On 2/5/2014 10:58 AM, ChattyCathy wrote:
> On Wed, 05 Feb 2014 10:37:31 -0500, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>
>> I've never seen a menu in NY with the term "Starter"... In the US I'd
>> think that's a trailer trash term. When a la carte there are
>> Appetizers, Entrees, Desserts, and Beverages. Full meals will say
>> includes cup of soup or salad, entree with choice of sides, and
>> dessert... beverages and appetizers are a la carte. Most meals include
>> bread n' butter. Actually I've never seen the term "Starter" on a menu
>> anywhere in the US... perhaps in some localities they use Starter
>> because they can't spell Appetizer.
>
> It's just terminology.
>
> Anyway, I think it's safe to assume that you'd call 'finger food' e.g.
> smoked salmon and caviar canapes that you'd serve to your guests - while
> they're having their pre-dinner cocktails - appetizers too? I'd call those
> Hors d'oeuvre. So by your logic I would have to presume you couldn't even
> pronounce Hors d'oeuvre - let alone spell it correctly.
>
Hors d'oeuvres are, in my limited experience, cocktail party food. You
nailed it when you said people are standing around with little plates of
hors d'oeuvres (canapes) and sipping wine or having cocktails. Dinner
isn't necessarily involved, it depends on the event. My 2 cents.

Jill