Appetizers, When Do You Have Them

[Jules]

Do you serve appetizers to guests prior to dinner?

Prior to a regular evening meal? I know people who sit down with a drink and an appie before dinner every night.

Do you order an appetizer before your meal in a restaurant. JMO, folks under 50 tend to do this regularly. It sure makes the bill add up.

I love appetizers but rarely have them anymore. A club I belonged to would have us bring appetizers to any special meeting or event. It was beyond wonderful.

Any favourites?

 

[dobielvr]

I don't generally order appetizers anymore when I'm out. It would result in too much food.

But, I am having a happy hour this Friday where I will be serving them. Just got to when serving cocktails!

Any ideas?

 

[NorthernLight]

I think it's a good idea.

Years ago, I went to a barbecue. The actual burgers, etc., had yet to be placed on the grill. No chips or other nibbles were offered in the meantime. After about an hour I left, because I was hungry.

My neighbor invites me to occasion dinners of about a dozen people. I have food restrictions, so I take things I can eat. Once I took an appetizer and passed it around before dinner. The hostess seemed a bit shocked, and I didn't understand why. The other people were appreciative though, saying things like, "Oh good, I'm starving."

Then last Christmas the same neighbor had the gang over. I spent lots of money and several hours preparing a festive appetizer tray. When I arrived, someone offered to pass the tray around. The hostess said, "No, put it on the table with the other food." Of course, it went untouched, because no one is going to eat appetizers *during* the meal.

Obviously, that hostess doesn't believe in appetizers!

 

[Timewise 60+]

Anytime we go out to eat at a nice restaurant. That is the only time...

 

[Giants fan1954]

Thanksgiving,at the very least,shrimp cocktail,if I'm hosting,the above, antipasto platter and if I'm feeling especially ambitious,stuffed mushrooms.
Our Christmas Eve celebration,which is when we exchange gifts,is all appetizers,my daughter in law makes a beautiful charcuterie board and we all add something to it...I love it

 

[Pinky]

Only when we go to our favourite Greek restaurant .. rarely when we go to the French restaurant.
In the past, we've found ourselves too full for our main meals when we've ordered appetizers.

 

[NorthernLight]

When I was in my 20s, a well-off acquaintance took me to a French restaurant. Various plates, soup, etc., were presented. By the time they brought the entree, I was too full to eat it.

That was very suprising, as I'm usually able to eat a lot.

 

[RadishRose]

In the past, it was good ole' crudités and dips, then charcuterie or shrimp cocktail or baked crab stuffed mushrooms. Those days are over.

Even dining out, the only appy I'll order is clams casino at a place where I know they're very good.

 

[win231]

I would never consider appetizers.
I have a built-in appetizer. I'm always hungry. And I'm always eating.