....small plates, little dishes from the 
Mediterranean...
hor d'oeuvres, antipasti, appetizers,
tapas, mezze, meze - call them what
you will - they are as versatile as they
are delicious - serve as appetizers,
tidbits, finger foods, snacks... 
as a sit-downdinner,
for a  cocktail party
or on a buffet

Hors d'oevres - an introduction
to the meal
Appetizers - a preview -
 a taste of things to come
Antipasti - an opener, snacks, tidbits
Tapas - small plates to accompany
drinks - not meant to replace the meal
Mezze/Meze - selection of little dishes,
dips & spreads, salads & pickles, 
hot & cold, vegetables & meat, 
raw & cooked- can be elaborate 
enough to replace the meal