A picada is basically a meal or pre-meal consisting of very simple hors d'oeuvres, each served in small plates. It can substitute a meal, or can be eaten before one. Picadas are often accompanied by vermouth (either Campari or Martini), but I skipped that as none of my guests are fond of that type of liquor. The picada can include many different dishes, I limited the number I served because there were only 4 of us and I wanted everyone to be hungry enough for dinner. I served (all storebought):

• Sliced french bread
• Potato chips
• Pate de foie gras
• Olive/pepper paste
• Fontina cheese squares
• Laughing cow cheese triangles
• Salame slices
• Hearts of palm

Other common things served in picadas include:

• Peanuts
• Ham
• Gruyere cheese squares
• Sopresatas
• Other cold cuts
• Pickled onions, vegetables
• Sardines
• Olives