Berry Me in Matcha Won State Fair Award
The dessert from Drizzle Cheesecakes secured the 2026 Most Creative Big Tex Choice Award in August.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Desserts
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In August 2026, the State Fair of Texas awarded its Most Creative Big Tex Choice Award to the Berry Me in Matcha. Created by Drizzle Cheesecakes, the treat features a New York-style cheesecake on a stick dipped in matcha-flavored chocolate, cookies, and jam.
Why it matters
This award highlights the ongoing tradition of the State Fair of Texas in bestowing four food-focused honors annually to recognize culinary innovation. It showcases how specialized vendors leverage the fair to gain prestige and community recognition.
The Berry Me in Matcha treat costs 15 coupons at the fairgrounds. Drizzle Cheesecakes, founded by Stephen El Gidi in 2018, opened a permanent store in Irving in 2024 and supplies a rotational product to Costco.
The players
Stephen El Gidi
He is the founder of Drizzle Cheesecakes who competed as an athlete in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.
Drizzle Cheesecakes
This company has participated in the State Fair of Texas since 2022 and operates a brick-and-mortar storefront in Irving, Texas.
The details
The dessert was developed by balancing the earthy notes of matcha with the richness of chocolate and the sweetness of jam. It serves as a creative extension of the company's established cheesecake lineup, which previously won a Best Sweet award at the fair in 2023.
Timeline
Stephen El Gidi competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Stephen El Gidi competed in the 2012 London Olympics.
The State Fair of Texas announced award winners in August 2026.
The State Fair of Texas concludes on October 18, 2026.
Roadmap
This accolade reinforces the status of the State Fair of Texas as a major driver for culinary innovation in the regional food industry. It reflects a growing trend where small-scale vendors use high-profile festival awards to build brand equity before expanding into permanent storefronts.
Fairgoers can purchase the award-winning treat using 15 coupons while visiting the event before it concludes. Those who enjoy the flavor profile can also visit the company's permanent location in Irving.
The takeaway
The success of this dessert highlights how local food entrepreneurs can blend niche ingredients like matcha with comfort food classics to find broad appeal. Readers can look for similar creative culinary fusions at local pop-up events to support growing small businesses.
Further reading
For more on local sweet treats, visit the Desserts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dallas Observer.
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