Friday 11/7
Chef Dinner
Available exclusively in a Five-Star Package.
The weekend begins in Stirrups Restaurant with an exquisite, multi-course dinner hosted by a signature chef and WEC’s own culinary masters. Each course is artfully prepared and thoughtfully paired by a different industry expert. Learn from the chefs as they present each course.
7pm
STIRRUPS RESTAURANT
PACKAGE ONLY
Saturday 11/8
Grand Tasting
Sip and savor at this unlimited sampling event. Explore local bites, samples from premium beverage vendors, and curated offerings from our talented chefs. The afternoon will feature lively programming, including a first taste of the four new WEC restaurants opening soon at The Equestrian Manor and the annual mystery basket competition featuring local culinary students.
Grand Prix Reception Experience
Available exclusively in a Five-Star Package.
Watch top-level show jumping take place in the Grand Arena while enjoying cocktails and small plates. Indulge al fresco under the grandstand canopy as elite riders and gourmet flavors take center stage.
6:30pm
GRAND OUTDOOR ARENA
PACKAGE ONLY
Sunday 11/9
Champagne Brunch
Raise a glass to the end of the weekend with this elegant brunch on the terrace.
PACKAGES
Book early to secure the best rates. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Florida’s most extraordinary culinary weekends!
Five-Star Festival Package at The Equestrian Hotel
Your Experience Includes:
- Two nights’ accommodations for two guests in luxury lodging at The Equestrian Hotel
- Access for two to all signature festival events: Chefs’ Dinner, Grand Tasting, Grand Prix Reception Experience, Champagne Brunch
- Breakfast for two Saturday morning at Stirrups Restaurant
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Complimentary weekend golf cart rental
- 15% off a Calluna Spa service for two
- Valet parking
- Surprise welcome amenity
Must be 21+ to book. Package based on dual occupancy. Subject to availability.
Five-Star Festival Package at The Riding Academy Hotel
Your Experience Includes:
- Two nights’ accommodations for two guests at The Riding Academy Hotel
- Access for two to all signature festival events: Chefs’ Dinner, Grand Tasting, Grand Prix Reception Experience, Champagne Brunch
- Breakfast for two Saturday morning at Stirrups Restaurant
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Complimentary weekend golf cart rental
- 15% off a Calluna Spa service for two
- Surprise welcome amenity
Must be 21+ to book. Package based on dual occupancy. Subject to availability.
TALENT
Chef Yohann Le Bescond
Chef Jonathan Martini
Chef Stephan Holland
Chef Roland LaCroix
Chef Kristofer Sullivan
Chef Daniel Binghak
Chef Kari Howard
Chef Yohann Le Bescond
French Chef Yohann Le Bescond is Complex Executive Pastry Chef at World Equestrian Center – Ocala and a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist. Trained in Brittany, he earned the Brevet Technique des Métiers Pâtissier by age 20 and led U.S. pastry kitchens by 22. He now oversees the complex pastry program at WEC, including Emma’s Patisserie, and has gained national acclaim through Food Network appearances (Summer Baking Championship, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking) and was named to Restaurant Hospitality’s 2023 Chef Power List.
Chef Jonathan Martini
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 Stephan Holland
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 Roland LaCroix
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 Kristofer Sullivan
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 Daniel Binghak
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.
Chef Kari Howard
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.
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