RELISH Festival Promises a Gourmet Weekend Like No Other

Chef Jamie Gwen, an Irvine resident, dedicated over two years to creating an unforgettable food event for Orange County. Photo credit: RELISH Food Festival.

When the world shut down in 2020, Irvine resident Jamie Gwen was ready for a change of pace. The certified sommelier, nationally syndicated radio host, and cookbook author turned her attention to her newly born son.

“It was a wild ride, but also the best blessing,” said Gwen during a recent phone interview. “For two years, like many, I stayed in with a newborn and worked on television, cooking from my kitchen.”

Although much of the world reopened, the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival did not. The once-annual gourmet gathering was canceled, creating a void for those who cherished the chance to savor and sample the latest culinary innovations. After lamenting to her friends that Orange County had lost its premier food event, they encouraged the 20-year OC resident Gwen to start one herself. At first she resisted, but eventually came to realize she had the right background and connections to create an exceptional experience.

“After a second martini one night,” recalled Gwen, “I threw my hands up and said, ‘Fine, I’ll do it.’”

As a host or guest on multiple food-centric shows for many years, Gwen had “chef friends in high places” who could help bring her vision to reality.

“I said, ‘Hey, I want to bring something really bespoke and high-end to Newport Beach, something they haven’t seen before.’”

Gwen also had another important connection to call on: celebrity event planner and owner of Cobalt Events, Nicole Hirsty.

“Nicole and I have taken all our collective experience into consideration,” said Gwen. “We’ve addressed concerns like long lines, crowds, and poor registration. We’ve planned accordingly to ensure RELISH is as seamless as possible.”

And thus, RELISH was born. Gwen and Hirsty spent two years curating the perfect place and personnel for a next level food festival. The celebrity chefs, winemakers, mixologists, and artisans were handpicked to give attendees a food, wine, and spirits festival unlike any other. Event sponsors include the James Beard Foundation, a first partnership ever with the nonprofit in Orange County. Gwen was committed to making RELISH an entirely new kind of food festival.

“I swore I wasn’t going to do an event with tents, tacos, or tequila,”recalled Gwen. “I caved on tequila—because we have great tequila—but no tacos or tents.”

Instead of tents, Gwen has arranged the entire event at the VEA Newport Beach, a hotel that underwent a major renovation during COVID.

“It’s quite an exquisite property, and we’re using many different event spaces,” Gwen said. “Our cocktail party grand tasting is on the sunset lawn, which is perfect for the end of June. We’ll watch the sunset over the ocean and the golf course while sipping and savoring. We’ll then move to the Maria Canvas rooms and the Maria Terrace, which are indoor/outdoor with big glass doors. We’ve organized it to ensure there aren’t long lines or bottlenecks. Check-in will be efficient, with lots of top-level staff.”

The festival kicks off on Friday evening, June 27, at 5 pm with an opening cocktail party where mere mortals can mingle with a variety of chefs and gastronomic super heroes. Following the cocktail party, chef, restaurateur, and Food Network personality Scott Conant will host a four course private dinner featuring his most renowned culinary creations.

On Saturday, participants can purchase tickets for a variety of master classes and tastings. James Beard Award Winner and pastry chef Gale Gand will lead a class called “Chocolate 101.” Cheese master Afrim Pristine will offer a tasting of West Coast cheeses from British Columbia to San Diego. Winemaker and Bouchaine Vineyards President Chris Kajani will provide a tasting of wines from her vineyard. Mixologist and caviar specialist Tony Abou-Ganim will provide pairings of vodkas with caviar presented by Chris Klapp of Petrossian Caviar. Bob Cabral of Bob Cabral Wines will provide a tasting of handpicked premium wines in a master class on the subject.

That evening, James Beard Award Semifinalist, restaurateur, and culinary personality Tyler Florence will start with a twelve foot cheese and charcuterie display assembled with cheese master Pristine. His four course dinner will include wine pairings and live music. Dessert will be provided by pastry chef and PieCaken owner Zac Young.

On Sunday, participants can sign up for what Gwen says is the perfect combo: doughnuts and sushi. This brunch experience will, as its name suggests, feature meticulously prepared sushi and freshly made doughnuts. After a weekend full of indulgence, the festival will conclude with a session that merges gastronomy and health in an event entitled “RELISH in Wellness.” The final program of the festival will be dedicated to wellness, focusing on food, mind and body rejuvenation.

“Thanks to Kaiser Permanente, we’ll have doctors and wellness experts,” said Gwen. “But don’t worry, there’ll be a little bubbly and something delicious to eat.”

Although this is only the first year of the RELISH Food Festival, Gwen is confident it has all the components necessary to become a hit with residents in Irvine and throughout Orange County.

“If it doesn’t kill us, it’s going to be amazing,” said Gwen. “It’s a beast of an event, but it’s going to be spectacular.”

Gwen’s commitment to the community is evident in her desire to bring a unique, world-class culinary experience to Orange County. By partnering with iconic figures and organizations like the James Beard Foundation, RELISH elevates the local food scene, showcasing the county’s growing reputation as a destination for excellent dining and cultural events.

“I think the food scene in Orange County is terrific,” Gwen said. “We have Michelin stars, Top Chef superstars, and exceptional female talent. We’ve continued to grow the culinary scene really nicely with speakeasies, fine dining, food trucks, and phenomenal Asian cuisine, all of which I love. I think the scene is evolving, and I’m proud of it.”

The RELISH Festival will be held June 27-29 at the VEA in Newport Beach. Tickets for events are available here.