Meatpies, sushi, burgers: What’s cooking and what’s closing in Hamilton this week

Diane Galambos - Contributing Columnist

from on 2021-06-15 15:18 (#5K3PY)

Part of an occasional series of updates on the Hamilton/Burlington dining scene. Please visit restaurant Instagram sites for up-to-date hours and offerings.

Empire Burger

Many new ventures during the pandemic have been pizza, fried chicken and burgers - and Empire has joined the burger scene. Whimsically they refer to the burgers as soldiers" and some are named for empires." While a few of the burgers are towering - this seems to be a new thing" on the burger scene - many are more manageable. This includes burgers that are beef, steak, chicken, lamb, vegetarian and even some sausages and wings. The Cleopatra tempts with a beef patty paired with crusted mozzarella cheese, guacamole, grilled jalapeno, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and Empire Sauce. If you think you can handle an entire empire, consider The Ottoman - beef and lamb patties with cheddar and mozzarella cheese, bacon, roasted eggplant, roasted peppers, onion salad, lettuce, tomato and Empire Sauce.

Fishing Sushi

Fans of Dumpling Boy were unhappy to learn that this operation was discontinued. The operators transitioned to this bricks-and-mortar sushi restaurant welcomed on Concession Street.

Hamilton Meat Pie Co.

After three years of operation at their Burlington Street location, they have accumulated a loyal following and have expanded to a storefront in Westdale. A visit is the best way to discover that they offer so much more than meat pies - fruit pies, cream pies and other sweet treats like cheesecake in a jar, sausage rolls, cookies, and butter tarts.

Hammerheads

This Ottawa Street favourite is taking the next step in their dream - opening a new location on Locke Street offering top quality, sustainable seafood - fresh, frozen and smoked. Don't worry, Hammerhead's on Ottawa will remain. Crown Point is our rock, sole and plaice."

One for All Cafe

The International Village space previously occupied by Nuttybutter is once again in the hands of a charming creative couple enjoying a social media buzz from their opening day. With their Korean cafe, Sa Bin Whang and Sophie Jang aim to introduce patrons to specialty coffees & Asian inspired pastries" - with new products appearing regularly. Already their cookies are a hit. To name a few - Lotus Biscoff, White Macadamian, Reese's Pieces, gluten-free (GF) Roast Corn, Chocolate Walnut, Smoreo, Vegan Oatmeal Raisin. Their Milk Bread - a fluffy, feathery soft, slightly sweet Asian specialty - is used for their Korean-style Pizza Toast. A good range of coffees are on offer using beans from Center Coffee (Korea), Leaves (Japan) and Library Specialty Coffee (Toronto). For a nice change, they have Matcha Latte. While Sa Bin is managing front of house, Sophie is baking, routinely adding to their offerings, most recently a fudgy Dark Chocolate Valrhona Brownie (gluten-free). Warning - they have been selling out daily so visit early or order online. Their online store also sells coffee and coffee equipment, and Macadamia milk.

Mamey Pop-up

Outdoor dining begs for great hand-held food and coming to the rescue is Mamey's specialty menu of made-from-scratch, hand wrapped tamales. Our recipes are inspired from a fusion of Latin cultures from South and Central America including our secret' family spice mix." With a variety of flavours, textures and ingredients these can be bought singly, in combos or as frozen packs. The proviso is that you need to follow them on Instagram where they announce locations of their pop-ups. They are often at Durand Coffee.

Seoul Fine Foods

Recently opened in Ancaster, this East Asian culinary experience is currently available as curbside pickup or delivery. They feature ready-made food items (such as poke, sushi, bowls), meal kits, fresh and frozen groceries and even liquor (Sake or Soju).

That's My Jam

Back in August 2020, we told you about plans for this fruit fusion gourmet sandwich shop in an artsy hip hop scene." They are finally open and getting positive reviews. How about Pulled Pork with Cherry Compote? Or a Blueberry Breakfast Wrap? Pineapple Ham 'n' Cheese?

Ultimate Kitchens

Familiar to some Torontonians, Ultimate Kitchens has launched its first location in Hamilton. Central to the concept is several eateries working out of one physical space. They take the guesswork out of mealtime by giving you the opportunity to mix and match your favourite items from your favourite restaurants all in one seamless order." Familiar to Hamiltonians will be Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario's, The Burger's Priest and Montana's. Exciting for many will be the long-awaited arrival of a Fresh Restaurant - a popular plant-based eatery.

Closed/Closing

Alirang; Dumpling Boy; Frosty's Fish and Chips (closing July 17 after 78 years); JC Patissier Cafe (York Blvd. location - still fulfilling orders from the Mississauga location); Mattson & Co. and Junction Events and Catering; Mezcal; Pokeh Bar (Concession St. and Market location closed; on hiatus with possible reopening); Rebel's Rock Irish Pub (closing July 31 after 20 years); Stir It Up! Inc. Cafe; VIBEZ Caribbean Southern Grill.

Diane Galambos is a food writer who shares stories and recipes at her blog kitchenbliss.ca. Follow her on Instagram https://instagram.com/kitchenblissca

Empire Burger

298 King St. W., Hamilton

289-389-4493

empireburger.ca/

instagram.com/empireburger.hamilton/

Fishing Sushi

542 Concession St., Hamilton

289-396-8888

fishingsushi.ca/

instagram.com/fishing.sushi/

Hamilton Meat Pie Co.

854 King St. W., Hamilton