Tag: Food

RELISH: A Premier Culinary Experience Debuts in Newport Beach With Exclusive Opening Cocktail Party 

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

###

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.

PACIFIC WINE & FOOD CLASSIC September 21, 2024

Experience Southern California’s most extraordinary celebration of culinary excellence at the 7th Annual Pacific Wine & Food Classic. This isn’t just another food and wine festival—it’s a vibrant fusion of flavors, sights, and sounds that immerses you in a world of indulgence. On Saturday, September 21, treat yourself to bold bites from 40 renowned restaurants, sip on a handpicked selection of 100 exquisite wines and craft beers, and discover the artistry of creative cocktails and mocktails from nearly a dozen top spirits brands. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, this award-winning event is more than just a feast for the senses—it’s a paradise for every epicure. With the ocean breeze in your hair, and the rhythm of live music filling the air, the Pacific Wine & Food Classic promises an unforgettable day of pure enjoyment. Don’t miss out on this quintessential Southern California experience.

GET TICKETS

NEW TO THE 2024 PACIFIC WINE & FOOD CLASSIC

  • Welcome Cocktail Limoncello Spritz by Villa Massa.
  • Living Produce Wall on The Red Carpet! Known for their commitment to delivering the freshest and most unique fruits and vegetables, Melissa’s Produce will be showcasing an innovative art installation: a living produce wall! This vibrant and interactive feature will provide guests with a unique selfie photo opportunity, bringing the beauty and freshness of produce to life. 
  • The Grand Wine Pavilion by San Luis Obispo Wine Collective Featuring highly acclaimed wines from San Luis Obispo Coast Wine Collective and freshly grilled skewers by Sweetgreen, along with a fresh baked bar by Scratch Bakery.
  • The Grand Tasting Pavilion, this 40 x 60 foot pavilion will be  overflowing with perfectly paired wines, charcuterie and chef creations.
  • NEW SPIRITS! The Cocktails of Pacific Wine & Food Classic presented by Basil Hayden, Código 1530 Tequila and Papa’s Pilar Rum.
  • Melissa’s will offer a fresh salsa and guacamole bar in the Taco Garden. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of freshly made salsas and guacamole, highlighting the best of Melissa’s Produce.  
  • Mixology Master’s by Licor43, sampling Licor 43, Lolea, Mar de Frades Martin Miller’s Gin and Villa Massa.
  • 2024 James Beard Nominee and Forbes Best US Bar Team, Strongwater Anaheim will be featuring phenomenal cocktails and delicious bites.
  • Whole pig Lechon feast by Lola’s by MFK.
  • JARS Sweets & Things by Chef Fabio Viviani. 
  • Refresh & rehydrate” with San Benedetto Water.

Los Angeles Foodie Girl’s Holiday Gift Guide is here!

The holiday season—a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness. Yet, for many of us, it also brings a familiar sense of dread: the pressure to find the perfect gifts for loved ones. The quest for meaningful presents often leads to a maze of crowded stores, endless hours searching the web, and ultimately, the all-too-familiar feeling of uncertainty.

Here’s my curated guide that I’ve put together to help you navigate the art of gifting for those in your life who appreciate the finer things in gastronomy.

  • Our Place Always Pan: This versatile, non-stick pan is perfect for cooking a variety of dishes. Its aesthetic design and multi-functionality make it a delightful addition to any kitchen.
  • Our Place Dinnerware: Their chic and sustainable dinnerware sets are perfect for those who appreciate beautiful table settings. From plates to bowls, these pieces are both functional and stylish.
  • Delonghi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine with Cold Brew: Explore the art of espresso made right, with the refined features of La Specialista Arte Evo from De’Longhi. Craft cold brew beverages at home in under 5 minutes with De’Longhi’s proprietary Cold Extraction Technology. This intuitive, easy-to-use espresso machine comes equipped with a complete barista kit.
  • Le Creuset Dutch Oven: This iconic piece of cookware is a kitchen workhorse. From braising to baking, its even heat distribution and durability make it a beloved gift for any cooking enthusiast.
  • Messermeister Oyster Knife: Ideal for seafood lovers, this specialized knife makes opening oysters a breeze. Its ergonomic handle and sturdy blade ensure safe and efficient shucking.
  • Zojirushi Rice Cooker: Zojirushi’s top-of-the-line Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer uses pressurized cooking and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to cook perfect rice.
  • Caraway Cookware Set: offers a stylish and eco-friendly non-stick cookware set. With a range of pans and lids, they’re perfect for those who appreciate both functionality and aesthetics in their kitchen tools.
  • Rabbit Hole Whiskey: A delightful addition to any spirits collection, Rabbit Hole offers unique and flavorful whiskies. From bourbons to ryes, they have a range of options sure to please whiskey enthusiasts.

Happy Holidays!

THE CELEBRATION OF THE CENTRAL COAST – THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LARK

The Lark presents a special dinner celebrating the Central Coast along with the restaurant’s landmark tenth anniversary on Thursday, August 24, 2023.This intimate event is a benefit for the James Beard Foundation, in support of their Good Food for Good® mission and programs around equity, sustainability and leadership. The dinner will be led by Executive Chef Jason Paluska and will feature a collaboration with James Beard award winners Nancy Silverton and Caroline Styne. The Lark, founded in 2013, holds significance as being the first fine dining restaurant that was established in the Funk Zone and remains the flagship of Acme Hospitality to date.

The celebration will commence with an hors d’oeuvres reception at the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. During the reception, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy local wines by three prominent women winemakers from Santa Barbara County. Sonja Magdevski from Casa Dumetz, Gretchen Voelcker from Luna Hart and Piazza Wines, and Sandra Newman from Cebada Wines, will be present to meet attendees and pour wine.

“At The Lark, we believe that food has the power to bring people together and build community. Since its inception, The Lark has remained focused on this mission to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people from all walks of life can connect over a shared meal,” states Sherry Villanueva, CEO and managing partner of Acme Hospitality, continuing, “We are committed to sourcing our ingredients from local farmers and producers, supporting sustainable and ethical practices and serving fresh, seasonal dishes that reflect the diversity of our community and the region in which we live. We strive to be an active and engaged member of our community, partnering with organizations like the James Beard Foundation that align with our values. Our goal is to not only provide a space for people to gather but also to give back and positively impact the world around us.”

The reception at Santa Barbara Wine Collective begins at 5:30 p.m. with a seated dinner at 6:30 p.m. to follow in The Lark’s private Pullman room. The menu is a collaborative design by Chefs Jason Paluska and Nancy Silverton. Wines to pair with each course are curated by Caroline Styne. Pricing for the dinner is $250 and includes wine pairings; taxes, gratuities and fees additional. Guests may pre-purchase tickets HERE. 

Accommodations for The Lark’s special guests are generously provided by Hotel Californian.

100% of the proceeds raised from this benefit dinner will directly support the James Beard Foundation, providing critical funding for programs, helping theJames Beard Foundation achieve its Good Food for Good® mission. James Beard Foundation will use the proceeds at their discretion, targeting the programs that need support the most. Tickets for this event are extremely limited.

l-r Nancy Silverton, Jason Paluska & Caroline Styne