H.R. No. 2109

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Jesse T. Perez of Atlanta, Georgia, is receiving the National Award at the inaugural Flavors of Passion Awards in Dallas on July 23, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Created by second-generation restaurateur and chef Felipe Gaytan, the Flavors of Passion Awards celebrate Latino culinary culture by recognizing outstanding Latino chefs from across Texas and from around the nation and the world; the awards pay tribute to the authenticity, variety, creativity, and overall excellence of each honoree's contributions to this vital heritage; and

WHEREAS, A native of San Antonio, Jesse Perez grew up watching his mother and grandmother prepare handmade tamales and tortillas; he earned a degree in cultural and ethnic history at the University of Michigan and then returned to San Antonio to work at Francesca's at Sunset, where by 2002, he became chef de cuisine; a rising star in Southwestern cuisine, he is now executive chef at Nava in Atlanta; and

WHEREAS, The diversity and innovative spirit of Latino cuisine contribute greatly to American culture overall, and Mr. Perez merits special acclaim for his achievements and for setting an outstanding example for the next generation of Latino chefs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Jesse Perez for winning the National Award at the first Flavors of Passion Awards and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Perez as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Alonzo

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 2109 was adopted by the House on May 21, 2009, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House