
C.J. Gourmet in Greenport celebrates New York State

C.J. Gourmet in Greenport sells foods that have been produced in New York State. (May 27, 2013) Credit: Newsday Erica Marcus
It used to be the pride of a gourmet market was how far-flung were its wares — caviar from the Caspian, cheese from the Pyrenees. But the trend nowadays is to source locally. C.J. Gourmet doesn’t draw from quite as small a circle as Taste of the North Fork (which recently relocated from Peconic to Southold); the Greenport store, which opened in May, sells candy, coffee, beverages, condiments, granola, baked goods, dog treats, pickles and a few candles made all over New York State.
“We never thought about just limiting ourselves to Long Island,” co-owner Jared Schiff said. “There is just so much great stuff being produced in Brooklyn, Upstate, the Hudson Valley.”
And so you’ll find Catskill Provisions honey and syrups, Johnnie Ryan sodas from Niagra and, from Brooklyn, Saucy by Nature sauces, P&H Soda and Granola Lab, among other artisanal products. Long Island is well represented, of course, by, among others, North Fork Chocolate (Calverton), Joe & Liza ice cream (Sag Harbor) and Kenyer breads (Bohemia). See a list of products here.
C. and J., by the way are Chris Gregory and the aforementioned Jared Schiff. Gregory has a background in hospitality management, Schiff, in finance. A third partner, Maureen Norris, is a chef. The team is planning to open a second store in Port Jefferson some time this summer.
C.J. Gourmet is at 413 Main St., Greenport, 631-697-7789, cjgourmet.com