Time to take a tasty spring tour of Hamilton food news

Part of an occasional series of information updates on the local dining scene.

Hanma Japanese Foods For over a decade, Takayoshi Li and Yoshiyuki Aiba have worked together in kitchens including Auberge du Pommier and most recently, Ancaster Mill. They are now collaborating on this Dundas enterprise, returning to their cultural cooking roots — all things Japanese from sushi, onigiri and bowls — all using top-grade fresh fish. As things evolve, they will have grab and go, plus frozen foods including Japanese ice creams. Drop by for a fried shrimp sandwich or made-in-Japan candies and snacks and keep an eye on their Instagram announcing new additions. By the way, Hanma is Japanese for “hammer.”

Hanma Japanese Foods: Owners Yoshiyuki Aiba, left, and Takayoshi Li .Hanma Photo

Hanma Japanese Foods: Sushi and Tuna Avocado Onigiri.

Bok Box Chicken calls themselves the “new chick in town.” Chef Brett Liersch and wife, Kara, have been a power duo in Hamilton’s food scene operating several eateries including Dirty South and Parlour Dairy Bar. With Bok Box, fried chicken orders can be two, four, eight, or 12 pieces, choosing from eight flavours that include Shawarma, Greek, Nashville, Korean, Buffalo, BBQ, and Red Thai Chili. Each order comes with brioche buns and a choice of side(s). Desserts, such as Churro Donuts, look tempting. Order online for delivery or pickup at the Ottawa Street or Concession Street Parlour locations. Dine-in is possible at Ottawa Street.

Chicken Plus Currently offering only takeout/delivery, but no dine-in, “Korea’s leading fried chicken brand” has had a successful startup with a grand opening planned for mid-April. The menu includes many versions of boneless fried chicken, Tteokbokki rice cakes, wings, cheesy corn, deep-fried squid or gizzards, dumplings and more.

Matty's Hot Chicken: Fried Chicken and sides and doughnuts

Matty’s Hot Chicken satisfied many during lockdowns as a pop-up running out of the King William Street kitchen of UnDefined — both Cipollo family enterprises. Matty’s opens on Locke Street on April 6. Don’t be put off by the word “hot” — you can specify your heat preference. The sandwiches (sandos) are made with brioche buns, and sides include a potato salad based on a family recipe. If all that is not enough to tempt you, add some of their doughnuts called Kreamy Krisps.

News bites

B-Side Social: Interior of new spot for BBQ, Bourbon, Beer, and Beats.

B Side Social was opened by the Unique Restaurant Group in what was Augusta House. This group, which recently opened District Kitchen in Burlington, says they were inspired by “some of the things we love most — BBQ, Bourbon, Beer, and Beats!” That translates to live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

My Sweet Tooth and Mamey’s If you have been following sisters Jenny and Clarissa Vásquez to their various pop-ups to enjoy fabulous tamales you’ll be excited to learn that by mid-April they will be sharing a space with My Sweet Tooth. Yummy tamales include La Celia — roasted beets, poblano peppers and lentils or El Pepian — chicken in Guatemalan molé, with sides of curtido (cabbage slaw). Meanwhile, to their Gourmet Asian Fusion specialties, My Sweet Tooth is adding a line of doughnuts available at the new location. For a recent event, they offered up flavours such as mango passion fruit, raspberry, Earl Grey, ube coconut, sea salt cookies and cream, and milk bun twist.

Mamey’s Tamales: El Pepian — chicken in Guatemalan molé, with side of curtido (cabbage slaw).

Planted in Hamilton had a nice location in Corktown, but has now moved to an even nicer space on Locke Street — the impressive converted church that used to be Bootleg Café. Their vegan, gluten-free and kosher offerings have been welcomed by their new neighbourhood.

Poke Co. has been a favourite on Ottawa Street and with anyone who values a fresh and tasty Poke bowl — salmon, tuna, pork, and chicken, with vegetarian and vegan options, gluten and dairy-free. A second location is planned for James North. They hope you can visit them by mid-April.

Relay Coffee, currently a favourite spot on King William and at the Farmers’ Market have announced that they’ll be assuming the café space inside the recently closed Staircase Theatre on Dundurn. They are aiming for a June opening, offering updates on Instagram.

Sugar Daddies Achieving a healthy lifestyle on a keto diet (high-fat, low carb, adequate protein) the founders of Sugar Daddies — Greg Gardner and David Orbon — set up a keto, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-carb bakery. From the first location in Cambridge, they have expanded to Hamilton. Their bakery and pantry items are also sold online with Ontario-wide delivery. Check out their weekend brunch.

La Crème de la Crème: Burlington and Hamilton shops reopen on April 1.

La Crème de la Crème Who says you need warm weather to enjoy fabulous ice cream (and chocolate)? Not Crème de la Crème, opened both Burlington and Hamilton locations on April 1.

Closed. Farewell remarks from several eateries hint at reopening one day. Lucky’s on George Street writes “hope to see y’all again soon with more delicious BBQ and smoked goodness! Stay tuned for what’s next for us … we’ll definitely be back.” Mary’s Happy Dumplings says “we have decided after one successful year of our … business, to say bye for now.” They had sold more than 10,000 dumplings and raised money for charities.