In this podcast you will hear two dialogues on ordering drinks, the final dialogue is on “corkage fees” for those of you that work in a hotel or resort. The Crate & Barrel Shop is an American store that carries all kinds of home furnishings. For extra practice, refer to the earlier podcast on Wines & Spirits (Scroll down to the bottom of this podcast page to find those lessons) for help on pronunciation or to substitute drinks mentioned in this dialogue for ones you usually need to sell.

Dialogue 1

Waitress: Good evening, what can I get for you?
Guest: May I see the wine menu?
Waitress: Certainly, here it is. Would you like a few minutes to look it over?
Guest: Yes, thanks.

(A little later)

Waitress: Have you decided?
Guest: I think so. Do these come by the glass?
Waitress: Yes, except for the Champagne.
Guest: Ok. I’ll have a glass of the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio and my companion here, would like a glass of the Beringer Pinot Noir.
Waitress: Perfect. I’ll bring them right to you.
Guest: Thank you.

(Guests are getting ready to go to the hotel restaurant)

Waitress: Would you like to charge this to your room?
Guest: Uh, should we pay now before we go to the restaurant or can we put it on that bill?
Waitress: It’s completely up to you.
Guest: Hmmm, ok. Why don’t you charge our drinks to my room now.
Waitress: Very good.

Dialogue 2

Guest 1: Wasn’t the play wonderful?
Guest 2: I just loved the Phantom. His voice was amazing.
Waitress: Good evening, would you like to see the bar menu?
Guest 1: No, I don’t think so. I know what I want, a gin and tonic. Do you have Ketel One?
Waitress: Yes, and for you, Ma’am?
Guest 2: I’d like a Kahlua and coffee and do you have a dessert menu?
Waitress: Yes, here it is. The pecan tart is terrific.
Guest 2: Oh, that sounds great. Bring us one of those to share.
Waitress: Certainly.
Guest 2: Thank you.

Dialogue 3 - Corkage Fees

Guest: Hello. I’m calling from room 2346. A friend gave me a beautiful bottle of wine this afternoon and I was wondering if you could send someone up to open it.
Room Service: Certainly. The corkage fee is $25.00.
Guest: Oh wow. That’s a lot to open a bottle.
Room Service: It includes glasses and waiter service. There is a Crate & Barrel shop two blocks down if you prefer. They carry everything you’ll need.
Guest: Hmmm. Ok. This is a special occasion. Send someone up in ten minutes. We’ll go for it.
Room Service: Absolutely. You won’t be disappointed.
Guest: Thank you.