GO TEXAN RESTAURANT ROUND-UP FEATURES LOCALLY GROWN FOODS More than 200 restaurants serving Texas-made food and wines, Sept. 28-

AUSTIN (GrapeVineTrail) - As the start of the second GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up, presented by Farm Credit, approaches on Sept. 28, restaurants are developing creative Texas-focused menu items and special promotions to encourage consumers to dine out in support of local chefs, food banks and Texas producers.

"We're proud to see how chefs across the state are showing off fresh ingredients grown and raised right here in the Lone Star State," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "Through the GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up, restaurants and their diners can celebrate the best Texas-grown products while supporting local farmers and ranchers."

Building on the success of last year's inaugural dine-out day, the Round-Up expanded to five days in 2009. During the weeklong dine-out event, more than 200 restaurants -- from cafes to five-star, dining establishments -- will celebrate Texas food and wine. A portion of the Round-Up's proceeds will also benefit local food banks, which are seeing heavier demand due to current economic challenges.

"Some of the highest quality ingredients from produce and seafood to wine can be found right here in Texas," said Chef James Robert of Eddie V's restaurant group. "Using these terrific local products while supporting local producers and food banks is a win for everyone." The Eddie V's family of restaurants is participating statewide, including Eddie V's in Austin and Fort Worth, Roaring Fork in Austin and San Antonio and Wildfish in San Antonio.

Below are several ways GO TEXAN restaurants will showcase locally sourced items during the Restaurant Round-Up:

-Fixed-price Texas meals
-Special Texas menus paired with Texas wines -Texas wine tastings with special pricing to celebrate Texas Wine Month in October

There is still time for establishments interested in becoming GO TEXAN restaurants and participating in the dine-out week to sign up. For details, visit www.GOTEXANRestaurantRoundUp.com.

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