Wouldn’t it be easier to just serve regular portions of food? The answer to the second question is a resounding yes, but the first is harder. Here goes.  

First, it’s international. Tapas in Spain. Pintxos in the Basque Country. Antipasti in southern Italy, merende in northern Italy, & ciccheti in Venice. Mezze in Greece, meza in Turkey & the Near East. Dukkah in north Africa. Chaat in India. Zakuski in Russia. Rijstaffel is a small plate buffet in Indonesia & the Netherlands. Antojitos & botanas south of the border. Sushi in modern Japan. Dim sum in China. Vorspiese in Germany. Goute along with classic hors d’œuvre in France. Even High Tea in England. And of course, all the southeast Asian snacks just known as street food. In the United States, any combination and/or fusion of these are known as contemporary small plates. Some small plates can be as big as main courses, or as small as a single bite. But they are generally served informally, in a casual atmosphere, in whatever order they’re available. Formalized sequential small plates might better be labeled as a tasting, like what the French Laundry does. The Japanese tea ceremony is similar, although not designed to replace a regular meal. We couldn’t offer near as many international flavors on each menu serving traditional plates. 

Second, it’s fun. The anticipation of what’s coming next. The bright flavors which might be overwhelming in a large portion. The variety you’re able to taste in one meal. It’s healthy, since you’re not tied into a huge quantity of red meat, or rich sauce. It’s adventurous, a way to taste foods you would never be confidant enough to order a main course of. 

Third, it’s social. We always tell people “this isn’t a place to go to with someone you don’t like.” This is about friends and experience, not a quick bite to eat. Instead of being focused on what you’ve ordered, the whole meal becomes it’s own conversation, comparing tastes, textures, flavors & preferences with your dining companions. Sharing from one plate is an ancient tradition only recently moved away from in the States. We much prefer the social aspect of sharing a meal with our friends & family. And if you don’t get quite enough of those delectable gnocchi because somebody else got piggy, you can always order another. That’s why it’s worth the effort for us.

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