what we found in the Big Apple- [Added April, 25, 2008]

I last went to New York seven years ago, and worked there for a while.  Good food, not packed with sugar was hard to find, and natural dairy products (like ordinary butter) were impossible, even in 'gourmet' stores.  

Things have definitely changed.  Whole Foods has hit the city like an organic tornado, but in its wake there are lots and lots of smaller, family-owned delicatessens and restaurants who are serving well sourced, traceable food.  Quite a lot of them are making big efforts on the local front.  

This photo is from the New York state farmers' market held in Union Square three times a week.  The quality of produce was excellent, although there wasn't a great deal of variety.  If you don't like cider, cheese or flowers, things could get pretty routine.  One excellent fruit, veg and herb stall, and one lovely dairy produce stall.  The stall holders were all friendly, knowledgeable and passionate.  

New York is perhaps the most demanding city in the world, and it is unreasonable to expect the diverse cultural and ethnic populations to suddenly convert to eating entirely local food.  However, to see the level of commitment to great American produce was heartening, and stomach filling, and tasty....diet starts tomorrow.