You are learning idioms and american food culture: you will read the scene it happens in, learn 10 words and phrases, take apart the pattern behind them (idiomatic comparisons and food expressions), hear them in a conversation, rehearse them, and finish by saying one thing out loud to be graded.
A Fourth of July barbecue on a Brooklyn rooftop
Last Fourth of July, my neighbors had a cookout on our Brooklyn rooftop. You could see the Manhattan skyline and the fireworks from there. Nothing beats a rooftop barbecue in New York City on Independence Day.
The grill was going all afternoon. Burgers, hot dogs, ribs, corn on the cob. Classic American comfort food. My neighbor Miguel made his famous burgers -- thick patties with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles, the works. You can't go wrong with Miguel's burgers.
There was food from everywhere. Mrs. Kim from the third floor brought Korean fried chicken. The Garcias from downstairs made ceviche. Ahmed from across the hall brought baklava. That's New York -- a real melting pot. Every dish was incredible.
As the sun went down, we ate watermelon and watched the fireworks over the East River. Someone handed me a cold lemonade. It really hit the spot. I looked around at all my neighbors -- people from ten different countries, sharing food on one rooftop. There's nothing like it. My friend said, 'It doesn't get better than this.' She was right. This is why people love New York.