Possible Clues:

• 'Specials,' often
• The wise man is up after ten for them, of course
• Dishes almost complete with apples or pears?
• Sides accompaniers
• The meaty part of menus?
• Main meals at fancy restaurants
• Regularly chopped ferns and oaks, say, for starters
• Menu heading after Appetizers, perhaps
• They're served with sides
• Space given to plants in dishes