Mike Rawlings' Official Proclamation: Today is Chicken Fried Steak Day

Yesterday, I called Paula Blackmon, Chief of Staff for the city of Dallas, to verify Ed Murph's claim that the city had proclaimed today Chicken Fried Steak Day. It took her a few minutes to find the proclamation, which gave us some time to talk CFS. "My favorite is my...

By Scott Reitz

October 26, 2011

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Yesterday, I called Paula Blackmon, Chief of Staff for the city of Dallas, to verify Ed Murph's claim that the city had proclaimed today Chicken Fried Steak Day. It took her a few minutes to find the proclamation, which gave us some time to talk CFS.

"My favorite is my mother's," she told me, when I asked her where I could find the best CFS in town. I'm sure Blackmon's mother's is an exemplary version of the dish, but I pushed for a version that might be more available to the rest of us, who lack loving Texan parents. She plugged Ozona with such enthusiasm as to offer to take me there herself, and then offered the Black Eyed Pea as her back-up option.

I'll let the comment stream turn into a lively argument about where Dallas' best CFS can be found, but first I thought I'd share the original proclamation -- straight from the Mayor's office.

WHEREAS Chicken Fried Steak has been known as a Texas comfort food staple for generations of customers across the state; and

WHEREAS this delicacy is known to satisfy the heartiest of appetites across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex regardless of age, gender or ethnicity; and

WHEREAS comfort food diners, cafes and restaurants from Dallas to Austin, Temple to Wichita Falls are uniting under one dish, one banner and one cause to bring awareness and attention to chicken fried steak; and

WHEREAS Ed Murph, owner of Norma's Cafe, requested to the state of Texas for official recognition for a meal as popular and notable as Chicken Fried Steak; and

WHEREAS, on behalf of the city of Dallas, I extend congratulations to Ed Murph for the years of service he has provided hungry North Texans and for arranging for this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL S. RAWLINGS, mayor of the city of Dallas, and on behalf of the Dallas City Council, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 26, 2011 as

DALLAS CHICKEN FRIED STEAK DAY

in Dallas, Texas, and encourage all citizens to recognize this day and partake of one of the state's most recognized dishes on this day and throughout the year for hearty appetites and satisfied diners everywhere.

*******

You heard your mayor. We're getting mighty close to lunch time. Everybody must do their part. Y'all go on out there and get fat!

Follow City of Ate on Facebook & Twitter. Follow me at @scottreitz

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