Written By Theresa St. John
Photos by Susan Blackburn Photography
[From the 2025 Home & Garden Magazine]
Food, Gracious Service, and Hospitality
Michele Morris does it again!
Michele Morris, owner of Juniper, located on historic Main Street in the charming village of Greenwich, NY, opened her doors just a few
weeks ago (3/24/25) and we
were so excited to see what she was up to. I love doing these features with Chris and Susan, and this was not only a culinary treat, but we got to experience this Washington County gem of a little town.
Greenwich was once called Whipple City, named after Job Whipple, the town’s first successful industrialist. In 1804, Job and his son-in-law, William Mowry, established a noted cotton mill there. In 1809, the village was incorporated and renamed Union Village. The name was changed again, in 1867, to Greenwich.
We’re seated at a square table that faces the street. On one side of the restaurant are comfy padded benches and pillows, with tables and chairs spread out around the cozy space. The restaurant can accommodate 26 people. In a corner, there’s one black table with intricate carvings. Michele says it was in her home, across the street, but she wanted it here instead. The space is charming, adorable, eclectic, and welcoming for sure. When we arrived, we were the first ones inside, but within half an hour, the place was humming with activity… neighbors chatting, the staff addressing the new “regulars” and a wonderful sense of community surrounded us (after just one month!). Evidently, the word is out!
The three of us start with a glass of white wine, which is delightful on this warm evening. We hadn’t tried a Jacques Dumont wine prior, so this was a welcome treat. This Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, with a zesty acidity and intense aromatics. Let’s just say we finished the bottle—and it went well with every dish that James, our server, brought to our table.
We start with an attractive plate titled Melty Baked Fontina Cheese. This cheese is To. Die. For. —seriously. The fontina cheese is melted and gooey, with a mixture of garlic and herbs. It’s topped with hot honey and served with crispy slices of crostini, sliced green apples, and chilled red grapes.
When I ask Michele about her life before Juniper, she reminisces… “As you may know, I owned and ran Scallions in Saratoga for nearly 20 years. (Oh, we know, we love Scallions!) I decided to sell it in 2018, staying on for a time, facilitating the transition for the new owners, Liz and Eric. After that, I worked for other restaurant owners, cared for an elderly relative, and ultimately made my way to Greenwich, where I fell in love with a charming old building on Main Street”. She states with a smile, looking outside, across the way. “I moved in and dedicated much planning and sweat equity to reimagining the beautiful spot I now call home.” As the renovation neared completion and family changes afforded her more time to consider future plans, Michele began nurturing the idea of Juniper. “I seem to always come back to food, gracious service, and hospitality,” she laughs. And the ‘For Rent’ sign at 99 Main kept calling to me!” We all chuckle at that. “I wanted a better work-life balance and knew I could achieve that by having my home and restaurant just across the street from one another. It truly is a dream come true.”
The Juniper Salad is perfect and could be a meal on its own, with grilled chicken, delicious beets, crispy bacon, sliced red grapes, avocado, pickled red onion, and crumbled blue cheese on a bed of fresh mixed greens and a honey mustard vinaigrette. I bet it’ll be a huge hit come summer. We also split the Shrimp Bruschetta Salad – very impressive! Balsamic and pesto-glazed shrimp on a bed of arugula, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, crispy prosciutto – perfection! I’ve never had crispy prosciutto, and the taste is incredible, not salty at all – we’re all fans!
When Michele comes out of the kitchen, she wanders over to our table, where Susan asks more about her life. Inquiring minds want to know, right? I love it when we get a small glimpse into what makes people tick – everyone has a story.
“I’m from Merrick, Long Island, where I was raised with five brothers and sisters. We’ve always been deeply connected to the upstate area – my grandfather owned Butler Dairy Farm, in the hamlet of Willow Glen, near Stillwater,” she shares. “I attended Skidmore College, moved to Colorado for 10 years, and then returned to the area in 1999. I’ve always loved cooking and creating memorable occasions for friends and family. Once I relocated to the Saratoga area for good, I knew I wanted to take that passion and become a proprietor.” She has two grown sons, Tanner and Kieran. “They don’t live in the area but visit and can be spotted (helping?) at the restaurant.” She smiles. We have grown kids, too, and we know what she’s talking about. “When I’m not working? Let’s see – I enjoy renovation projects, movies, long walks, and terrace gardening. I’ve grown the most stunning dinner plate dahlias on my balcony - my pride and joy!”
Next up is the Meatloaf and Melted Cheddar Sandwich. It’s a thick slice of fresh meatloaf, with warm gooey cheddar cheese and garlicy sweet chili mayo, served on grilled Rock Hill Farm bread. Man, it reminds me of my mom and dad – they loved meatloaf and were always coming up with different ways to easily feed seven of us. They competed with recipes, and we’d always vote on the winner. Having a warm memory in a restaurant I’m trying for the first time is nice.
Chris asks what the secret ingredient is in the creamy potato salad that comes with the sandwich. “Potatoes,” Michele says with a chuckle. “The secret ingredient is love, someone calls from the kitchen. She makes it with love.”
We next share the Mediterranean Shrimp dish. Sauteed in lemon pesto sauce with fresh tomato, Kalamata olives, and arugula, the shrimp comes with wild rice and feta cheese. Again, the flavors are a welcome mix, and we can’t stop raving about how delicious this is!
“The menu is a constant work in progress, and I’m happy with our robust list of offerings. Soon, there’ll be weekly specials as I learn more about local ingredients, guest preferences, and what's doable in our kitchen.” Michele tells us. She also shares how lucky she feels to have found talented and hard-working staff who go above and beyond, delivering not just the food, but a warm and welcoming experience. Amanda, Heather, James, and Adriana are from Greenwich. “I also worked for years with Kathleen at Scallions. I’m so happy they’re all here.”
Glancing around the room, we see an older couple. They’ve been watching every dish come to our table. Skip has lived in Greenwich for 55 years, and Connie has been here for 16. They’re so excited to have a new eatery in town. They tell me this is their third time in, (mind you, Juniper hasn’t been open a month yet!!) and they always order the same thing: the Turkey Bacon Cheddar Sandwich. “Seeing everything you ladies were trying, though, I think next time we’ll order something different!” the couple laughs. Definitely regulars!
Dessert is ridiculous—honest to God. We tried the Beignets with fresh berries first. They are melt-in-your-mouth scrumptious, and the raspberry glaze is the perfect blend of sweet and tart. Afterward, we shared a slice of chocolate layer cake. (Can you count the layers?!) It tastes like fudge, so moist and decadent. The whipped cream is mocha flavored. Crazy.
When we eventually say our goodbyes and leave Juniper, folks are still coming in, looking for a table. I have a feeling this will continue, and I think it’s a happy problem to have. We wish Michele, her staff, and Juniper the best!
Find juniper at 99 Main Street, Greenwich NY.
And as their Facebook page says…new, bold and anything but ordinary… we couldn’t agree more!
