antipasto
n.-- The word means "before the meal" in Italian. Generally, it denotes appetizers, the equivalent of tapas in Spain and hors d'ouvres in France. The words has come to mean a specific range of dishes, most of which are served at room temperature, and many of which are marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and herbs. In Italian restaurants in Italy, they're traditionally presented on a big table as you enter. (Unfortunately, we see that only rarely in this country.) A majority of them involved cooked and marinated vegetables, beginning with olives and running through carrots, endives, escarole, eggplant, cauliflower, and more. Cooked, marinated seafood, particularly squid, are also common. Cured and smoked meats and cheeses complete the most generous antipasto arrays. The only problem with good antipastio is that it's very easy to fill up on it.
