Commissioner Miller Encourages Texans to Eat Local, Support Texas Farmers and Ranchers (7/9/2015)

AUSTIN - Recognizing Texas-grown food and beverages are big on flavor, sharp on taste and good for the state’s economy, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is encouraging all Texans to mark their calendars and eat out during the month of July for the eighth annual GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up. By eating out in July, Texans can show their support for our farmers and ranchers, while also enjoying the finest locally-produced food and beverages. Participating restaurants are hosting local events across the state to celebrate the GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up. 

“The GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up brings together the best of Texas, and there’s nothing I love more than supporting our GO TEXAN members,” Commissioner Miller said. “Throughout the month of July, participating restaurants are offering the finest Texas produce, meats, cheeses and beverages. By dining out during Restaurant Round-Up, folks will give back to our economy and support our incredible chefs, farmers and ranchers. Eat out this month and enjoy a large helping of Texas.”

Along with supporting Texas farmers and ranchers, when you dine out during the GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up, you also will help feed hungry Texans. Participating restaurants will give back to their local communities by contributing to local food banks as part of Restaurant Round-Up. Now that’s eating out for a good cause.

Taverna Rossa, located in Plano, is one of the many restaurants participating in July’s GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up. Taverna Rossa has a deep commitment to sourcing its food locally and supporting Texas agriculture. During July, the restaurant will feature their Farmer’s Pizza Pie, which includes an all-natural red sauce, local sausage, local fire-roasted red peppers, fresh garlic, onion and cracked red pepper, all topped with their house-blended mozzarella cheese and local hand-torn basil. For every special pie sold, Taverna Rossa will donate a portion of their proceeds to the local North Texas Food Bank.

"We're Italian by birth and Texas-crafted by choice, so it’s only natural to support local producers,” said Tony Smith, vice president of operations for Taverna Rossa. “That’s why 90 percent of our produce is sourced from GO TEXAN members. We feature countless Texas beers and spirits, along with local vendors like Hamm's Meat Market and Local Yocal out of McKinney, Henry's Homemade Ice Cream out of Plano and Luscher's Red Hots out of Dallas.”

For more information and a list of participating restaurants, visit www.GOTEXANRestaurantRoundUp.com. While you’re there, enter to win a Texas-sized giveaway, which includes an overnight stay, winery tour, wine, reception and breakfast at Messina Hof Winery & Resort in Bryan, Texas.

For media inquiries or flyers, visit www.GOTEXANRestaurantRoundup.com/press.

To find local restaurants near you committed to serving Texas-produced items all year-round, download the free GO TEXAN app for iPhone® and Android™ smartphones.