Bitings on a Complimentary Basis.

February 11, 2015 | Posted by Lesley Jakobsen | Annabel Lee, FOOD, LIFE, Restaurants, TRAVEL | 4 Comments |

Get your bitings here

In 2004, while staying in a converted monastery in wild, windy, Avignon,  we read an invitation to “bitings on a complimentary basis” at 7pm . In some trepidation we donned evening garb, strung garlic around our necks and descended to  the ancient hall for what turned out to be “free nibbles” and not of the flattering, cannibal sort.

The European grip on English translation had not improved by 2013, when, in the train station at Sorrento we read a sign which frightened and confused us.

Sorrento--sign

We wouldn’t dare get on train whithout  t ckets; but, although the ticket office was close, we couldn’t see another outlet.  And, if we did manage to get t ckets, how best to obliterate them and yet still be allowed on train?

Menus are a joy for the picky English-speaking traveller.

menu-2menu-1

 

Somewhere in Germany we enjoyed chopping meats typical, a mysterious rustico tipycal Italian product and a fishermen dish.  But we drew the line at pig mustard. 

 

 

 

 

 

 it was decent, if a little self-defeating, of the restaurateur to warn us that there would be a hidden fee.

 

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In a chain restaurant high above the Kurfustendamm we read with interest the following description of a white wine, or should that be whine?
wine

At least the sommelier was confident that every wine connoisseur would be pleased that a gentle whole bunch had created this fruity, flowery, yet annoying product. The proprietors of an Asian-fusion restaurant back home in Adelaide were just as sure that diners who wanted a poor experience would get it.

menu-3

ADDENDUM: For a recent howler, committed by a teacher of languages, (English not being his first), click here.

Update: always check your work! This recent menu featured a moaning sauce:

4 Comments

  1. Reply

    Lesley Jakobsen

    February 11, 2015

    I'm annoyed, disappointed, and obliterated.

  2. Reply

    Rick

    March 29, 2015

    Love these language foibles. So many great signs around the world. A classic from Wollongong was FUKU Asian Fusion restaurant but me thinks that was deliberate!


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