Canapes, sandwiches and petite desserts are perfect for small parties. VICTORIA CHEONG rounded up the best for a small gathering.
THE FOOD The portion sizes were generally bigger than the rest. The Mini Sandwiches ($30 for 20 pieces) had tasty fillings like chicken mayo and beef patties. The smoked salmon canapes in the Deluxe Canape Sampler and Mini Quiches were snapped up quickly, as were the brownies and cheesecake in the Sweet Pickings (each $30 for 20 pieces) pack.
PACKAGING Each box was sealed with two layers of cling wrap – one over the box and the other over the food. Items were pristine in their plastic compartments.
ORDER Four working days in advance. Delivery costs $10.
VERDICT: 7.5. Generous party portions in well-wrapped packs.
THE FOOD A good selection of sweet and savoury items. Thumbs up for the delectable Mini French Pastries ($39 for 30 pieces). The chain’s signature sandwiches came in petite versions with ciabatta, baguette or mini croissant ($25 for 12 pieces). Topped with egg, chicken or tuna mayo, the Mini Tart Canapes ($39 for 30) looked gorgeous, too.
PACKAGING We were impressed by the attention to detail. The items sat snugly in plastic compartments within the cardboard box. A shiny aluminium board at the base of each box also made the food look brighter and more appetising.
ORDER At least one working day in advance. Delivery costs $35 for orders less than $180.
VERDICT: 8. Posh-looking nosh that will add a touch of class to your party.
THE FOOD Great for a sandwich or wrap party – you get to choose from 18 types of fillings. We liked the chicken and mango, and duck and plum glaze fillings; the helpings were generous. Each platter of five servings costs $42. There are salads and sushi on the menu, too.
PACKAGING The food arrived neatly in oval plastic platters, garnished with fruit and chips, but the mini cupcakes in the Pastry Array pack ($42) had toppled.
ORDER At least two hours in advance; a day before for orders over $200. Free delivery for areas within 15 minutes’ walk of their outlets; delivery cost is $20 (minimum order of $250).
VERDICT: 7. Healthy and hearty party food; best for their sandwiches.
THE FOOD The best mix of Western and Asian canapes, and a good range of desserts. Our favourites were the Lime and Soy Drumlets and Mini Cottage Pies (Beef). We liked everything we tried – from the chicken finger sandwiches, frittatas to rice paper wraps. You can choose two different types of food for each box of 20 items (from $30 per box).
PACKAGING The food arrived neatly and well-separated in plastic compartments within a cardboard box. Every compartment had a paper liner, even for the sandwiches.
ORDER Three to four days in advance. Free delivery for areas within 10 minutes’ walk of any Spinelli outlet; otherwise, delivery cost depends on location (from $10 to $40).
VERDICT: 8.5. An extensive menu of palate-pleasing finger foods.
THE FOOD Dessert lovers will love the variety of cakes and pastries here. We certainly did – the Mixed Pastries pack ($15.90 for 20 pieces) hit the spot. However, their savoury options didn’t excite. The Whitebread Sandwiches ($15.90 for 20 pieces) were like homemade ones. The Mixed Quiche ($18.90 for 20 pieces) were a little bland.
PACKAGING Packed in compact boxes, the smallest of the lot, the items sat neatly in plastic compartments. The fold-over covers could be easily detached.
ORDER At least three days in advance. Delivery costs $15 on weekdays and $18 on weekends.
VERDICT: 6.5. No-frills and budget friendly. Best for their sweets.