When going to a "house party" where you are also bringing a gift (birthday party, graduation party, etc.), will you also bring a food item or other contribution, other than the gift?
It depends on the person. If you feel close to him then yes, it is common to bring a food item. Another thing you could do is to buy an expensive bottle of **** or something like that. Doing this you are giving a gift but also something for the party. But you must do what you feel you want to do, not what other people want you to do or what others do.