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Lina’s Italian Market
This much-loved Italian grocery store and deli has upped its game in recent years, expanding into Windsor Park, Inglewood and a “Supermercato” location at 130 Avenue S.E. Lina’s does offer full catering options with pizza, deli trays and paninis, but not much beats grabbing a tray of lasagna and warming it in the oven before guests start to arrive.
Multiple locations, linasmarket.com
Cedar’s Deli
It’s not a party without dip! This Mediterranean mainstay can hook hosts up with trios of hummus, tzatziki and baba ganoush, served with pita chips, as well as trays stacked with stuffed vine leaves, spinach phyllo and falafel balls. Don’t forget to grab some baklava for dessert.
Multiple locations, cedarsdeli.com
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Costa Vida
This casual chain restaurant is a go-to for festive Mexican feasts that bring flavour and fun to any kind
of party. The Top-Shelf taco bar setup comes with a choice of protein (get the sweet pork!), tortillas, beans, rice and other taco fixin’s. Bulk things up by opting for a burrito bar or go leaner with a taco salad option. Gluten-free tortillas are available.
Multiple locations, costavida.com
Empire Provisions
Locally owned Empire is best-known for its house charcuterie, which is definitely a worthy addition to any function, but it also offers a full array of seasonal holiday-appropriate bites and entrees to wow food-focused guests.
8409 Elbow Dr. S.W., 403-244-0570, empireprovisions.com
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Devour Catering
For an elegant holiday party, a professional caterer offers an extra level of luxury. Devour does full-fledged catering, but also offers serve-it-yourself deliveries, including full family-style dinners and special-occasion party boxes.
538 42 Ave. S.W., 403-242-0046, devourcatering.com
Brie and Banquet
Blowing up the concept of the typical charcuterie board, Brie and Banquet’s grazing boards and tables are true works of art. Filled with high-end cheeses and meats, pickles, jams, fruit and the prettiest garnishes, these trays are designed to impress.
524 42 Ave. S.E., 403-874-7006, brieandbanquet.com