grounded. coffee catering Takes Gourmet, Organic Coffee to…You
By Paramus Post Friday, May 07, 2010, 07:10 AM EDT
(Lyndhurst, NJ: May 4, 2010) grounded. coffee catering, www.groundedcatering.com, a fair trade and organic traveling full-function coffee café, has garnered an ever-growing circle of tri-state area fans in its two years of business. Founded in 2008 by Lyndhurst-native and coffee connoisseur Melissa Knott, grounded. puts an emphasis on top of the line products, such as organic, fair-trade coffee beans blended and ground to exacting specifications, while operating as an eco-conscious company, composting coffee grounds and cups and only using 100% recyclable paper products.
Serving private and corporate events, grounded. coffee catering also serves as a tasting guide for those who seek to expand their java knowledge. In addition to Melissa’s catering services, grounded. can be found every Saturday at the Palisades Farmers Market (Palisades Community Center, 675 Oak Tree Road) in Palisades, NY from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, as well as at the Fair Lawn Farmer’s Market (New Song Church parking lot at the corner of Fair Lawn Ave. and Craig Rd.) in Fair Lawn, NJ every Wednesday starting July 8th from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm where she sells ready-to-brew bagged coffee and specialty drinks.
“I’ve always had a passion for coffee,” said grounded’s Melissa Knott. “After managing a coffee shop in Hoboken for two years, I decided to parlay my knowledge into a full-scale traveling café that served clients’ needs at home, business or other venues. Like fine wine or chocolate enthusiasts, coffee aficionados want a quality product that speaks to their senses and they want to share knowledge with other coffee connoisseurs. The beauty of coffee drinking is that it’s about enjoying the brew on so many levels and continuously expanding your palate and range of tastes.”
In addition to traditional coffee, grounded. offers espresso drinks such as americanos, machiattos, lattes, cappuccinos, and spiced chai, assorted organic teas (rose petal, flowering herbs and a host of black, white and green leaves), and non-coffee drinks such Italian sodas (iced soda water blended with flavored syrup), hot chocolate, and steamers (frothy steamed milk blended with syrups). Core catering services include two hours of full tea, espresso, chai, and steamer service, with milks, cups and a display menu included. Melissa works closely with catering customers to design a menu that will appeal to their guests, and each event is priced based on guest count and chosen beverage options.
“Coffee brewing is part art, part science,” explained Ms. Knott. “Many clients are eager to learn about the origins of beans, how they are grown, harvested, roasted, blended and brewed, while others are simply content to sip a perfect cup of coffee. It’s highly personal and I work well with all types of people, from those who put flavor first to others who may be caffeine or lactose intolerant. Whatever their preference, grounded. coffee catering provides them with a richly satisfying imbibing experience.”
grounded. coffee catering manages events from 20 guests with a basic package price of $175 and up to 120 guests for $450, with add-on options and beverages available for additional cost. “I have seen a big uptick in weddings, corporate meetings, and art gallery openings, in addition to my core clientele that hires grounded. for dinner parties and ladies’ luncheons,” said Ms. Knott. “Having an espresso bar is an unexpected treat for guests, adding an elegant flair and ‘wow-factor.’”
