This is a non-thematic clue in todays Spectator. 31d. Perform before a meal. Brilliant(6) ?P?EAR. I think it must be "APPEAR", which is to perform before, but where does the meal and brilliant fit in?
Pear - Diamond-cut comprised of the brilliant round-cut and marquise-cuts; resembling a tear drop.
I think that explains the PEAR bit.
There is a clue in the Telegraph Toughie today -'Thirst before a meals small' which appears to be APPETITE so again AP seems to mean before a meal. I thought a possible reference to antipasto??