📕 Goya Diaries: The Table at the Back

Goya Languages
2 days ago
3 min read

Chapter 3

By Goya Languages

Yesterday I went out for dinner with my friend Lucía, who’s a journalist. She told me about a new Spanish restaurant in central London — and I didn’t need to think twice. The place was called The Table at the Back, and it smelled like garlic and toasted bread. Basically, it already felt like home. The waiter welcomed us with a smile. — What would you like to drink? — Can I get a pint, please? — said Lucía. — I’ll have a non-alcoholic beer, please — I added. While we waited, I looked around: old photos of Mediterranean towns, rope lamps, and a chalkboard that read:

“Dish of the Day — The best paella you’ll ever try.”

Lucía laughed — we’re both from Valencia, so that was quite a challenge.

— That sounds like a bold promise— she said.

The Table at the Back Restaurant. Imagen: Goya Languages

CURSOS DE INGLÉS

We ordered paella, some squid and croquettes, which looked amazing. Actually, they were perfect — crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. At the table in the back, there was an older man eating alone. He was taking notes between bites, and sometimes looking around as if studying every detail. — He’s definitely a food critic— Lucía whispered. — Do you think so? — He looks like one. Nobody writes that much about a Spanish omelette!

We both laughed.

The waiter arrived with our paella. — Hope you enjoy it! It’s the best paella I’ve ever had— he said proudly.

The first spoonful tasted of saffron, rosemary, and something else… nostalgia, maybe.

Lucía raised her glass. — To dinners that taste like home, even far from home.

The man turned to us. — Excuse me, he said kindly, I couldn’t help overhearing. I’m a food critic, and I have to agree: this place is extraordinary. You two just confirmed my impression. And, by the way, dinner’s on me tonight!

We laughed, clinked glasses, and enjoyed the moment. Although it was just a simple dinner, it felt like we’d found the perfect place to be.

THE END

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Actividades

¿Te animas a ir un paso más allá?

Ahora que ya conoces la historia, es el momento de poner a prueba tu gramática y vocabulario. 📝 Te dejamos unos ejercicios para que resuelvas en menos de 5 minutos para:

Practicar vocabulario real que usarás al pedir en un restaurante o hablar de comida.
Aprender expresiones naturales que los angloparlantes usan en la mesa.
Practicar algunos de los conectores más usados en inglés.

💡 Y no pasa nada si fallas alguna pregunta — ¡cada error te acerca más a dominar el idioma!

👉 Envía tus respuestas para descubrir los resultados.

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¿Conoces ya nuestro nuevo curso online SURVIVAL ENGLISH? 🤩

Aprende a presentarte, hablar de tus gustos y planes, pedir en un restaurante, usar frases clave del día a día y desenvolverte con confianza en situaciones como ir de compras, tomar un avión o registrarte en un hotel. ¡Además, trabajarás la pronunciación!