AUSTIN - Hundreds of restaurants and wineries will highlight their best Lone Star tastes July 25-31 during the 2011 GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up, presented by Farm Credit. Right now, South Central Texas chefs are creating special menu offerings and food and wine pairings using fresh, local ingredients. A portion of Round-Up proceeds will benefit local food banks.

"More chefs are working directly with farmers and ranchers to bring you fresh Texas food," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "The GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up is Texas' only statewide dine-out week and is a great time to savor the best meats, vegetables, fruits and wines, while helping hungry Texans."

During the weeklong event, nearly 500 restaurants - from cafés to five-star dining establishments - will celebrate Texas food and wine. Many are in South Central Texas.

"Some of the highest-quality ingredients from produce and seafood to wine can be found right here in Texas," saidChef Steven McHugh of Lüke in San Antonio. "Using these terrific local products while supporting local producers and food banks is a win for everyone."

Below are several ways GO TEXAN restaurants will showcase locally-grown and raised food during Restaurant Round-Up:

Fixed-price meals featuring local, seasonal ingredients
Special dishes paired with Texas wines
Texas wine tastings with special pricing
Events celebrating Texas food and wine, and Texas farmers and ranchers

Learn more about GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up on Facebook and Twitter, and at www.gotexan.org. This site also offers a chance to win prizes. Restaurants interested in becoming a GO TEXAN member can learn more at www.gotexan.org.