Food - Prezzo

Last time we went to Prezzo it provoked something of a debate on the correct way to pronounce the name. To settle it we even asked the waiter, who obligingly gave us his version. In Spanish as it turned out. Which was… Ok. The issue it seems is actually about whether to anglicise it or not. It’s something we English seem to be particularly hung up about. Not surprising really. You can take your pick as to the reasons: a reaction to the ignorant Brit abroad stereotype, our lamentable reputation as students of a second language. Or our tongue's history as a tool of colonial power.
This all comes back to me as I glance through the menu outside on the sunny roof terrace. I know I’m going to have decide whether to try the Italian or read the translation. I fancy sea-food pasta - there are only two to choose from and one of them sounds too rich, so I opt for crayfish tails with garlic, chilli, tomatoes and spaghetti. My companions order - in English. My turn comes. ‘Spaghetti litorale, please’, (though I’ve over-analysed it all so much I can’t decide if I’ve crossed into patronizing now). “Ok, she says, reading it back, “one ‘primavera’, one ‘risotto pollo’ and one ‘spaghetti napolitana’”.“Actually it was ‘litorale’”, I mutter.
The food arrives. It looks pretty good. Then I’m asked if I want parmesan on it. I hesitate - what was that thing about Italians not putting cheese on fish? “Yes please” I say. After all there is such a thing as taking your cultural sensibilities too far. ER