In the culinary world, there's a delightful trend that's been gaining traction, offering a unique dining experience that's not just about the quantity, but the quality and variety of dishes. We're talking about small plates, also known as tapas or mezze, but what exactly are they, and what are some of their other names?
Small plates, as the name suggests, are bite-sized or shareable dishes that are typically served in restaurants as appetizers or snacks. They originated from Spain's tapas culture, where bars would serve small plates of food to accompany drinks. However, this concept has evolved and is now enjoyed worldwide, with each culture putting its unique spin on it.
Understanding Small Plates
Small plates are all about exploring different flavors and textures in one sitting. They encourage communal dining, as dishes are meant to be shared among the table. This style of dining also allows for a more flexible and customizable meal, as diners can pick and choose what they want to try.
But what are some other names for these delightful morsels? Let's dive into some of the terms used around the world to describe small plates.
Tapas
Tapas are perhaps the most well-known small plates, originating from Spain. The term 'tapas' itself means 'to cover' or 'to lid' in Spanish, which is said to have come from the practice of covering glasses of wine with a small plate to keep flies out. Today, tapas encompass a wide range of dishes, from patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo to tortilla española and albóndigas.
Tapas bars are a staple in Spanish culture, offering a lively and social dining experience. They're perfect for grazing on a variety of dishes while enjoying a drink or two.
Mezze
Mezze is the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean equivalent of small plates. These dishes are often served as part of a meze platter, which is a selection of small dishes served with pita bread. Examples of meze include hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, stuffed vine leaves, and falafel.
Mezze is typically served as a social meal, with friends and family gathering to enjoy a variety of dishes together. It's a great way to sample a variety of flavors and textures in one sitting.
Other Names for Small Plates
While tapas and meze are the most well-known terms for small plates, there are many other names used around the world. Let's explore a few more.
In Italy, small plates are often referred to as 'cicchetti' in Venice and 'antipasti' elsewhere. In Greece, they're known as 'meze' or 'horiatiki', while in Turkey, they're called 'meze' or 'meze plakası'. In the United States, small plates are often referred to as 'shareables' or 'small bites'.
Cicchetti
Cicchetti are small plates that are unique to Venice, Italy. These dishes are typically served in 'bacari', which are Venetian wine bars. Cicchetti can range from simple dishes like olives or marinated anchovies to more complex creations like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) or polpette (meatballs).
Cicchetti are often enjoyed as a late afternoon or early evening snack, accompanied by a glass of wine or an 'ombra', which is a small glass of wine served at room temperature.
Antipasti
Antipasti are small plates that are served as appetizers in Italian cuisine. They can range from simple dishes like bruschetta or caprese salad to more elaborate creations like carpaccio or vitello tonnato. Antipasti are typically served before the pasta course and are meant to stimulate the appetite.
Antipasti can vary greatly depending on the region of Italy. For example, in the south, antipasti often include seafood dishes, while in the north, they may feature more cured meats and cheeses.
So, the next time you're out for a meal and you see 'small plates', 'tapas', 'meze', 'cicchetti', or 'antipasti' on the menu, you'll know exactly what you're in for - a delightful journey of flavors and textures that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. Buon appetito!