Discussing Dietary Restrictions at a Restaurant
A customer is explaining their allergies (e.g., nuts, gluten) or dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, religious restrictions) to a server or chef at a restaurant to ensure their meal is safe and suitable.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
allergy
A condition where your body reacts badly to certain foods or substances, like itching or swelling. In restaurants, always mention allergies to stay safe.
severe
Very serious or strong, often used with health issues like 'severe allergy' to show it's dangerous and needs extra care.
gluten
A protein in wheat, barley, and rye that some people can't eat because it causes health problems. Common in breads and pastas.
cross-contamination
When germs or allergens from one food accidentally mix with another during cooking or preparation. Restaurants try to prevent this for safety.
gluten-free
Food that does not contain gluten, safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Look for this label on menus.
modified
Changed or adjusted to fit special needs, like making a dish without certain ingredients. Useful when asking for custom meals.
marinades
Liquid mixtures of oil, herbs, and acids used to soak meat or fish before cooking to add flavor and make it tender.
reduction
A cooking method where liquid is boiled down to thicken and intensify flavors, often used in sauces without added thickeners like flour.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I have a quick question about the menu.
This is a polite way to start a conversation with a server. Use 'excuse me' to get attention, and 'quick question' shows it's brief. Great for interrupting nicely in public places.
I have a severe nut allergy and also try to avoid gluten if possible.
Here, the speaker explains dietary restrictions clearly. 'If possible' softens the request, making it polite. Use this pattern to describe allergies or preferences when ordering food.
Can you advise on safe options?
A useful request for recommendations. 'Advise on' means give advice about something. This sentence helps when you need guidance on menu choices for health reasons.
We take allergies very seriously here.
This reassures the customer. 'Take something seriously' is an idiom meaning to treat it with importance. Servers use this to show care and build trust.
Cross-contamination is minimized in the kitchen.
Explains safety measures. 'Minimized' means made as small as possible. This passive voice sentence is common in service to describe processes without blaming anyone.
Many of our dishes can be modified.
Offers flexibility in menu items. 'Can be modified' uses passive voice for possibilities. Useful for servers to suggest changes, and customers can ask similarly.
Are the marinades or sauces typically gluten-free and nut-free?
Asks about ingredients specifically. 'Typically' means usually or in most cases. This yes/no question with 'or' connects options, ideal for checking allergies.
I'll make a note on your order and personally inform the kitchen staff.
Promises action. 'Make a note' means write it down for record. 'Personally inform' shows direct involvement. Use this to confirm you'll handle a request carefully.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your understanding and attention to detail.
Expresses gratitude. 'So much' emphasizes thanks, and 'appreciate' means value something. 'Attention to detail' praises carefulness. Perfect for ending positive interactions.