After 25 years of weekending in Colrain, we decided we wanted to leave New York City and be here permanently. In 1992 when we bought the former Methodist church building on the common, that idea became possible. We were inspired by the simple, spacious, light-flooded American meeting house architecture, and began our vision of restoration. When we opened the doors of the Green Emporium on June 9, 1994 we had no idea it would turn out to be what it is today.

Michael started by making a simple vegetarian Mexican omelet to see if people would come in. And they came. Then sandwiches were added: fresh roasted turkey, crabmeat salad, hummus. When Christina Tree, Travel Editor of the Boston Globe, tasted Michael's homemade crabmeat salad sandwich, she said it was the best crabmeat salad sandwich she'd had since she was in Paris. We added homemade apple & lemon meringue pie made by Mrs. Lillian Brigham of Colrain. Then, Tony introduced his homemade Brooklyn style Italian Ices. And they came, and they came.

In the fall we began serving dinner, with beer & wine. We brought to the Emporium our love of travel and meeting people, as well as Michael's years of creative international cooking & Tony's Brooklyn-Italian cultural background. And we brought our desire to serve delicious, healthy food, traditional & vegetarian, in a setting that reflects city and country, often to the accompaniment of music by local musicians. And they came, and they came, and they continue to come..

Over time, we added our beautiful garden, with its terrace and waterfall, providing a perfect setting for relaxed dining and celebrations.

Now, eight years and many events behind us, we're serving Michael's Country Fusion Cuisine, which features creative fish, chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian entrees.

Live jazz, featuring Norma Donelson at the piano, is still an important part of our dining experience. And we're still creating new and exciting culinary and musical events. The Emporium is also available year-round for parties, weddings, rehearsal dinners, and special events.

We're happy to have been featured in the Boston Globe, Bon Appetite, and regional newspapers, radio, and television. We're recipients of the Massachusetts Governor's Hospitality Award, and Yankee Magazine's Editors' Pick for Western Massachusetts. We invite you to come and enjoy Good Foods.. Good Wine.. Good Music.. and Good Friends. Experience for yourself why we're known as,