hoc et illud

šŸ„³At the restaurant ā€” with a happy guest at the end(A2)

Verfasst von

wolfgang kugler

in

,
  • bad start, happy finish

Scene:
A small restaurant in the evening. Soft music plays. A guest sits alone at a table near the window. The waiter comes with a menu.

Waiter: (smiling politely, standing straight, hands folded) Good evening, madam. Here is the menu.

Guest: (smiles back, takes the menu with both hands) Thank you.

(The guest opens the menu slowly, looks carefully at the dishes, moves her finger along the list. Then she looks up.)

Guest: (calm voice) Excuse me, I have special needs with food. I canā€™t eat gluten.

Waiter: (looks around the restaurant, distracted, only nods but doesnā€™t answer)

(A short silence. The guest looks surprised, then annoyed.)

Guest: (frowns, leans forward, louder voice) Hello? Did you hear me? I said I canā€™t eat gluten!

Waiter: (turns quickly, eyes wide, looks nervous) Oh! Iā€™m very sorry, madam. (puts a hand on his chest) I didnā€™t hear you. You canā€™t eat gluten, yes?

Guest: (crosses arms, leans back in her chair) Yes, exactly.

Waiter: (takes a small step back, calm tone) I understand. Please donā€™t worry. We have gluten-free dishes. (points at the menu) This pasta and the grilled chicken are both gluten-free.

Guest: (sighs, face relaxes a little) Okay. Then Iā€™ll take the vegetable pasta, please.

Waiter: (writes in a small notebook) Of course, madam. Would you like something to drink?

Guest: Just water, please.

Waiter: (smiles politely) Very good. Iā€™ll bring it right away.

(He walks quickly to the kitchen. The guest watches him, still not smiling, then looks out of the window. A few minutes later, the waiter returns with her meal.)

Waiter: (holding the plate with both hands, careful voice) Here is your gluten-free pasta. I hope you enjoy it. (places it gently on the table)

Guest: (looks at the plate, smells the food, nods slowly) Thank you.

(She starts eating quietly. Her face softens; she looks more relaxed. The waiter watches her from a distance and smiles slightly.)

———————end of audio—————–

(After some time, the guest finishes. She puts her fork down, wipes her mouth with a napkin, and leans back, looking satisfied.)

Waiter: (approaches with a gentle smile, hands behind his back) Was everything all right, madam?

Guest: (looks up, smiles a little) Yes, it was very good. Thank you.

Waiter: (smiles, nods) Iā€™m happy to hear that. Would you like some dessert or maybe coffee? We have fruit salad, chocolate mousse, and ice cream.

Guest: (thinks for a moment, tapping her finger on the table) Hmmā€¦ fruit salad, please.

Waiter: (writes it down) Excellent choice, madam.

(He walks away, then returns with the dessert.)

Waiter: (sets it carefully on the table) Here you are. I hope you like it.

Guest: (smiling) That looks delicious. Thank you.

(She eats slowly, relaxed now. After she finishes, she places her spoon on the plate. The waiter returns with the bill on a small tray.)

Waiter: (smiling warmly) Madam, here is your bill. The dessert is free ā€” from the restaurant. For the first bad impression before.

Guest: (eyes widen, smiles kindly) Oh, thatā€™s very nice of you. Thank you very much.

Waiter: (bows slightly) You are most welcome. Would you like to pay by cash or card?

Guest: (takes out her purse) By card, please.

Waiter: (nods) Of course. Which card do you have ā€” Visa or MasterCard?

Guest: Visa.

Waiter: (takes the card machine, smiling) Perfect. (holds it out) Please insert your card here.

(The guest pays. The waiter checks the machine and nods.)

Waiter: Thank you very much, madam. Everything is fine.

Guest: (puts her card away, stands up, smiling) Thank you. The service was very nice in the end.

Waiter: (bows a little, hands in front, honest voice) Madam, Iā€™m truly sorry again for the misunderstanding at the beginning. I should have listened better.

Guest: (smiles kindly) Itā€™s all right. You were very kind after that.

Waiter: (hand on his heart) Thank you. I hope to see you again.

Guest: (waves as she walks toward the door) Maybe you will.
——————end of audio—————
Have a nice evening.

Waiter: (waves back, smiling warmly) You too, madam. Goodbye.

(The guest leaves. The waiter stands for a moment, then smiles quietly to himself. The restaurant feels calm again.)

#################

An analysis of dialogue, with comments

Step 1: The Waiter Greets the GuestDialogue:

Waiter: (smiling politely, standing straight, hands folded) Good evening, madam. Here is the menu.
Guest: (smiles back, takes the menu with both hands) Thank you.

Analysis:

  • The waiter starts politely. He smiles and stands straight. This shows respect.
  • His hands are folded, which looks professional.
  • The guest is friendly. She smiles and takes the menu carefully.
  • Both are calm and polite at the start.

Step 2: The Guest Shares Her NeedsDialogue:

Guest: (calm voice) Excuse me, I have special needs with food. I canā€™t eat gluten.
Waiter: (looks around the restaurant, distracted, only nods but doesnā€™t answer)

Analysis:

  • The guest speaks calmly. She explains her food needs clearly.
  • The waiter makes a mistake. He looks away and seems distracted.
  • He nods but doesnā€™t speak. This shows heā€™s not listening well.
  • His body language (looking around) makes him seem uninterested.

Step 3: The Guest Gets AnnoyedDialogue:

Guest: (frowns, leans forward, louder voice) Hello? Did you hear me? I said I canā€™t eat gluten!
Waiter: (turns quickly, eyes wide, looks nervous) Oh! Iā€™m very sorry, madam. (puts a hand on his chest) I didnā€™t hear you. You canā€™t eat gluten, yes?

Analysis:

  • The guest is frustrated. She frowns and leans forward. Her voice gets louder.
  • This shows she feels ignored.
  • The waiter realizes his mistake. His wide eyes and nervous look show heā€™s surprised.
  • He apologizes quickly. His hand on his chest shows heā€™s sincere.
  • He repeats her request to confirm he understands now.

Step 4: The Waiter Fixes the ProblemDialogue:

Guest: (crosses arms, leans back in her chair) Yes, exactly.
Waiter: (takes a small step back, calm tone) I understand. Please donā€™t worry. We have gluten-free dishes. (points at the menu) This pasta and the grilled chicken are both gluten-free.

Analysis:

  • The guest is still annoyed. Her crossed arms and leaning back show sheā€™s not happy yet.
  • The waiter stays calm. He steps back to give her space.
  • He offers solutions (gluten-free dishes). This shows he wants to help.
  • Pointing at the menu makes his answer clear and helpful.

Step 5: The Guest OrdersDialogue:

Guest: (sighs, face relaxes a little) Okay. Then Iā€™ll take the vegetable pasta, please.
Waiter: (writes in a small notebook) Of course, madam. Would you like something to drink?
Guest: Just water, please.
Waiter: (smiles politely) Very good. Iā€™ll bring it right away.

Analysis:

  • The guest sighs. Her face relaxes, so sheā€™s less annoyed now.
  • She orders the pasta. This shows she trusts the waiterā€™s suggestion.
  • The waiter writes the order and smiles. Heā€™s polite again.
  • Asking about a drink is normal waiter behavior.
  • The guestā€™s simple order (water) keeps things easy.

Step 6: The Waiter Serves the FoodDialogue:

Waiter: (holding the plate with both hands, careful voice) Here is your gluten-free pasta. I hope you enjoy it. (places it gently on the table)
Guest: (looks at the plate, smells the food, nods slowly) Thank you.

Analysis:

  • The waiter is careful. He holds the plate with both hands and speaks gently.
  • This shows he cares about her meal.
  • The guest checks the food (looks and smells). Her slow nod shows sheā€™s okay with it.
  • She says ā€œthank youā€ but isnā€™t very warm yet.

Step 7: The Guest Eats and RelaxesDialogue:

(She starts eating quietly. Her face softens; she looks more relaxed. The waiter watches her from a distance and smiles slightly.)

Analysis:

  • The guest eats quietly. Her face softens, so sheā€™s happy with the food.
  • She looks relaxed now. This means the meal is good.
  • The waiter watches from far. His slight smile shows heā€™s pleased sheā€™s okay.
  • No words are said, but body language shows improvement.

Step 8: The Waiter Checks on the GuestDialogue:

Waiter: (approaches with a gentle smile, hands behind his back) Was everything all right, madam?
Guest: (looks up, smiles a little) Yes, it was very good. Thank you.

Analysis:

  • The waiter checks politely. His hands behind his back and gentle smile are respectful.
  • The guest smiles a little. This shows sheā€™s happier now.
  • She says the food was good. This is positive feedback.
  • The mood is better between them.

Step 9: The Guest Orders DessertDialogue:

Waiter: (smiles, nods) Iā€™m happy to hear that. Would you like some dessert or maybe coffee? We have fruit salad, chocolate mousse, and ice cream.
Guest: (thinks for a moment, tapping her finger on the table) Hmmā€¦ fruit salad, please.
Waiter: (writes it down) Excellent choice, madam.

Analysis:

  • The waiter offers dessert kindly. He lists options clearly.
  • The guest thinks and taps her finger. This shows sheā€™s considering her choice.
  • She picks fruit salad. Her choice is simple and healthy.
  • The waiter writes it down and compliments her choice. This keeps the mood friendly.

Step 10: The Waiter Serves DessertDialogue:

Waiter: (sets it carefully on the table) Here you are. I hope you like it.
Guest: (smiling) That looks delicious. Thank you.

Analysis:

  • The waiter is careful again. He sets the dessert gently.
  • He hopes she likes it, showing he cares.
  • The guest smiles and says it looks delicious. Sheā€™s fully relaxed now.
  • The interaction is warm and positive.

Step 11: The Waiter Apologizes AgainDialogue:

Waiter: (smiling warmly) Madam, here is your bill. The dessert is free ā€” from the restaurant. For the first bad impression before.
Guest: (eyes widen, smiles kindly) Oh, thatā€™s very nice of you. Thank you very much.

Analysis:

  • The waiter gives the bill and offers free dessert. This is a big apology for his earlier mistake.
  • His warm smile shows heā€™s sincere.
  • The guestā€™s wide eyes show sheā€™s surprised and pleased.
  • Her kind smile and thanks show she accepts the apology.
  • The situation is now very positive.

Step 12: PaymentDialogue:

Waiter: (bows slightly) You are most welcome. Would you like to pay by cash or card?
Guest: (takes out her purse) By card, please.
Waiter: (nods) Of course. Which card do you have ā€” Visa or MasterCard?
Guest: Visa.
Waiter: (takes the card machine, smiling) Perfect. (holds it out) Please insert your card here.
(The guest pays. The waiter checks the machine and nods.)
Waiter: Thank you very much, madam. Everything is fine.

Analysis:

  • The waiter is polite about payment. His slight bow shows respect.
  • The guest chooses to pay by card. Sheā€™s calm and ready to finish.
  • The waiter asks about the card type clearly.
  • The payment process is smooth. Both are polite.
  • The waiter confirms everything is okay, keeping things professional.

Step 13: Final Apology and GoodbyeDialogue:

Guest: (puts her card away, stands up, smiling) Thank you. The service was very nice in the end.
Waiter: (bows a little, hands in front, honest voice) Madam, Iā€™m truly sorry again for the misunderstanding at the beginning. I should have listened better.
Guest: (smiles kindly) Itā€™s all right. You were very kind after that.
Waiter: (hand on his heart) Thank you. I hope to see you again.
Guest: (waves as she walks toward the door) Maybe you will. Have a nice evening.
Waiter: (waves back, smiling warmly) You too, madam. Goodbye.

Analysis:

  • The guest is happy now. She smiles and compliments the service.
  • The waiter apologizes again. His hand on his heart and honest voice show he means it.
  • The guest accepts the apology kindly. She says he was nice later.
  • Both hope to meet again. They wave and smile, showing a friendly goodbye.
  • The scene ends calmly. The waiterā€™s smile shows heā€™s relieved.

Summary

  • Start: The waiter and guest are polite, but the waiter makes a mistake by not listening.
  • Conflict: The guest gets annoyed because she feels ignored about her gluten-free needs.
  • Resolution: The waiter apologizes, offers gluten-free options, and serves carefully.
  • Ending: The waiter gives free dessert as an apology. The guest is happy and leaves kindly.
  • Body Language: The waiterā€™s smiles, bows, and hand on his heart show respect and sincerity. The guestā€™s frowns, crossed arms, and later smiles show her changing emotions.
  • Apology: The waiter apologizes twice (once during the conflict, once at the end). The free dessert is a big gesture to fix his mistake.

This dialogue shows how a mistake can be fixed with good communication, apologies, and kind actions.

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