I. The cuisine in Belarus

Delicious and warming, modern-day Belarusian cuisine is a mix of two key factors: the people’s relationship with the land and local produce and influences from neighboring countries and migrant settlers. For these reasons, food in Belarus is quite similar to the cuisines of Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Poland. Belarus dishes are typically based on local vegetables and cereals, especially: potatoes, beetroot, mushrooms, berries, barley. Potatoes deserve a special mention as they have formed the basis of many of the Belarusian dishes for hundreds of years. Traditional Belarusian potato dishes are potato dumplings, thick potato pancakes (draniki), baked grated potato pie (babka). Potato dishes are often stuffed or accompanied with vegetables, mushrooms or meat.

The following products are popular in Belarus: pork, pork sausages, salted pork fat, beef, chicken, milk and dairy products, such as fresh white cheese, sour cream, fermented cheese. Salads are also popular in Belarus, in particular: cabbage salad, beetroot salad, tomatoes, cucumbers and garden radish salad. Onions, garlic and greens (parsley, a coriander and basil) are widely used. Soups are a firm favorite in Belarus too.

II. Read/listen the story and correct the sentences given below:

There are so many places to eat in my town nowadays. For example, there is a new café which is very near to my house. It is in front of the old cinema in Gibson Street. I wanted to try it. So last Saturday evening I went there with three of my friends. It is probably one of the best cafes I have ever been to. The quality of food, the service and the interior design were great. It was more like a restaurant than a simple café.

There was a lot of variety. It was possible to order Italian and Indian dishes as well as more traditional English food. I ordered a steak which was absolutely delicious. They served it with chips, onions and tomatoes. My friends Paula has lamb with boiled potatoes and so did Nick. There were some vegetarian options on the menu so Anne selected a Quiche Lorraine. I was the only one who had dessert – a chocolate-flavored ice-cream which I liked a lot. Everybody had a cup of coffee and we stayed and chatted for a while before we paid the bill. The price was very reasonable. The waiter who served our table was Portuguese and he was very friendly. He told us some interesting things about his country. We had a great time and I am certainly going to recommend this place to everyone in the future.

(Total English, Teacher’s resource, Pre-Intermediate)

Are the following sentences true or false?

1. All four friends had coffee after meal. 2. The speaker does not live far from the new café. 3. The food was the only thing that he liked there. 4. You can order not only English food but also foreign food there. 5. The speaker is a vegetarian. 6. There were four people sitting at the table including the speaker. 7. The group of friends left immediately after finishing the meal. 8. The meal was very expensive. 9. The speaker thought that the waiter was a nice person. 10. The will never return to this café.

III. Listen to how Marisa is ordering pizza:

Super Pizza: Hello, Super Pizza.

Marisa: Hi. How much is a large chicken and mushroom pizza?

Super Pizza: That is eight euros ninety-five.

Marisa: And how much is a small tomato salad?

S P: Two euros forty-five.

Marisa: What about coffee?

S P: A small cup of coffee is two euros and a large coffee is two euros seventy.

Marisa: OK. Do you have a tuna and pineapple pizza?

S P: Yes.

Marisa: How much is a large one?

S P: Eight euros fifty.

Marisa: Fine. I’d like a large tune and pineapple pizza

S P: Any side orders?

Marisa: Yes. Can I have a small tomato salad?

S P: Sure. What about drink?

Marisa: A small coffee please.

S P: Right. A large tuna and pineapple pizza, a small tomato salad and a small cup of coffee.

Marisa: How much is that?

S P: That is twelve euros ninety five.

Marisa: Can I pay by credit card? S P: Of course. What is the name on the card?

(Total English, Work Book, Typescript, 28)

IV. Read/listen to ordering food in a fast food restaurant and answer the question below:

Waitress: OK, here we are. Two vegetarian pizzas.

Sam: No, that's not for us. Our order is a sandwich with fries and a salad.

Waitress: Oh, excuse me, that's the wrong order. Just a moment.

Jenny: Two vegetarian pizzas? I really like them! Can we change our order?

Sam: Of course not.

Waitress: OK. I think this is your order. A medium salad for you, sir.

Sam: Oh no, the salad's for her.

Waitress: OK. Right. A medium salad and a small glass of mineral water for you, madam; and a cheese sandwich on brown bread with large fries and a large cup of coffee for you, sir.

Sam: Yes. Thanks. How much is that?

Waitress: That's sixteen dollars and seventy cents, please.

Sam: Can I pay by credit card?

Waitress: Of course. (Total English, St’s Book, Typescripts, 153)

Answer the questions: 1. What does Jenny really like? 2. How does Sam ask about the price of the meal? 3. How does Sam pay for the meal?

V. Laurence writes about diet in a magazine. Read the letters and Laurence answer to one of them. Which letter does it answer?