New York to Washington, gastronomy inspired by nature

It all began on a Brooklyn rooftop ... from sowing tomatoes in the heart of the city to owning this pretty 58 hectare farm in Pennsylvania, Tim Stark has devoted a part of his life, and a great deal of energy, to the cultivation of more than 100 different varieties of tomato. Chillis, peppers, courgettes and wild rocket etc. are also grown here. Discover the farm's harvest on the stalls at the weekly Union Square Greenmarket.

Andy Warhol and New York are inextricably linked. On the 5th floor of the wonderful Museum of Modern Art, his Campbell's Soup Cans (1962) are still one of the most iconic early Pop Art paintings. Gastronomy has always fed the artistic spirit, from The Last Supper (1986) to the banana featured on the sleeve of The Velvet Underground (1971) ... although it remains a mystery why Campbell was chosen. In between paintings, take advantage of one of the museum's cafés - Terrace 5 or The Modern…

As the meeting place for locavores and organic enthusiasts, Brooklyn Grange began farming on the rooftops of Queens in 2010! Two rooftops including a former US Navy yard have been taken over to create a farm over more than 10,000m²! In (or rather on) this monumental urban farm, they harvest vegetables (tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, cauliflowers, aubergines etc.) as well as fresh herbs. They also have beehives and raise chickens. Countryside in New York!

Something of an event in and of itself: Manhattanites are crossing the bridge to stroll around the huge Smorgasburg market in Brooklyn. This open-air foodie market is famous for its variety of produce and relaxed atmosphere. You can buy fruit and vegetables here or simply enjoy a lunch of tacos, burgers, doughnuts and ice cream. The market's location varies according to the season, however, the view of Manhattan is always guaranteed…

Zabar's is part and parcel of the story of New York gastronomy! Created in 1934 between Broadway and 80th Street, it's part deli and part Ali Baba's cave: finest unpasteurised cheeses imported from Europe, endless varieties of rustic breads, salmon, pastrami and caviar, as well as the largest selection of copper cookware anywhere. Wander over to this Broadway address to take in the aromas and sample the coffee flavours...

The GMKT has set up stall in Union Square since 1976 and is New York's main organic market. Residents of Manhattan and nearby flock to this truly unique place.  With the passage of time, the vegetarian revolutionaries have been replaced with a more middle class clientèle who are no less demanding. Only producers from within a 100 mile radius of Manhattan can sell their fruit, vegetables and flowers here...

The Big Apple BBQ Block Party is an open-air food festival held in Madison Square Park. For one weekend in June, this is the place to be for all lovers of steaks and ribs. The smell of smoked meat and the sound of (live) music come together orchestrated by the remarkable techniques of the prime pitmasters. Expect Texas specialities (Bakers Ribs) to Tennessee fayre (Martin's Bar-B-Que)...