Dear Angela,
The number one reason why so many people say appetizers taste better than entrees is the same reason why you should never go to the grocery store hungry: Food tends to be more appealing when you are starving. Also, because of the "protein, vegetable, starch" format--an unwritten rule of all main courses--many chefs say they feel creatively stifled. Appetizers, by contrast, know no restrictions. You can have a starter of all meat or fish or vegetables--anything you want. The rules are, there ain't no rules. Also, appetizers are a chef's opportunity to get creative and take a chance. If the chef wants to cook sweetbreads, headcheese, or beef cheek, or pair berries with chicken livers, better to present the dish in a modest portion. Also, customers are more willing to try new flavors in small amounts. This is why tapas bars and small-plates restaurants--spots whose menus don't differentiate between appetizers and entrees--are so popular.