Assembly Resolution No. 641

BY: M. of A. Ramos

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
August 26-27, 2023, as Peruvian Gastronomy Weekend
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 26-27, 2023, as
Peruvian Gastronomy Weekend in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival 2023, which is commemorating
its 11th Anniversary, will also take place during this same weekend at
the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York; for 11 years,
except 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival
has enticed Long Islanders and visitors with the tantalizing aromas of
Peruvian gastronomy; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Director Vicky Diaz, the
SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival has become one of the most anticipated
events of the year, attracting food enthusiasts from all over the United
States; and

WHEREAS, Peruvian cuisine reflects local practices and ingredients,
including influences from the indigenous population including the Inca
and cuisines brought in with immigrants from Europe (Spanish cuisine,
Italian cuisine, German cuisine), Asia (Chinese cuisine and Japanese
cuisine) and West Africa; and

WHEREAS, Without the familiar ingredients from their home countries,
immigrants modified their traditional cuisines by using ingredients
available in Peru; the four traditional staples of Peruvian cuisine are
corn, potatoes and other tubers, Amaranthaceaes (quinoa, kaniwa and
kiwicha) and legumes (beans and lupins); the Spanish added rice, wheat
and meats (beef, pork and chicken); and

WHEREAS, Many traditional foods, such as chancho al palo, chancho al
cilindro, rocoto relleno, anticuchos, cuy crocante, chichi de jora,
Peruvian maki's, raspadillas, seco de cabrito, picarones, ceviche de
pescado, tiraditos de pescado, chicharrones de pota, caldo de mote,
juane de yuca, cecina con tacacho and chaufa con cecina, are part of
this celebrated culture; and

WHEREAS, The Festival and APEGA, Peru's gastronomic association,
strives to help diffuse Peruvian cuisine and culture in New York, and
showcase the diversity of Peruvian gastronomy as well as talented chefs
who are innovating and taking ancient flavors to a new level; and

WHEREAS, Some of the 20 vendors include, participating chefs and
restaurants, such as, La Caja China, Kankachos Tinajani, Casa Mendoza,
El Rescate Restaurant, El Pregon Restaurant, Daniel's Catering Peruvian
Food, La Matarina Restaurant, Sushito Box Restaurant, Santa Brasa
Restaurant, Gold Leaf Bakery, Chevicheria Piscis, Saltenas La Unica,
Carpita del Sabor Restaurant, Amazonas Restaurant, David Castro,
Veronica Barraza and Mariluz Saez; and

WHEREAS, Chef Diego Cerdan Linares of Andrea Sambra Catering is the
2023, SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival Chef of the Year; and

WHEREAS, In addition to sampling delicious Peruvian food, festival
attendees will also enjoy musical performances, Peruvian folk dancing,
Salsa and Bachata lessons, and artisan vendors; and

WHEREAS, A cherished event, the SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival
provides a uniquely warm environment that attracts all different types
of people who come to taste the authenticity of Peruvian food and enjoy
its heritage; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
those important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage
of our great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Events which celebrate diversity and peace contribute to
fulfilling our Nation's great legacy of equal opportunity for all, and
do so profoundly enhance our shared commitment to freedom and justice;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 26-27, 2023, as
Peruvian Gastronomy Weekend in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and Vicky Diaz, Director, SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival 2023.