RELISH: A Groundbreaking Culinary & Lifestyle Experience Debuts in Newport Beach June 27-29, 2025

Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and Celebrity Event Planner Nicole Hirsty Launch Exclusive Epicurean Affair with Elite Chefs, Top Winemakers and Mixologists

PRESS RELEASE

RELISH, an exclusive and immersive Food, Wine & Spirits experience, is set to debut June 27-29, 2025, at VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa. Created by Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and Celebrity Event Planner Nicole Hirsty, of Cobalt Events, this highly curated event will deliver a weekend of unparalleled sophistication, luxury and culinary bliss. Catering to the most discerning food and beverage enthusiasts with a lineup of top celebrity chefs including Chef Tyler Florence, Chef Scott Conant, Chef Gale Gand, and more, RELISH promises to set a new benchmark for gastronomic excellence in Southern California.

From top left: Chef Scott Conant, Chef Jamie Gwen, Chef Tyler Florence, Chef Aarti Sequeira, Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine, Chef Gale Gand. Image courtesy of RELISH.

Over three unforgettable days, RELISH will present a collection of intimate and elevated one-of-a-kind events, bringing together top-tier chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and spirits experts to offer surprises and delights at every turn. 

“RELISH isn’t just about great food—it’s about creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our guests,” said Chef Jamie Gwen. “We’re uniting the world’s top culinary talent to offer something unique and truly special. With Newport Beach Wine & Food no longer in place, RELISH brings a fresh and exciting new experience to the community, where every detail has been carefully crafted to elevate the entire experience.”

FRIDAY

The weekend begins on Friday evening with the RELISH Cocktail Party, offering guests an exclusive first taste of what’s to come and the unparalleled opportunity to connect with the region’s top culinary and mixology masters. Celebrity chefs and celebrated mixologists, including Chef Jamie Gwen and Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, will showcase their signature dishes and cocktails as guests mingle and savor gourmet hors d’oeuvres, expertly paired wines, and bespoke spirits.

Following the cocktail party, indulge in an exclusive Private Dinner with Chef Scott Conant, where guests will enjoy an exquisite four-course meal featuring dishes from Chef Conant’s celebrated Italian repertoire. The evening will be paired with exceptional wines and offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the chef, gaining insight into the inspiration behind each dish.

SATURDAY

Saturday offers the opportunity to participate in engaging master classes led by acclaimed experts, including renowned chefs Aarti Sequeira and Gale Gand, award-winning mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine, and distinguished winemakers Chris Kajani and Bob Cabral. These exclusive workshops, limited to a select number of attendees, will delve into the artistry and techniques behind world-class cuisine and libations. Whether mastering the art of chocolate, exploring the nuances of cheese, discovering the luxurious pairing of vodka and caviar, balancing spices like a pro, or deepening appreciation for fine wines through guided tastings and expert-led discussions, each class will offer invaluable insights from industry leaders and leave attendees with skills they won’t find anywhere else.

On Saturday evening, guests will be treated to an extraordinary Cheese Masterpiece event, where the world’s youngest Cheesemaster, Afrim Pristine, will lead a live demonstration, crafting a breathtaking 12-foot cheese and charcuterie display. This stunning showcase of artistry and craftsmanship sets the stage for a decadent Evening with Chef Tyler Florence, featuring an exclusive sit-down conversation followed by a meticulously curated four-course dinner, expertly paired with extraordinary wines and accompanied by live entertainment. The menu, designed by Tyler himself, highlights signature dishes from his Michelin-nodded restaurants, Wayfare Tavern and Miller & Lux, offering his innovative take on classic American cuisine.

SUNDAY

For those looking to elevate their palates even further, RELISH will host a Sushi & Doughnuts Brunch on Sunday—a culinary fusion showcasing the finest handcrafted sushi alongside freshly made donuts and churros, created by Gale Gand and Zac Young, offering guests a vibrant and unique take on traditional brunch fare, making for a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable weekend.

The event concludes on Sunday with RELISH Wellness, a revitalizing afternoon designed to nourish both body and mind. This thoughtfully curated experience offers a harmonious blend of guided meditation, rejuvenating yoga sessions and insightful nutrition workshops. Emphasizing holistic self-care, it provides the perfect balance of indulgence and relaxation, resulting in a deeply refreshing and revitalizing experience.

RELISH is honored to partner with the prestigious James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. The event is also supported by sponsors including Visit Newport Beach, VEA  Newport Beach, Melissa’s Produce, Orange Coast Magazine, Bloomingdale’s, Voss and Petrossian.

Individual tickets and event packages are now available at exclusive advanced pricing, at www.relishfoodwine.com. For the latest event updates, chef spotlights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, follow @relishfoodwine on Instagram.

RELISH Event Schedule – Advanced Pricing

Friday

  • 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Opening Cocktail Party – $150

  • 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Private Dinner with Chef Scott Conant – $300

Saturday

  • 10:00–10:45 a.m. | Chef Gale Gand – Chocolate 101 – $125

  • 11:00–11:45 a.m. | Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine – West Coast Cheeses from British Columbia to San Diego – $125

  • 12:00–12:45 p.m. | Winemaker Chris Kajani – Bouchaine Vineyards Napa – $125

  • 1:00–1:45 p.m. | Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim – Vodka + Petrossian Caviar Master Class – $125

  • 2:00–2:45 p.m. | Winemaker Bob Cabral – Bob Cabral Wines – $125

  • 3:00–3:45 p.m. | Aarti Sequeira – Spice Sessions – $125

  • 5:30–10:00 p.m. | An Evening with Tyler Florence with a Cheese Masterpiece Opener – $400

  • 10:00–11:30 p.m. | Relish After Hours – Complimentary with Evening Event Ticket

Sunday

  • 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | A Live Doughnuts + Sushi Brunch Experience – $125

  • 12:30–3:30 p.m. | Relish Wellness – $100

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About RELISH

RELISH is Southern California’s premier food, wine & spirits experience, uniting the nation’s top celebrity chefs, master sommeliers, and spirits experts for an unforgettable weekend of culinary bliss. Co-founded by Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and Celebrity Event Planner Nicole Hirsty of Cobalt Events, RELISH offers a three-day immersive celebration featuring intimate cooking demonstrations, exclusive master classes, winemaker seminars, and expertly curated tasting experiences that go beyond the dining table. As the only Orange County event affiliated with the prestigious James Beard Foundation, RELISH is redefining the culinary and event landscape, establishing a new benchmark of excellence and delivering an elevated, one-of-a-kind epicurean journey. For more information and updates, follow RELISH on Instagram at @relishfoodwine. For more details, visit www.relishfoodwine.com.

RELISH Debuts in Newport Beach