Every November I look forward to buying my first box of clementines. Biting into the bright fruit always brings a smile to my face.
Something similar to that feeling happens when you walk into Clément!ne Café Déli on St. George Street. It’s a bright, fresh, smiling sort of place.
That resonates with owner Clement Dugas’ easy but keen and rather off-beat sense of purpose. Sipping an espresso, relaxing after a busy lunch time, he gestures expressively as he talks about his vision and future plans for the Café.
“I wanted to create a friendly place with what I call a fresh early morning ambiance,” he says. “To show breakfast and lunch food can be fast, easy, uncomplicated, but also fresh, good tasting, healthy and affordable.”
Since opening in March 2009, Clement has seen a steady growth in clientele that is diverse. Business people request a quick early coffee to start their day, the lunch crowd, enjoys soups, salad and sandwiches, Saturday sees kids and parents drop in.
Clément!ne has also become something of a cultural centre; where art and music can be discussed with fervour. Local artists show their work, with exhibitions changing every six weeks. “I feel everyone, staff and customers, should have input to help us grow,” says Clement. “It’s about receiving and giving.”
Clement’s interest in owning a café began when he worked at Calactus; starting as a dish washer and becoming the kitchen manager. After travelling across Canada and through Europe he returned home full of ideas and ideals, giving himself two years to develop his business plan.
Both his parents are artists; his mother is a designer, his father a poet and visual artist, and they own the vintage clothing store next door to the café. Clement received good advice from them as small business owners, with a dash of artistic flair added in for good measure.
Not surprisingly colour is a major factor for Clement and the first impression when you enter Clément!ne. Painted in fresh fruit-flavoured hues of orange, lime and yellow, with the original tin ceiling a moody blueberry. Furniture is quietly eclectic, there are papers and magazines to read and a community notice board complete the funky vibe.
Crockery is Art Deco inspired and the kitchen is right in view so you can see your menu choice being freshly prepared. All items on the menu are made fresh daily and there is plenty to choose from. A long lost of coffees and teas is complemented by fresh fruit juice and you can add a shot of healthy wheat grass to one of these.
Deliberately keeping the menu simple Clément!ne offers, European-style breakfast, a choice of bagels, croissants and breads with jam or cheese, and Balkan yogurt breakfast or fruit salad. For lunch there are panini and melts, salads, including Greek, pasta and couscous. Sweet teeth with enjoy biscotti, and scrumptious pies.
Working with other local food entrepreneurs, Clement buys his breads from the European Bakery, pastries from Tony’s Pastries and his deli meats from Degenhardts.
Away from the Café Clement’s serious hobby is his music. A multi performer he plays guitar, piano, banjo and bass. He also takes long walks with his high-energy spaniel before settling down to the paper work necessary to every business owner.
He talks of Clément!ne as a child, saying it is important to teach it then let it live on its own. “I hope my energy and opening a business will bring other new businesses to this area, creating a new area” he says. Looking ahead his vision for summer includes a terrace fronting on St. George Street and envisages staying open later to enjoy warm summer evenings.
Clément!ne Café Déli is located at 241 St. George Street. Phone number: 384-4782. It is open Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.
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