A Night Out for Chinese Food

Characters:

Setting: A casual Chinese restaurant. The three friends are seated at a round table, looking at the menu.

(The scene opens with CHLOE, JIAN, and AVA looking at a very long, multi-page menu. AVA's eyes are wide with confusion.)

AVA: There are so many choices! "Kung Pao Chicken," "Moo Shu Pork," "General Tso's Chicken"... I don't even know where to start. Are all these dishes just different kinds of chicken?

CHLOE: (Laughing) Not at all! Don't worry, we'll guide you. A lot of these dishes are named after the cooking style or the sauce. "General Tso's" is sweet and a little spicy, and "Kung Pao" has peanuts and a savory sauce.

JIAN: I see you have a section for **appetizers**. We should start with some **spring rolls** to share. They are a classic. And maybe some **potstickers**? They are pan-fried dumplings and they are very popular in China.

AVA: Spring rolls and potstickers... okay, I think I can remember that.

CHLOE: Good idea, Jian. Let's get one order of each. Now, for the main dishes, we should get a variety so we can all try a little of everything. That's a classic way of eating Chinese food. We call it **family style**.

AVA: Family style?

CHLOE: Yeah. We'll order a few different dishes for the table, and everyone will take some of each. That way, you don't have to pick just one thing.

AVA: That sounds great! I was worried I would choose the wrong thing.

CHLOE: You can't go wrong here! Let's get a vegetable dish, too. How about some stir-fried bok choy with garlic?

JIAN: That's a great choice! And for a meat dish... how about **Peking Duck**? It is very famous. It is a little expensive, but it is worth it. It is roasted duck with crispy skin, and you eat it with thin pancakes.

CHLOE: Ooh, Peking Duck is delicious! But let's check the price first. Okay, yeah, that’s a bit much for today. How about we get the classic **Beef and Broccoli**? And for a rice dish, just some regular **steamed rice** for the table.

JIAN: (Nodding) Good idea. We can try the Peking Duck next time.

(The waiter comes to the table to take their order.)

CHLOE: We'll start with the spring rolls and the potstickers. For our main courses, we'd like the Beef and Broccoli, the Kung Pao Chicken, and the stir-fried bok choy. And a large steamed rice for the table, please.

WAITER: And what would you all like to drink?

AVA: Just water for me, please.

(The waiter takes the menus and walks away. Ava looks at her friends, feeling much more comfortable.)

AVA: Thank you both for helping me. I had no idea how to order.

JIAN: No problem at all! This is a great way to discover new foods.

CHLOE: You'll be an expert in no time. Next time, maybe we’ll be brave and try the spicy dishes!

(The three friends smile at each other, excited for their meal. FADE OUT.)


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