Publisher, Editor-In-Chief
Last month I went to two tastings in downtown Waco. One a craft spirits tasting of Chip Tate Whiskey at Red Herring; the other a collaboration between Creative Waco and Summer and Peter Ellis at the Creative x Taste featuring wines from Valley Mills Vineyard, desserts from Fox & Co. Bakery and cheeses from L’Atelier Fromager – The Cheese Workshop. Our team has also been covering several tasting events this season. One thing I am asking when I am out and about is, “What can the WACOAN do for you?” As we continue to talk to so many talented business owners in town, the one thing we keep hearing is “Get the word out and keep supporting Waco”. Y’all, our town has fabulous food and entertainment right here to enjoy. When you eat, shop and play in Waco you are supporting our economy and fellow Wacoans. Please continue to support these incredible business owners.
One such is our cover model, Chef Alyssa Osinga from Hilltop Tavern and The Butcher’s Cellar. She and her partner, Chef Alejandro Najar met while on “Hell’s Kitchen.” They moved here to continue their culinary journey, raise a family and cook delicious food. They are just one of so many awesome stories
of the people we have in our own backyard.
Congratulations are in order for the 2026 Best of Waco Food & Entertainment Winners. We highlight them starting with our winner profiles on page 70. We had 1,000 more votes come in this year so some of our categories are getting really close with new winners in several areas this year. Check them out on page 89 and don’t forget our Best of Waco party February 27, 2027, starting at 7 p.m. at AC Hotel Waco Downtown where you can eat, dance and sample bites from our Waco winners. Can’t wait to see you there!
Keep loving Waco as we love Waco,
Michelle
Michelle@athenspublishing.com