EP001 Difficult Customer | Elementary

Navigating restaurant interactions requires understanding specific high-frequency English phrases used during the ordering process. A dialogue between a formal waiter and a casual customer illustrates the tension that arises when a patron expects fast-food staples like "Coke and fries" in a fine-dining establishment. Key linguistic tools for these situations include "I'm still working on it" to request more time, and "I'll go with" to signal a final selection from the menu. The concept of "complimentary" items highlights the availability of free services, while the verb "grab" describes the action of obtaining something quickly, such as a burger or coffee. Ultimately, the interaction serves as a cautionary tale about social etiquette, as the customer’s decision to leave for a quicker meal across the street demonstrates how a lack of politeness and mismatched expectations can waste a server's time in a professional setting.