An Order for In-N-Out

Setting: The inside of a bustling In-N-Out Burger. The line is long and a little noisy.

(The scene opens with AVA and CHLOE standing in a long line. AVA is looking at the menu board, which is very simple. She looks confused.)

AVA: So, this is it? There are only three kinds of burgers? Just "Hamburger," "Cheeseburger," and "Double-Double"?

CHLOE: (Laughing) Yep! That’s the classic menu. But that’s not all. The real magic is on the **secret menu**.

AVA: The secret menu? Like… hidden burgers?

CHLOE: Exactly! You can get a burger **"Animal Style,"** which means it comes with mustard cooked into the patty, extra spread, and grilled onions. Or you can get your fries "Animal Style" too! It’s the best.

AVA: (Smiling, a little unsure) That sounds… complicated. I just want a regular hamburger. With cheese. But maybe a little secret.

CHLOE: Perfect! So, a cheeseburger, but ask for it **"Protein Style."** That’s a burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. It’s healthier, kind of.

(They finally get to the front of the line. The CASHIER smiles at them, ready for their order.)

CASHIER: Hi! What can I get for you today?

CHLOE: Hi! I’ll do a Double-Double, Animal Style, with an order of Animal Style fries. And a Coke.

CASHIER: Awesome. And for you?

(AVA freezes for a moment. She looks at Chloe, then back at the cashier, taking a deep breath.)

AVA: I would like… one cheeseburger. But… “Protein Style,” please. And a… chocolate shake.

CASHIER: (Typing the order) Got it. One Protein Style Cheeseburger and a chocolate shake. Your total is $12.50. Will that be all?

AVA: (Nodding proudly) Yes! Thank you.

(Ava and Chloe move to the side to wait. Ava is beaming, a sense of accomplishment on her face.)

AVA: I did it! I ordered from the secret menu!

CHLOE: See? It’s easy! You’re a pro now. You can order anything. Next time, maybe we’ll get a **"Neapolitan"** shake. It’s chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry all mixed together.

AVA: (Eyes wide) Whoa. You guys have so many food secrets.

(AVA and CHLOE laugh as the cashier calls out their order number. FADE OUT.)

Vocabulary List

Secret menu 🔊 /ˈsiːkrɪt ˈmɛnjuː/ (n.): A list of items that a restaurant can make but aren't written on the main menu. Example: The best burger is on the **secret menu**.
Animal Style 🔊 /ˈænɪməl staɪl/ (idiom): A special way of preparing an In-N-Out burger or fries. It includes mustard, grilled onions, and extra sauce. Example: He always gets his fries **Animal Style**.
Protein Style 🔊 /ˈproʊtiːn staɪl/ (idiom): An option for a burger where lettuce is used instead of a bun. Example: I ordered my burger **Protein Style** to avoid the bread.
Neapolitan 🔊 /ˌniːəˈpɒlɪtən/ (adj.): A type of ice cream or milkshake that has three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Example: She wanted a **Neapolitan** shake because she couldn't choose just one flavor.
Double-Double 🔊 /ˈdʌbəl ˈdʌbəl/ (n.): A specific type of In-N-Out burger with two beef patties and two slices of cheese. Example: A **Double-Double** is a very popular burger at In-N-Out.
Patty 🔊 /ˈpæti/ (n.): A flat, round piece of minced meat or other food. Example: The burger had a thick beef **patty**.
Bun 🔊 /bʌn/ (n.): A small, soft bread roll, often used for burgers. Example: They put the burger on a soft **bun**.
Spread 🔊 /sprɛd/ (n.): The special sauce used on In-N-Out burgers. Example: He asked for extra **spread** on his burger.
Veteran 🔊 /ˈvɛtərən/ (n.): A person who has a lot of experience in a particular field. Example: As a **veteran** shopper, she knew all the best places to find good deals.

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Vocabulary List