Talent

Meet the culinary team behind The Ocala Food & Wine Festival.

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Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman

Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes” Celebrity Chef. Duff Goldman is a chef, best-selling author and artist known for his dazzling, creative approach to food and his awesome stories describing the simple science of baking. On the hit Food Network show Ace of Cakes Duff welcomed viewers into his innovative cake shop, Charm City Cakes, where his team of pastry chefs and artists create spectacular custom cakes. You can watch Duff mentor the next generation of bakers on the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship. He is also the lead judge on Holiday Baking Championship and Spring Baking Championship. His latest show, Super Mega Cakes, premiered in June 2025. His cookbook, Super Good Baking for Kids, debuted on the NYT bestseller list and you can now purchase cakes from Duff on Goldbelly and buy his baking kits online that he has created in partnership with Baketivity. This fall he will be opening Duff’s Deli & Market at The Atlanta International Airport.  Duff believes we can discover our inner creativity and celebrate with each other through the fun of baking!

Chef Stephan Holland

The Equestrian Manor Executive Chef

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With over two decades of mastery in Modern American, Spanish, Asian, Japanese, and Haute Cuisine, Chef Stephan Holland brings global finesse to the table. He previously led special projects, openings, and development at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and has overseen and conceptualized multiple restaurants in Sweden. Chef Stephan has headlined premier events such as the NPIWFF Wine and Food Festival and collaborated with Andrew Zimmern, Martha Stewart, José Andrés, and Nobu Matsuhisa. Now at The Equestrian Manor at WEC, he is spearheading four new restaurant concepts set to debut in 2025.

Chef Yohann Le Bescond

WEC Complex Executive Pastry Chef

Chef Jonathan Martini

The Equestrian Hotel Executive Chef

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Chef Jonathan Martini is the Hotel Executive Chef at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, where he oversees the world-class culinary programming at The Equestrian Hotel. With a multicultural culinary background, his cuisine is infused with the rich flavors of his roots in Brazil and Italy. His depth of expertise includes time at two Forbes five-star-rated properties in Florida and Montana, and experience working for one of the world’s Top 50 best chefs.

Chef Kari Howard

The Equestrian Manor Executive Pastry Chef

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Chef Kari Howard brings twenty years of pastry expertise and creativity to the forefront of The Equestrian Manor’s dessert program. Prior to joining World Equestrian Center, she served as a pastry chef at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Since 2021, she has grown through the ranks at WEC, from crafting sweets at Miss Tilly’s Lollipops to leading banquet pastry. Chef Kari now serves as Executive Pastry Chef at The Equestrian Manor, overseeing its full pastry program.

Chef Kristofer Sullivan

Genievieve Chef de Cuisine

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Chef Kristofer Sullivan brings a rich culinary pedigree shaped by experiences at Le Bernardin, Atlantis Resort, Bangkok Supper Club, and as a private chef in Los Angeles. Known for his refined yet approachable style, he blends classic techniques with modern flair to create elevated Italian cuisine. His menus reflect a balance of creativity and tradition. Chef Kristofer now joins World Equestrian Center as Chef de Cuisine at Genievieve’s, the elegant Italian rooftop restaurant opening at The Equestrian Manor in 2025.

Chef Roland LaCroix

The Polo Pony Chef de Cuisine

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Chef Roland LaCroix brings a distinguished culinary background with over twenty years’ experience in professional kitchens including roles at the Wellington Polo Stadium, The Broadmoor and The Biltmore Estate. His cooking celebrates the richness and diversity of American cuisine, blending classic comfort dishes with global influences and bold creativity. With a passion for American flavors, Chef Roland now joins World Equestrian Center as Chef de Cuisine at The Polo Pony, opening at The Equestrian Manor in 2025.

Chef Daniel Binghak

The White Willow Chef de Cuisine

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Chef Daniel Binghak brings a refined mastery of Asian cuisine shaped by his work with major destinations like Epic Universe Universal, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort, and Hard Rock Casino International. He spent five years as senior sushi chef at Morimoto, the flagship restaurant of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, where he honed his craft in contemporary Japanese cuisine. Chef Daniel now joins World Equestrian Center as Chef de Cuisine at The White Willow, opening at The Equestrian Manor in 2025.