Chef Rick Alabaugh
With more than 35 years pursuing a successful career in the culinary arts, Rick Alabaugh enjoys experimenting with food combinations and flavors to create dishes that are “innovative, fresh, full of flavor and visually appealing.” He’s been executive chef at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club since 2002.
Chef Wallace Phaire
After graduating from Johnson & Wales University, Chef Phaire returned to the Caribbean, where he was born and raised, to expand his craft and influence the island cuisine. He now serves as the executive chef of Salted Brick at Trilogy in Ocala, where he shares the fruits of his travels, diverse flavors and culinary passion.
Chef Loring Felix
After a restaurant career spanning 40 years at the helm of many of Ocala’s most successful restaurants, Chef Loring Felix has struck out on his own to open a catering company, The Fiery Chef. He’s also started writing a blog of the same name.
Martha Jane Davis
Martha is the longtime local caterer behind as many special moments as there are live oaks standing in Ocala. Martha’s catering company, Woodlea Gardens, is the epitome of Ocala’s warm Southern hospitality.
Roshini Gurnani
Roshini (Chef Rosh for short) will be traveling to the festival from Houston, Texas, to share her unique style of fusion cooking. In 2009, Chef Rosh was awarded “Chopped Champion” on the Food Network‘s show Chopped. Recognized as one of the top Indian chefs in the United States, she frequently supports world-class food and wine festivals.
Damon Vitale & Jamie Green
Damon and Jamie are instructors with the Marion Technical College Culinary Arts program. Their extensive experience in the United States Air Force serving chiefs of staff, officers, distinguished guests and foreign heads of state has become a valuable resource to their students. Damon and Jamie will showcase their culinary skills at the Grand Tasting and join a group of local chefs who will provide hospitality and logistical support to out-of-town talent.
Rashad Jones Jose Juarez
In August 2015, local Jose Juarez, aka The BarbaCuban, was announced the winner of the national contest, America’s New Grill Star, put on by the Live with Kelly and Michael show. His winning dish (the Cuban Missile burger) had a key ingredient: his special 455 sauce. Recently, Jose has developed other new sauces inspired by his Cuban heritage.
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Rashad Jones is an Ocala resident who launched Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ in 2014 from a food truck to rave reviews, quickly earning a large following of barbecue enthusiasts. Recently, he won his own Food Network pilot called Eat, Sleep BBQ after competing on Food Network’s Guy’s Big Project for the opportunity.
Rondo Fernandez
Rondo Fernandez is by far Ocala’s most recognized restaurateur and philanthropist. His Mojo Grill & Catering services some of the largest events in our community, and his experience has been invaluable as a board member of the Ocala Culinary Festival.