Central Florida foodies, hug your horses. The 5th Annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival returns to the World Equestrian Center this weekend. Flavors from around the world and all-out competition will culminate with Sunday’s Champagne Brunch ($125 per person, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.).
The star of this year’s effort is celebrity chef Duff Goldman, star of many Food Network offerings, including “Ace of Cakes,” featuring his Charm City Cakes.
This is very exciting for WEC Complex’s Executive Pastry Chef Johan Le Bescon, who is also a veteran Food Network contestant and 2025 James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist.
“It’s a great honor because Duff was a judge on two of my Food Network shows, ‘Summer Baking Championship,’ Season 1, and ‘Beat Bobby Flay.’ But this is really exciting for me because it’s also the first time we’ve used a pastry chef as a celebrity chef, and we get to feature desserts as prime real estate.”
Enthusiasts may want to consider the event’s Five Star Festival Package (starting at $1,599 for two). This includes luxurious weekend accommodations and access to everything, including our most exclusive events, such as Friday night chef’s dinners.
“Duff had a huge influence on the whole five-course menu,” says Le Bescon. “And what I am very proud of is collaborating on the dessert “Chef Johann’s take on Duff’s famous Dutch apple pie.”
Saturday’s Grand Tasting ($135 per person, 1-5 p.m.) continues to feature Mr. Goldman and Mr. Le Bescon and other talented local and national chefs. Here, guests can mingle while enjoying unlimited food from more than 20 food stations and drinks from approximately 60 beverage vendors.
Goldman and Le Bescon will also be on stage for the Mystery Basket Competition, with Le Bescon hoping the judge vs. student scenario will bring sweet revenge.
Playful competitiveness aside, Le Becon says the event is much more than providing drinks and food for everyone.
“A portion of the proceeds will go to the (Marion County Public Education Foundation’s) ProStart program, which supports various culinary programs throughout the county,” he explained, noting that 30 students ages 16 to 19 will be attending and helping out at the festival.
“For many people, this will be their first time in a professional environment with visitors and workstations,” he says. “In the past, some of these students have graduated and applied to work at WEC. For us, it’s a really great gesture to the community, not only promoting what we do, but also recruiting the chefs of tomorrow.”
In fact, he, Goldman, and some of the other participating chefs will be visiting several culinary programs in Marion County on Friday morning in advance of the start of the festival. They will also be participating in the student’s own Mystery Basket Competition, a crowd favorite at the Grand Tasting that showcases the creativity and skills of this next-generation culinary crew.
“Beyond the competition, we partnered with one of our sponsors to donate a small pastry craft kit, so no matter the outcome, every student will graduate with the tools to advance their career.”
And ProStart will receive a check for $25,000 to support all culinary programs around the World Equestrian Center, he says.
“The Ocala Food & Wine Festival has real meaning to the future of Marion County and its development, which is why it’s important for everyone at WEC to get it right,” Le Bescon said.
Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @amydroo or the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For even more foodie fun, join our Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
More fun food festivals will be held this weekend
Orlando Japan Festival: Nov. 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 201 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee. Free admission, free parking. This is the 25th annual festival celebrating the richness of Japanese culture. There’s plenty of authentic food from à la carte food stalls, traditional performances and hands-on cultural experiences for all ages. music, martial arts, crafts, etc. More information: facebook.com/orlandojapanfestival
Taste of Thailand Food Festival: Gates open at 10 a.m. Nov. 9 at Wat Florida Danmaram, 2421 Old Vineland Road in Kissimmee. Food service is from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The festival ends at 3:15 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. Children 6 and under are admitted free. Includes all-you-can-eat Thai food, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment. More information: experiencekissimmee.com/event/taste-thailand-food-festival-2025/26906
