Jesse worked in the culinary industry for five years before deciding to branch out on his own, opening up Belleville’s newest hot spot, Gourmet Diem. Hailed as a foodie’s haven, this downtown gem is pulling triple duty as a full-service café, deli, and retail shop. Lunch is made fresh and the coffee is fair trade, plus the shelves are filled with local and imported food products and cookware that you won’t be able to find at the grocery store. It is this unique model that sets Gourmet Diem apart from other cafés and food markets.
A Little Bit of Everything
Among the bounty of gourmet goods, there are chocolates, olives, crackers, cheeses, meats, spices, oils, sauces, cutting boards, and mixing bowls. New products are introduced on a regular basis, with maple syrup, honey, and jams from nearby producers next on the list. As warmer months approach, there is yet another cool and exciting development on the horizon… The addition of gelato is slated for the middle of April.
Nothing But the Best
“If I’d eat it myself or serve it to my family,” says Jesse, then it passes the quality test. His major goal, aside from continuously expanding the business, is to help people make conscious choices when it comes to their food. “I’d like to help replace average ingredients for high-quality ingredients, because not only does it taste better, it’s better for you.” He also believes in transparency and the importance of knowing where your food is sourced. This is the kind of place where you can discover the story behind what you buy.
Location, Location, Location
“I chose to open my business in downtown Belleville because I saw the great potential that exists here, and the opportunity to better the community.” On top of that, he says he “love[s] the group of people that work and shop here;” pointing out that everyone supports each other. “There isn’t a sense of competition between businesses; we are all for the wellbeing of Belleville.”
The Right Fit
Jesse describes the cultivation of turning his dream into reality as a process, but “every business has to start somewhere. This is my start.” Although he wanted to be a lawyer when he was a kid, it seems he’s managed to find his true calling in life.
He claims that food is his one and only passion, and while he occasionally likes to go fishing, it’s ultimately so he can cook and eat the fish. “I live and breathe good food.” Now that sounds like the kind of person you want to buy your food from, right?
[/one_half]An Epicurean ExperienceVisit Gourmet Diem in downtown Belleville, with a quaint shop location at 249 Front Street. Current hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Want to find out more? Call the shop at 613-779-9995 and be sure to check it out on Facebook for tantalizing pictures and daily specials.
