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RELISH

A FOOD, WINE AND SPIRITS EXPERIENCE

RELISH 2026

NEWPORT BEACH / COSTA MESA
OCTOBER 2nd - OCTOBER 4th, 2026

OUR 2026 gastronomic lineup

  • Geoffrey Zakarian is a world-renowned chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author known for his refined approach to modern American cuisine rooted in classical French technique. A Culinary Institute of America graduate, he has led some of the country’s most iconic kitchens, including Le Cirque in New York, and built a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants defined by elegance and seasonality. An Iron Chef and longtime judge on Food Network’s Chopped, Zakarian is celebrated for his impeccable palate and timeless culinary style.

Chef Scott Conant
  • Chef, restaurateur, and Food Network personality Scott Conant has opened numerous celebrated Italian restaurants. In 2002, New York’s L’Imperio was named Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation. Many other accolades and dining establishments have followed. He has written multiple cookbooks and has been a judge on the popular TV series “Chopped” since 2009.

  • Sherry Yard is a James Beard Award–winning pastry chef known for her iconic desserts and culinary creativity. Formerly the Executive Pastry Chef of Spago Beverly Hills, she rose to national prominence working alongside Wolfgang Puck.

    Today, Chef Yard is a celebrated restaurateur, cookbook author, and industry eader whose elegant and innovative desserts have influenced pastry chefs around the world. Her passion for blending classic technique with modern creativity has made her one of the most respected voices in the world of pastry.

Cheese Master Afrim Pristine
  • Cheese Master Afrim Pristine is the world’s youngest maitre fromager, practicing the art of aging cheese. He is Canada’s premier cheese expert and owner of the Cheese Boutique, a three-generation, almost 50-year-old cheese store in Toronto.

Chef Jamie Gwen
  • Jamie Gwen is a Celebrity Chef & Lifestyle Expert, a Nationally Syndicated Radio Host, a Certified Sommelier, and a 7-time Cookbook Author. Jamie can be seen sharing her passion for food on KTLA Channel 5, NBC and HSN. RELISH is her newest proprietary venture and she proudly lives in the O.C.!

RELISH 2026

THE PREMIERE CULINARY EVENT IN ORANGE COUNTY

The most anticipated 2026 culinary event in Orange County is on the horizon—an extraordinary moment to once again RELISH the very best in food, wine, and spirits.

This premier Southern California celebration brings together renowned Celebrity Chefs, Master Sommeliers, and leading Spirits Authorities for a thoughtfully curated weekend defined by exceptional taste, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.

relish at
VEA Resort and Spa & MORE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 2ND -
SUNDAY OCTOBER 4TH, 2026
NEWPORT BEACH / COSTA MESA

Over the course of three days, experience a celebration of the world-class culinary scene with the country’s most iconic Chefs.

Enjoy intimate Cooking Demonstrations, Winemaker Seminars and Spirit Tastings, a Private dinner with two renowned chefs an Afternoon of Wellness, and more.

RELISH 2026 will be hosted at VEA Resort Newport Beach & Park Club, Costa Mesa, offering sweeping views and sophisticated coastal comforts.

Savor Orange County’s premier event RELISH, a Food, Wine, and Spirits Experience

OUr PARTNERS

If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor for Relish, please contact us.

RELISH THE WEEKEND

OPENING NIGHT COCKTAIL PARTY

AN EVENING WITH CHEF GEOFFREY ZAKARIAN
& CHEF SCOTT CONANT

RELISH SUNDAY BRUNCH

MASTER CLASSES

RELISH IN WELLNESS

RELISH VIP WEEKEND EXPERIENCE

RELISH in a weekend of pure decadence.
Beginning Friday with our opening night Cocktail Party and moving through the weekend you will be enjoying…

  • Cocktail Party with RELISH VIP Gift Bag

  • 2 Saturday Master Classes with Priority Seating

  • One-of-kind dinner experience with Chef Geoffrey Zakarian & Chef Scott Conant Saturday Night

  • RELISH After Hours Exclusive Access to the Luxe Lounge providing complimentary snacks and beverages

  • Sunday Morning Brunch with Chef Sherry Yard

  • Afternoon of Wellness with VIP Wellness Gift Bag

RELISH is a premiere destination event. Indulge in the beauty of VEA Resort & Spa. Special Room Rates will be offered for RELISH guests.

RELISH
OCTOBER 2nd - 4th, 2026

Event Schedule

A plate with an appetizer and tongs resting on it, ready to be enjoyed.

FRIDAY

5:00-7:30pm | Opening Cocktail Party with Chef Sherry Yard and more…

SATURDAY

11:00am | Class with Chef Geoffrey Zakarian at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza

2:00pm | Class with Chef Scott Conant at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza

4:30pm | Wine & Cheese Tasting TBD

6:00pm-10:00pm | A Collaborative Dinner at Park Club with Chef Geoffrey Zakarian
& Chef Scott Conant

SUNDAY

10:00am-12:00pm | A Relish Brunch Experience with Chef Sherry Yard

12:30-2:30pm | Relish in Wellness