More than 100 restaurants across New York state are on board with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Pride of NY Pledge, which asks restaurants to promise to use the state’s agricultural products. A part of the Taste NY initiative, the pledge was announced last October and fosters a commitment to increase the sourcing, marketing, and education of New York state-grown and state-made products.

Participating restaurateurs promise to: 

• Increase by 10 percent or more the sourcing of New York state-grown and -made products and ingredients, including products from New York’s food and beverage producers
• Feature, highlight, and increase by 10 percent wines, beers, spirits, ciders, and other locally produced beverages on their drink menus
• Introduce 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 state’s locally grown and made products

Restaurants signing on include Tribeca Grill, Mission Chinese Food, and Sardi’s, and Union Square Hospitality Group’s Gramercy Tavern, North End Grill, Café 2 & Terrace 5, and Union Square Café in New York. The Cheesecake Factory and Mirabelle on Long Island will also take part.

For many of the 100, such as those that are a part of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, sourcing from local purveyors is not a new initiative. “Danny has championed buying local since the opening of Union Square Café nearly 30 years ago,” says Jee Won Park, the group’s director of communications. “But we are happy to be a part of the governor’s efforts.”

In Albany, New York, dp An American Brasserie offers at least four dozen New York spirits and plans to have all of its taps pouring New York beers and ciders, reports Dominick Purnomo, owner of the downtown bistro.

"Taking this pledge will help raise more awareness and introduce more New York state-made products to restaurants across the state," Governor Cuomo says. "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.”

 

By Joann Whitcher