NARRATOR:
You will hear a woman asking a friend to recommend a restaurant for a birthday celebration.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions one to four.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions one to four.
WOMAN:
I have been meaning to ask you about restaurants.
WOMAN:
I need somewhere for my sister's thirtieth birthday, and the place you chose for your mum's fiftieth sounded ideal.
MAN:
You mean, the junction?
MAN:
Yes, I'd certainly suggest it for a celebration.
MAN:
We all had a really good evening there.
WOMAN:
Remind me where it is.
MAN:
It's on Grayson Street, about two minutes from the station.
WOMAN:
That's convenient.
WOMAN:
I'd rather not drive, though.
WOMAN:
I don't want everyone walking miles either.
MAN:
The location helps, but that's not the main reason I'd choose it.
MAN:
The cooking is excellent.
MAN:
If someone's especially fond of fish, I don't think there's a better place in town.
MAN:
It's very fresh, and the menu has some unusual choices, too.
MAN:
It isn't cheap, but for a special event, it's reasonable.
MAN:
And you can have a drink on the roof before dinner.
MAN:
It's lovely up there with fantastic views, although you have to reserve a table.
WOMAN:
Can you think of another option?
MAN:
If you'd prefer somewhere more relaxed, there's Paloma.
MAN:
It's fairly new and already has a strong reputation.
MAN:
It's in a beautiful old property on Bow Street.
WOMAN:
Is that the one beside the cinema?
MAN:
I've only eaten there twice, but both meals impressed me.
MAN:
The chef apparently worked at Don Felipe's before it shut.
WOMAN:
So the menu is Spanish?
MAN:
They serve lots of small plates, which are easy to share when you're with a group.
MAN:
The place feels lively, and the staff are very welcoming.
WOMAN:
Any disadvantages?
MAN:
You have to pay a 50 pounds deposit when you book.
WOMAN:
That's becoming quite common.
WOMAN:
I should check the vegetarian choices, though, because two of my friends no longer eat meat.
MAN:
I don't think the vegetarian range is particularly wide.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 5 to 10.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 5 to 10.
MAN:
Wait, another restaurant has just come to mind.
MAN:
Have you heard of the Oddly?
WOMAN:
No, how do you spell that?
MAN:
It's been mentioned quite a lot in the press.
WOMAN:
I tend to miss things like that.
WOMAN:
Where exactly is it?
MAN:
It's on the top floor of the hotel near Baxter Bridge.
WOMAN:
The view from there must be amazing.
MAN:
I can't remember the chef's name, but she recently judged that television cookery program, and she's published a couple of cookbooks.
MAN:
The newspaper reviews have all been excellent.
WOMAN:
It would certainly make the birthday memorable.
MAN:
The view alone is a reason to go, but apparently the food is exceptional, too.
WOMAN:
Doesn't she insist on using local produce?
MAN:
Every ingredient has to come from nearby, and they don't fly anything in from overseas.
WOMAN:
It must cost a fortune.
MAN:
Dinner probably does, but the set lunch is more affordable, 30 pounds per person.
MAN:
In the evening, you're looking at around 50.
WOMAN:
Probably at least that.
WOMAN:
Still, everyone would enjoy it.
WOMAN:
I just hope the servings aren't tiny.
MAN:
None of the reviews complained about them.
MAN:
I'd expect the portions to be average.
WOMAN:
You've given me plenty to think about.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part one.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers to part one.
