EVENT SCHEDULE
Over the course of three days, you will experience a celebration of the world-class culinary scene and lifestyle with the country’s most iconic Chefs delivering unparalleled experiences; intimate Cooking Demonstrations, Winemaker Seminars and Spirit Tastings, a Master Class in Cheese, Pastry Enlightenment and more, all strewn throughout the weekend event.
VIEW schedule BY DAY
FRIDAY
5:00PM TO 8:00PM | OPENING COCKTAIL PARTY
Kick off RELISH 2026 at an evening of exceptional food, wine, spirits, and culinary talent. Enjoy a bespoke culinary menu, handcrafted cocktails, premium wine tastings, interactive activations, and exclusive opportunities to mingle with celebrity chefs, winemakers, and industry tastemakers. Featuring appearances by Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, Chef Scott Conant, Pastry Chef Sherry Yard, Chef Kat Turner, Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine, Chef Jamie Gwen, and more celebrated culinary personalities, this lively opening-night Grand Tasting celebration sets the stage for an unforgettable weekend of luxury, flavor, and hospitality.
Sip, savor, and socialize as you experience the best of RELISH in a vibrant coastal setting designed for food and wine lovers.
8:00PM | RELISH AFTER HOURS AT VEA
Savor our Opening Night Cocktail Party & Grand Tasting, then keep the celebration going at RELISH After Hours, where style meets sophistication in a private, after-hours setting designed for those seeking an elevated end to an extraordinary evening. Guests will enjoy lively music, one-on-one opportunities with celebrated chef talent, and a carefully curated selection of premium spirits, wines, and artisanal cocktails crafted to delight the senses.
Indulge in decadent caviar bumps, savory bites, and sweet surprises, adding a touch of opulence to the experience. With a vibrant atmosphere and exceptional hospitality, RELISH After Hours offers the rare opportunity to connect personally with renowned culinary talent while celebrating in an intimate and stylish setting.
SATURDAY
11:00AM-1:00PM | FASHION + FOOD AT ANQI AT BLOOMINGDALE’S SOUTH COAST PLAZA
Luxe Living at Bloomingdale’s: Fashion, Food & Fabulous Finds
Join us for an unforgettable Saturday at ANQI Bistro at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza where culinary artistry meets elevated style. Guests will enjoy an exclusive multi-course luncheon featuring signature dishes by celebrated culinary icons Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and Chef Scott Conant, including selections showcasing
Chef Conant’s renowned Martone Street tomato sauces. Chef Zakarian will also create a specialty cocktail exclusively for the event, adding his signature flair to the experience.
While guests savor each course, they will be treated to a chic runway fashion show, highlighting the season’s most coveted trends and must-have pieces from Bloomingdale’s. The chefs will mingle with guests throughout the event, providing rare up-close access and memorable opportunities for connection.
The experience extends beyond the dining table with curated pop-up activations featuring premier fashion, beauty, culinary, and lifestyle brands. Guests will enjoy inspired sips, exclusive shopping opportunities, product discoveries, expert insights, and special surprises throughout the afternoon.
Whether you’re passionate about fashion, food, entertaining, or simply living well, this stylish celebration promises an afternoon filled with inspiration, indulgence, and unforgettable moments.
2:30PM -3:30PM | THE ART OF CHEESE & WINE AT THE PARK CLUB
Cheese lovers, rejoice! Celebrating two of life's greatest pleasures.
Hosted by renowned Maitre Fromager Afrim Pristine, one of the world's most respected cheese experts, this immersive tasting experience will take guests on a delicious journey through the world of artisanal cheese.
Afrim will share the stories, traditions, and the craftsmanship behind a curated selection of exceptional cheeses sourced from celebrated cheesemakers around the globe. Guests will learn how factors such as terroir, aging, milk type, and production techniques influence flavor, texture, and character. Each cheese will be thoughtfully paired with complementary wines, allowing guests to discover the principles behind successful pairings and experience firsthand how wine can elevate the nuances of every bite.
Engaging, educational, and wonderfully entertaining, this intimate tasting is perfect for both curious beginners and seasoned cheese lovers alike. Whether you're looking to expand your palate, deepen your appreciation for artisanal cheese, or simply enjoy an unforgettable evening of indulgence, this masterclass promises a memorable experience filled with flavor, discovery, and delight.
Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine is the worlds youngest maître 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.
5:30PM TO 10:00PM | RELISH CULINARY ICONS DINNER + SIP & SAVOR COCKTAIL HOUR 2026
Experience an extraordinary evening of culinary excellence as acclaimed Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, Chef Scott Conant and Pastry Chef Sherry Yard come together for an exclusive one-night-only dining experience at RELISH 2026. Held at The Park Club Costa Mesa, this intimate multi-course dinner showcases the signature styles, creativity, and refined flavors that have made both chefs internationally celebrated culinary icons.
Guests will indulge in a thoughtfully curated menu highlighting seasonal ingredients, elevated technique, impeccable wine pairings, and an exquisite dessert presentation by celebrated pastry chef Sherry Yard, of Spago fame. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy personal stories, culinary insights, and warm hospitality from the chefs themselves, creating an experience that is both sophisticated and unforgettable.
Begin the evening with an elevated cocktail hour hosted by internationally acclaimed Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine. Guests will enjoy a curated selection of artisanal cheeses thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines in an interactive tasting experience celebrating craftsmanship, flavor, and culinary artistry. Designed as the perfect prelude to dinner, this sophisticated gathering invites guests to sip, savor, and mingle while discovering unique pairings, seasonal selections, and expert insights from one of the world’s most celebrated cheese experts.
From elegant Italian-inspired cuisine to modern interpretations of timeless classics, each course is designed to deliver a truly exceptional culinary journey celebrating flavor, craftsmanship, and connection.
SUNDAY
10:00AM - 12:00PM | RELISH SUNDAY BRUNCH 2026 AT VEA
A signature moment of the RELISH weekend, Sunday Brunch is a vibrant celebration of culinary artistry where sweet meets savory in inspired and unexpected ways. Guests are invited to enjoy an extraordinary live brunch featuring beautifully curated stations and handcrafted offerings along with signature sweets from acclaimed Pastry Chef Sherry Yard, of Spago fame. In addition, Chef and Restauranteur Kat Turner, 2x Chopped Champ and Top Chef Season 22, will grace RELISH 2026 Sunday Brunch with her playful global flavors along with Maitre Fromager Afrim Pristine and more.
This immersive gathering blends creativity, flavor, and interactive chef moments with exquisite bites designed to delight every sense. The RELISH Sunday Brunch Experience is Orange County's most delicious Sunday morning—an immersive celebration of extraordinary food, artisanal craftsmanship, fine wine, and culinary storytelling.
12:00PM TO 2:30PM | RELISH IN WELLNESS
Close out RELISH 2026 with an inspiring afternoon dedicated to balance, renewal, and elevated well-being. RELISH In Wellness invites guests to recharge through thoughtfully curated experiences focused on movement, mindfulness, nutrition, beauty, and self-care in a luxurious coastal setting. Featuring interactive wellness activations, expert-led sessions, restorative treatments, and health-conscious culinary offerings, this immersive experience is designed to nurture both mind and body. Guests will connect with leading wellness professionals, discover innovative lifestyle trends, and enjoy a meaningful and refreshing conclusion to the RELISH weekend.