Does anyone know of a good pocket Italian menu translator? I haven't had any luck finding something. Thanks in advance.

Just for you, Judy, I'm going to expose myself as a geek who travels with her Palm Pilot. How embarrassing! But if you've got one, there is a package that could solve your problem.

There is a publication called Marling Menu Master which I carry with me whenever I go to Italy. It's still in print because I just gave one to some friends as a going away gify. It costs about $9.00 and is great!

Sorry, Judy! My message got cut off. I was referring to Handmark's Travel Assistant, which includes 39 language dictionaries (you can download one or all) with dining subdirectories as well as an itinerary management application and converters for currency, weight, distance, sizes, and temperature. It costs about $20.

The Rough Guide Dictionary Phrasebook (pocket-sized) is an all-in-one dictionary with a separate menu and drink guide in the back. Can buy it on amazon.com. It was very useful on our trip.

I previously posted this: <BR> <BR>"But my biggest find may be of substantial interest to lots of Fodorites: <BR> <BR>www.acena.it/dizionario.html provides five-language translation for literally hundreds of restaurant and kitchen terms, including simple descriptions for what is in many kinds of sauces and common Italian dishes. It's organized by food types, and then alphabetically." <BR> <BR>on the thread "Original fettuccine alfredo in Rome - do you know where?" <BR> http://www.fodors.com/forums/crossro...messagesframe& <BR> <BR>... which got to be rather fractious, so I am not topping it... <BR> <BR>Anyhow, this wonderful, five-language menu aid is quite a "catch" - - and it's FREE! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Judy: My parents are extremely knowledgeable w/regard to food & wine. They have been to Italy several times. I'm going to Rome in November & my parents have given me their "Marling Menu Master." I'm pretty sure that they were happy with it...but not entirely. They found that when they dined at very "Fine" restaurants,the Marling's guide did not have all the translations for the exceptional items prepared. We'll probably take it with us as well because as a general guide,it will be perfect. <BR>Kate

In answer to your question, this is not a pocket translator, but a website that I find extremely useful. Go to www.bigairparagliding.com and on the left side scroll down to Tools. You then can click on translators, metric converter, currency converter, etc. Since I am going to Spain & Paris in September I typed in what I wanted to know in English & then it automatically translates my question into whatever language I want; in my case from English to Spanish and from English to French. I then printed it out. <BR> Hope this helps. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip. <BR>Marcia

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I don't have a Palm Pilot and we really wanted something we could just slip into a purse or pocket so the Marling Menu Master seems like the best way to go. Thanks again!

REX, That is a great site! Easier than carring 2 language books. <BR> <BR>Now I know not to order asino or beccaccia. (donkey or woodchuck)