Bombay Emerald Chutney Company

For most of the year, either indoors in Westchester, or at outdoor markets in our area, husband and wife team, Karan and Nirmala Gupta, can be found cooking up tasty samples of sautéed zucchini with plum chutney, yogurt with mint, or potatoes with pomegranate. The flavors are unexpected and intense—even a little mysterious—but Karan and Nirmala are masters at reassurance, and it’s quickly evident that the chutneys are a find. “When I realized my three grown daughters’ non-Indian friends liked my chutneys, I thought maybe we had something,” says Nirmala, and in 2004, the Bombay Emerald Chutney Company was born.

The original recipes for the spicy condiments were from Nirmala’s mother, and classically Indian, but after emigrating from New Delhi in 1970, Nirmala modified them with American ingredients to create powerful punches of fruit, herb and spice that complement almost any dish. The company website lists where and when the Gupta’s can be found selling their chutneys, and gift boxes of four can be ordered online and sent anywhere in the U.S. Banish the banal chicken breast forever and give these a try.

Bombay Emerald Chutney Company Bombayemeraldchutneyco.com
1-800-394-0983

Grounded Coffee Catering

Newer on the market scene is traveling barista, Melissa Knott, owner of Grounded Coffee Catering. After a summer of perfecting her list of offerings at community markets in NJ, NY, PA and CT, this gal knows her beverages. (She actually wrote her honors thesis on coffee.)

With professional grade espresso maker and fresh roasted fair-trade beans in hand, Knott will grace your event with two hours of tea, espresso, chai and steamer service. Brewed coffees, iced drinks and extended hours are available at an additional premium. But the real treat is the pleasure with which Knott shares her passion for coffee. “French Roast shouldn’t taste burnt. If it does, it’s just that – burnt,” she says, offering a taste of her own deliciously dark and pungent French Roast. Recognizing a lightweight, she suggests a bag of “Grounded’s Own” for a gentler wake-up, and I leave sipping a lusciously spiced iced chai. Knott is at the Rivervale Farmers Market (Mark Lane off Piermont Ave) until Nov., and available for events year round.

Grounded Coffee Catering Groundedcatering.com
1-800-519-8931

Help From People to People, Inc. Of course, many in Rockland can’t pay top dollar for specialty items. In fact, for some, putting any food on the table can be a challenge. In 1973, Neil Lichter saw the need and formed Help From People to People, a grassroots charity charged with the mission of “helping struggling neighbors through difficult times with dignity.” Lichter’s small neighborhood operation has grown to provide groceries, clothing and school supplies to over 23,000 Rockland residents annually while remaining true to its neighborly beginnings. “We couldn’t open our doors without our volunteers,” says Executive Director, Diane Serratore. Local businesses are generous with donations of money and supplies, but it’s dedicated volunteers who organize the 4,300 sq. foot food pantry, run the Dress Barn Clothes Closet, oversee the distribution of school supplies for the Back to School with Dignity Program, and implement the Santa Project; distributing over 2,500 letters a year to people who want to be a secret Santa for a needy child.

“Every penny spent goes to Rockland residents,” says Serratore, who sees her client pool expanding as food and gasoline prices rise, “but up until now we’ve only been able to provide food and supplies for short term need.” Serratore wants to break the cycle of poverty, however, and believes the English as a Second Language class beginning this October is a good start. She hopes to add parenting, budgeting and nutrition classes when possible. “I know it’s a big challenge,” she says, “but I grew up here, and I want Rockland to provide the same kind of nurturing environment I experienced.” Involved Rocklanders like Serratore, and all of the volunteers at Help From People to People, remind us that there’s need here in our backyard, but there’s help too. You can be part of the solution by donating non-perishable food, gently worn clothing, money or time to this worthy charity. Donation days and times are listed on People to People’s website.

Help From People to People, Inc.
121 West Nyack Road
Nanuet, NY 10954
623-4900
Peopletopeopleinc.org