Letter from Carol Lachance

Norbu Featured in New Lunch, Learn

“Everyone has a story.” A few months ago, the concept of “Lunch and Learn,” an opportunity for local restaurant owners to share their story, was conceived by Sally Zaengle, who is involved with Connections at the Clark Sports Center. Connections is a program at the Clark Sports Center in conjunction with Office for the Aging and the Otsego County Council of Senior Citizens. The first invite to Lunch and Learn was to the owners of Cooperstown’s newest restaurant, Norbu.

Nawang and Dasang Gurung came to Connections on Monday, October 2 bearing samples of their Himalayan cuisine, as well as the story behind the establishment of Norbu. Nawang spoke candidly of how he made his way to Cooperstown and to the opening of the restaurant with his three brothers. We cannot capture all Nawang shared that Monday in this letter, but we want to give you a little to make you appreciate what they have created in Norbu, located at 140 Main Street in Cooperstown.

Nawang and his brother, Dasang, quietly stood by as the 30 people, from in and around the Cooperstown area, placed lasuni gobi, vegetable samosas, chicken momos, and vegetable momos on their plates. The food was paid for by donation. While eating, Nawang spoke to those in the room about his life, as well as his family’s life in Nepal.

As a young boy, he was a shepherd tending goats and sheep when he met a “white man” (British) who took interest in him. Nawang explained how he came to America at the age of 9, not speaking English, having had no education, and began school as a kindergartener in Texas. As a young man, Nawang made his way to Boston, intrigued by Harvard. Understanding all too well from others how school tuition could lead to debt, Nawang was selective in his choosing of classes and worked at a variety of jobs to pay his bills, while sending money to his family. He learned what he needed, made his way to Cooperstown, where he realized he had found the “precious jewel.” He encouraged his three brothers to join him here to open their restaurant, Norbu, which means “precious jewel.” He explained how the name is reflective of not only the restaurant with its food of India, Nepal, and Tibet, but of Cooperstown and the locals, whom he passionately referred to as “neighbors.”
This first Lunch and Learn experience was much more than anyone in the room that Monday had anticipated. Not only was the food delicious and enticing to those who had yet to go to Norbu, but the story behind it was heartfelt.

We encourage you to go to Norbu, feel the welcome one receives from a loyal neighbor, and enjoy a delicious meal that will leave you wanting to return soon.

Connections’ next “Lunch and Learn” is scheduled for Monday, November 6. Brian Wrubleski will be sharing the story and food of Mel’s at 22. See you then!

Carole Lachance
Connections at
Clark Sports Center