Being of a highly seasoned and piquant in nature, this course is used to manipulate the appetite for the dishes that are to follow. In recent years, hors d'oeuvres have gained in popularity, and now appear even on simple menus in modest eating places. Although the actual term"hors d'oeuvres" applies to the service of various cold salads and morsels of anchovy, sardines, olives, prawns, etc., also covers whatever items are served before the soup.