A delightful atmosphere at the Newport Beach Relish food and wine event, showcasing gourmet offerings and celebrity chefs.
Newport Beach hosted the inaugural Relish event, a three-day culinary extravaganza featuring gourmet offerings, celebrity chefs, and unique dining experiences. Curated by Jamie Gwen and Nicole Hirsty, attendees enjoyed master classes, exclusive meals, and wellness workshops, aimed at restoring Newport Beach’s culinary prestige. Partnering with the James Beard Foundation, Relish focuses on sustainable food practices and plans to expand in the future, making it a noteworthy destination for culinary enthusiasts.
Newport Beach made a splash over the weekend as it hosted the inaugural Relish, a premier food, wine, and spirits event curated by celebrity chef Jamie Gwen and event planner Nicole Hirsty from Cobalt Events. Taking place at VEA Newport Beach from June 27 to June 29, the three-day culinary experience delighted guests with a blend of gourmet offerings, culinary workshops, and unique dining experiences.
The event kicked off with a vibrant cocktail reception on Friday evening, welcoming attendees with an array of gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Guests enjoyed sushi rolls presented by Sushi Roku, alongside a fresh fruit and charcuterie spread from Melissa’s Produce. The evening was complemented by craft cocktails and fine wines served on the lawn.
Following the reception, guests were treated to a private four-course Italian dinner prepared by renowned chef Scott Conant, known for his role as a judge on the cooking competition show “Chopped.” This exclusive dining experience set the tone for the culinary exploration that lay ahead.
Saturday was dedicated to a full day of master classes led by industry experts. Participants had the opportunity to learn about various culinary topics including craft spirits, wine, chocolate, and cheese. Notable instructors featured at the event included chef Gale Gand, mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, winemakers Chris Kjanai and Bob Cabral, and cheesemaster Afrim Pristine.
The highlight of the day was a four-course dinner hosted by Food Network celebrity chef Tyler Florence, showcasing exceptional culinary talent and creativity. Each dish was thoughtfully designed to enhance the dining experience.
On the final day of the event, attendees were invited to a sushi and doughnuts brunch, blending beloved flavors with a casual atmosphere. Following breakfast, wellness workshops focusing on guided yoga and meditation offered guests a holistic approach to the culinary experience.
Relish aims to restore the culinary prestige of Newport Beach, filling a void left by the absence of the Newport Beach Food & Wine Festival. Co-creator Jamie Gwen emphasized that Orange County deserves a premier gastronomic event that brings together food lovers and culinary professionals.
Relish partnered with the James Beard Foundation, with a portion of proceeds directed toward its Good Food for Good mission, promoting sustainable food practices. The event received support from Visit Newport Beach, further enhancing its community connection.
Given the positive reception of its first outing, plans are already in motion to expand and enhance future iterations of Relish. Tickets for the event started at $100, making it accessible for a wide range of culinary enthusiasts eager to connect with top chefs and explore unique food and beverage experiences.
With its engaging format and diverse offerings, Relish has set the stage for Newport Beach to become a notable destination for culinary excellence once again.
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