Governor Cuomo Announces More Than 100 Restaurants Take Pride of NY Pledge

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the success of the Pride of NY Pledge, with more than 100 restaurants pledging to utilize the bountiful agricultural products available in New York State. Part of the Taste NY initiative, the Pledge is a commitment to increase the sourcing, marketing, and education of New York State grown and made products.

"Taking this pledge will help raise more awareness and introduce more New York State-made products to restaurants across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is home to some of the best food and beverage producers in the world, a fact the Taste NY initiative has played a crucial part in promoting. The more New Yorkers and tourists that buy the great food we produce in this state the more we grow our booming agricultural and tourism industries. I thank the businesses that have taken the Pride of NY pledge which will help continue to spread the word that New York has some of the best products across the globe."

Each chef and/or restaurant participating in the initiative will:

• Increase by 10% or more the sourcing of New York State grown and made products and ingredients, including products from New Yorks food and beverage producers
• Feature, highlight, and increase by 10% wines, beers, spirits, ciders and other locally produced beverages on their drink menus
• Introduce new New York themed dishes made with locally sourced and seasonal products
• Consistently communicate their commitment with suppliers, peers and the public to encourage more support of New York State food and beverages
• Educate staff and maintain knowledge of New York States locally grown and made products

Acting State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, More and more people are discovering that some of the best foods and beverages in the world are located right here in New York State. Governor Cuomo's Pride of NY Pledge is opening up new markets for farmers while helping consumers enjoy the tastes of more New York State products in restaurants.

Melissa Autilio Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, said, The NYS Restaurant Association is proud to be part of the Taste NY initiative and is pleased that more than 100 restaurants have taken the pledge. We believe this is only the beginning and look forward to helping connect more restaurants with great local New York State products.

Dominick Purnomo, Owner of dp An American Brasserie in Albany said, We make a concerted effort to use local products here at our restaurant. Every single day, New York producers are coming to us with something new and consumers in turn are responding in droves. Our menu features dozens of New York State products. We offer at least four dozen New York spirits at any given time and within the next 30 days, we plan to have all of our taps pouring New York beers and ciders. We take pride in offering New York products in our restaurant and are proud to sign the Pride of NY Pledge.

Restaurants that have taken the Pride of NY Pledge are:

To take the Pride of NY Pledge, please go to the following link and email the completed form to [email protected]. (http://taste.ny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Taste_NY_Pledge-email.pdf)

The Governors Taste NY program focuses on branding and expanding New York's food and beverage industry by making the wide variety of foods and beverages made and grown in the state readily available and recognizable to New Yorkers as well as to the hospitality industry and public nationwide. Part of Governor Cuomo's efforts to promote agribusiness across the state, Taste NY is being marketed through a range of promotional efforts including Taste NY tents at important events, Taste NY stores in transportation hubs and a dedicated website, www.taste.ny.gov.