Why Local Ingredients Define NYC Catering

In a city that thrives on innovation and bold flavors, local ingredients are more than a culinary trend—they’re a necessity. At NY Susan Kitchen, we believe that great catering starts with what’s close to home. That means fresh produce from Union Square Greenmarket, herbs grown on Brooklyn rooftops, and meats sourced from responsible farms just outside the city.

Our clients consistently tell us that one of the things they love most about our food is its freshness. That’s no accident. By working with nearby farms and markets, we’re able to prepare food that not only tastes better but also supports our community and reduces environmental impact. We’ve even outlined our approach on our dedicated local ingredients page, where you can see how our sourcing philosophy connects directly to the dishes we serve.

Why Local Ingredients Matter in NYC Catering

Choosing local isn’t just about taste—though it absolutely enhances that, too. It’s about knowing where your food comes from, how it’s grown, and who is growing it. It’s about supporting regional farms that treat their land, animals, and workers with care. In a city like New York, where everything moves fast, slowing down to make thoughtful food choices feels radical—and necessary.

When ingredients don’t have to travel hundreds of miles, they arrive fresher and more flavorful. Seasonal vegetables are picked at their peak, not early to withstand shipping. That freshness shows up in everything from the first bite to the last. By focusing on what’s growing nearby, we can reduce packaging waste and lower our carbon footprint—all while delivering memorable, chef-driven menus.

Our approach is also deeply rooted in our broader philosophy of sustainability and service, which we explain in detail on our NYC catering services overview. If you’re planning an event that needs to feel intentional and elevated, local sourcing is where it begins.

Our Favorite NYC Farms and Markets

We’re proud to work with some of New York’s most respected farms and food producers. These relationships didn’t form overnight—they were built over years of visits, conversations, and shared commitment to food that’s grown with care.

Here are a few of the local sources that regularly inspire our menus:

• Union Square Greenmarket (Manhattan): Known for its diversity of produce and small-batch specialties like goat cheese, heirloom garlic, and vibrant herbs.
• Brooklyn Grange (Brooklyn): A rooftop farm offering microgreens, lettuces, and edible flowers with zero food miles.
• Migliorelli Farm (Hudson Valley): A family-run staple for apples, leafy greens, and root vegetables.
• Red Hook Community Farm (Brooklyn): A nonprofit urban farm providing radishes, carrots, and high-quality kale.

These farms allow us to create dishes that truly reflect the seasons and the region. When your event menu includes Red Hook beets or Union Square basil, your guests are tasting more than just freshness—they’re tasting New York itself.

Building Menus Around the Seasons

One of the benefits of local sourcing is the freedom it gives us to create menus that feel alive. We build each menu around what’s best that week, drawing inspiration from the harvest rather than a static list. This leads to more vibrant flavors and dishes that feel perfectly matched to the occasion.

Here’s a simple sample of what a seasonally inspired menu might look like:

• Starter: Grilled asparagus with lemon zest and local goat cheese (Spring)
• Main: Herb-roasted chicken with heirloom tomatoes and summer corn (Summer)
• Side: Roasted delicata squash with maple and sage (Fall)
• Dessert: Warm apple tart with Hudson Valley cream (Fall/Winter)

These menus change constantly based on what our partner farms are harvesting. That adaptability is one of the reasons we’re able to create custom menus that truly reflect the mood and goals of each event. We also tailor every menu to reflect the venue and borough, whether you’re planning in Brooklyn or Midtown. To see how this approach plays out across neighborhoods, take a look at our guide to catering differences in Manhattan vs Brooklyn.

How We Choose Ingredients for Every Event

Behind every dish we serve is a set of intentional decisions. We don’t just browse supplier catalogs or pick from a spreadsheet. Every week, our culinary team visits NYC’s farmers markets and speaks directly with growers. They touch, taste, and evaluate everything—looking for produce that’s not just in season, but also exceptional.

We also keep close track of what’s peaking across New York State farms, from the Hudson Valley to Long Island. If a batch of summer peaches from Migliorelli Farm is particularly sweet, it’ll make its way into our desserts. If wild mushrooms are booming in the Catskills, they may find their way into your appetizer course. This hands-on approach ensures that no ingredient is generic or out of place—it’s all rooted in season and story.

Sustainability Starts with Sourcing

Choosing local doesn’t end with better taste—it’s also about sustainability. When ingredients come from within a few hours’ drive, the environmental impact is significantly lower. Less transportation means fewer emissions, and fewer layers between farm and plate mean less waste in packaging and processing.

We extend that mindset to every aspect of our events. Many of our clients appreciate our compostable serveware options, plastic-free packaging, and partnerships with vendors who follow organic or regenerative practices. Whether we’re catering a rooftop wedding or a downtown board meeting, we aim to keep the impact light and the flavors bold.

We’ve heard firsthand how much this matters. On our client testimonials page, you’ll find real feedback from New Yorkers who’ve tasted the difference and appreciated our efforts to work responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options made with local ingredients?
Absolutely. Many of our most popular plant-based dishes are built around locally harvested vegetables and legumes. We regularly cater events with fully vegan or vegetarian menus without compromising flavor or creativity.

Are all your ingredients certified organic?
Not always. While we prioritize organic sourcing, especially for produce with thin skins and leafy greens, we also work with many small farms that follow organic practices but aren’t officially certified. We choose quality, transparency, and sustainability over labels alone.

Can I request a custom menu based on what’s in season?
Yes, and we encourage it. Seasonal menus not only ensure freshness, they also help create an experience that feels anchored in the time and place of your event.

Let’s Build Your Seasonal NYC Menu

Whether you’re planning a rooftop reception, a gallery opening, or an intimate corporate dinner, we’d love to create a menu that feels just right for your event—and for the season. With access to some of the best farms and food artisans in the region, we’ll craft dishes that highlight the very best of what New York has to offer.

To start the conversation, visit our catering services page and get in touch. From there, we’ll build a custom proposal based on your needs, your tastes, and what’s growing beautifully right now.