New York's Big City Restaurants and Small-Town Farms
by Jessica Phillips
CulinaryEd Columnist

October 30, 2006

When you think of New York, you probably think of the bright lights of Times Square, Coney Island hotdogs, or shopping on Fifth Avenue. But New York is more than New York City's sights and lights. Across the state, you'll find a world of small farms, amazing restaurants, gourmet food shops, top farmers markets, and leading culinary schools.

Eating Out in New York

Whether your dream meal is haute cuisine from world-class restaurants like Per Se, Jean Georges, and Le Bernadin, or something a little more casual like New York pizza, a Nathan's hotdog, a pastrami sandwich, or Buffalo wings, you'll find that in New York, eating out is eating good.

Bringing Fresh Foods to New Yorkers

While New York City often gets all the attention, it's actually just a small part of a large, highly agricultural state. New York state is one of the top producers of dairy products, which local cheese makers transform into everything from gourmet cheeses to classic New York cheddar.

Ranked sixth in fruit production among all states, New York is also a leading producer of apples and cherries. The state is also a leading producer of cabbage, potatoes, and onions--the start of many great meals.

And it's not just chefs and supermarkets that can get their hands on these ultra-fresh ingredients. Anyone can get them at one of the state's more than 350 farmers' markets.

New York Culinary School Opportunities

New York is a food-lover's paradise, making it the perfect place for culinary students to call home. Enroll in a New York culinary school and you'll come to appreciate the ingredients, foods, and restaurants of New York.

About the Author
Jessica Phillips is a freelance writer and editor.