RELISH
A FOOD, WINE AND SPIRITS EXPERIENCE
RELISH 2026
NEWPORT BEACH / COSTA MESA
OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 4 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, 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 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.
-
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.!
-
Kat Turner is the Executive Chef and Partner of Highly Likely, a collection of all-day community gathering spaces celebrated for exceptional food, expertly crafted coffee, thoughtfully curated wines, and innovative cocktails. Committed to sourcing from sustainable and local producers, Kat's cooking highlights seasonal ingredients and approachable sophistication, delivering memorable dining experiences that connect people through food. A standout competitor on Top Chef Season 22, Kat has become a respected voice in the culinary world, admired for both her creativity and authentic approach to cooking.
-
Celebrity Chef Katie Chin is an award-winning cookbook author, television personality, playwright, and Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Raised in her mother Leeann Chin’s iconic Minneapolis restaurants, Katie transitioned from a successful career in film and television marketing to become a nationally recognized culinary and media personality.
She is the author of five cookbooks, co-hosted the PBS series Double Happiness, and has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Today, Live with Kelly & Mark, Iron Chef America, Chopped, and Beat Bobby Flay. Her acclaimed one-woman show, Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born, has played to sold-out audiences nationwide. Katie also serves on nonprofit boards and was appointed by Mayor Karen Bass to the Los Angeles Board of City Tourism Commissioners.
-
Rebecca Rose Phillips is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, wine educator, and hospitality consultant based in Los Angeles. Formerly the co-owner and Wine Director of Vintage Wine + Eats, she now partners with restaurants, wineries, and hospitality brands to create unforgettable wine experiences through events, wine clubs, and education. A regular contributor to SommTV, Rebecca believes wine is at its best when it's shared, and she's passionate about bringing people together over great bottles, great stories, and unforgettable tastings.
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.
10% Off Advanced Pricing. Now Available for a limited time!
relish at
VEA Resort and Spa & MORE
FRIDAY OCTOBER 2 - SUNDAY OCTOBER 4, 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
10% Off Advanced Pricing. Now Available for a limited time!
OUr PARTNERS
If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor for Relish, please contact us.
RELISH THE WEEKEND
OPENING NIGHT COCKTAIL PARTY
FASHION + FOOD AT ANQI AT BLOOMINGDALE’S SOUTH COAST PLAZA
RELISH CULINARY ICONS DINNER + SIP & SAVOR COCKTAIL HOUR
THE ART OF CHEESE AND WINE
MASTER THE ART OF THE PERFECT CUT
RELISH AFTER HOURS
RELISH SUNDAY BRUNCH
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…
Opening Night Cocktail Party with VIP Check In and RELISH VIP Gift Bag
Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience
VIP Food, Wine & Spirits Masterclasses with Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine
Private Talent Meet & Greets with Featured Chefs and Culinary Personalities
Intimate Dinner Experience with Chef Geoffrey Zakarian & Chef Scott Conant
Access to the RELISH After Hours Luxe Lounge featuring complimentary bites and beverages
Sunday Brunch with James Beard Award-Winning Pastry Chef Sherry Yard and Chef Kat Turner
RELISH in Wellness Experience with VIP Wellness Gift Bag
Reserved Premium Seating
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 2-4, 2026
Event Schedule
FRIDAY
5:00-8:00pm | Opening Cocktail Party with Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, Chef Scott Conant, Pastry Chef Sherry Yard, Chef Kat Turner, Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine, Chef Jamie Gwen, and more celebrated culinary personalities…
8:00pm | RELISH After Hours at VEA Newport Beach, a private, after-hours setting designed for those seeking an elevated end to an extraordinary evening.
SATURDAY
11:00am-1:00pm | Fashion & Food at Anqi at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plazawith Chef Geoofrey Zakarian and Chef Scott Conant.
2:30-3:30pm | Wine & Cheese Tasting at The Park Club with Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine
5:30pm-10:00pm | A Collaborative Dinner at The Park Club with Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, Chef Scott Conant & Chef Sherry Yard
SUNDAY
10:00am-12:00pm | A Relish Brunch Experience with Chef Sherry Yard, Chef Kat Turner & Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine
12:00-2:30pm | Relish in Wellness at VEA