Small-plate menu items have risen 25% on menus in a year-over-year comparison in the UK, according to Technomic's MenuMonitor. Small plates allow customers more ordering flexibility, whether they desire just a snack or a full meal across several dishes, and offer a variety of price points. Ethnic small plates are making waves right now by allowing customers to sample, pass and awe at dishes that may be unfamiliar to them without having to make the commitment of ordering an starter-sized main dish. Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President of Technomic, said, 'Operators have a tremendous opportunity to gain share of stomach by offering small-plate options. Restaurants can be creative with their menus, trying new ingredients and flavours with small plates as a way to introduce new items. Not only that, but it can create a more intimate experience where customers see dining out as more of an event than a meal.' Small plate launches include: • All Bar One launched several new small-plate dishes, including Ginger Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, Salmon Bruschetta and Sea Bass Ceviche. • Bill's rolled out multiple small-plate offerings, including Crispy Crumbled Halloumi, Bill's Giant Green Gordal Olives and Bill's Cheese Plate. • Piccolino Ristorante e Bar recently added the Cicchetti Bar, a late-night food bar which offers small sharing plates of Venetian-style tapas such as crostini, imported meats and cheeses, and dishes from the chargrill and woodstone ovens. The MenuMonitor creates reports from Technomic's online database of more than 300 chain, independent, hotel, retail and college & university UK menus. (source: Technomic)