Where to order food...for your next holiday potluck party

It's that time of the year where parties happen one after another. For most of us, potluck parties take precedence — it's less messy than splitting the bill, it's fair, and it's practical.  

Below are a few places you can call for the most impressive and most delicious dishes you can bring to them potluck parties. Happy holidays, everyone!

1. JACS (Jacqueline Anne’s Catering Services)

JACS, an acronym for Jacqueline Anne’s Catering Services, started off as a full-service catering business in 2009. But when clients clamored for party trays to-go, JACS has maintained a list of menu items that you can order for whatever occasion.

Some must-try specialty trays include seafood Paella Valenciana (P2,950/good for 18-20), Chap Chae (P1,450/good for 18-20) Korean glass-noodles, and Stuffed Pork Belly in Gravy (P2,500/good for 18-20), to name a few. They’ve got other seafood, meat, and pasta dishes that foodies would enjoy.

Kaimito Ville, Kaimito Street, Valle Verde II Barangay Ugong Pasig City. +632 7963231, +63917 8923074. Facebook.

2. Hearty Onion

The Hearty Onion has been dishing up hearty party platters and doing full-service catering since 2009. What’s different now is that it’s become more focused on wellness so it has become more conscious about its better sourcing of ingredients.

Order the Signature Blowtorched Salmon with special barbecue sauce (P2,200/good for 10-12), which has layers of flavors from the marinade to the melted mozzarella and then the sauce. The Pinoy Shepherd’s Pie (P1,400) is a holiday-inspired item — it’s basically embutido casserole topped with cauli-sweet potato gratin. The Pulled Pork with BBQ Pineapple (P1,500) is another festive dish that is both a feast for the eyes and palate. It is served with fresh corn salsa, coleslaw, and pandesal.

Call +63917 8287988. Facebook. Delivery fees are waived for orders with total of P4,000, applicable to selected areas only. Platters can be picked up in Banawe, Quezon City.

 3. The Cravings Group

The Cravings Group is practically an institution with 30 glorious years in the industry. You can’t go wrong with its take-home party trays that include salad, paella, pasta, and meat offerings. Impress your guests with the Roast Turkey with Chestnut Raisin Stuffing (P7,500/good for 20-25), Pasta Paella (P2,400/good for 10-12), Chicken Galantina (P2,600/good for 10-12), or the Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce (P2,600/good for 10-12). The group also does modern and chic catering set-ups and the delicious tapas-style cocktail food.

+63 2 7262712 or +63977 0645453. Facebook. 

4. Catering Trio 

Decent food selection coupled with value for money is the recipe for success of the Catering Trio, which offers party packages for all kinds of special occasions. Whether you need full-service catering or basic party platters, they’ve got you covered.

Food party trays are good for 7-10 people and they’ve got quite a list of viands, vegetables, rice and noodles. Go for their bestselling Baked Lasagna (P670), and complement it with either Garlic Chicken (P570) or Singaporean Fish Fillet (P710). Their serving sizes and price points won’t disappoint you.

+632 6321211. Facebook. Deliver within Metro Manila is free for orders P2,000 up; for orders less than that, delivery charge is P100.

5. Pepeton’s Grill Resto Bar & Catering Services

Pepeton’s has been serving hot-of-the-grill meats since it opened in 1996. But the specific dish that has gained a different level of popularity is their fried pork face, or what they Kapalmuks (P649/good for 4-6). It comes in a gift box, ready to be presented to a party, the same with its Crunchy Porketta (P799/good for 4-6), a specialty that would please pork-loving Pinoys. Complete your meal with stir-fried noodles like Pancit Bihon/Canton/Bam-I (P550/good for 10; P1,100/good for 20). Aside from take-out, Pepeton’s does delivery and catering as well.

109 Mother Ignacia Ave. cor Scout Borromeo, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City.  +632 4125351 or +632 3765302. quick delivery 212-1212; Facebook

6. Seared & Served

Honest-to-goodness food: This is what Seared & Served is all about. They take on dishes that are known to be extravagant, but they somehow find a way to make it more affordable without sacrificing on quality.

Sample its Spanish-inspired dishes like Callos (P740), Fabada & Chili Con Carne (P450), or Gambas Al Ajillo with Mushrooms (P1,390). The Slow Roasted Beef Belly (P1,250) would make you salivate as well. Prices are for medium size (1 kilo), and other available sizes are solo, small, and large. Simply heat and eat and you’re good to go!

+63977 8301945. Facebook.

7. Beng’s Home Kitchen

You won’t believe that Beng’s Home Kitchen is just a one-woman home-based operation with all its offerings that range from savory meals to sweet treats. Her family, friends, and neighbors have been loyal patrons since 2008.

Some of her bestselling food trays are the Crackling Belly (P1,000/approx. 1.1-1.2 kilos), Chicken Pastel (P2,000/good for 12-15), and Mixed Seafood Pasta (P1,500/good for 12-15) that can either be olive oil-based or cream-based. Aside from these, you can get quezo de bola spread or leche flan as holiday gifts or for your own consumption—we won’t judge.

+632 3557466. Facebook.

8. Bella’s Comfort Food

Between us, Bella’s food might just be better than your mom’s home-cooking! Surprise your family and friends with ready-to-eat comfort food. We mean: Start off with some finger-licking Buffalo Wings with blue cheese dip (P1,400/30 pieces) or a much healthier option, Lumpiang Sariwa (P1,600/15 pieces).

But since the Christmas season would be a good reason to indulge, give in to your cravings with the Bellychon (P1,700/medium; P2,000/large), Bella’s version of roast lechon belly that comes in original or spicy flavor. Just start your diet after the New Year.

Based in Better Living, Parañaque City. Delivery charge/meet-up fee depends on location. +63917 5121511, +63915 3977000, +63977 8311511. Facebook.

9. Seda Vertis North Hotel 

Seda Vertis North is certainly stepping up the game in Quezon City. Apart from delectable dining options (we love Straight up Bar!), Seda also has takeaway offerings perfect for potluck parties. We mean: Seda Vertis North's premium ham (P1,300/1.2kg). With a beautiful glaze on tender meat, it's certainly perfected the sweet and salty combo.

Too much meat? Get the Holiday Cake (P1,450) instead. It's a layered beauty composed of Bailey's, strawberry ganache, and cashew nut meringue. A bite is all it takes for you to feel that Christmas spirit.

RELATED: 7 cafes offering delicious, limited-edition holiday drinks

— LA, GMA News