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Five years ago a parent asked Michael Anthony if he'd give her child's class a tour of Gramercy Tavern, where he's executive chef and partner. That conversation inspired him to join forces with PS 41 in Greenwich Village to create a special food curriculum for first graders.

"We're not really trying to hit the kids over the head with the information, we're just introducing them to a world that's weird, that's fun, that's colorful and noisy," says Chef Michael.

This year, there are six first grade classes in the program which includes a lasagna lesson, restaurant etiquette tips, discussions about the food industry and a chance to taste what they help make.

"When I ate my lasagna I didn't see any of the stuff I don't like and it was great," says one young participant.

After the restaurant visit, the next item on Chef Michael's menu is a tour of the Union Square Greenmarket so the kids can learn how fruits and vegetables grow.

"It's opening avenues for them for later on in their lives to make smart, healthy decisions," says Chef Michael.

And when it comes to participation these kids get an A+.

"I'm learning about all of these fruits and vegetables and I have a clipboard and stuff," says one young participant.

"Asparagus grows underground and then it shoots back up and you cut it," says another.

"They always talk about healthy food now and they're helping their parents make their lunches and he sends home recipes that he makes so they can try them at home," says PS 41 teacher Jessica Mazzetti.

"He's a great example of the type of partnership that's possible and really bringing our community together -- the next generation who will become hopefully advocates for the local food movement and sustainable food movement," says Greenmarket Youth Education Manager Sarah Poten.

So, for teaching city students about the food they eat and sharing the key ingredients for a healthy lifestyle, Chef Michael Anthony is the latest New Yorker of the Week.