Gary & Isabel MacGurn started making their fresh chutneys in 1995, selling them first to local Hamptons gourmet markets and then in New York City to Fairway, Zabars, Balducci's and others.
In 1997, the couple opened their first dosa shop in Amagansett. The dosas (large, crispy, sourdough crepes) were an instant success. Lines formed for lunch at this Hamptons hot spot. Customers who ordered dosas looked over the counter and watched them being made. Even with hungry people lined up at the counter, the airiness of the place and the devotional Indian chants playing in the background made for a calming atmosphere.
Isabel and Gary met at the Siddha Yoga Meditation ashram in Ganeshpuri, India. They were both doing seva - selfless service - in the ashram kitchen, where devotees from all over India and around the world cooked for hundreds or thousands of people.
The MacGurns loved dosas and dreamed of opening a dosa shop in the West, which they finally did in 1997. In addition to the traditional Potato Masala filling, the MacGurns offer choices such as Grilled Portabello Mushrooms, Balsamic Roasted Onions, Spinach and Goat Cheese or Avocado, Fresh Tomato, Arugula and Jack Cheese. There's even a breakfast dosa with Eggs, Spinach, Roasted Tomato, Cheese and Avocado. All of the dosas are served with a choice of fresh chutneys.
In January 2001, the MacGurns partnered with chef Patty Gentry to open a Hampton Chutney Co. cafe in New York City offering the same selection of dosas that is available in the original Amagansett shop. This Prince Street location is busy servicing not only the residents of Soho, but also the neighborhood businesses. A catering menu is also available.
The newest Hampton Chutney Co. cafe opened its doors 5 years to the day after the Soho shop. Located on Amsterdam Avenue between 82nd and 83rd, it caters to neighborhood residents, including the children. With a kiddie corner full of books and toys for tots to play with while they eat and a selection of children's favorites, it is a hit not only with the kids, but with their tired parents as well.
