He noted, too, with considerable satisfaction, how Dawes produced from a locker a goodly supply of raw mutton-chops, which were set to frizzle on the fire against the time they should have returned from their swim, which with the remainder of last night's loaf and a steaming kettle of strong black coffee, made up the most succulent breakfast he thought he had ever eaten in his life, so thorough an appetiser is open air, and novelty, and travel.
"The Luck of Gerard Ridgeley"
Bertram Mitford
That was one non-appetiser; the other was his interview with the gardener the previous night, and over this, after waking with it ready to confront him, he had been metaphorically gnashing his teeth.
"King of the Castle"
George Manville Fenn
Or would you prefer a little appetiser beforehand?
"Green Fancy"
George Barr McCutcheon