MARTIN:

You do that very well.

CHEF:

Of course. It's one of the first things a chef learns.

MARTIN:

Why?

CHEF:

We use eggs in so many things. We use them for breakfast. But I don't cook breakfast.

MARTIN:

Can't you cook breakfast?

CHEF:

Of course, I can. I don't like to.

MARTIN:

What do you like to cook?

CHEF:

What food, or what meal?

MARTIN:

Let's say what meal.

CHEF:

In this restaurant, I like to cook dinner. We serve dinner from seven thirty until eleven. That's my best time of day.

MARTIN:

Is that the only reason?

CHEF:

No. Dinner is slow. I can take time. I can be careful. I can cook things that I can't cook for lunch.

MARTIN:

Why is that?

CHEF:

People are in a hurry at lunch. They have a short time for lunch.

MARTIN:

What can you cook for lunch?

CHEF:

Besides eggs?

MARTIN:

Yes, I know about the eggs. Can you make desserts?

CHEF:

I can, but I don't. Stephanie makes the desserts. What would you like for lunch?

MARTIN:

A pizza.

CHEF:

A pizza?! That's terrible.

MARTIN:

Everyone loves pizza.

CHEF:

I can't believe you want a pizza in this restaurant.

MARTIN:

Can you make a pizza?

CHEF:

I don't know. I never tried. I guess I could. But I won't.

MARTIN:

I can make a pizza.

CHEF:

That's what I mean. Anyone can make a pizza. You don't need to be a chef.

MARTIN:

I don't really want a pizza. I was just asking.

CHEF:

Be serious. What would you like? What do you usually eat for lunch?

MARTIN:

I usually have a sandwich in my office. When I travel, I usually have a sandwich in a restaurant.

CHEF:

Do you like sandwiches that much?

MARTIN:

No, not that much. Sandwiches are cheaper. Tell me what you eat for lunch. You can cook that for me.

CHEF:

I eat something different every day. I cook whatever seems good.

MARTIN:

For example? What were you planning to cook for yourself today?

CHEF:

Today? The fish looks nice, don't you think?

MARTIN:

OK. How will you cook it?

CHEF:

It's very fresh. I'll grill it with butter and herbs.

MARTIN:

Can you explain how you do that?

CHEF:

Sure. Watch. First, I brush it with some of my special butter. Then I put it on the grill. That's all.

MARTIN:

How long do you cook it?

CHEF:

Three or four minutes on each side. Next I put the herbs on it. Then I turn the fish again.

MARTIN:

Why?

CHEF:

To make the herbs hot. I brush more butter on it, and it's ready. It will be finished in a few minutes. Would you like to eat here in the kitchen?

MARTIN:

Of course.

CHEF:

Now did you like that?

MARTIN:

It was delicious.

CHEF:

It was easier than pizza.