Shop, eat and drink small and local this season

The holiday season is here and with it brings Christmas wish lists, stockings to fill, dinner parties, dining out, coffee catch ups and more!  This year instead of dashing off to a grocery store, hitting up that fast food drive thru or running to a box store to find that perfect gift – consider looking around this wonderful city at all the beautiful shops and restaurants to find what you are looking for.  

Harrington Lane Farms Christmas Breakfast Basket!  Photo Credit: Krista Harrington

For a festive meal this season why not check out the local food options here in the city!  Mattson and Co., Aberdeen Tavern, The Mule and Mezcal are just a handful of the delightfully delicious places to dine.  Skip the typical pizza place and try NaRoma or Bread Bar for their take on the tasty classic.

Rushing around this season you’re bound to feel hungry and most likely will be inclined for typical drive through foods.  That isn’t your only option though!  Several awesome places such as the Burnt Tongue, Mesa, Fsh and Chp and the new Mattson to Go offer delicious eats.  If you are craving a burger try switching it up and ordering from Delirious Burger or Hambrgr.  This type of takeout might be a little more work – you may have to call your order in but well worth it! 

Savoury and sweet trays are a must have for any host or hostess during the holidays!  There are great options to order offered by Harrington Lane Farms and Cake and Loaf bakery.  Bonus is Harrington Lane and Cake and Loaf have plenty of other wonderful gift options to grab while you are there!  

If you’re up for building your own trays or platters The Real Food Market, Locke St. Meat and Deli and The Mustard Seed Co-op are wonderful places to shop for your ingredients.  The Hamilton Farmer's Market also has everything you could need PLUS the Real Food Court where you can grab yourself a bite from Pokeh, Cake and Loaf Market or enjoy some Henry Brown’s Small Batch Ice Cream.

Cake and Loaf Bakery Seasonal Latte

Having your event catered can save a lot of stress and the businesses of Hamilton can cover that too!  Jonny Blonde, Picone Fine Foods and Taylor’s Tea Room are a handful of those who offer this service.

Meeting for coffee or tea to catch up throughout the holidays is always enjoyable!  Hamilton has so many lovely places to grab your favourite beverages!  Relay Coffee, Cannon Coffee Co., Finch on Locke, Vintage Coffee, Mulberry Coffee House and Parkermanns Fine Tea are a few of the great places to swing by with your friends or family!

As far as gifts are concerned there is something for everyone in the city!  Needlework, Handknit Yarn Studio, Quills and Mixed media all offer the creative gift giving solution and so much more. 

Citizen Kid and Barefoot Babies are two excellent places to search for special and quality items for the littlest humans you know!

Burlap and Twine and Simply Zen have plenty of awesome things for that person on your list who could use some relaxation.  Epic Books or J.H. Gordon Books might also have something to help one unwind.

Citizen Kid goodies!

Hotti Biscotti would be a treat to anyone’s stocking which brings me to chocolate - everyone needs chocolate in their stocking!  Forrat’s Chocolates & Chocolate on James are just two of the outstanding places you can find treats for the stocking, to give as a hostess gift or to just eat yourself!

Yellow Dog Grooming can certainly pamper your pooch with a bath and groom!  While Beasley Pet Co has just the right gift for your canine or feline companion.     

I could go on for days rhyming off all of the wicked restaurants and shops in the greater Hamilton area – there are so many I haven’t mentioned but they are all equally fabulous.  The best part is they all offer much more than just what I mentioned them for – most have pre-wrapped gifts, gift certificates, subscriptions, classes, unique confections, specialty drinks, platters, catering it goes on and on – no one trick ponies to be found! 

It is really hard to stray from the boxed stores sometimes especially when your child ONLY wants a Hatchimal…. Which my daughter did and I found for a non-inflated price lucky for her.  But wherever I can this holiday season, I will be shopping, dining and sipping small and local!  I encourage everyone to do the same, the businesses you support will thank you <3

PSA:  Saturday November 26th is small business Saturday!  Skip the mall and head to the sweet shops the city has to offer!

FREE Parking makes shopping small easier!

Lights of Locke Street Festival!  Lots to do while you shop!

Presented by Cake & Loaf Bakery and Community Partners
Supporting a wonderful cause
http://cakeandloaf.ca/news/second-annual-dundurn-lights-festival-friday-dec-9th/

For those who love links like I do I added a link to each of the above listed businesses!  I hope it helps you find what you are looking for this season!  - Cheers!

Food and Drink Related Mentions:

Aberdeen Tavern
http://theaberdeen.ca/

Bread Bar
http://www.breadbar.ca/home

Cake and Loaf Bakery
http://cakeandloaf.ca/

Cake and Loaf Market
https://www.instagram.com/cakeandloafmarket/

Cannon Coffee Co.
https://www.facebook.com/cannoncoffee/

Chocolate on James
http://chocolatonjames.com/

Delirious Burger
https://www.facebook.com/DeliriousBurger/

Finch on Locke
https://www.instagram.com/finchonlocke/

Forrats Chocolates
http://www.forratschocolates.ca/

Fsh and Chp
http://fshandchp.ca/

Hambrgr
http://www.hambrgr.ca/

Harrington Lane Farms
https://www.facebook.com/harringtonlanefarmsvillageshop/?fref=ts

Henry Brown's Small Batch Ice Cream
https://www.facebook.com/smallbatchice/

Hotti Biscotti
http://www.hottibiscotti.com/

Jonny Blonde
http://www.jonnyblonde.com/

Locke St Meat and Deli
http://www.lockestmeats.ca/

Picone Fine Foods
http://www.piconefinefood.ca/

Mattson & Co.
http://mattsonandco.ca/

Mattson to Go
http://mattsontogo.ca/

Mesa
https://www.facebook.com/MesaHamilton/

Mezcal
http://www.mezcaltnt.com/

Mulberry Coffee House
http://www.mulberrycoffeehouse.com/

NaRoma Pizza Bar
http://naroma.ca/

Parkermanns Fine Tea
http://www.parkermannstea.com/

Pokeh
http://pokeh.ca/

Relay Coffee
http://www.relaycoffee.com/

Taylor's Tea Room
http://taylorstearoom.com/

The Burnt Tongue
http://www.theburnttongue.com/#good-food-cant-wait

The Hamilton Farmer's Market
http://hamiltonfarmersmarket.ca/

The Mule
http://themule.ca/

The Mustard Seed Co op
https://mustardseed.coop/

The Real Food Market
http://realfoodmkt.ca/

Vintage Coffee Roasters
http://www.vintagecoffeeroasters.ca/


Other mentions:

Barefoot Babies
http://barefootbabies.ca/

Beasley Pet Co
http://beasleypetco.ca/shop/

Burlap and Twine
https://www.facebook.com/Burlap-Twine-247599648720794/

Citizen Kid
http://citizenkid.ca/

Epic Books
http://epicbooks.ca/

Handknit Yarn Studio
http://handknityarnstudio.ca/

J.H. Gordon Books
http://www.jhgordonbooks.ca/

Mixed Media
https://www.instagram.com/mixedmedia154/

Needlework
http://www.iloveneedlework.com/

Quills
http://quills.ca/

Simply Zen
https://www.facebook.com/simplyzenhamilton/

Yellow Dog Grooming
http://www.yellowdoggrooming.com/

Needlework

One of my newest favourites in the city is Needlework on James St N.  I stumbled upon the shop while

Needlework from the street

browsing Instagram one day and knew I had to check it out in person!  I took the opportunity one fabulous fall Saturday to pop in with my daughter and see what the shop was like.  From the street it is lovely, there is a beautiful modern sign and sweet window displays – it is very inviting! 

When we walked into the store we were greeted with warmth and offered a hand if needed.  I had a few items I saw on Instagram in mind so after getting them I wandered around a bit looking at all the gorgeous fabrics – colour and texture co-ordinated rows, the assorted notions and the row of sewing machines lined up waiting for the next class or sew by the hour customer to come along!

I live quite far from the shop and am not able to take advantage of sew by the hour but I sure would if I lived in the city!  I think it is a great price and wonderful opportunity to use quality machines and a large workspace to lay out projects.  It’s also a way to get in that much needed solo time we all must have once and a while or get a little bit of guidance from others with experience!

Work stations

The classes that are offered all sound like fun!  From quilting to garment making there is something for everyone and at all skill levels.  One day I hope to be able to devote the time to taking one.

The space is incredible and really feeds a creative mind.  After taking a break for almost 3yrs, it was this shop that inspired me to get back to sewing once again.  The fabrics are unique and outstanding in quality.  There is something for every project type from soft cozy cottons suitable for quilting and other ventures to the prettiest double gauze fabrics I have seen.

As a teenager I worked in a fabric store for 5yrs and I will tell you they have nothing on a place like this.  Sure they have their place and purpose but you will not find the special items or feel that genuine kindness in a large corporate fabric shop.  Yet another reason why I love small businesses ;) .

Happy Crafting!

Bonus!  You can order some of the wonderful things Needlework has to offer online:

http://www.iloveneedlework.com/

I enjoy following along on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/needlework_hamilton/

More than just a latte

This rainy October morning I walked in to Cake and Loaf bakery just as I have 100 times before though today was different, today I am different.  This past Tuesday my I had to say goodbye to my canine companion Toby who has been my best friend for the past 16yrs, my heart is broken.  

Yesterday was a blur as I was swallowed in the shock that follows great loss but today I knew I needed to take a step and venture out.  It was very scary because it meant I had to acknowledge the fact that my old boy wasn’t going to be with us for the drive, nor would he waiting for me at home.  But I did it, my son, 6mth old pup and I got in the truck and off we went.

I pulled into the parking spot and braced myself as I opened the door, knowing this was step two of our adventure – no Toby to say stay to as I took my son from his seat.  We headed in to Cake and Loaf for my usual latte + extras when Amanda (the wonderful store front manager) asked how I was - almost always, I say great – after all I’m about to be sipping on a delicious beverage, how could I be bad?  But today I was honest and admitted my pain and you know what, I am glad I did.  The love I felt was something I really needed, it made me feel human again.  

I spoiled my son with chocolate banana muffins, a candy corn brownie to share and I bought delicious homemade soup because I want comfort food but have no one to make it for me (the Mr cannot cook anything but meatloaf which I despise). I took in the warm shop vibe as I put the lid on my beautiful latte and I walked out the door.

As I drove home I couldn’t help but reflect on the impact small businesses truly have on people.  These places feel warm, inviting and safe.  There is no rush, you can take your time and those serving you will certainly take the time you need.  It isn’t something that can be experienced in a boxed store because even if the cashiers haven’t been weathered by the retail storm they most certainly are required to get that line moving as fast as humanly possible numbing the experience.  There is an exchange that happens when you shop small - more than just monetary – you make a connection vital to the human experience. 

I am no stranger to great loss but this one is hitting me incredibly hard.  Toby was more than just a pet; he was my support, listening ear, comfort and provider of unconditional love.  I feel truly blessed we had each other for as long as we did and will always be grateful for his presence in my life.

Feeling lost and disconnected is something I will be facing for a while but I know that I can count on small business love to help push forward and see the beauty in this world.

My latte was extra special today; it softened the sadness and warmed my soul. <3

Plan B Organic Farms

As a mother to 2 small children, one of whom is still at home full time, I am always on the lookout for ways to save time and reduce excessive spending.  Grocery store shopping is exhausting and often results in extra purchases like non- essential treats or other miscellaneous add-ons that usually go to waste.  Long lines, hurried patrons, too many choices, too many labels – it’s overwhelming and the local options are very limited though some stores are making it more of a priority now. 

One of our recent large shares + extra fruit and lunch box items

I discovered Plan B Organic Farms when they were a little newer and their delivery area wasn’t as large as it is today.  We weren’t able to receive a delivery and the depots near us were out of the way but I continued to keep them in the back of my mind.

Last winter I looked in to Plan B’s CSA share again and to my surprise there were several changes.  They deliver to our area now which is awesome!  They also have a little more flexibility with the box contents, now if there is something you never want in your box like turnip you can say – no turnip ever! 

The Plan B Organic Farms CSA also differs as you can easily pause your subscription for holidays or take a month break if needed.  If for some reason it doesn’t work out you can easily cancel by sending an email request.  Most CSAs are paid up front as well, which for us is too hard to do but Plan B offers flexibility.  We pay weekly for our box with an email transfer - though other payment schedules and methods are available.  

Some of the fruit from this week

There are 2 share sizes small (10 items or so each week) and large (12-14items each week).  Local only is an option or local and imported.  During the growing season local is the focus for both shares and many items are grown by Plan B themselves.  We choose local and imported so in the winter months we have a better variety of fruits and vegetables the kids will eat.

Another great feature is the extras that can be added such as extra fruit and lunch box items.  We opt for both of these things to ensure we have enough to keep the kids happy.  Eggs, spelt wraps, sauerkraut and other goodies can also be added as desired. 

This past week our large local and imported large share was as follows:

Potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, baby salad mix, daikon radish, broccoli, mini-cauliflower, beets, red pepper, apples, limes, bok choi, cherry tomatoes, extra potatoes 

Extra fruit:  Pears, cantaloupe, grapefruit

Lunch box:  kiwi, avocado, cucumber

This typically feeds our house of 3 adults and 2 children for most of the week though I am still participating in the Matchbox Garden CSA which rounds out our weekly needs.

Each week our share is delivered (for a minimal fee) in the evening and the kids love unpacking and putting everything away.  As a bonus there is an email that goes out with a list of what’s in the box – fantastic for when you have items you are unsure of!  Along with the details is an update on the farm and recipes that include items from the week’s shares. 

I really enjoy the random foods we receive each week and how it encourages creativity in the kitchen.  There are many foods I never would have tried - like bok choy - if I had never received them!  It is also great to support a hardworking and local business.

A handful of other share items

As an added bonus I started to follow Irene Matys on social media, if you don’t you should!  Irene creates beautiful and tasty dishes using Plan B Organics bounty and other delicious things.  I find her kitchen magic to be wonderfully inspiring!  Irene shares recipes along the way so when share day comes I am extra eager to open the box!

Shopping for produce is a breeze this way and I don’t have to deal with grocery store madness ;) .  It also helps keep our food budget in check.

 We love Plan B and what they have to offer!  

Detailed information can be found on Plan B Organics Website:

http://planborganicfarms.ca/

Plan B Organics Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/planbfarms/

Delightful recipes can be found on Irene Matys Website:

http://www.irenematys.com/

Irene's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thespicyolive1/

Relay Coffee Roasters

Drinks and Sweets to go

Lattes.  I LOVE a good latte.  What I don’t love are lattes from chain stores but living on the edge of the city means a good latte is a fair distance away, or so I thought.  One cold day near winters end I was craving a solid latte but my go to shop was closed, the idea of traveling down the escarpment was really unappealing this day so I used trusty old google to search for somewhere a little closer… and there it was Relay on Concession St.  Now that I could do!  Off my son and I went.

Relay at the Farmer's Market

It was so easy to find, right on the corner of East 23^rd and Concession street with metered Parking right out front - and there is a wide parking lane for those like me who need to know what parking is like before venturing to new places.  The coffee shop is adorable with seating for those wishing to sit in and enjoy a cup of something or you can take your favourite beverage to go.

As the delightful barista made my vanilla latte and my sons steamed hot chocolate – which came in the cutest wee cup! – my son was mesmerized by the pour over technique as a fellow patron’s coffee was being made.  I really think that is part of the charm in small coffee shops.  Each and every one has a different technique as does each barista so the flavours from shop to shop are unique.

This past summer was a busy time in my life and I wasn’t able to get out for my favourite drinks often at all.  Relay had offered free delivery one week for their bottled iced beverages, I inquired about the service though I was doubtful as very few places will deliver to our area.  The response was quick and sure enough and it was a yes!  I was thrilled.  When you are a parent (or just busy in life) it’s the little things ;) .

Cold brew delivered

If you are like me and enjoy a sweet treat with your drink Thursday through Saturday Relay has Donut Monster awesomeness!  Treats from Hotti Biscotti, Cake and Loaf and other delicious places can often be found to accompany your drink as well!

What makes Relay extra fantastic is they are one of the shops in Hamilton that roast their own fair trade organic beans.  Spending money on a hand crafted drink that supports not only our local economy but the people who grow the beans feels much better than throwing money into a large corporation.  Not to mention the taste – there is no comparison! 

Relay definitely should be on the “must try list” of everyone in the greater Hamilton area.  Pleasant service, wonderful drinks – what more could one ask for?   If Concession Street isn't close enough Relay is also located in Hamilton Farmer's Market.


Happy Sipping!

Relay Coffee Roasters Website:
http://www.relaycoffee.com/

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/relaycoffee

Cold and hot beverages this summer

Stam Farms

The Market stand  Photo Credit:  Natalie Stam

In 2014, while perusing a Facebook page, I saw a post about eggs for sale at Stam Farms.  At this time I was really starting to take an interest in getting to know farmers in the area and what they might have to sell my family and I so I sent a message inquiring about what else they might have.  It was between seasons for the farm but I was told by Natalie (the lovely face behind the Facebook page) they would have chicken in early summer as well as a CSA program for produce.  I filed this in the back of my mind and eventually, if I am being honest, forgot! 

Fruit was brought in from another farm as an offering

When I received a message from Natalie about the start of their new season I was thrilled!  The simple fact that she had taken the time to write down what I was interested in and follow up months later was exceptional.  As a former retail worker I know how close to impossible that is with lots on the go. 

I made my first drive to Stam Farms in Hagersville to purchase 4 whole chickens and was greeted by a wonderful family with smiles and cheerful conversation.  Natalie made sure any questions I had were answered and I felt really great knowing our hard earned money was going to a family vs a big corporation.  Although the CSA program in 2015 didn’t work for us Natalie would often prepare me a large basket pack full of delicious organically grown produce as needed which was greatly appreciated.

I had a mini seedling crisis this past spring and Natalie came to my rescue with oodles of healthy seedlings for a fantastic price and even graciously donated some.  She also offered me continuous guidance and growing support through the growing season – if it wasn’t for her I would have ripped out my peppers that ended up thriving after a rough start!    

Beans in the field  Photo Credit: Natalie Stam

This year I was able to take part in Stam Farms market share program they ran as a customer friendly CSA.  This program was unique in that you would commit to spending $50 or $100 a month (more if desired) depending on your produce needs.  Each week 2 market dates were offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays and you could go and pick what you would like and have the total cost deducted from your tab.  Not only were vegetables a part of this but eggs, honey, meats when available and preserves were all part of this program. 

This model of CSA I really enjoyed since I didn’t have to commit to the drive every single week to pick up a share.  I was also able to stock up with bulk items for my freezer with the freedom to add more credit as I went along. 

There was a lot to choose from weekly depending on what was ripe at the time - cucumbers both pickling and slicing, peppers galore, herbs such as basil and dill, zucchini, garlic, potatoes, beans, many tomato varieties, kale, salad greens, the best cantaloupe I have ever eaten and so much more.   I often left with a huge heaped basket.

Market day!  Photo Credit:  Natalie Stam

The drought this season was extremely hard on all farmers, growers, livestock - pretty much all living things - but even through the loss of a huge corn crop Stam Farms carried on with a positive and thankful spirit.  It was so encouraging during a time that was otherwise very discouraging.

If you have ever gasped at the organic grocery store pricing consider a drive next season to Stam Farms!  The pricing is a fraction of the chain stores and everything is grown with love and care.  You do not have to be a member of the CSA share program to shop their stand and you have the comfort of transparency when you buy from a family run farm – knowing exactly how your food was grown.

My family and I have enjoyed the past few seasons shopping from Stam Farms market and are thankful for the many laughs, great advice and fantastic food!  We look forward to watching the farm grow and change in years to come!

Thanks for reading!

You can find Stam Farms on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/stamfarms/?fref=ts

and on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stamfarms/?hl=en

Some Stam Farms bounty

Matchbox Garden

The new sign at the farm

This Thursday will mark week 15 of Matchbox Garden’s CSA program!  We pick up our regular sized share Thursday’s at the farm in Caledonia and although there is a list sent out to select choices weekly, it still feels like a pleasant surprise unpacking the bag!  Occasionally items are substituted because nature hasn’t co-operated and certain items are no longer thriving come harvest but generally what you choose from the list is what you get. 

The options look something like this for a regular sized share:

Cooking Greens – choose 1 – swiss chard -1 bunch, sweet potato leaf -1 bunch, turnip tops-1bunch

Salad Greens –choose 1 –Arugula 1/4lb, baby beet greens-1 bunch, baby pok choy-1 bunch

Herbs & Flowers-choose 1- Mixed herb bunch, peppermint-1 bunch, edible flowers-1/2 pint, spearmint-1 bunch

Roots-choose 3-Beets tri colour -1 bunch, new potatoes-purple Russian-1 pint, Potatoes-white-1 pint, beets red-1 bunch, new potatoes-fingerling-1 pint, French turnip-1 bunch Cucurbit Family-choose 1-zucchini-1pint, patty pan squash-1pint, lemon squash-1 pint, early crookneck squash-1 pint, pie pumpkin-1pc, delicata squash-1pc

Tomatoes, Peppers & Eggplant-choose 2-tomatoes- cherry mixed-1pint, tomatoes-roma-1 pint, tomatoes-salad mix-1 pint, peppers-hot mixed-1/2 pint, tomatoes-field heirloom-1-4pcs, Tomatoes-paste/ketchup-1 pint, sweet peppers-mixed-1 pint

Fruit-choose 2-Pears, honey Bartlett-1 pint, peaches 1 pint, watermelon-1, apples-1 pint

One of the first CSA shares

Everything grown is certified organic with the exception of some low spray fruit sourced from fellow farms.  Hanna is always upfront about these options and they can be omitted should you not want them in your weekly bag. 

Along with being a part of the CSA program I have also purchased Matchbox Garden seeds and seedlings!  I planted an abundance of seeds this past spring that started out well but the helping hands I had liked to water a little too much ;) …Thankfully I was able to replace drowned plants with seedlings full of life from Matchbox Garden! 

 One of my favourite things about being involved in a CSA is meeting those who grow the food we eat.  It is so rewarding to drive up the lane way and be greeted by someone who has taken the time to prepare a selection of foods to feed your family.  If you ask my children where we buy vegetables they will say the farm and that warms my heart!

Evening Colours Sunflower 

Matchbox Garden started in Toronto in 2006 on a small urban lot and branched out to accommodate the farms growing needs utilizing other spaces in the GTA.  Currently the farm operates on their ½ acre property in beautiful Caledonia.  Follow the link below to the Matchbox Garden website below to learn more about the farm's history!  It’s a beautiful site with a fantastic seed catalogue.

The seeds sold by Matchbox are all hand harvested by Hanna!  They are certified organic, open pollinated and fantastic quality.  Heirloom and rare varieties are the focus all of which are full of flavour and add lovely colour to any garden! 

Hanna truly cares about the environment, the plants and all the little beings that play a role in the delicate ecosystem and uses gentle farming methods promoting sustainability.  Her experience is something she shares happily and I appreciate how willing she is to help trouble shoot my personal gardening challenges.  

This years seed order

My family is thankful for a great CSA season with Matchbox Garden.  The drive to the farm is scenic and peaceful, I often make a stop at the river.  Each week we are greeted with a warm smile and a bag full of beautiful vegetables and fruit for us to enjoy throughout the week. 

I encourage everyone I meet to take the time and get to know the farmers who feed their families on some level.  You will be amazed at what the partnership will give you and yours – healthy wholesome food & knowledge to last a lifetime. 

Thanks for Reading! 

Matchbox Garden's website: 

http://www.matchboxgarden.ca/

Share from week 14 with extra watermelon and bulk tomatoes