Party time treats
We are rolling into the season for holiday potlucks, and with that comes the pressure — and the pleasure — of figuring out what to take. If you don’t have the talent or the time to whip something up yourself, here are some fantastic options from local businesses for creative and delicious party foods you’ll be proud to add to the table.
The holiday season is upon us and with that comes potluck parties. But what to bring? Maybe you don’t feel comfortable in the kitchen or perhaps you just don’t have the time. Luckily, Hamilton and Burlington are rife with choices for party foods that will impress. Whether for a corporate event, or a family function, there are sweets, shareables, savouries and creative apps for every holiday gathering. Of course, for some classic Hamilton party eats, you can never go wrong with the famous Roma Pizza, and Grandad’s Donuts.
Zarky’s Fine Foods
20 Hempstead Dr., Hamilton
264 Dundurn St. S., Hamilton
558 Concession St., Hamilton
zarkys.com
IG: zarkysfinefoods
FB: zarkysfinefoods
Arguably one of the best known local spots for catering options, quite possibly because they have been making great food in Hamilton since the 1980s. Zarky's has lots of options in store to pick up on the go, or you can specifically place a catering order if you are looking for large amounts. From sandwich platters to Zarky’s famous lasagna, desserts, salads, and pizzas, the Zarky's offerings are wide ranging.
Banh Mi Hue
127 MacNab St N Unit #2, Hamilton
banhmihue.ca
IG: banhmihue
FB: banhmihuecatering1
Banh mi — Vietnamese submarine sandwiches — tend to be a great idea for parties and corporate events because of their low price point. Banh Mi Hue offers banh mi platters: sandwiches that are loaded full of meat or veggie options, pickled veggies, cilantro and all the classic fixings. Connect with the restaurant via email (banhmihue.catering@gmail.com) if you are looking to place a large order.
Fishing Sushi
2201 Brant St. Unit #18, Burlington
542 Concession St., Hamilton
fishingsushi.ca
IG: fishing.sushi
To mix it up from the regular casseroles and nacho dips that others bring to parties, why not try a sushi party tray? Whether you are looking for maki rolls or sashimi, Fishing Sushi on Concession Street and Brant Street in Burlington is sure to have an option for you. With tray choices from 38 pieces to 106 pieces, they have flexibility for a variety of party sizes. They also offer a veggie tray if your party-goers aren't seafood people.
Montfort’s Mediterranean Grill
Multiple locations
montfortrestaurant.ca
IG: montfortmediterraneangrill
FB: montfortmediterraneangrill
With several locations across the Hamilton area, you can be sure there's a Montfort's restaurant nearby no matter where you are located. This Mediterranean favourite has been serving the community since 1992 and offers a full catering menu of appetizers, salads, BBQ dishes, entrées and desserts for your gatherings. Think dishes like: kibbi, fattoush salad, grilled Montfort's chicken with pineapple, beef kafta skewers and more. Whether you're the party host or you're bringing this elsewhere, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Sweet Paradise Bakery
630 Stone Church Rd. W., Hamilton
419 Dundas St. E., Waterdown
sweetparadise.ca
IG: sweetparadisebakery
FB: sweetparadisebakerydeli
If you're tasked with bringing the desserts for the event, look no further than Sweet Paradise Bakery. Choose from the dessert catering trays, fresh-made donuts and cakes, or some pastries right from the shop’s display case. They do have savoury options, too, like sandwich platters, charcuterie, antipasto trays and more.
Ancaster Cheese
356 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
ancastercheese.ca
IG: ancastercheese
FB: ancastercheese
For those who love a little bit of everything, the charcuterie option is always a winning choice. Ancaster Cheese not only specializes in cheese from around the world, but it offers take-away charcuterie boards and boxes that are perfect for travelling to parties. The Ancaster Cheese team also has top-notch customer service and will help you find the perfect blend of meats, cheeses, and fruits that will be the ideal mix of flavours for your party. Be sure to order a few days ahead of time.
Indonesian’s Flavour
35 York Blvd, Hamilton
indonesiansflavour.ca/tumpeng
IG: indonesiansflavour
FB: indonesiansflavour
If you want to stand out from the buffet table crowd, Indonesian's Flavour, located in the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, offers something special. Tumpeng is an Indonesian party specialty, a cone-shaped rice dish with sides of vegetables and meat. The platters come in a variety of shapes and looks, so check out the website to see what’s available. It’s an eye-catching item to bring to a celebration!
Joshy’s Good Eats
1111 Cannon St. E., Hamilton
joshysgoodeats.com
IG: joshysgoodeats
FB: JoshysGoodEats
For those group brunches and holiday mornings, Joshy's Good Eats is here to help with all your bagel cravings. In previous years, alongside platters and bulk bagel offerings, Joshy’s made Lox Box Bundles, available through order and including bagels, schmears, lox or trout, and pickled things. They're available in two sizes and you can take your pick of bagels and schmear flavours.
Island Queen’s Restaurant and Catering
158 Kenilworth Ave. N., Hamilton
islandqueens.ca
IG: theislandqueens
FB: theislandqueens
The elegant Island Queen's Caribbean-fusion restaurant on Kenilworth offers mouth-watering catering options to bring good, comforting vibes to your next holiday gathering. Whether you are looking for full-blown event catering, buffet service, or a large dish of something to take to friends, be sure to consider the excellent jerk chicken, and keep in mind the Island Queen’s oxtail is a TikTok viral favourite.
Pinch Bakery
183 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton
shopatpinch.com
IG: shopatpinch
FB: shopatpinch
The beautiful little Pinch Bakery and Plant Shop is not only a cozy place to spend an afternoon, but the folks there also offer decadent baked goods and party sharing trays for order. Choose from bite-sized options like cookies (double chocolate & ginger, whipped jammy shortbread & more), squares, and confections, and from among savoury options, too. They also offer bundt cakes in flavours such as: carrot cake with chai glaze, spiced apple cake and lemon lavender. Check their website for the seasonal offerings.
Ios Agora & Bakery
821 Golf Links Rd. Unit 7, Ancaster
iosagora.ca
IG: iosagora
FB: Ios-Agora-Bakery
If you're a fan of Greek desserts and baklava, then you will want to take a visit to ios Agora and Bakery. Sister spot to ios on Upper James, this shop in the Ancaster Meadowlands plays host to a large display of mouth-watering Greek baked goods. Crispy and creamy baked goods wrapped in phyllo will be the perfect side to your holiday festivities.
Lina’s Pastries and Coffee
IG: linascoffeehfm
FB: Linas-Pastries-Coffee
Lina's in the Hamilton Farmers’ Market is the place to go for European cookies and baked goods. If you are looking for turnovers, cannolis, cookies, biscotti, or top-notch Portuguese tarts, Lina's on the bottom floor of the market is a must visit.
Bim’s Kusina
1160 King Rd. Unit 37, Burlington
IG: bimskusina
FB: Bims-Kusina
Bim's Kusina is the place you want to go when tacos are on the party menu. And when aren’t they? This little spot in Burlington specializes in birria taco platters, a slow-cooked meat taco with cheese, cilantro and onion, that you dip in a delicious beef consomme. These will be all anyone at your party will taco ‘bout!
