed like local fruit. What fruit is in season now?

A: We have dragon fruit and longan, madam.

C: Wll try both of them.
A: Very good, sir.
QUICK MEALS AT ALL TIMES
THE SNACKS
This is a conversation between two customers and the waiter at the Rooftop
garden:
Waiter
Man
Waiter
Man
Waiter
Man
Waiter
Man
Waiter
2nd man
Waiter
2nd man
Waiter
2nd man

Can I take your orders please?

Yes. A ham & cheese sandwich for me please, with chips
Anything else sir?
An American apple pie with vanilla ice cream, I think.
What would you like to drink with you meal?
Can I have a beer?
Sure bottle or draught?
A glass of draught
And for you sir?
Ill have the cheeseburger with a green salad please.
And to follow?
Ill decide later.
And to drink?
A pineapple juice with ice please.

TABBLE RESERVATION
A: Hello, can you put me through to your catering department?
B: Catering. Can I help you?
A: Yes. Id like to reserve a table for tomorrow night?
B: Yes, sir. For how many, sir?
A: For six persons, please.
B: For what time, sir?
A: 8 p.m, please. Id like a table with view somewhere.
B: Very good, sir. And your name please.
A: Richardson.
B: Do you want anything special prepared in advance or will you order when
you arrive.
A: I think well just choose when we arrive.
B: Very good, sir. Your reservation is confirmed. Thank you.
DO YOU HAVE A TABLE?
Making reservation over the telephone
Here are two telephone conversation:
Manager:
Woman:

Rooftop ardent restaurant, good morning.

Can I speak to the Manager please?

Manager:
Woman:
Manager:
Woman:
Manager:
Woman:
Manager:
please?
Woman:
Manager:
Woman:
Manager:

Speaking.
Id like to book a table for tomorrow lunchtime
Yes madam, for how many will that be?
For seven.
And what time will you be arriving?
Oh, about twelve thirty I should think.
Table for seven at 12:30 on Wednesday. And what name was it
Leavens, Mary Leavens.
Very good madam. We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you, Good bye.
Good-bye.

Man:
Is that the Paradise Restaurant?
Waiter:
Yes sir. Can I help you?
Man:
Could I speak to the Head Waiter please?
Waiter:
Im afraid he is not here just now. Could I take a
message?
Man:
Yes, I ordered a table for 12 for dinner today, but Im afraid Ill
have to cancel it.
Waiter:
What name was it please?
Man:
Bartleby, B-A-R-T-L-E-B-y
Waiter:
Very good Mr. Bartleby, Ill make sure the Head Waiter
gets the message.
Man:
Thank you. Good-bye.
Waiter:
Good-bye.
RESTAURANT ENLISH
Its 11 am on February 29th, only one hour till lunchtime. The Head waiters
telephone starts ringing.
Head waiter: Roof garden. Good morning headwaiter speaking.
Woman:
Id like to reserve a table for five.
Head waiter: And was that for today, madam.
Woman:
Of course.
Head waiter: At what time, madam?
Woman:
Oh, what about three oclock I suppose.
Head waiter: Im afraid we only serve lunch until 3 pm madam.
Woman:
Oh well, 2 oclock then, and it must be a view.
Head waiter: Very good, and what name please?
Woman:
Bellington, Mrs Martha Bellington.
Head waiter: Very good Mrs. Bellington. A table for five at 2 pm today.
Head waiter: Rooftop ardent restaurant. Good morning.
Man:
Do you have the table for two this evening?
Head waiter: Certainly, sir, at what time was it?
Man:
What time the band start playing?

Head waiter: At 8 pm, sir.

Man:
Right. Make it 7:30 pm then, and near the band if possible.
Head waiter: Very good sir. And what name please?
Man:
Kryzkoviak
Head waiter: Could you just repeat that please?
Man:
Kryzkoviak, thats polish you know.
K-R-Y-Z-K-O-V-I-A-K
Head waiter: Yes. Thank you Mr. Krykoviak. We look forward to seeing you.
SERVING BREAKFAST
A: Good morning, sir?
B: Good morning. Can I see your breakfast menu?
A: Certainly. Here you are, sir.
We have continental, American or a la carte breakfast, sir.
B: Ill have the continental breakfast.
A: Rolls or toast, sir?
B: Rolls, please.
A: Coffee or tea?
B: Coffee, please.
A: What kind of jam would you like, sir?
B: What have you got?
A: Strawberry, jam. Marmalade or honey, sir.
B: Honey, please. And what fresh fruit juices have you got?
A: Orange or pineapple, sir.
B: I dont want any caned stuff.
A: No, sir, its absolutely fresh.
B: Good, bring me orange juice then.
A: Very good, sir.
TAKING ORDER
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
C:

Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

Good evening. Have you got the table for four?
Yes, sir. How about that one over there?
Thatll be fine. We may have one more person joining us later.
Yes, sir. Would you like a drink before your dinner?
Certainly. I think we all have a bottle of rose.
Can we order now? Im starving.
A: Of course. What will you have to start with madam:
D: I prefer some soup. Bring me a tomato soups, please
C: And two mushroom soups, please.
B: Im tired to eating steaks. What other meat have you got?
A: We have lamb or pork, sir. Of if you like, the roast duck is very good
tonight, sir.
C: Is that the specialty of the house?
A: Not really, but its todays special, madam.
D: All right, three roast ducks.
A: Very good, madam.

Mr. and Mrs. Blackmore have just arrived at the rooftop garden.
Waiter
: Good afternoon.
Mr. Black more
: Good afternoon. I have table book for two under the name of Blakemore.
Waiter
: Yes sir. Would you like to come this way?
Mrs. Black more : Thank you.
Waiter
: Can take your coat madam?
Mrs. Blackmore
: Thank you.
Waiter
: Will this table do for you?
Mr. Black more
: That will be fine thanks.
Waiter
: Would you like a drink before your meal?
Mrs. Blackmore
: Yes. A dry sherry please.
Mr. Black more
: A dry vodka martini for me.
Waiter:
Mr. Blackmore
Waiter
Mrs Black more
Waiter
Mrs. Blackmore
Waiter
Mr.Blackmore
Waiter
Mrs Blackmore
Waiter
Mr. Blackmore
Waiter
Mr. Blackmore
Waiter
Mr. Blackmore
Waiter
Mr. Blackmore
Waiter
Mr. Blackmore
Waiter

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Are you ready to order?

Yes, I think so.
What would you like for starters madam?
I can't decide. What do you recommend?
Well, the prawns are always popular. That pate is very good...
The prawns then please, for me.
And for you, sir?
I think I'll try the soup.
Very good sir. And to follow?
Rack of lamb, I think.
And for you sir?
I'll have the steak.
How would you like your steak done, sir?
Medium rate please.
Thank you. Would you like to see the wine list?
Do you have the house wine?
Yes, sir. Red or white?
Do you have half bottles or half carafes.
Only bottles, Sir.
A bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon then please.
Yes, sir.

AT THE BAR
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:

Good morning, sir. There are no more table left. Would you like to sit at the bar?
All right.
This way, sir. What would you like?
I'll have a Scotch, please.
How would you like your Scotch, sir?
On the rocks. And with lot of ice. Can I have some peanuts, please?
Certainly, sir.
What other cocktails have you got?
You can have a Manhattan, a Pink Lady or A Whisky Sour,
Have you got a martini
Yes, sir, with gin or vodka?
With gin, please. Can I have three olives?

AT LUNCH TIME
B & C are going to have lunch at the restaurant.
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
C
A
C
A
B
A
C
A
B
A
C
A
B
A

Good afternoon.
Good Afternoon. Have you got a table for two?
Yes, sir. How do you like that the table in the center?
I prefer that table.
Im sorry that table is reserved.
All right, well take that table near the reeling.
Heres the menu, madam.
Whats today special?
We have lamb stew, madam. Or would you like to try our Vietnamese food?
Oh yes. Whats that soup everyone keeps telling me about?
Tom something
Canh Chua Tom. Thats Tamarind Shrimp Soup, madam.
We use lemon grass and basil leaf to give it the flavors.
Yes, Canh Chua Tom, for two. And what else dear?
May I recommend you to try the pork in ceramic bowl?
O.k. That sounds interesting. And can we order our the dessert now?
Certainly, madam. What would you like?
We must try some of your exotic fruits.
Oh yes. The mangoes are in season and very ripe now, sir.
Id like to peal them myself.
Very good, madam. So Canh Chua soup, and pork in ceramic bowl, and mangoes for two.
And a pot of green tea, please.
And other drinks? Perhaps an Aperitif.

DINNING A LA CARTE
Jahn and Clare are having a celebration dinner at the Hoa Mai Restaurant.
John
Head waiter
John
Head waiter
John
Waiter
John
Clare
John
Waiter
John
Waiter
Clare
Waiter
Clare

I thought that was a very interesting aperitif we had at the bar

Just now. I must ask them how its made.
Do you have a reservation, sir?
Yes, we book some time ago. The names Grant, John Grant.
Ah, yes, Mr Grant. Would you like to come this way?
Your table is over here by the window.
Thank you.
Would you like to order now, sir?
yes we would. Clare, have you make up your mind?
Yes, Ill begin with some pan fried salmon.
The Tuna foe me please.
Im sorry sir, but we have no more tuna left.
Its been a very popular dish this evening.
Oh dear. Well, Ill have the salmon too then.
And for your main course?
What dose the barnaise sauce consist of?
Its made principally from parsley, tarragon and vinegar, beaten with egg yolk.
Theres no garlic in it.

Waiter
Clare
Waiter
John
Waiter
John
Waiter
John
Waiter
John
Waiter

No madam.
Ill have the fillet of beef then, with cauliflower.
Very good madam. And for you sir?
The escalope of veal a la Oscar. That sounds interesting. What
vegetables do you recommend to go with it?
How about boiled potatoes and asparagus?
That will do fine.
Would you like to choose a wine sir?
Why not, were celebrating.
Have you chosen your wine, sir?
Yes, Well have a bottle of white Bordeaux to start with,
please and then a bottle of a Cote Du Rhone.
Certainly sir.

Mr. Redford has just dropped in for a quick lunch.

Waitress
Mr. Redford
Waitress
Mr. Redford
Waitress
Mr. Redford
Waitress
Mr. Redford
Waitress
Mr. Reford
Waitress
Mr. Redford
Waitress

A table for one, sir?

Yes please.
Are you having the set lunch
Yes.
What would you like to start with?
Whats the soup of the day?
Mushroom.
Yes please, Ill have that.
And for your main course?
The chicken sandwich, I think, and apple pie to follow.
Would you like something to drink with your meal?
Yes, A large Glass of draught please.
Thank you.

CAN I SEE THE MANAGER?

POLITELY DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS
Remember the purpose of a restaurants is to encourage customer to enter, enjoy their meal and
spend their money. However, some difficulties may arise and you have to deal with them
tactfully. Here are some examples:
Man
Do you have a table for four?
Head waiter
Im afraid that the whole restaurant is reserved tonight.
perhaps you would like to try the Royal Court
Restaurant just on the main floor?
* * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2 woman
Head waiter
Woman
Head waiter

Wed booked a table for eight. The name is Darlington.

Yes madam. One moment please. Im afraid theres no table reservation
marked in that name, madam.
But I phoned myself only afternoon and I was promised a window table.
I see. There must be some mistake, madam, Ah, we could
give you a pleasant table at the rooftop garden.

Woman
Head waiter

Well, I supposed well have to manage with that, but I must

tell you Im disappointed with your service.
Im very sorry indeed that this should have happened.

**************************
3 man
Waitress

Waitress! This meat is like old leather! Its enough to break every tooth in my
mouth
Perhaps youd like to change your order, sir. The sirloin
is very tender.

******* *******************
4 woman
Waiter

This coffee is practically cold.

Im sorry madam. Ill bring you a fresh pot straight away.

**************************
5 man
Ill take the Beef Stroganoff
Waitress
Im very sorry sir, The Beef Stroganoff is not being served any longer.
Perhaps youd like to try our specialty the Entrecote Bordelaise. I can thoroughly recommend sir.
**************************
6 man
Look here, thats chicken. I ordered fish, the Salmon
Waitress
Of course you did sir. Im so sorry. Ill bring you your
Salmon immediately sir.
**************************
7 woman
Waiter
Man
Woman
Waiter
Manager
Woman

John, look what that waiters gone and done! Spilled soup
all over my new dress.
Im terribly sorry madam. Perhaps if I could sponge it with a little warm
water.
Leave it alone man. Youll only make it worse.
I want to speak to the manager!
Very good madam.
I do apologize for this unfortunate accident, madam
If you would like to have the dress clean and send the bill to us, we will be
happy to take care of it.
Oh, no, it doesnt matter. Forget it. Its probably wont
stain very much.

**************************
8 man
Waiter

Waiter, this just wont do. This wines got a most peculiar flavor.
Yes sir. Ill take it back. Perhaps you would like to choose another wine
instead, sir?

**************************
9 man

Three gin and tonics please.

Waitress

Im sorry sir, but were not allowed to served drinks before 12 oclock
midday. Would you like me to bring you something else? Some coffee?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * *
10 man
Waiter

Waiter, this table cloth is a disgrace, Its covered with soup stains.
Oh, Im sorry Sir, it should have been change before.
If youll just wait one moment please.

**************************
11 woman
Waiter

Look at these glasses, this ones even got lipstick on it.

Im very sorry, madam. Ill bring you clean ones right away.

* * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
12 man
Head waiter
Man
Head waiter

13 man
Waiter

Head waiter, I want to have a word with you.

Yes sir. Is there something wrong sir?
Something wrong? I should think there is something.
wrong. My wife and I have kept here waiting nearly
an hour for our meal!
Im terrible sorry about that sir. Our staff has been kept
unusually busy this evening. Ill see to it personally
myself. Now, if you wouldnt mind just telling me what you ordered?
Waiter, I cant quite understand how you manage to get
10 dollars plus 12 dollars plus 65 dollars and 50 pennies to add
up to 177 dollars 50 pennies.
One moment, Ill just check it sir. Youre quite right, sir.
I cant understand how such a mistake could have been made. Id like to
apologize sir.

PAYING THE BILL

Mr. Hanson
Waitress
Mr. Hanson
Waitress
Mr. Hanson
Waitress
Mr. Hanson
Waitress
Mr. Hanson
Waitress

Could I have my bill please?

Yes, sir. One moment please.
(she brings the bill and customer looks at it carefully)
Could you kindly explain this to me? What is item 6?
Perhaps I could go through if for you. The first item is the cover change.
Number 2 is the beer. Then your start, your main course and the vegetables.
The main course was 4.50 not 3.50 s item 6 is the difference.
Oh, I see. But how was I expected to know that?
Yes, sir. They are a bit hard to follow sometimes. Number 8 is your dessert
and number 9 is the cigarettes. Oh, and number 7 is your second beer.
And what about the service. Is that included?
Yes. Thats marked down here. 10 percent tax and 5 percent service.
Good. Thank you. Now can you take my credit card?
Yes, we do accept credit cards.

Here is another conversation:

Customer
Waiter
Customer
Waiter
Customer

Can you bring me the bill please?

Certainly sir, (he brings the bill).
I think there has been a mistake.
Im sorry sir. What seems to be a trouble?
I think you have charged me twice for the same things.
Look, the figure of 5.50 appears here and then again here.
Waiter
Ill just go and check it for you sir. (he returns a few minutes later)
Yes, Sir. You are quite right. The cashier make a mistake. I think you will
find it corrected now.
Customer
Thank you.
Waiter
We do apologize about this sir.
Customer
Thats all right. No harm done. Now, I can pay by Euro?
Waiter
Certainly sir. Well give you the charge in local currency if thats all right.
Customer
You neednt worry about that. There wont be much change out of 25
Euros.
Waiter
Thank you sir. Thats most kind of you.
THE BILL
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
apologies.
A:
B:

Can I have the bill, please?

Right away, sir. Please, sir?
How much is that altogether?
Three million and six hundred thousand Dong, sir.
I think theres an error in the bill. Is the service included.
Yes, it is, sir.
Whats this here?
Thats the brandy, sir.
But I didnt have any brandy.
Really, sir? Let me check it again.
I was sure there was something wrong with that bill.
Im so sorry, sir. The cashier got the tables mixed up. Please accept our
Right. Lucky I checked. Keep the change.
Thank you very much, sir.