Set the Stage for a Weekend of Culinary Excellence During the Kick-Off to RELISH 2025 on June 27 – Advance Ticket Pricing Available for a Limited Time
The countdown has begun for RELISH: A Food, Wine & Spirits Experience, the premier epicurean event created by Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and Elite Event Planner Nicole Hirsty. Debuting in Newport Beach June 27-29, 2025, RELISH promises a weekend of culinary excellence, bringing together some of the most celebrated names in the food and beverage industry. As anticipation builds, guests have the opportunity to secure advance ticket pricing by May 1, 2025, for all master classes and events, including the highly anticipated Opening Cocktail Partyon Friday, June 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at VEA Newport Beach, Resort & Spa.
“The Opening Cocktail Party at RELISH brings together the best in food, wine and spirits while fostering the sense of community and excellence that defines Newport Beach,” shared Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen. “This event revives the spirit of culinary celebration we’ve missed with the absence of Newport Beach Wine & Food—offering guests an unforgettable evening to connect with culinary legends, experience trendsetting flavors, and celebrate the art of great food and drink in a spectacular setting.”
Friday’s Opening Cocktail Party will set the stage for RELISH’s weekend of culinary excellence, offering a rare opportunity to mingle with some of the most celebrated names in the industry, including:
- Tyler Florence | Food Network veteran and Michelin award-winning restaurateur
- Scott Conant | Award-winning Chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author
- Aarti Sequeira | Food Network star and culinary storyteller
- Zac Young | Renowned Pastry Chef and TV Personality
- Tony Abou-Ganim | Legendary Mixologist and author
- Afrim Pristine | Canada’s only Cheese Master and expert in artisanal cheeses
- Gale Gand | James Beard Award-winning Pastry Chef
- Chris Kajani | Acclaimed Winemaker at Buchaine Vineyards
- Bob Cabral | Iconic Winemaker with over 30 years of experience
- Jamie Gwen | Celebrity Chef and co-founder of RELISH
The bespoke kick-off event will bring together celebrity chefs, master mixologists, award-winning winemakers and fellow food and beverage enthusiasts for an evening of elegant socializing and culinary indulgence. Guests will experience chef-curated hors d’oeuvres and a vibrant array of engaging food and beverage activations. From the artistry of a fresh sushi bar and intricately hand-carved mango flowers to gourmet pickles bursting with bold flavors, every bite is a discovery. A sweet experience awaits with delicate waffle and bakery creations, while multiple beverage pop-ups serve expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines and premium spirits. The opening evening reaches its pinnacle with a private four-course dinner by Celebrity Chef Scott Conantfor an unforgettable night of unparalleled Italian artistry.
On Saturday, take a deep dive into the world of culinary arts with immersive Master Classes led by the industry’s most influential tastemakers, including Chef Gale Gand, Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine, Winemaker Chris Kajani, Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Winemaker Bob Cabral and Chef Aarti Sequeira. The day culminates in a live Cheese Masterpiece Opener, where Afrim Pristine, the world’s youngest Cheesemaster, will craft an impressive 12-foot cheese and charcuterie display, followed by An Evening with Tyler Florence, featuring an exclusive sit-down conversation and a decadent four-course dinner. Sunday brings the ultimate conclusion to an incredible weekend with a Doughnuts + Sushi Brunch, blending sweet and savory delights, and a wellness-focused finale, providing the perfect balance of indulgence and rejuvenation.
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, Moët Hennessy, Melissa’s Produce, Nespresso, Orange Coast Magazine, Bloomingdale’s, Petrossian Caviar, Pearls Olives and PNC Bank.
Advance ticket pricing for all RELISH events, including the Opening Cocktail Party, is available through May 1, 2025, at www.relishfoodwine.com. For the latest event updates, chef spotlights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, follow @relishfoodwine on Instagram.
RELISH Event Schedule – Advance Pricing
Friday, June 27
- 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Opening Cocktail Party – $150
- 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Private Dinner with Chef Scott Conant – $300
Saturday, June 28
- 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
Sunday, June 29
- 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | A Live Doughnuts + Sushi Brunch Experience – $125
- 12:30–3:30 p.m. | Relish in Wellness – $100
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About RELISHRELISH 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.
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