Possible Clues:

• Course: it's about Herod, initially
• An asparagus portion served with wine for hors d'oeuvres
• Appetisers a pianist takes time to cook
• Pour wine to accompany an hors d'oeuvre selection
• Some appetizers
• Put an end to wine, Italian for starters
• Hors d'oeuvres make Anita spit
• Italian food article with advice on wine
• One to pour out wine for starters
• Part of mean tip, a stingy Italian diner might offer these