The 2025 Taste of Aggieland, held on February 27 at the Brazos County Expo, was a vibrant showcase of local food and community spirit. This event brought together residents of Bryan-College Station to sample a variety of dishes and discover emerging culinary talents.
Organized by the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and the Brazos Valley Restaurant Association, the event featured a mix of established local favorites and up-and-coming chefs. One great example is Stella Southern Café. Noah Lair, the catering manager, expressed how vital community connections are for their business. “We really pride ourselves on getting the best ingredients and using them to make the best food,” he shared.
Another standout was JLM Chicken & Waffles, a restaurant with a heartfelt story. Owner Juanita Christian runs the restaurant in memory of her late daughters, Lacey and Margo. “Lacey wanted to start a restaurant, so we opened a food truck. After she passed, Margo and I kept it going,” Christian said. Her Cajun tenders, inspired by Lacey’s original recipe, were a big hit. “Taste of Aggieland is my way of giving back to the community,” she explained.
Attendees like Kelsey Montgomery and Chris Ledesma enjoyed sampling local dishes. Montgomery noted how events like this strengthen community ties. “Trying new things makes the event special,” she said. “You hear about places and want to try them.”
While attendees explored delicious food, the highlight was The Fork, a high school culinary competition featuring talented students from across the area. Local teams competed for a giant fork trophy, showcasing their skills in front of community members and industry professionals. Judge Karla Castillo, from the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce, praised the students’ creativity and technical skills.
The winning team from College Station High School impressed everyone with their pecan-crusted hatch chili chicken thighs and green chili grits. “The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside,” Castillo said, appreciating the care put into the dish.
Sophomore Harper Watkins credited their success to teamwork and guidance from instructor Kayla Poe. “Ms. Poe helped us with flavor balance and cooking techniques,” she said. The event highlighted not just the students’ culinary talents but also the strong community support that fuels their passion. Glen Brewer, the Chamber of Commerce CEO, emphasized the event’s role in nurturing future chefs and entrepreneurs.
Participants and spectators alike felt the event’s impact. It showed the importance of local businesses, which reinvest in the community. According to a recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, small businesses account for 44% of U.S. economic activity.
In conclusion, the 2025 Taste of Aggieland was more than just a food festival; it was a celebration of community, connection, and the next generation of culinary stars. The supportive atmosphere reinforces the bright future of Bryan-College Station’s culinary scene, and local experts agree that this nurturing approach is essential for fostering talent. As Castillo sums it up, “The future of Bryan-College Station’s food scene looks incredibly bright.”
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