No matter how "cultural" it makes you feel, don't try using bastardized Italian to converse/order food unless you can't be understood speaking English. If you feel you must use Italian, make sure it sounds Italian and not Spanish. That's an easy way to get your ass kicked.
Don't order spaghetti. Spaghetti is for idiot tourists. You're not an idiot tourist.
As for alcohol, your best bet is just asking people at restaurants for local favorites. I can't think of any Italian hard liquors, but there are many small vineyards, and you will have a decent sampling of European beer.
