RELISH
A FOOD, WINE AND SPIRITS EXPERIENCE
RELISH 2026
NEWPORT BEACH
OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 6, 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.
OUR gastronomic lineup
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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.
Geoffrey has 1.3 million Instagram followers @geoffreyzakarian
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.!
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Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim is widely regarded as one of the pioneering and leading bar professionals in the world. He has won three “Iron Chef America” competitions, is the author of two cookbooks and created a line of bar tools under the name The Modern Mixologist.
relish at
VEA Resort and Spa & MORE
FRIDAY OCTOBER 2ND - SUNDAY OCTOBER 4TH, 2026
NEWPORT BEACH
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, and Balboa Bay, Club Newport Beach, offering sweeping views and sophisticated coastal comforts.
Savor Orange County’s premier event RELISH, a Food, Wine, and Spirits Experience
RELISH CHARITY PARTNER
The James Beard Foundation
RELISH is the only culinary event in the history of Orange County to have a James Beard Foundation collaboration.
A portion of the proceeds from RELISH will support the James Beard Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and culinary leaders making America's food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.
OUr PARTNERS
If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor for Relish 2026, 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 Tyler Florence Saturday Night
RELISH After Hours Exclusive Access to the Luxe Lounge providing complimentary snacks and beverages
Sunday Morning Doughnuts + Sushi Brunch
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.
Stay tuned for dates and information for RELISH 2026
Event Schedule
FRIDAY
5:00-7:00pm | Opening Cocktail Party
SATURDAY
6:00pm-10:00pm | A Collaborative Dinner with Chef Geoffrey Zakarian & Chef Scott Conant
SUNDAY
10:00am-12:00pm | A Relish Brunch Experience
12:30-3:30pm | Relish in Wellness