Restaurant Guide
Listen and Read: Listen to the recording, answer the questions, and then read along with the audio recording.
While I was on a vacation last week, I decided to visit some restaurants to try some of the local cuisine; however, I didn’t have a clue about the types of restaurants available, so I checked an online restaurant guide to give me some ideas and tips. Mainly, I was interested in seafood restaurants, so I searched for restaurants within a reasonable walking distance from my hotel, and I found seven of them. Next, I reviewed the online menus of the places to check the dishes they prepared and the average cost of a meal. However, price is not my first consideration; I enjoy a restaurant that has a wide selection from which to choose. Next, a restaurant’s decor can always add to the dining experience (background music, decorations and wall hangings, seats and tables, etc.). If I’m going to a Mexican restaurant, I would expect to see the restaurant decorated in the Mexican flavor. Finally, I always consult restaurant reviews to find out what other people thought about the restaurant and their experiences. What was the quality of the food? Did the server provide fast and friendly service? Doing some research before you go can make dining a more pleasurable and predictable experience.
Discussion
What types of restaurants do you like to visit? Do you have a particular restaurant you go to regularly? If so, explain your reasons.
Online Investigation
You have an important visitor coming to your city, and you want to take the person to a nice restaurant. Search online for three different restaurants that might appeal to your visitor. Check restaurant reviews, if available, to research the menu, price of meals, menu selection, and atmosphere of the establishment. Based on your research, make your final selection and be prepared to explain why.
Online Listening Practice (from www.esl-lab.com):