Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has proposed a resolution to rename the beloved “New York Strip” steak to the “Texas Strip.”
Patrick announced the proposal in a recent social media post, aiming to reflect better Texas’s status as the nation’s top beef producer and to honor the state’s ranchers and cattle industry.
Patrick posted his statement after meeting with representatives from the Texas Cattle Feeders and Cattle Raisers. During the discussion, Patrick posed a simple question: why should a cut of beef so often sourced from Texas carry the name of a state known primarily for its dairy production?
The New York Strip, a well-known cut from the short loin, was first popularized by Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City in the 19th century. The cut’s association with the state of New York has endured ever since, but Patrick believes that times have changed, and it’s time for Texas to receive the recognition it deserves.
“Out of curiosity, I asked each of them (the cattle ranchers) their favorite cut of meat. A few said New York Strip. I asked why we didn’t call it a ‘Texas Strip’ because New York has mostly dairy cows. Just because a New York restaurant named Texas beef a New York Strip in the 19th century doesn’t mean we need to keep doing that,” Patrick wrote.
“The Texas Senate will file a concurrent resolution to officially change the name of the New York Strip to the ‘Texas Strip’ in the Lone Star State,” he added.
With Texas leading the country in cattle production, boasting an estimated 12.2 million head of cattle, Patrick views the renaming as an opportunity further to boost the state’s reputation in the beef industry. He also believes the move could benefit the state’s economy by promoting the Texas brand.
“In a world filled with serious issues that we address every day at the Texas Capitol, this simple resolution will help better market Texas beef. That’s good for the Texas cattle industry,” Patrick explained. “Liberal New York shouldn’t get the credit for our hard-working ranchers.”
The proposed resolution would encourage restaurants and grocery stores across the state to update their menus and product labels to reflect the new name. While the initiative is set to start in the Lone Star State, Patrick hopes the “Texas Strip Steak” rebranding effort will catch on nationwide and eventually gain global recognition.
“After session ends this summer, I might take a short cruise across the Gulf of America and have a juicy medium-rare Texas Strip,” Patrick concluded.
What the experts are saying:
“We’ve perfected it here in Omaha, so it should REALLY be called an Omaha (Steaks) Strip. Other regions have been known to change the name occasionally, or it can be referred to as strip loin steak,” President and CEO of Omaha Steaks Nate Rempe told The Dallas Express.
“No matter what it’s called, the New York Strip is still a classically beefy cut of meat that will continue to win over the hearts (and stomachs) of all meat lovers!” Rempe added.