Now that fall is in full swing, we can’t help but start thinking about the holidays in NYC and the entertaining that comes with the season. After Halloween, the weeks seem to fly by and before you know it, we’re eating turkey, decorating Christmas trees, shopping, and wrapping presents. I don’t know about you, but I find the holidays stressful. One reason is that there’s always too much to accomplish in such a short amount of time. And if you like to entertain, you know that prepping and cooking for your guests is a huge project, whether you’re feeding a small group of six or an army. If you just can’t find the time to cook this holiday season, consider the many food catering options in New York instead.
With so many options, catering in New York is popular for the holidays. Find the right service that matches your needs with these catering pros.
Full-Service Catering in New York City
Sweet Basil Catering
If you prefer a full-service caterer, Chef Amy Aversa at Sweet Basil Catering provides a decadent level of food similar to what you’d find in some of NYC’s finest restaurants. Choose from one of her already designed menus or work with Aversa on a custom spread. Dishes like Pomegranate Glazed Shrimp Kebabs, Ginger and Soy Marinated Roasted Tenderloin of Beef, and Cranberry Crumble Tartlets are some of Sweet Basil’s specialties.
Mint Catering
Part of the Tour de France NYC restaurant group that heads up the kitchens of Nice Matin, Five Napkin Burger, and Marseille, Mint Catering is a boutique catering company serves the tri-state area. From passed hors d’oeuvres to manned stations, Mint offers an array of catering options for their corporate clients. Interested in drop-off catering instead? With a yummy selection of gourmet platters and baskets, sister company Lil’ Mint has you covered.
Grocery Stores that Cater in New York City
Fresh Direct
New Yorkers use Fresh Direct most often for groceries, but this Queens-based delivery company also caters. Choose from heat-and-serve apps, cheese and antipasto platters, crudité, sandwiches, and more. Fresh Direct’s food is some of the freshest you’ll find in any market in New York City (hence the name), so you can rest assured, your guests won’t go hungry.
Boston Market
For moist, succulent turkey and chicken this Thanksgiving, Boston Market should be at the top of your list. Hot and delish, the food comes ready to serve (or, keep heated), so all you have to do set it up, and you’re ready for guests. BBQ ribs, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, and creamed spinach are just a sampling of the other dishes on the menu.
Restaurants that Cater in New York City
Fig & Olive
For tasty Mediterranean fare from France, Italy, and Spain, turn to Fig & Olive. Their team will put together a menu featuring favorites such as burrata crostini, salmon crudo, and the signature chicken tagine for an intimate dinner party at home, or for an elaborate corporate event.
Parm
If Italian-American comfort food is what you’d like to serve at your holiday party, Parm is your place. Hero, antipasti, and dessert platters filled with Parm’s best are ideal for luncheons and casual gatherings at the office or home. Parm delivers free within a five-block radius of the Upper West Side and Williamsburg locations, as well as in Battery Park City. Expect a $30 delivery charge in other areas of Manhattan south of 125th Street and in other Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Haru Sushi
Sushi is awesome cocktail or dinner party food, and Haru can handle events both large and small. For sushi catering in NYC, let Haru bring sushi to you or take your guests to them. Private dining rooms can accommodate small groups, and for bigger parties, Haru has buyout options.
Food Trucks that Cater in New York City
The Halal Guys
The Halal Guys have become an international sensation since they set up shop as a hot dog cart in 1990 in Midtown Manhattan. Since then, they’ve expanded their ventures around the globe, but still serve their famous gyro platters and falafel sandwiches with white sauce. And now, you can use the Halal Guys to cater your holiday shindig too.
Korilla BBQ
Hire this Korean barbecue truck to cook for your get-together, and they’ll drop the food off and do the set-up for just $15 per person. For large corporate parties, the food truck will park at your location and crank out tacos and bowls for the duration of your event. Choose from a burrito, rice bowl, salad bowl, noodle bowl, and corn tacos, with either beef rib-eye, pork shoulder, chicken, or tofu. Don’t forget the kimchi!
Whichever option you choose, keep your stress level down and enjoy the holiday season in NYC. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for sure.
