Is there an online list anywhere that describes food terms, ie. the Italian menu word with the English 'translation'? Just wondering if there is a handy reference to use when deciphering a menu, so know if getting 'chicken' 'fish' or 'eel'! <BR>(found something like this for French terms, ie. Anguille eel, Bifteak steak, Citron lemon, etc etc) Thanks... (I've been doing searches but only coming up with articles and recipes, not a 'dictionary' kind of thing).

Dear Al: <BR> <BR>This site may not be exactly what you are asking about but it may help. It's just one of many recipe and Italian food sites I found when I came home from Italy last year. One hint: don't worry what the food is - just enjoy it! <BR>P.S. We stopped for lunch in Bologna one day and had the most wonderful dessert - Panna Cotta. I have been trying to make it at home, but can't get the consistency right. I think it's because of the gelatin here. When we go back, I'll be buying lots of the Italian version. <BR>If anyone here has advice on this dish, please chime in now... <BR> <BR> <BR>http://www.cucina.italynet.com/default2.htm <BR> <BR>

If you can't find one online, <BR>Why don't you you get/use a phrase book, and photocopy out the list in there? <BR>Nancy

I have a small phrasebook but it isn't really in the format I'm looking for - however, I just found a listing this morning in the Frommers site (sorry, Fodors!)that will do fine...Thanks for everyone's suggestions...

Hello BigAl: <BR> <BR>YOu can buy "The Marling Menu-Master for Italy" by William E. and Clare F. Marling. Altarinda Books. It's a good little book very well organized with a lot of info.

During my first trip to Italy several years ago, we decided to just wing it at restaurants and blindly point to items. It usually worked out OK. But at one restaurant, after chattering to us in Italian and refusing to acknowledge any understanding of the English language, we began our point and order system. When my Sister-In-Law took her turn the waiter said in perfect English: "You just ordered a loaf of bread."

I found a little book titled Eating & Drinking in Italy published by Capra Press. Our trip isn't until next year so haven't had an opportunity to test it in Italy but it looks helpful. You might want to check it out.