By Katie Stoneman
Hamilton’s gastro scene is vast and varied, continuing to expand with each coming month. A little gem on Ottawa St N offers a little bit more than just really good food.
Auntie Boom’s Retro Café, a vintage burlesque inspired space, opened just over a month ago in the textile district of Hamilton. Lisa Palmer owns the business and is supported in it by her friend Hamilton burlesque vixen Ms Chaos Divine.
“We started next door. We had grand plans, but there were a lot of glitches and difficulty building the kitchen. And then we were offered this place which is twice the space with a complete kitchen,” said Ms. Divine.
The café is named in honour of Palmer’s late aunt Shelly Egan, who adopted the burlesque name Auntie Boom. Palmer and Divine were in a burlesque troupe together, with Auntie Boom as a mentor, helping out and building sets along the way.
Eventually, Auntie Boom fell ill and passed on, leaving Palmer an inheritance with which she started the café.
“So now, we have our own breakfast place! Christine Cayuga did our menu, she’s a genius in the kitchen. She’s been with us since about January,” said Divine while Cayuga was sitting and having lunch. Divine added, all the partners visit the place on their days off.
The café is a little bit tucked away in the streetscape, with the retro café sign still hanging next door at the old space. The big window and kitschy colour choices are eye-catching and welcoming.
“We wanted Ottawa Street. It’s the vibe, it’s perfect for a diner and we’re always on this street. It’s our stomping ground,” said Divine.
The interior design is the best part of the experience, with the classic black and white tiled floor and the teal and pink retro themed colours. The renovations and construction was done entirely by their own team including Palmer, her partner, and Ms. Divine (who mentioned she built the counter at the back of the café).
There are also plans to host burlesque shows at the café. The first show will be on September 21st at 4PM, tickets are $35 advance ($40 at the door) and it includes a buffet dinner.
The food is delicious café food, breakfasts, burgers and sandwiches. A good menu with the classic staple meals done right, Auntie Boom’s Retro Café is a great stop to make on your day down Ottawa Street.
