Talk Pasta and Pizza Like A Pro

There must’ve been a time in your life before that you heard or spoke specially formulated words and terms, suited only to a specific purpose of requesting a specific something.

For example, when you want a fried egg with its yolk soft and intact, you say:

“One sunny side up!” if you’re in a hotel or “Satu telur mata!” if you’re at your neighbourhood mamak stall.

Another example would be proclaiming the words “bottoms up!” when you intend to challenge or invite those around you to finish their drinks, usually with alcohol in it, in a fast manner. As if you didn’t know this already.

Then you have more negative examples, like how 2 simple words; “you’re” and “fired” can sum up the meaning of a whole sentence explaining that you or someone else, just lost their job.

Using phrases such as these would give others the idea that you “know what you’re doing”, and thus make you seem like a bit of a pro at what you’re talking about.

You could call this jargon, because it sort of is.

What about when it comes to ordering pastas and pizzas? Surely there must be some globally recognized words and terms or jargon that can leave you feeling like a pro after saying them? Well, here’s a short list of stuff that might; along with pointers on some “pro” words that are often mispronounced in the pasta and pizza world.

Al Dente           

This is an Italian term which is translated directly as “to the tooth”. It describes the ideal level of doneness for pastas and its balanced texture when chewed.

Parmesan

First of, do not call this “cheese powder”, because while it looks like it is, it’s just wrong to call it that. And it isn’t “par-may-son” or “par-mi-son”, it’s “par-muh-sjon”. If you didn’t get that, then go online and search up the pronunciation!

XVOO or EVOO

This stands for “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”, a much healthier oil used in preparation of various pasta dishes. You’ll find this 4-letter abbreviation in some menus and when you do, you’ll now know what they mean!

Tabasco Sauce

Many western food lovers will find that their meals aren’t complete without this famous sauce. Unfortunately, many pronounce it as “toh-bes-ko”, which is wrong; and it’s strange because it’s even spelt with a “ta”. So get it right and say “ta-bes-co”!

Baguette

This famous type of bread is one that you’ll find being used as garlic bread and accompanying your soup or pasta. But it isn’t pronounced “ba-gu-wet”. In fact it’s much easier – “ba-get”.

Capsicums

Green peppers, red peppers and bell peppers, they’re all basically the same thing. But it just sounds more sophisticated when called “capsicum”.

This is by no means a complete guide to talking like a pasta or pizza pro, but it just touches on a few things that popped into mind. Look out for a second edition of this topic, if and when it comes out! For now, why don’t you satisfy your weekday pasta craving by heading over to a VIVO near you? Here’s where you can locate one http://www.vivopizza.com/our-stores.html