Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- marvel / ˈmɑr vəl / (v.) – to feel great surprise or wonder about something
Example:We spent hours marveling at the artist’s paintings because the details were so beautiful.
- commonplace / ˈkɒm ənˌpleɪs / (adj.) – happening or seen often in many places
Example:Remote work has become commonplace since the pandemic began.
- feat / fit / (n.) – a difficult action or achievement that needs skill, strength, or courage
Example:Climbing the tall mountain was a great feat for the young boy.
- on hand / ɒn hænd / (idiom) – present and ready to do something or help when needed
Example:There were several doctors on hand to provide care during the sports event.
- align / əˈlaɪn / (v.) – to be similar to or agree with each other
Example:The budget plan aligns with the financial goals set by the company for the year.
Article
Read the text below.
For Sonia Pérez, stepping into Havana’s Doña Alicia restaurant felt like entering a movie. Even as Cuba struggles with power outages and technological scarcity, this eatery has leaped into the 21st century with digital menus, Alexa-enabled assistance, touchless bathrooms and even a food-delivering robot.
“I thought I was in a cartoon movie!” said the 64-year-old government employee, marveling at the contrast with the technological realities outside. “I wish there were more of these in Cuba… We are really very behind in technology.”
While commonplace globally, such automation is a complex feat in Cuba due to the island’s frequent power cuts and a lack of modern technology.
Opened seven years ago, the restaurant gradually embraced technology, starting with tablets at tables, followed by Alexa services and culminating in the arrival of Doña Alicia—a food-delivering robot named after the owner’s grandmother—who now assists human waiters in the dining room.
Guests are greeted with digital menus on screens at their tables, allowing them to browse and order traditional Cuban dishes such as savory pork steak, pasta and sweet desserts. The bar further enhances the experience, offering drinks such as mojitos or freshly made daiquiris. Human servers are on hand for those less tech-savvy.
The prices align with those of other private restaurants, making them unaffordable for the average Cuban and reflecting the island’s inflation.
Despite the challenges of limited and often unreliable internet access in Cuba (mobile internet only became widespread in 2018, and outages are frequent due to the energy crisis), Doña Alicia appears to be navigating these obstacles.
Manager Yadiel Hernández believes the technological advancements help attract customers by creating a unique and appealing dining experience in Havana.
“We’ve noticed a change,” said Hernández. “Both children and adults find it interesting to have a robotic assistant bring food to the table…it’s a novel experience.”
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Prices at Doña Alicia are unaffordable for the average Cuban. Would you pay extra for a fun or special restaurant experience, like a robot chef or light show? Why or why not? Do you think some expensive restaurants focus more on appearance than on food or service, or are their prices justified? Why do you say so? Discuss.
- When you go out to eat, what do you care about most—price, taste, service, or something else? Would you rather eat at a cheaper place with good food or an expensive place with cool technology? Why? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Does the food and beverage industry have to be updated when it comes to technology, or are these just for show? Why? Do you believe a restaurant can still be successful today even without robot waiters or tablet menus? Why do you say so? Discuss.
- What are the risks for these types of businesses when they lag behind in terms of technology? What advantages do high-tech restaurants have? Discuss.
