If you were under the impression that appetizers and small plates are the same, it turns out that the answer is somewhat ...

five small plate dishes served on a circular table - Alexander Spatari/Getty Images Tiny plates can cause big confusion, so we'll get right to the point -- tapas are not the same thing as appetizers.

When I first began entertaining, I served heavy hors d’oeuvres, such as mini corn dogs or small lamb kebabs. It was no surprise that no one was hungry for dinner. Now, I like to serve mainly vegetable ...

Take a look at any modern restaurant menu and it’s clear: this isn’t your grandmother’s dining experience anymore. Especially in the dining mecca that is New Jersey, gone are the days when just soup, ...