[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17557-17558]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE ASTOR RESTAURANT ON ITS 50TH YEAR IN OPERATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2007

  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Astor Restaurant 
in south Texas, and its owners, on the restaurant's 50th anniversary.
  In reaching its 50th year in operation, the Astor stands as both a 
symbol of Corpus Christi's commercial growth and as a tribute to the 
city's hospitality and diversity.
  Opened by Bill Sissamis and his father Louis, on Father's Day, June 
16, 1957, just 10 years after their emigration from Greece, the Astor 
offers recipes that are unique to the Corpus Christi area. The family-
owned restaurant is renowned for its mesquite-broiled steaks that are 
basted with a secretly blended sauce and its owners' hospitality.
  The restaurant has remained successful during its 50-year history 
because its owners have remained part of the kitchen and the front 
counter, ensuring that family members are always part of the food and 
service.
  The Astor exemplifies the importance of diversity in a community. It 
is the oldest of several Greek-owned Corpus Christi restaurants. The 
small society of Greek-American restaurateurs within the city 
represents the genius and industriousness of America and the immigrant 
families who improve our Nation every day.
  Greek-American restaurateurs now employ hundreds of Corpus Christi 
residents while offering great food and spirit. This community of 
entrepreneurs is an inspiration to millions of immigrants worldwide but 
especially to those in south Texas who stand to contribute to their new 
home and benefit through hard work and discipline.
  I commend the owners of the Astor on this special moment in their 
history, for being part of the economic development in Corpus Christi, 
and for five decades of making special food and occasions for their 
customers in south Texas.

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