Dallas restaurant reporter Sarah Blaskovich receives statewide journalism award.
At the 89th annual Texas Restaurant Show, which took place recently in San Antonio, the pivotal role of journalism in the Texas food industry was underscored when Sarah Blaskovich, a senior food reporter for The Dallas Morning News, received the prestigious Excellence in Journalism Award from the Texas Restaurant Association. The event attracted over 8,000 participants and featured more than 600 exhibitor booths, making it the second-largest restaurant show in the United States.
Blaskovich’s recognition is notable as she is the first reporter from Dallas to earn this award, introduced in 2023 as a new component of the Texas Restaurant Awards. The skillet that served as her trophy symbolizes the connection between culinary arts and journalism, showcasing her commitment to covering the restaurant industry with depth and accuracy.
Her work has taken on particular significance in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the importance of accurate and compelling storytelling about local businesses became increasingly clear. Kelsey Erickson Streufert, Chief Public Affairs Officer at the Texas Restaurant Association, emphasized the need for journalists to provide meaningful coverage of the restaurant sector during these challenging times.
Previous recipients of the Excellence in Journalism Award include well-respected figures such as Pat Sharpe from Texas Monthly and Peter Romeo from Restaurant Business. Blaskovich, who covers a wide array of dining experiences—from trendy new eateries to beloved mom-and-pop restaurants—has cultivated a reputation for her powerful storytelling capabilities. Streufert highlighted her focus on understanding the lives of individuals within the industry, bringing their challenges and motivations to light.
Blaskovich began her tenure at The Dallas Morning News 14 years ago as a digital entertainment editor and transitioned to a full-time food reporter in 2019. Initially overcoming feelings of impostor syndrome due to her lack of formal culinary training, she has embraced her unique perspective and developed a deep love for the restaurant industry.
In her view, the hospitality sector is fueled by genuine passion and service. Her journey from high school journalism to direct involvement in the food scene has solidified her belief that one does not need to be a trained chef to effectively explore and highlight the intricacies of the culinary world.
Blaskovich’s ongoing commitment to journalism has not only earned her prestigious accolades but also reinforced the vital role of media in supporting the local food industry. The recognition she received at the Texas Restaurant Show serves as both a personal achievement and a testament to the essential relationship between quality journalism and community engagement.
