November 3, 2024 – Ocala, FL – The Ocala Food & Wine Festival presented by Lugano Diamonds wrapped up today, closing out a fabulous weekend at World Equestrian Center. The three-day culinary celebration brought a talented lineup of celebrity chefs to Ocala, including Chef Lorena Garcia, Marc Murphy, Esther Choi, Pitmaster Rashad Jones and Pastry Chef Yohann Le Bescond. Junior Chef Michael Seegobin also joined this year.
The festival blazed into the first night on Friday evening with Flavors of the Fire presented by Certified Angus Beef® brand and Sysco. The incredible array of vendors and our celebrity chefs served up sizzling, live-fire samples, with highlights including Chef Esther Choi’s Korean Barbecue Meatball and Certified Angus Beef®’s Brisket and Short Rib Plate with Texas-Style Smoked Polenta, among many others.
The night was still going for the festival’s Five-Star ticket holders, who headed to The Equestrian Hotel in search of island vibes at the Tiki Afterparty. The laid-back poolside event featured a steel drum band, a fire performer, rum drinks and tropical small bites.
The second day of the festival offered up the chance to sip and sample all afternoon at the Grand Tasting, held in Exposition Center 1. The event featured unlimited samples and vendors galore, live demonstrations from the talented celebrity chefs on the main stage, wine tastings and education from an impressive panel of beverage experts.
Five-Star attendees enjoyed exclusive access to the Bubble Lounge, which included a performer serving Champagne while suspended from a chandelier. Of course, the ever-popular Junior Chef Mystery Basket Cookoff was the program’s stage highlight with local students from Marion County culinary programs competing alongside celebrity chefs Lorena Garcia and Marc Murphy.
Using a range of mystery basket ingredients, including cherries, pine nuts, Dijon mustard and pearl onions, the two teams each created a dish to be judged based on flavor, creativity and presentation. At the conclusion of the culinary battle, it was Team Garcia that came away with the glory for yet another year.
After the Grand Tasting, the fun continued for Five-Star attendees as they headed to The Equestrian Hotel to browse sparkling offerings in open air at the Lugano Diamonds Rose Garden Reception and Cocktail Hour.
Finally, it was time for the highlight of the night: the highly anticipated Celebrity Chef Dinner, with each course prepared and presented by the event’s talented culinary lineup.
The chefs delivered an exquisite menu paired with selections from Palm Bay International by Master Sommelier Roland Micu. The Equestrian Hotel’s Executive Chef Jonathan Martini partnered with Junior Chef Michael Seegobin to start the night with a Blue Crab Caviar amuse, followed by Pitmaster Rashad Jones’ Land & Sea Salad Medley. The second course of Gochujang Glazed Salmon was prepared by Chef Esther Choi, followed by Chef Marc Murphy’s Tomato Cavatelli. Chef Lorena Garcia presented her take on filet mignon with Lomito Encebollado, and the meal ended on a sweet note with Chef Yohann Le Bescond’s salute to the holidays with his Ginger & Cranberry Festival.
Day three of the Ocala Food & Wine Festival came to a close on the terrace with the Champagne Jazz Brunch. Attendees indulged in a gorgeous spread and toasted to the final moments with Veuve Clicquot, surrounded by the sounds of smooth jazz.
Thank you to all the attendees who joined us in making memories throughout this incredible weekend. This event is possible because of you, along with the time, energy and commitment of all involved.
Special thanks to event sponsor Lugano Diamonds, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, and all other supporting sponsors, partners and vendors; celebrity chefs, stage talent Jim Cantore and David Martin; the many volunteers and dedicated World Equestrian Center – Ocala staff. Cheers to another phenomenal weekend in the books!
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