In late March, amid Northern California’s iconic cypress trees in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Relais & Châteaux celebrated its 60th anniversary with the launch of its first annual Gourmetfest. Hosting the ambitious four-day food and wine festival was David Fink, CEO of the Mirabel Hotel and Restaurant Group, which owns the L’Auberge Carmel hotel, a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection. The event’s success (as well as the impressive lineup of acclaimed chefs and winemakers) can be largely attri…