Talking to the Chef

Talking to the Chef

Learn how to politely ask to speak with the chef to give thanks or ask a question. This is a great way to show your appreciation and get more information about the food.

SpeakItGo• FEATURED• 3 min

BEGINNER

Customer:
Excuse me. I have a question.
Waiter:
Yes? How can I help you?
Customer:
I really liked the food. Can I say thank you to the chef?
Waiter:
That's very kind of you! I'll tell the chef you said that.
Customer:
Okay, thank you. Can I also ask what is in the sauce?
Waiter:
Let me go ask the chef for you. I'll be right back.
Customer:
Thank you very much!
Waiter:
The chef said there is a little basil in the sauce.
Customer:
Oh, that's great. Thanks again!
Waiter:
You're welcome.

Vocabulary

chef

The main cook in a restaurant.

  • Can I say thank you to the chef?
  • The chef made a delicious meal.
  • The chef is very talented.

sauce

A liquid served with food to add moisture and flavor.

  • What is in the sauce?
  • The pasta has a tomato sauce.
  • I like extra sauce on my dish.

Grammar Tip: Using 'Can I...?'

The phrase 'Can I...?' is a simple and polite way to ask for permission or make a request. You can use it for many things. For example, 'Can I have some water?' or 'Can I say thank you to the chef?'

Common Mistakes

❌ Using 'cook' instead of 'chef.'

✅ Say 'chef' when talking about the professional who cooks in a restaurant.

'Chef' is the professional term. While 'cook' is not wrong, 'chef' is more respectful and shows you know the right word to use.

❌ Asking to see the chef without a good reason.

✅ Always give a reason, like 'I really liked the food' or 'I have a question about the sauce.'

Chefs are very busy. Giving a good reason shows you are polite and respect their time. Most times, the waiter can bring your message to the chef for you.

Notes for Learners

  • Be ready for the waiter to act as the middle person between you and the chef.
  • The key phrases are 'Can I say thank you to the chef?' and 'Can I also ask...?'
  • Be ready to hear what the waiter has to say after they speak with the chef.
  • Remember to say 'thank you' to the waiter for their help.

INTERMEDIATE

Customer:
Excuse me. I was wondering if it would be possible to send a compliment to the chef?
Waiter:
That's very thoughtful of you! I'll be happy to pass along your message. What did you enjoy?
Customer:
The steak was absolutely perfect. It was cooked exactly as I requested. Could you also ask the chef what seasoning he used?
Waiter:
I'll be happy to. I'll be right back with that information for you.
Customer:
Thank you so much. We really appreciate the great food and service.
Waiter:
The chef said he used a mixture of rosemary and garlic. He was very happy to hear your compliment.
Customer:
That's great! Please tell him thank you again for the wonderful meal.

Vocabulary

compliment

An expression of praise, admiration, or respect.

  • Can I send a compliment to the chef?
  • She gave me a nice compliment on my new dress.
  • The chef was happy to get the compliment.

seasoning

Salt, herbs, or spices added to food to improve its flavor.

  • What seasoning did the chef use?
  • This chicken has a lot of seasoning.
  • I love the seasoning on this steak.

Grammar Tip: Using 'I was wondering if...'

The phrase 'I was wondering if...' is a very polite and indirect way of asking a question. It is great for when you are asking for a favor or for information that might be a bit difficult to provide.

Common Mistakes

❌ Just saying 'tell the chef.'

✅ Use a more polite phrase, like 'I was wondering if it would be possible to send a compliment to the chef?'

This shows a higher level of English and is more respectful. It sounds less like a demand and more like a polite request.

❌ Not giving a specific compliment.

✅ Give a specific detail about what you liked, like 'The steak was absolutely perfect.'

A specific compliment is more meaningful to the chef. It shows you were paying attention and truly enjoyed their work.

Notes for Learners

  • Be ready for the waiter to act as the middle person between you and the chef.
  • Use more advanced vocabulary to give your positive feedback.
  • Ask a specific question about the food, like 'what seasoning he used?'
  • Acknowledge the waiter's politeness and help with a phrase like 'Thank you so much.'

ADVANCED

Customer:
Excuse me. I trust everything is going well. We had a delightful meal tonight, and I was hoping I might have a brief word with the chef, if he's available.
Waiter:
Thank you very much. I will see if the chef has a moment. He is quite busy at the moment, but I'll let him know you wish to speak with him.
Customer:
Thank you for that. The salmon was simply exquisite. I'd love to ask him about his preparation method. We're very interested in his culinary style.
Waiter:
I'll certainly convey that to him. He'll be very pleased to hear your praise. He takes great pride in his work.
Customer:
I can certainly see why. His passion is evident in every dish. Thank you again for your assistance.
Waiter:
My pleasure. He will appreciate your kind words. I will bring your check now.
Customer:
Thank you very much. Have a wonderful evening.

Vocabulary

delightful

Giving great pleasure; charming.

  • We had a delightful meal.
  • The service was delightful.
  • She has a delightful smile.

exquisite

Extremely beautiful and delicate.

  • The salmon was simply exquisite.
  • The painting was exquisite.
  • She has exquisite taste in clothing.

Grammar Tip: Using 'I trust...'

The phrase 'I trust...' is a very formal and polite way to start a conversation. It shows that you assume the other person is doing a good job and that you have confidence in them.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using simple words to give praise.

✅ Use more formal and professional words like 'delightful' and 'exquisite.'

These words are more formal and show a higher level of fluency. They are commonly used in a professional restaurant setting and make your language sound more elegant and sincere.

❌ Asking for too much of the chef's time.

✅ Use a phrase like 'I was hoping I might have a brief word...' to show you respect the chef's time.

This shows a high level of politeness and respect. It's a key part of advanced communication to make the other person feel appreciated for their work.

Notes for Learners

  • Be ready for a more formal and professional conversation with the waiter.
  • Use advanced phrases to make your request, like 'I was hoping I might have a brief word...'
  • Be ready to hear formal words from the waiter, like 'convey' or 'culinary style.'
  • Acknowledge the waiter's professionalism and thank them for their 'assistance.'