“NOSH” - eating food enthusiastically - is the annual celebration of Hamilton’s culinary scene. While some organizing comes from Michael Marini, Hamilton’s Coordinator of Marketing, restaurants decide how they’ll participate. I joined the “Epic Food Tour” of trend-setting eateries, exploring the impressive and expanding Hamilton culinary scene.

Most of the featured “NOSH Nine” restaurants have links to themes of family and coming home, and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. They take risks and create opportunities, while building a cooperative food industry community. Each eatery deserves more words than space here permits.

Café Baffico

Owner and Chef Jordan Weisz made Hamilton his home and refers to his team as family.

We sampled breakfast and lunch offerings. The Sourdough Hash was over the moon, as were the exquisite Rahier Patisserie croissants. Weisz’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to his magnificent sour dough bread which we enjoyed with Caponata. Sampling included perfectly executed meatballs, charred broccoli, carbonara, and pasta alla norma.

Weisz has addressed his pet peeve of having worked in places where he could not afford to eat, by making Cafe Baffico affordable.

Café Baffico
1375 King St E, Hamilton

(Full Review in Hamilton Spectator)

Smithers Sausages

The love story that began at chef school, eventually brought Andrea Lake and Michael Smith to Hamilton in January to raise their family.

Early days in their enterprise, they are cooking at the Kitchen Collective and selling creative mouth-watering sausages at markets, events and breweries. We loved Honey Garlic Bourbon, Texas BBQ and Mulled Cranberry.

Check out their sausage-making classes and visit them at the Terra Winter Market where they’ll also sell Really Good Foods vegan sausages.

Kitchen Collective
811 King St E, Hamilton

Nuttybutter

For a year now, Jo and Ishi Ishiguro have made Hamiltonians nutty over their macarons enjoyed with thoughtfully curated coffees and teas in a bright/romantic space.

Cacao enrobed nuts have joined the offerings and their copyrighted vegan gelato – Velato- will return in warmer weather. Macarons sampled were Butter Salt and Dark Chocolate Hazelnut – both indescribably delicious with an Ethiopian flat white coffee.

Since their homecoming to the city where Ishi’s father once lived, they have become a magnet to neighbours near and far.

Nuttybutter Café

241 King St East

(Full Review in Hamilton Spectator)

193 Bench Kitchen

Steve and Laura Bonin returned from Vancouver to be close to family.

Sour dough bread slices enrobe creative ingredient combos that elevate the sandwich experience. The making of this “fast” food takes time. Brisket, for example, is brined for two weeks.

Their entrepreneurship is reflected in the various ingredients they make/sell onsite – pickles, mustards, jams and more.

To my list of favourite sandwiches I am adding Three-Cheese Bacon Melt with Sweet Onion Jam and Grainy Mustard. Sorry Smoked Beets and Goat Cheese with arugula walnut pesto – you’ve got competition.

193 Bench Kitchen: Sandwich Bar and Bakery
193 King St East, Hamilton

(Full Review in Hamilton Spectator)

Radius

A gap in our Corktown schedule was filled quickly and generously from the team at radius.

Representing Executive Chef Gordon Goss, Chef Singh presented us with Goat Cheese Spring Rolls, Salt & Pepper Fried Calamari and a Mezze Plate loaded with hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, feta, labneh, crispy chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, and naan.

Radius offers many spaces and dining options.

Radius
151 James St S, Hamilton

(Full Review in Hamilton Spectator)

Bon Temps

Dave Fauteux, who has made Hamilton home for 10 years, greeted us with oysters dressed with caviar and cucumber, green apple, shallot mignonette.

Chef Joe Duprey offered more samples of their Fall menu - small plates that combine modern cuisine with the culinary history of Canada. Rabbit, duck and foie gras terrine, Scallops on sunchoke puree with bacon jam, Chicken rolls on foie truffle cream, and Honey mushrooms left the “noshers” delighted.

Follow their Instagram for news about impressive special events coming up!

Bon Temps Restaurant
61 Young Street, Hamilton

(Full Review in Hamilton Spectator)

The Diplomat

Equal Parts Hospitality transformed the old Baltimore House into a stunning space with views of the King William street scene.

Feeling already satiated, the temptation of Chicken yakitori, K-pop chicken (Korean), Pork belly steam buns and Grilled shishito peppers, Crab Rangoon with wonton chips and Pork kimchi lettuce wraps was irresistible.

The Equal Parts team have hospitality developed to a fine art with a menu to match from Chef John Forcier who joined us. Watch for their newest venture in the landmark Westinghouse building.

The Diplomat
43 King William St, Hamilton

(Full Review in Hamilton Spectator)

Castelli Cucina

A room full of joyous diners beckoned us in from the quiet street.

Welcomed by owner/chef Daniel Mancini the Italian feast began. Perfect porchetta with antipasto and focaccia and their superior Burrata cheese satisfied. The Calamari fritti was declared the best ever and the white asparagus and beets astonished.

Just when we thought we were done, out came a red and a white pizza, and more food was promised. “Basta” cried the noshers – we’ll be back and will leave room for the Bomboloni!

Castelli Cucina
337 James St N, Hamilton

(Full Review in Hamilton Spectator)

Wild Orchid

Chef Jorge Pereira topped off our adventure with some healing flavours and textures from his Portuguese kitchen.

Rustically plated Grilled ink squid with potato competed for attention with Bacon, Chorica tossed with soft fava beans. The greatest comfort came from the iconic Caldo Verde - a calming soup made mainly from potatoes and collard greens that is sometimes consumed as a late supper.

This award-winning eatery continues to deliver and contribute to its bustling community.

Wild Orchid
286 James St N, Hamilton

(Full Review in Hamilton Spectator)

NOSH Nine plus One?

We were meant to go to Paper Crane but a wee glitch interfered. It was on the list - you should definitely check out the best sushi resto in Hamilton!! [Click here for review by Kitchen Bliss.]