Little Oven

INTERMEDIATE
A unique hybrid of a chic cafe called "Little Oven" and a boutique order-made furniture workshop called "MINE".

Little Oven & MINE

NARA Visitor Center & Inn ESL Lessons

Download the PDF lesson plan.

1. Introduction.

Tell us about a cafe you often go to. What do you like about it?

2. Vocabulary bank.

Match these words to the correct definitions underneath.

chic
murmur
charming
furniture
stunning
mouthwatering
showcase
option
creation
adjacent
fittings
embody
comfort
inspiration.
visible

Can be seen.

Next to something.

Chairs and tables etcetera.

Pleasing and attractive.

Source of an idea.

Nice-looking and stylish.

Feeling of physical relaxation.

Accessories and extra parts.

Surprisingly attractive or beautiful.

Food looking delicious.

To speak softly and quietly.

Choice.

Presentation to show the good qualities of something.

Something that has been made.

To be the best example of something.

3. Video: First watch.

Listening questions.

Question 1. What is unique about Little Oven and MINE?

Question 2. What makes the desserts at Little Oven special?

4. Video: Second watch. Fill in the blanks in the narration.

On the banks of the Yoshino _____ in Higashi-Yoshino _ lies a unique hybrid shop, "Little Oven," which is both a chic cafe and a boutique order-made furniture workshop called "MINE." The shop is run by a charming husband and wife who moved to the area a few years ago to realize their dreams. The stunning __________ surrounding Higashi-Yoshino Village serves as a source of inspiration for the artists and creative types living there.

At "Little Oven," you can enjoy mouthwatering while taking in the murmurings of the Yoshino River below and the natural scenery window. The adjacent furniture workshop, "MINE," is visible through ceiling-to-floor glass, where you can watch husband Wataru work on his _ creations.

The furniture and fittings at "Little Oven" are made by "MINE," showcasing the level of style, quality, and embodied in Wataru's work. The shop also offers take-out options and allows ___ to order baked sweets through their online shop.

5. Comprehension exercises.

True or False?

”Little Oven" and "MINE" is a chic cafe located in a bustling city.
The husband and wife team moved to the area recently to pursue their dreams.
The stunning natural scenery surrounding Higashi-Yoshino Village serves as inspiration for many artists living there.
"Little Oven" offers delicious desserts made by another company.

Memory Testers

This video is about

a. A river in Higashi-Yoshino.

b. A unique kind of cafe and workshop.

c. Furniture making.

2. Higashi-Yoshino is

a. A village.

b. A town.

c. A city.

3. Customers can

a. Watch furniture being made.

b. Make tables and chairs.

c. Bake cakes.

6. Grammar.

Complete these sentences using either "and" or "but."

”Little Oven" offers delicious desserts, ____ their furniture is equally fascinating.
The shop is small ____charming.
The Yoshino River flows nearby ____ the natural scenery enhances the ambiance.
The furniture ____ fittings at "Little Oven" are made by “MINE.”
The shop is not only a cafe, ____ also a workshop.

Select the correct definitions for these two-word verbs.

Take-in Carry food from a restaurant to eat at home.
Take-out Remove something like clothing.
Take-off Experience and understand something.

Syntax.

Rearrange these words to form correct sentences.

is / on / “Little Oven and MINE” / of / Yoshiko River / the / located / the / banks
scenery / the / enjoy / stunning / customers / can
sweets / be / online / can / ordered / baked

Synonyms.

Find synonyms for these words from the Vocabulary bank in part 2.

Appealing
Fashionable
Alongside
Amazing
Observable

7. Discussion.

Have you ever been to a unique hybrid shop or cafe?
What kind of desserts do you find appealing?
Would you like to visit "Little Oven" and "MINE"? Why or why not?
Use your imagination to create a unique hybrid shop combining two different businesses.