Name: Christine Gregory
Where do you live? I live in Montclair.
When did you move there? We bought a house on Montclair Avenue in 2013. After my last child went to college, I downsized and am renting an apartment in the same neighborhood.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I’m a mountain girl!
How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion?
I have two passions in life: Food and Social justice. For the past 25 years, my career has been in higher education and civil rights as an attorney and COO of a legacy civil rights organization. I loved my job but found myself wanting to spend more and more time in the kitchen. After the pandemic hit, I had an opportunity to do just that. This led to me deciding to take a leap of faith to leave my job as a lawyer to start a consumer-packaged goods company with my partner, Terrence Williams. Our company is called Harmony Global Foods. We make Korean inspired noodle kits that represent the cuisine of my childhood. (I’m biracial Korean and African American.) I’m still very passionate about social justice, but I’ve found a way to bring together all my worlds (food, culture, and identity) into one endeavor.
We wanted to create a company that would not only make delicious cultural cuisine but would also celebrate the food of immigrants and diverse communities. Doro is our first line of products. After 3 years in product development, we just made it onto grocery store shelves last month! Two local stores carry our product. You can buy our noodle kits in Bloomfield, NJ at East West Foodmart on 67 Belleville Avenue and at Jack’s Super Foodtown on 296 Glenwood Avenue.
Coffee, tea or … ?
I’m obsessed with ginger, lemon, and honey. I drink it warm or cold. It’s delicious and very good for digestion.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day?
It would begin with morning prayer to set my intention for the day. Then I would marinate something for dinner later. While it rests in the fridge, I would take a long walk or bike ride with my partner until we are thoroughly worn out! Finally, I’d end the day by grilling whatever I had marinating for dinner and enjoy it out on my balcony with friends and family. I grill year-round, rain or shine!
What’s your favorite local restaurant? I love Raymond’s. It’s classically good cuisine!
What’s on your nightstand? Candles, books, and bobby pins.
What are you listening to? Afrobeats!
What are your current indulgences? I love a good massage, and I’ve been getting a lot of them lately!
What talent you would most like to have? I wish I could saang!
What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about Montclair? Halloween is MAJOR.
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? That I was a woman of faith. That I followed my dreams, even in the face of fear. And that I loved others with my whole heart.