互動英語教室(7) - It had all been a dream...

Lily and Louise just finished a video shoot (拍攝) for an upcoming “Quick and Easy Recipes” show on Italian cuisine. Louise couldn’t wait to leave when she thought of the dinner with her best friend from London. Lily was left alone to enjoy this fully refurbished (翻新了的) apartment(公寓). She was a great admirer (讚賞者) of English literature. She had installed herself on the sofa and started reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Lily was in a state of exhaustion (精疲力竭) after such a long day and fell asleep (睡著). After a while, she woke with a start (驚醒) and saw a little boy who looked like Daniel. Yet she was not very sure if he was the little boy whom she had been acquainted (認識的), but not very long ago. Looking at him, she felt that he was a little bit different. He was warmly dressed in a black pullover as if he had exposed to cold air. They entered into a conversation (對話)

Lily: You must be Daniel!


Daniel: Lily, welcome to the Wonderland.

Lily: “Lily in Wonderland”? Impossible! I should have met a rabbit instead of a kid! Has the story line been changed?

In spite of Lily’s agitation (不安), Daniel seemed extremely pleased.

Daniel: Follow me.

Although Lily was a bit sceptical (懷疑), she followed him into a hole in the middle of the bathroom. Suddenly, Daniel stopped and shouted at a lady.

Daniel: The Queen!

Daniel greeted the Queen and ran away. Lily could scarcely (幾乎沒可能) believe her eyes, and was almost scared at seeing her.

Queen: I am the Queen. What’s your name?

Lily was confused and mumbled (含糊地說) to herself.

Lily: Oh, no! I should be meeting the Chesire-Cat or the flamingo (紅鸛) but not the Queen.

Lily pretended to be delighted and introduced herself to the Queen. She was always off doing daring (大膽) things that often got her in trouble. She mocked at (嘲笑) the Queen’s outlook and even bursted into giggles (傻笑) afterwards. The Queen was outraged (憤怒).

Queen: Idiot (笨蛋)! Can you do tongue twisters (饒口令)? If not, you should be beheaded (砍頭).

Lily: Your majesty (陛下), I can do one.  
The big black bug bit the big black bear.

The Queen became excited and happy. She continued the second part of the tongue twister.

Queen: but the big black bear bit the big black bug back!

Lily delivered another one:  
How can a clam (蜆) cram (塞進) in a clean cream can (金屬罐)?

Queen replied without hesitation (猶豫): Send toast to ten tense (緊張的) stout (肥胖的) saints' (聖人) ten tall tents (帳篷).

Lily had run out of (耗盡) tongue twisters. She begged (哀求) the Queen to forgive her and let her go. The Queen grew furious (盛怒的) and lost her temper again.

Queen: No. Off with her head!

Lily: Your majesty! I can do another tongue twister.

Queen: Can you do Peter Piper picked a peck (少量) of pickled (醃製的) peppers (甜椒)?

Lily: No….

Suddenly, Lily woke up in a shock and discovered (發現) a deck of (一副) playing cards (撲克牌) with the Ace of Hearts facing upward (向上朝) next to the book. She was so frightened (驚慌) and left the apartment right away. Had it all been just a dream?

Contributor: Louise Chow/ Lily Poon

互動英語教室(6) - Can I cook?

Lily and Louise are the hosts of “Quick and Easy Recipes”. It is one of the highest rated live TV cooking shows that presents the preparation of easy-to-prepare (容易煮的) food. One of the things the audience (觀眾) love about this show is that the hosts showcase (展現) produce from a different country each time and invite a local chef to prepare the items.

Lily and Louise invited a chef to demonstrate (示範) how to make a simple yet tasty pasta. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come because of a car accident. They could not find another chef to cover for him with such a short notice. Louise suggested to Lily that they could cook together. Lily hesitated (猶豫) because she lacked experience and self-confidence (自信心). Daniel, a 5-year-old cook, was in a buoyant (活潑的) mood when he knew that the chef was unable to show up. He volunteered (自發) to teach them how to make a smoked bacon penne pasta (通粉).

Louise: Hey guys! Welcome to “Quick and Easy Recipes” I am Louise.

Lily: I am Lily.

Louise: Today we are going to make a quick and easy smoked bacon penne pasta.

Lily: You need the following ingredients: penne pasta, smoked bacon, olive oil (橄欖油), garlic, parmesan cheese (巴馬乾酪芝士) , salt and pepper.

Lily got so nervous she forgot what to do next. Louise reminded (提醒) her to take out all the utensils (用具).

Louise: chopping board (砧板) , fry pan (平底鍋), tall pan (高身褒) and colander (濾鍋). Now fill the tall pan with water and place it on a high heat (高溫).  Add a little bit of salt and olive oil.

Lily added a large amount of salt to the pasta unintentionally. (非故意地) Louise tried to suppress her anger and continued making the pasta.

Louise: When the water is boiling. Add the pasta and cook for 11 minutes. Now. Place the frying pan on a high heat. Fry the bacons and garlic until brown.

Lily put the unpeeled garlic in the frying pan and forgot to switch off the stove after 11 minutes. Overcooked penne was a sodden (過濕) pile of pasta that was not very appetizing!

Louise: Serve the pasta and bacons on a plate and sprinkle (灑) the parmesan cheese on top.

Daniel could not hold his laughter when he saw them cooking. Lily was annoyed when she saw Daniel laughing at her. She was thinking how to best get revenge on him and finally decided to invite Daniel to taste the pasta!

Smoked bacon penne recipe:

1 package dried penne pasta

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 cup chopped smoked bacon

3 tablespoons minced (切碎) garlic

Salt and pepper

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Questions:

1)     Name the ingredients that you will need to make a smoked bacon penne pasta

2)     Name the utensils that you will need.

Answers:

1)      penne pasta, smoked bacon, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

2)      chopping board, fry pan, tall pan and colander

互動英語教室(5) - A vertical garden

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
我的直立式花園!

Lily does not care about environmental protection (環保). She uses all kinds of single-use disposable (即棄) plastic products including trash bags (垃圾袋), cups, plates and bottles. Her friends keep telling her that plastic is one of the major toxic (有毒的) pollutants (污染物) and disposal (處置) of plastic products on land makes harm to soil. Unfortunately, she completely ignores all their advice and keeps using plastic products.

Lily is suffering from allergies (敏感) because of the poor quality of the air in her office. She complained to the property management company (物業管理公司) several times but for some reason her efforts didn’t take. She gave up finally. She felt asleep after a busy work day and had a strange dream in which she met Angel of the Forest…

Liz: Would you like to join me for a coffee and cake?

Lily looked at Liz quizzically (疑惑地).

Lily: Who are you?

Liz: I am Liz, Angel of the Forest. Why do you use so many plastic products?

Lily: Why not? They are so convenient. I can just throw them away after a single use. I never wash the dishes. I’d rather spend more time on playing online games.

Liz: Do you know many plastic products contain harmful chemicals?

Lily: I don’t care.

Liz: Oh! You are wasting paper and killing trees for nothing!

Lily: Who cares? I live in Hong Kong, a polluted big city anyway.

Liz: You are wrong. We can make Hong Kong a better place to live.

Lily: Are you sure?

Liz: Yes! Come with me.

Lily followed Liz to a café. She gave Liz an astonished (驚訝的) look when she saw so many beautiful tropical plants in this café. 

 A vertical garden in Hong Kong!

Lily: Oh! Am I dreaming?

Liz: Welcome to The Village. Would you like to join me for a tour?

Lily : Sure! I have never seen so many plants in such a small area before! Amazing!

Liz: Like many other big cities, lack of space is a reality in Hong Kong. We should think of ways to maximize the use of any available space.

Lily: Like how?

Liz: Can you notice anything special about the plants here?

Lily: Some plants grow on the wall.

Liz: You are very smart. This is what we called “vertical gardening” (直立式花園). Plants are not restricted to growing on the ground or in pots, they can also grow on the wall.

Lily: Oh! The green walls! Are there any other benefits (好處)?

Liz: Of course. Plants can lower temperature of the walls and thus cool down the surrounding space.  

Lily: I want to create an attractive garden in my small apartment too. They have a large variety of plants here.

Liz: You are right. Since no soil is used, there are no mosquitos (蚊子) and other insects.

Despite the fact that land is limited in Hong Kong, we can still improve our living place by adding plants to help keep our home and office atmosphere healthier. Vertical gardening, gardening with upright (向上) structures, is ideal for the urban city areas. Walls are often used to create practical (實用) gardening spaces. It is space saving and environmentally friendly.

 A green workplace

Lily has decided to make small moves to keep her home green and clean. She stops using plastic bags and starts building a framework for a small vertical garden at home. She believes that these small things can add up to a better future.

Questions:

1)     Why plastic products are harmful to the environment?

2)     What is vertical gardening?

3)     What are the benefits of having a vertical garden?

4)     What will you do to help protect our environment?

Answers:

1)     Plastic is one of the major toxic pollutants and disposal of plastic products on land makes harm to soil.

2)     Plants are not restricted to growing on the ground or in pots, they can also grow on the wall.

3)     You can build a vertical garden in a small area. Since no soil is used, there are no mosquitos and other insects.

By Lily Poon

Special thanks to The Village as our venue provider

If you have any suggestion, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

互動英語教室(4) - Coffee or tea?

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家飲咖啡...

Gary has been working for an Italian company for a few years and was recently promoted (升職) to Assistant Manager in January. He spent the last few months traveling from Hong Kong to Italy for work. His Italian colleagues (同事) are nice enough to introduce him to the Italian culture by taking him to  restaurants, bars and concerts.

Coffee bars are one of the most impressive (印象深刻) places in Italy that Gary has visited. He thinks that Italy is a country of great variety (多元化) and coffee is an important aspect of the diversity (多方面的) of its culture. He is determined (下定決心) to bring the Italian coffee (咖啡) culture (文化) to Hong Kong and be a qualified (合資格) barista (咖啡師) one day. He understands that transplanting (引入) the Italian coffee bar culture to Hong Kong is a big challenge (挑戰) as the local market is dominated (被支配) by a few American brands (品牌). In order to minimize (減低) the risk (風險) of starting a small business, he has been going to different coffee shops in Hong Kong to understand the market before taking any further steps. His research has been aided (協助) immeasurably (不能計算地) by his friends who are coffee lovers. They keep sending him information about the latest (最新) coffee-industry trends in the world.

One day, while he was looking for the right equipment to brew (泡) coffee at home with his friend Louise, a sign (招牌) of a café caught their attention. He immediately has the impression that an attractive sign can increase the sales by attracting customers to see what you are selling. Gary and Louise decided to have a coffee in this café.

A young and polite waitress greeted Gary and Louise.

Waitress: Welcome. How many of you please?

歡迎，你們多少人?

Gary: Two please.

兩位。

Gary: Do you have coffee and cakes?

你們有咖啡和蛋糕嗎?

Waitress: Yes. We serve a large variety of coffee and cakes here.

有的。我們有很多不同種類的咖啡和蛋糕。

Gary: A cappuccino for my friend please.

我的朋友要一柸cappuccino。

Waitress: Sure, sir. How about you?

好的，先生你呢?

Gary: I’d like to have one iced lemon tea.

我想要一柸凍檸檬茶。

Louise was a big fan of cakes. They ordered a piece of cheese cake and a cool, refreshing (提神的) Italian dessert called tiramisu (一種義大利著名甜點，用咖啡及甜酒泡過分層海綿蛋糕，在各層之間塗有巧克力及義大利特產的mascarpone乳酪). She saw a customer having a British breakfast in the café and told Gary that full breakfast was traditionally served at breakfast time but it was also popular at other times.

Louise had never been to Italy and was very curious about Gary’s experience there. Gary introduced the most common types of Italian coffee to her. They were:

Caffè/ Espresso – a small cup of very strong coffee. The foam topped on the coffee is called "crema”.

Caffè latte – Coffee with hot milk

Cappuccino - a shot of espresso in a larger cup with steamed milk and foam

Caffè macchiato - also known as espresso macchiato, is espresso marked with a little milk

The history of coffee in Italy dated back to the 1600s. Coffee was exported from Turkey to Europe, landing for the first time in Venice (威尼斯). The first coffee shop in Venice was opened in 1683. During the latter half of the 17th century, coffee consumption spread to Italy, France, England and Germany. Coffee is now one of the most popular beverages in the world. The Italians like to follow their meals with a dessert and ended with a strong espresso.

Needless to say, Louise was very impressed with Gary’s profound (深入) knowledge (知識) of the Italian coffee culture. Louise told Gary that she saw a wide variety of tea types and flavours in London. The English enjoyed tea with milk and Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka was one of the most popular kinds of tea in England. She was surprised to know that this café served eight different kinds of tea including the Hong Kong-style milk tea!

It’s almost 5 o’clock…

Gary: Can I have the bill please?

我們要結帳。 (即廣東話”埋單”)

Waitress: Sure.

沒問題。

Gary: Do you take credit cards?

你們接受信用卡付款嗎?

Waitress: I am sorry sir, we only accept cash. Thank you!

先生對不起， 我們只接受現金。

Gary not only paid the bill, but he also gave Louise a gift from Italy. She was very surprised and said,’ Thank you! You have become as romantic as the Italians!’

Questions:
1) Can you name some popular Italian coffee drinks?
2) Where is Ceylon tea from?
3) After a meal, what do you say to the waitor when you want to pay?

Answers:
1) Cafe Latte, Cappuccino and expresso
2) Sri Lanka
3) Can I have the bill please?/ Check please.

By Lily Poon

Special thanks to mIN+ café & kitchen 民家 as our venue provider

If you have any idea, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

互動英語教室(3) - In a French Grocery Store

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家到法國小店...

 



Eating out is one of the most common sources of entertainment in Hong Kong. Lily and Sharon seldom cook proper meals at home because they dislike washing dishes. Pizza, spaghetti and fish ball noodles are always on top of their list. One day, they were looking for something different and exciting to do for their friend’s birthday. Lily came up with the idea of hosting a surprise party. Sharon  found this idea fabulous but she had no experience in organising a birthday party at home. Lily suggested having a party theme which could help make shopping easier. Sharon  was worried about finding a suitable venue too. While they were discussing about their plans, they walked past a French grocery store called “Monsieur Chatte”. Sharon  found the food sold in that shop very interesting and decided to take a closer look.

Caroline, the owner of this store, greeted Lily and Sharon. 

Caroline: Hello, may I help you?
你們好, 有什麼我可以幫忙? 

Lily: Yes. Can you suggest some ideas for a birthday party?
你可以給我們一些有關生日派對的建議嗎? 

Sharon: We are looking for something special!
我們想找一些特別的東西啊! 

Caroline: Sure! We are selling French food and beverages. In France, we eat a lot of cheese. Do you and your friends like cheese?
當然可以! 我們售買各式各樣的法國食品和飲品。在法國我們吃很多芝士的。你和你的朋友喜歡芝士嗎? 

Caroline: This is comte and this is camembert. Would you like to try?
這是comte，這是camembert。你們想試試嗎? 

Lily and Sharon: Yes. Thank you.
好的。謝謝。   

This was the first time they had ever tried French cheese. Caroline explained to them that cheese and wine were central elements of the French diet and there were around 400 sorts of Cheese in France. Lily and Sharon had the impression that French food and drinks were very expensive. That’s why Sharon decided to ask for the price of the cheese she liked before buying. She was happy to know that they were affordable.

Sharon: I like this one. How much is it?
我喜歡這種。要多少錢呢?

Caroline: $52 per 100 grams.
每100克52元。

Lily: Can we have 100 grams please?
我可以要100克嗎?

Caroline: No problem.
沒問題。
Sharon was curious to know more about the sausages hanging in the shop.

Lily: Caroline, what are these?
Caroline, 這是什麼?

Caroline: They are French sausages, “sacisson” in French. You can cut them into pieces.
這是法國香腸。你可以把它們切成小塊吃。

Sharon told Caroline that Chinese people also had preserved food and was surprised to note the similarities in French and Chinese cooking philosophies. Sharon found some small cakes in the shop and asked Caroline for more information.

Sharon: Excuse me, Caroline, they look very cute, what are they?
Caroline，請問這是什麼? 樣子很可愛啊!

Caroline: Oh! These are “Cannelé”. They are little cookies from a region in France called “Bordeaux”.
噢! 這是“Cannelé” 。來自法國一個名為” Bordeaux”的地區。

Lily: We want 10 of them. How much do they cost?
我想要10件。一共要多少錢呢?

Caroline: It costs $12 each. The total is $120. Let’s go up to the second floor, we have French wines up there.
12元一件。一共120元。不如一起上二樓，那裡有法國葡萄酒。

Caroline: These are French wines. We usually drink white wines with seafood and red wines with meat.
這是法國葡萄酒。我們一般吃海鮮時飲白酒，吃肉類時飲紅酒。

Caroline: Have you found a place for your friend’s birthday party?
你們找到開生日派對的地方了嗎?

Lily: Not yet.
還未。

Caroline: Would you like to consider having your party here? Our private lounge can be used exclusively for parties. Let me show you the way.
你們會否考慮這兒? 我們的私人會客廳可以用來開派對。
Lily and Sharon followed Caroline to the second floor.

Lily: Oh! The setting is very stylish!
噢! 多麼時尚的裝修啊!

Caroline: It can accommodate 20-25 people.
這裏可以容納20至25人。

Sharon: Is there any minimum charge?
有沒有最低消費呢?

Caroline: Yes. You can consume our food and beverages. Let me send you a proposal tomorrow.
有的。你可以在這兒消費，享用我們的食物和飲品。我明天給你一個建議書吧!

After their visit to this French grocery store, Lily and Sharon find experiencing the food and drinks of a country being the best way to understand its culture. Although there are fundamental differences between Chinese and French food culture, it’s not a bad idea to have something different occasionally!

Special thanks to Monsieur Chatte.

If you have any suggestions, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

互動英語教室(2) - In a Chinese restaurant

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家到大牌檔...

 

Confucius once said, "The way you cut your meat reflects the way you live." The preparation (預備) and presentation of the food can be a work of art in Chinese culinary (烹飪). Basic cooking methods in Chinese cuisine include frying (煎), stir-frying (炒), deep-frying (炸), boiling (煮), stewing (炆、燉) and steaming (蒸).

Juliet, a food-curious tourist from England, came to Hong Kong for holiday. She wanted to try all kinds of adventurous (大膽的) Chinese recipes (食譜). A dai pai dong (大牌檔) called Royal Kitchen was a recommendation from the travel guide book she bought in England. She found this kind of open-air food stalls very unique and decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, she got lost on her way to Royal Kitchen and became frustrated because she couldn’t speak Chinese and ask for assistance. Laura, who lived nearby, saw Juliet and did her best to help.

Laura: Hi, may I help you?

你好，有需要幫忙嗎？

Juliet: Oh yes! I am looking for a Chinese restaurant called Royal Kitchen.

你好。我在尋找一家名為御膳廚房的中式餐廳。

Laura: Oh, it’s just right here!

哦！就在這裡啊！

Juliet: Cool! Thanks!

太好了！謝謝！

Juliet couldn't have felt more welcome and invited Laura to dinner. Laura hesitated at first but then accepted the invitation.

Laura: Is this your first time to Hong Kong?

你第一次來香港嗎？

Juliet: Yes, I am alone actually. Do you want to join me for dinner?

是啊，一個人來。你賞面跟我一起吃飯嗎？

Laura: Sure! Why not?

       好的！

Juliet was very upbeat (樂觀的) and warm. According to her guide book, deep fried calamari (椒鹽炒鮮魷) was the signature dish (招牌菜) of Royal Kitchen that best showcased (展示) the chef’s deep try skills. Juliet highly recommended it to Laura. They also wanted to have some all-time favourite (時常都很受歡迎) vegetarian dishes but had no idea which vegetables were in season (合時). They asked the waitress (女侍應) (waiter “男侍應”) for advice. The waitress said that they had morning glory (通菜), lettuce (生菜), choi sum also called “flowering cabbage” (菜心) and broccoli (西蘭花). Laura ordered morning glory with beef. Juliet was surprised to know that most Chinese dishes were cooked with meat and vegetables together.

As a tourist, Juliet wanted to explore a Chinese cook's arsenal (“兵工廠”. 比喻廚房像個兵工廠). The waitress was so generous (大方的) that she allowed them to observe how the chef (廚師) prepared their dishes. It was such an eye-opening (大開眼界) experience to Juliet! Inside the kitchen, they saw some common Chinese ingredients (材料) such as spring onions (蔥), garlic (蒜茸), ginger (薑), peppers (辣椒) and corn starch (粟粉).

Chinese people like to put dishes in the middle of the table for all to share and use individual bowls of rice for each person. Laura and Juliet ordered two bowls of plain rice. The waitress offered Juliet knife and fork as she knew those were European cutlery (餐具). Juliet declined (婉拒) her offer as she could manage chopsticks (筷子) very well. The food was delicious!

To remove food residue (食物殘渣) from teeth with toothpicks (牙籤) is a common practise in China. However, Laura avoided doing so as she thought it was not hygienic (衛生) and could appear to be rude (粗魯的).

Questions:

1. Can you name some cooking methods in Chinese culinary?

2. What are the ingredients mentioned in the video?

3. What is the most common cutlery do Chinese people use?

Answers:

1. fry (煎), stir-fry (炒), boil (煮), deep-fry (炸), stew (炆、燉), steam (蒸)

2. spring onion (蔥), garlic (蒜茸), ginger (薑), peppers (辣椒) and corn flour (粟粉)

3. Chopsticks.

Contributor: Louise Chow

Special thanks to Royal Kitchen

If you have any idea, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

互動英語教室(1) - In a Western-style restaurant

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家到西餐廳...
 





Europe is always a top holiday destination (目的地) for many travellers. Lily and Louise are planning their summer holiday to London. They are looking for opportunities to improve their English communication skills before their trip. Food is always the first thing that comes to their minds. Lily and Louise are not used to speaking English in Hong Kong. They are intimidated (生畏) when they have to order food in English. These are the reasons why they want to practise restaurant phrases including ordering and food words.

One day Lily and Louise passed by a unique (獨一無二) and charming (吸引) restaurant in Central. They were particularly impressed by the decoration (裝修) and the ambiance (氣氛) of this restaurant. Indeed, it was no disappointment! This restaurant offered different types of delicious food and beverages (飲品). Let’s watch the video and learn some common restaurant phrases in English.

When Lily and Louise arrived, a waiter greeted them with a delighted expression.

Waiter: How many people are you?
你們一共有多少人?


Lily: Two please.
兩位，謝謝。


The waiter showed them to a table. Lily was so hungry that she asked for the menu immediately.


Lily: May I have the menu please?
可否給我餐牌?

Waiter: Sure. Do you want something to drink?
當然可以。你要不要飲品?


Lily: Can I have some cold water please?
可否給我凍水?


Waiter: Sure. Sparkling or still?
當然可以。有氣還是沒有氣的?

As Lily and Louise were saving money for their trip, they preferred something free of charge.

Lily: Tap water is fine.
自來水(水喉水) 可以了。

Lily seldom went to Western-style restaurants. Louise explained to her that a typical European meal consisted of an appetizer (頭盤), a main Course (主菜). and followed by a dessert (甜品).

Lily: Can we have a potato salad to share?
我們要一個薯仔沙律一起吃呢。


Waiter: How about main course?
那麼主菜呢?


Louise: Can I have a seafood pasta?
我要一個海鮮意粉。

Lily: Same for me please.
我也一樣。


Waiter: No problem.
沒問題。

The seafood pasta was big enough to serve two people. Although Lily and Louise were very full, there’s always room for dessert.

Louise: Excuse me, what dessert do you have?
請問你們有什麼甜品?


Waiter: We have ice-cream and chocolate cakes today.
我們今天有雪糕同朱古力蛋糕。


Lily: Let’s have both!
不如兩款也要!

There is always both an a la carte (點餐牌上的菜)and set menu (套餐) option (套餐) offered in a Western-style restaurant. The French language phrase “à la carte” means "according to the menu". You can choose your favourites from the a la carte menu. A formal meal can consist of three to four courses or even more. A menu with four courses is called a “four-course menu” (四道菜餐). Appetizers (頭盤) are to be served before the main course. Salad is a popular appetizer.

The usage of food terminologies varies from place to place. Americans use the word “entrée” to refer to the main course (主菜) of a dinner. However, entrée refers to a dish served before the main course in France and England. Main course are the heaviest and most complex dish in a meal. Steaks (肉排), pasta (麵條), chicken and fish fillets are the most common choices of main course. Tea and coffee are only served after the dessert instead of during the meal. Don’t forget to ask for the bill after enjoying your meal! You can say “Check, please” or “Give me the bill please”.

Questions:

(1) What do a typical Western-style meal consist of?
(2) What is the different between an a la carte menu and a set menu?
(3) Can you name some main course options?
(4) How to order food? Please complete this sentence:
______________ a seafood pasta?

Answers:

(1) Appetizer, main course and dessert followed by tea or coffee
(2) You can choose the dishes you want from the a la carte menu while the choices of a set menu is fixed.
(3) Steaks, chicken and fish fillets.
(4) Can I have/ May I have/ I would like to have a seafood pasta.

Special thanks to Fridge.

If you have any idea, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com