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St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival 2025

Renowned Chef Jeff Johnson to Debut Cookbook Seasonal Roots: Fresh Favorites for Every Season" at the 5th Annual St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival


St. Augustine, FL – April 23, 2025 –Celebrated Jacksonville-based chef, author, and culinary innovator Jeff Johnson, owner and executive chef of 3J's Catering, will debut his latest cookbook, " Seasonal Roots: Fresh Favorites for Every Season, " at the 5th Annual St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival, presented by Publix. The festival will take place from May 7 to 11, 2025, at Ancient City Farmstead, just minutes from St. Augustine's historic district.


Festival-goers will enjoy a delightful lineup of events featuring live cooking demonstrations, exclusive tastings, and a book signing with Chef Jeff, who will share his signature blend of soulful Southern flavors and seasonal flair.

There will be a live demonstration of crispy fried chicken and a vibrant vegan green gumbo, showcasing the balance of tradition and innovation. Attendees can enjoy tastings and have their books personally signed.

Chef Jeff's Festival Appearances

-Smoke on the Walk


Friday, May 9

Chef Jeff serves "Ribs & Roots"—smoky red wine-braised short ribs paired with truffle-rooted mash. This rich and rustic dish is a soulful expression of his bold culinary style.


Saturday, May 10 

Publix Cooking Demo & Book Signing

Theme: Southern Table Roots

Join Chef Jeff for an engaging cooking demonstration, "Southern Table Roots: Southern Fried Chicken with Vegan Green Gumbo," sponsored by Publix! Experience the joy of Southern cuisine as Chef Jeff reveals the secrets to making perfectly crispy fried chicken, seasoned to perfection. You'll learn to achieve that iconic crunch while infusing each bite with rich, mouthwatering flavors.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Chef Jeff will also guide you in creating a vibrant vegan green gumbo, loaded with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs that capture the essence of Southern cooking. This hands-on demonstration is perfect for cooks of all skill levels, offering expert tips to elevate your culinary repertoire. Don’t miss this chance to pick up a signed copy of Chef Jeff’s cookbook, Seasonal Roots: Fresh Favorites For Every Season.

Grand Tasting – Roots to Flavor

Experience the essence of Southern comfort in every bite of Chef Jeff's Fried Grit Cake with Shrimp Étouffée—a dish rooted in heritage and layered with unforgettable flavor.


About Chef Jeff Johnson

Chef Jeff Johnson is a culinary storyteller whose journey began in childhood and deepened while cooking for fellow service members during his military service. In 2020, he launched 3J's Catering, earning acclaim for his creative, community-centered cuisine.


His accolades include multiple Black Expo People's Choice Awards (2021, 2023), the Savory Award (2023), and nominations for the esteemed Boss Awards. Today, Chef Jeff is a trusted food expert on WJXT News4Jax, oversees corporate meal services for Amazon facilities, and mentors aspiring chefs throughout Florida.


About the Cookbook

Seasonal Roots: Fresh Favorites for Every Season is more than just a collection of recipes—it's a personal journey through the flavors of the year. Each recipe honors tradition, family, and the joy of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is now available at major booksellers and online at www.3jscatering.com.


Follow Chef Jeff:

The St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival begins on Wednesday, May 7, with River Walk Tastings at San Sebastian Winery, followed by Harvest Awards & Tastings on Thursday, May 8.


The festival is supported by the St. Johns Cultural Council, Florida's Historic Coast: St. Augustine/Ponte Vedra, and a 2025 St. Johns County Tourist Development Grant.

For tickets and complete event details, visit: staugustinefoodandwinefestival.com

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