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