(the) best of both worlds
→ the advantages of two things
Example: Waitressing in the evenings gives Sue the best of both worlds: she can attend classes during the day and still earn money.
Can I start you off with ____?
→ Would you like to start your meal with ____?
Example: Welcome to Amici 's. Can I start you off with some drinks?
(to) decide on
→ to choose
Example: "Did you decide on a main course yet?" asked the waitress.
(to) flag down (the waiter/waitress)
→ to get the attention of the waiter/waitress Example: You want another glass of wine? Let's flag down the waitress.
hold up
→ delay; long wait
Example: We ordered 20 minutes ago. What's causing the hold up?
NOTE: See Lesson 23 for the verb "to hold up."
I'll be right with you
→ I'm coming in a minute
Example: "I'll be right with you," said the waitress when she saw me waving to her.
I'm starving
→ I'm very hungry
Example: When we asked Jim why he ordered two steaks, he said, "I'm starving."
in the mood for
→ to want; to have an appetite for
Example: Let's go to a seafood restaurant. I'm in the mood for fish.
known for
→ famous for; having a reputation for
Example: Chicago is known for its delicious pizza.
let's go with
→ I'll take; let's proceed with
Example: You recommend the Chardonnay? Okay, let's go with that.
make it two
→ I'll have one too; I'll have the same thing (as the other person just ordered)
Example: "I'll take a cappuccino." - "Make it two."
on the house
→ free; paid for by the restaurant
Example: The waitress offered us after-dinner drinks on the house.
packed to the rafters
→ really crowded
Example: Beth's Bistro is always packed to the rafters on Saturday nights. If we want to go there, we'd better make reservations.
(to) pride oneself on
→ to be known for; to be especially proud of something
Example: San Francisco prides itself on its fine restaurants.
(to) skip the appetizer(s)
→ to not order appetizers
Example: We're not that hungry, so we're going to skip the appetizers.
surf and turf
→ a meal containing both meat and seafood
Example: The waiter said, "Tonight, our special is the surf and turf. It comes with a lobster tail and a New York strip steak."
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