Though I love all food, I especially love appetizers because they are meant to be shared. Whether entertaining family and friends or enjoying an intimate dinner with your significant other, sharing food draws us closer. I recently attended a seminar about our local food culture given by Ken Meter and he said something that struck me: “We interact with food at least three times a day. It’s important to us. It’s personal.” So personal that sharing your favorites with people connects you to them and vice versa. Another big bonus for appetizers: because the portions are small, they offer you the chance to try a smattering of different dishes. Of course, making all of those appetizers yourself is time consuming, so next time you are planning a get together, whether big or small, consider ordering some of my favorite appetizers from Fort Wayne restaurants.

Biaggi’s Bacon Wrapped Dates
I realize these aren’t for everyone, but I urge you to give them a try. Simultaneously sweet and salty, this appetizer takes fancy to a whole new level. Applewood smoked bacon wrapped dates oven-roasted with a maple-balsamic glaze.

Dash-In’s Smoked Salmon Platter
Sometimes I simply crave this appetizer. The salmon is always fresh and the dill creme fraiche is smooth and tasty. Capers, red onion, cucumber, and Roma tomatoes with a dill creme fraiche.

Las Lomas’ Border Nachos
You really can’t go wrong with a nacho that features 4 kinds of meat. So tasty. Ground beef, grilled chicken, steak or chorizo over cheese nachos topped with lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream.

Mancino’s Breaded Green Beans
I am not a green bean fan, but there’s something about these lightly breaded beans that makes my mouth water. Perhaps its the kick of the southwest dipping sauce. Either way, you have to try these. A nice serving, with a side of Southwest Dipping Sauce.

Naked Tchopstix’s Toast & Jam
If you don’t like sushi, you might not like this dish, but the combination of the spicy fish, crispy rice and sweet wasabi is out of this world. The jalapenos and hot sauce are simply icing on the cake. Choice of spicy tuna or spicy crab on top of crispy rice with sweet wasabi, jalapeno and hot sauce.

Red River Steakhouse’s BBQ Bacon Wrapped Scallops
I love scallops. I love bacon. There’s not much more to say. Scallops wrapped in bacon, and broiled with caramelized BBQ sauce.

Smokey Bones’ Pretzel Bones
More and more restaurants are serving pretzel sticks or bites, but I like these for the 3 dipping sauces. A basket of lightly buttered and salted Bavarian soft pretzel sticks served with sweet honey mustard, creamy queso and robust garlic Parmesan dipping sauces so you can dunk and dip until your heart’s content. Or at least until the pretzel sticks are gone.

Switta Thai’s Tom Yum Dumplings
I am a big fan of potstickers, and these blend a unique combination of chicken, vegetable, lemongrass and fresh herbs to launch them into a category all their own. Minced chicken, vegetables, lemongrass and fresh herbs, served with citrus soy dipping sauce.

Taj Mahal’s Vegetable Pakora
If you’ve never tried Indian food, this appetizer is a good place to start. Indian food typical blends spices, creating a rich, savory, and unique flavor combination. Try these with the plum chutney if you can. Fritters of assorted fresh vegetables gently seasoned and deep fried.

About the Author:
Amber Recker is a non-profit leader, freelance writer, community volunteer, and food blogger. By day, she serves as the director of development and marketing for Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, where she handles fundraising, marketing, and public relations. In her spare time, she and her husband Jon spend time in the kitchen and maintain their food blog. They have two Great Danes, Lucy and Lenora, who keep them on their toes.

Amber’s website: http://thegingerkitchen.com