simon tanner (asker) Oct 5, 2011:

thanks everyone In the end I did decide to translate, because I reckoned I could get away with it. Nudi here is not just a name, but a description, so "naked" it is, with the inverted commas. Enjoyed the very helpful discussion!

simon tanner (asker) Sep 28, 2011:

yes, you're right there, Andrew - in fact I'd never heard of them either (down here in Sicily I've never seen them). I usually like to steer a middle path when it comes to (not) translating the names of particular dishes. I would not translate any traditional names on the whole - so obviously caponata, sfogliatelle, strozzapreti etc. etc, but on the other hand, I d like to ensure the readers know what they're dealing with. Clearly in a book of recipes, where there may also be photos, you have a lot more leeway, since any doubts as to the meaning can be cleared up by having a look at the finished dish. Interesting discussion, though, and of course all comments and time spent helping out much appreciated :-)

Andrew Campbell Sep 28, 2011:

Beyond the argument of a general rule not for translating plate names, I don't think the average Italian punter (can Italians be punters?) would know what nudi are either. The first time I had them I was with a group of 20 and not a one knew what they were until the chef explained it. I was the only foreigner and more than half were from Tuscany.
Logically "nude Ravioli" would lead me to believe they were without any type of sauce. If anything I'd say the more literal translation is simply "nudes" (nouns like the painting) rather than using it as an adjective for the ravioli (which aren't there).
I'm sure you'll find the answer that is best for the text and hope my comments help.

simon tanner (asker) Sep 28, 2011:

interesting suggestions at the moment I'm toying with the idea of a hybrid solution. I agree with Andrew that there's no need to translate, at least on one level, yet your average English punter wouldn't realise what nudi were. So I'm thinking along the lines of "naked/nude" ricotta ravioli, hoping that the inverted commas help emphasise the metaphorical use, and then maybe providing some kind of explanation later in the text.

simon tanner (asker) Sep 28, 2011:

text type To answer Andrew: the text is from a book about a restaurant. It mentions some of the chef's signature dishes, and there are a couple of lines of comment. So it's neither a recipe nor a menu item as such

Kelly Gill Sep 28, 2011:

this site here may help: very clear description of so-called "gnudi"
http://morselsandmusings.blogspot.com/2011/08/stinging-nettl...

Andrew Campbell Sep 28, 2011:

What is the context? I think it would help us suggest better if we knew the type of text. Is it a menu? Is it mentioned within the prose of a novel? A tourist pamphlet? A cookbook?

Cedric Randolph Sep 28, 2011:

Gnudi They are actually ricotta balls, with different additives, such as herbs, spinach, bits of other flavor enhancers as might be found in a tortelloni, or ravioli but without the dough over the top. They are cooked just as if they had the dough as well. Quite nice if you like them: I prefer the normal ravioli or tortelloni, myself.

eccotraduttrice Sep 28, 2011:

Would they be kind of like little meatballs then?