The art of dining entails savoring every step of the meal with its different tastes and textures. Antipasti in Italy is a perfect example of this. It is a prelude; an indication of the bounty to come. Antipasti literally means "before the meal" and it is a selection of small plates to whet your appetite. It frequently features vegetables done in a variety of manners: grilled, in olive oil or in a light tomato sauce, or paired with seafood or fruit. Antipasti highlights as well the "salumi" of Italy (sliced meats such as salame, prosciutto and mortadella) which no cuisine has ever duplicated. Antipasti should be fun. There are different textures, different colors, wonderful smells... a little bit of everything for everybody, and a wonderful way to gradually begin your meal.