The Casual Gourmet is a Hamilton food hub for all things local
- Michael Kras
- 11 Mar 2022
A long-time Hamilton staple for lovers of all things culinary has been growing into a locally-driven foodie hub.
The Casual Gourmet has been a popular fixture of Westdale Village since 1997, dealing primarily in professional quality kitchenware for everyone from chefs to home cooks including pots & pans, plates & bowls, cutlery, kitchen utensils, knives, bar supplies, and beyond.
While still maintaining the tried-and-true aspects of the business that locals have come to love over the years, The Casual Gourmet’s newest owners – Ilona Verlint and Tannis Jarvis – have also been working hard to expand the shop’s offerings in ways that more deeply involve both local food producers and the local community.
Verlint, who was part of the Casual Gourmet’s team as a manager before purchasing the business in partnership with Jarvis in 2016, couldn’t wait to expand the shop’s offerings by partnering with some of the best small-scale food providers in the region.
The impacts of the pandemic made them take the leap into offering a curated selection of grocery items; a move that had the bonus benefit of allowing the shop to stay open even during the strictest government measures.
“Having local, gourmet food offerings in the shop was always something we dreamed of,” explains Verlint. “Becoming essential in order to ‘COVID-proof’ our business, so to speak, gave us the push to pull it together. It’s really just a natural fit for us.”
Then came the curation of Hamilton-area farmers, producers, and purveyors that could partner with The Casual Gourmet and stock their products in the shop. For Verlint, researching some of the best spots in the region wasn’t too much of a challenge; in fact, she was already regularly shopping with local businesses personally and quickly developed a list of favourites.
“During the first lockdown, I personally was supporting local businesses like J. Waldron Butchers; buying meat shares, ordering local food bins, and supporting local as much as possible,” she says. “I was able to ‘sample’ all that our fine city had to offer; and when you find something you love, of course you want to share it!”
The growing list of providers at The Casual Gourmet is excitingly diverse while exemplifying some of the best quality food products made locally, like meats from J. Waldron Butchers, farm-fresh eggs and honey from Miss Precious, artisan cheese from The Udder Way, handcrafted superfood teas from Lake & Oak Tea Co, Jewish-style bagels by The Bagel Oven, plant-based bites from No Bones Kitchen, seafood from Hammerhead’s, creamy goodness from the legendary Hewitt’s Dairy, and much more.
Not only do all of those providers stock the shelves at The Casual Gourmet, but many of them also form the basis for the shop’s new kitchen, serving up a wellness-focused menu of light bites for breakfast and lunch.
Handmade salads, parfaits made with dairy-free coconut yogurt, vegan bagels, hearty soups, superfood lattes, and more are on the shop’s new grab & go menu, built with ingredients The Casual Gourmet already sells.
“Our goal is to really showcase our partners in the community!” says Verlint. “Our menu is made with provisions we carry in the shop, with the quality ingredients from our makers, bakers, farmers and creators.“
Verlint hopes that, with such a strong mix of food items on offer in their new market and kitchen combined, The Casual Gourmet will be more than a casual stop for locals, with Westdale residents and beyond turning it into a regular favourite for their grocery shopping as a community-driven food hub.
“Growing up in Westdale Village, nothing gives us greater joy than serving our community in a fuller capacity,” she explains. “Our CG Market keeps our customers popping in weekly for bacon, eggs or milk. Now we can offer them a cup of coffee or a healthy breakfast or lunch. Our customers are our neighbours and friends. During a time when most felt isolated, we felt so very blessed to have mini moments to chat and visit with our neighbors.”
It’s one of the things Verlint says she loves most about being a small business owner in Hamilton, and a key reason that it’s like The Casual Gourmet will continue to be a local staple for years to come.
“What I especially love about Hamilton is the support from our friends in the industry. I’m so proud to be part of a community that supports and encourages each other!,” she adds.
“Local supporting local. That’s where it’s at!”
See more about The Casual Gourmet on their website, and follow them on social media here.
Images courtesy of The Casual Gourmet
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