Satisfying Your Taste Buds at Wicked Willie’s
Appetizers are always a great way to start off a meal. Appetizers were traditionally served at dinner parties when there was time between when the guest arrived and when the meal was going to be served. Today, appetizers are just considered to be the first course during a three course (appetizer, main course, dessert) meal. Let’s take a look at the origin of appetizers, and then come on over to Wicked Willie’s to try something from our starter menu!
Brief History of Appetizers
Appetizers have been around since ancient civilization. Greeks and Romans would often sample fish, seasoned vegetables, cheese and olives before meals. Renaissance Italian writer Platina suggested thin rolls of grilled veal to stimulate the appetite for food and drink. However, Persians were the first to claim the tradition of serving appetizers before meals.
Between the late seventeenth and mid-nineteenth century, wealthy Frenchmen had hors d’oeuvres throughout fancy meals. Little plates with items ranging from oysters and stuffed eggs to even slices of beef tongue or braised quails often accompanied the main dishes. Americans started emulating the French and served hors d’oeuvres throughout the meal as palate refreshers until dessert was served.
Eventually, meal structures started changing to the more modern courses served today. Small plates of hors d’oeuvres like olives, celery and nuts were still being served throughout the meal, but by the late nineteenth century more complicated hors d’oeuvres sometimes called “dainty dishes” became a separate course of its own.
Difference Between Hors d’oeuvres and Appetizers
By the 1860s, the term appetizer had appeared to provide English speakers an equivalent word for the French hors d’oeuvre. Hors d’oeuvres and appetizers are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between them.
Hors d’oeuvre is French for “out of work,” but translates to “outside the meal.” It is generally a one-
bite item that is served separate from or prior to a meal.
Appetizers appear as the first course when seated at the table, and are often slightly larger than hors d’oeuvres.
Both hors d’oeuvres and appetizers may be served hot or cold, sweet or savory, crunchy or soft, and can include a variety of colors and textures.
Appetizers at Wicked Willie’s
There is no shortage of appetizers at Wicked Willie's. There are four different types of appetizers to choose from, each one containing multiple flavor varieties to choose from. In addition, be sure to check out the signature appetizer section too. Don’t worry, there are no beef tongues or braised quails to choose from here! Below is a quick look at the items on our regular appetizer menu:
Fresh Jumbo Wings
Buffalo – with Spicy Black Pepper-Dijon Buffalo Sauce
Grilled Jamaican Jerk
Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Habanero
Teriyaki Chicken Wings
If you order the wings, don’t forget to ask your server for Bleu Cheese or Ranch and celery sticks!
Nachos
Buffalo Chicken – grilled chicken, tossed in Wicked Willies Buffalo sauce, melted cheddar jack cheese, bleu cheese crumbles, jalapeno pickled celery, drizzled with sriracha ranch.
Smoked Chicken Fajita – smoked chicken, black beans, queso blanco, fajita peppers & onions, sprinkled with queso fresco.
Southwest Grilled Vegetable – grilled marinated Portobello, seasonal vegetables, black beans, roasted peppers, queso fresco, sliced avocado, drizzled with cilantro-lime crema.
Seafood Appetizers
Tuna Tataki – seared tuna loin, drizzled with citrus soy, served with an Asian salad & ginger0miso vinaigrette.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – Large lime marinated shrimp, in a sweet & spicy chili sauce with onion, jicama, avocado, cilantro.
Cheese Dip
Queso Calor – a magical blend of velvety cheeses, ground beef, and just the perfect amount of spices, served with tortilla chips.
Mediterranean Goat Cheese – Baked goat cheese with balsamic glazed Shallots, roasted garlic, sundried tomatoes, toasted almonds, olive oil and fresh herbs served with asiago baked flatbread.
It’s Wicked Good!
Wicked Willie’s Sports Grill is the best place for appetizers at Lake of the Ozarks. Join us every Wednesday for Wicked Wednesday’s where you can enjoy Happy Hour drink prices from 3 – Midnight, $2 off all wings, ½ lb P&E shrimp for $7, 3 sliders for $6 and Wicked Sliders for $7. A late night menu is also available from 10:00 – Midnight every night!
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