RELISH food, wine & spirits experience
VEA Newport Beach
Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and Celebrity Event Planner Nicole Hirsty, founder of Cobalt Events, are teaming up to create Orange County's premier culinary event: RELISH, a Food Wine & Spirits Experience. This exceptional inaugural event will occur from Friday, August 23, through Sunday, August 25, at VEA Newport Beach. It will feature leading Celebrity Chefs, including Tyler Florence and Scott Conant, Master Sommeliers, and Spirits Authorities, offering guests an elevated and curated weekend experience.
Throughout the three-day event, guests will indulge in top-tier cuisine and lifestyle activities through a series of unique experiences. These include intimate cooking demonstrations, winemaker seminars, spirit tastings, a Master Class in Cheese, Pastry Enlightenment, and more, all scheduled throughout the weekend. RELISH proudly partners with the James Beard Foundation, making it the only event in Orange County with this prestigious affiliation, and with VEA Newport Beach Hotel, the event's headquarters, where guests will enjoy breathtaking views and luxurious coastal comfort.
The mastermind behind this event is Jamie Gwen, a celebrity chef and 25-year multimedia veteran renowned for her television appearances and syndicated radio show. Gwen, an Orange County resident, is a Certified Sommelier, public speaker, and seven-time cookbook author. Her culinary expertise has led to features on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and Cutthroat Kitchen, as well as on Bravo, HGTV, The Talk, Master Chef, Million Dollar Listing, among others.
"Bringing a first-of-its-kind food experience to Orange County marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the culinary scene here,” said Chef Jamie Gwen. “We envision RELISH becoming an annual tradition that not only showcases the immense talent of chefs and sommeliers but also creates an unparalleled gathering for foodies and culinary enthusiasts. This event will set a new standard, and my hope is that RELISH becomes the most anticipated culinary celebration for years to come.”
Tickets can be purchased for individual events or as part of a VIP package. The weekend kicks off with an opening night cocktail reception on Friday, August 23, followed by an unforgettable private dinner with Celebrity Chef Scott Conant. Saturday’s events will include various highlights, such as an evening with Chef Tyler Florence, a Chocolate 101 Master Class with Chef Gale Gand, a Vodka + Caviar Master Class with Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, a Master Class with Winemaker Bob Cabral, and much more. A complete lineup of the weekend’s events and ticket information can be found here.
Follow on IG for updates @relishfoodwine
