Make Vibrant Mezze the Whole Meal.

'A bowl of olives, a burnished slice of roasted feta cheese, a smoky eggplant dip, perhaps some lemony stuffed grape leaves or a plate of creamy hummus: These are all mezze, tapas-like appetizers that are served at room temperature, meant to accompany drinks and conversation.

Summer is the perfect time to adopt this custom, which is enjoyed throughout the eastern Mediterranean. And even though a vibrant round of mezze can precede a larger feast or main course, an entire informal meal of mezze, served indoors or out, is a brilliant solution for summertime dining.

Whether mezze (or meze, or mezedhes) are ordered at a restaurant, where the small plates may cover the entire table, or served at home on Sundays, when most families gather, the drink of choice is one of several anise-flavored alcoholic beverages.'>>>

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/27/dining/make-vibrant-mezze-the-whole-meal.html?

This reminds me of the DC restaurant where we decided on my daughter's name, 28 years ago!