54 Hours of James Beard Magic – Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Epic Culinary Weekend is Back

North County San Diego is about to have a seriously delicious few days. Rancho Bernardo Inn is bringing back its celebrated culinary festival, now reimagined as 54 Hours with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs.

A Weekend Built Around Food, Drink, and Good Company

Spread across four days, expect intimate chef dinners, live cooking demonstrations, hands-on masterclasses, and chef-led tastings. There will even be a chance to hit the golf course alongside some of the country’s most talented culinary names.

The weekend opens with the “Evening of Excellence” Chef Dinner and builds toward the multi-course Grand Chefs Tour Dinner. Things wrap up with a Champagne Brunch for those staying overnight on Platinum and Gold packages.

The Chefs Heading to the Inn

Chef Casey Thompson brings her produce-driven, Southern-inflected style to the table. Chef Matt Vawter, a James Beard Award winner, is known for his ingredient-driven mountain cuisine from Breckenridge. Chef Alex Seidel, another James Beard winner, champions a farm-driven, pasture-to-plate approach out of Denver.

Chef Lord Maynard, James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: California, rounds things out with his bold, globally inspired cooking. Meanwhile, celebrity chef and certified sommelier Jamie Gwen joins alongside national award-winning mixologist Manny Hinojosa. He’ll be keeping the drinks as memorable as the food.

Holding it all together on the home turf are Executive Chef Jonathan Kinsella and Corporate Executive Chef Ron Fougeray. Both of them bring serious depth to the weekend.

Picking Your Experience

Platinum tickets give full access to everything, including the Opening Night Chef Dinner on April 30. Golden tickets cover chef-led demonstrations, wine tastings, whiskey classes, and the VIP Reception. General tickets include admission to the Grand Chefs Tour Dinner on May 2.

For those who want to go all in, the Exclusive 54-Hour Culinary Weekend package includes a three-night stay and two Platinum tickets with full festival access. It also provides the Opening Night Chef Dinner and a special welcome amenity.

A Venue That Matches the Occasion

Rancho Bernardo Inn’s 265-acre property is consistently recognized by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and others for its culinary program, golf, and spa. As a setting for a festival built around food and hospitality, it’s a natural fit.

See you there!

This one’s worth the drive to North County – whether you’re going all in on Platinum or just catching the Grand Chefs Tour Dinner. Either way, it’s a rare chance to experience some of the country’s best culinary talent up close.

📆 Thursday, April 30 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
📍 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego
🎟️ General tickets here | Golden tickets here | Platinum tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!