Celebrations and Larger Events
Signature Gatherings
For 12 to 20 Guests
Not every great party is a sit-down dinner. Signature Gatherings is built for the full spectrum of entertaining: elegant backyard dinners, lively cocktail parties, milestone birthdays, holiday open houses, rehearsal dinners, and everything in between.
For dinner-style events, guests are treated to a curated selection of seasonal dishes served buffet-style or as interactive stations, with food that is anything but ordinary. For cocktail parties and receptions, I build beautifully designed grazing stations that keep guests moving, mingling, and coming back for more.
Explore seven signature gathering experiences below, each built around a different theme and occasion. These menus reflect my favorite pairings, but they're a starting point. If you have something else in mind, I'm glad to build an event entirely around your vision.
What's Included
Pre-event consultation and menu selection from seasonal offerings
A curated selection of dishes or stations tailored to your event style
Beverage program consultation
All shopping, preparation, setup, and service
Complete kitchen cleanup
Mediterranean Garden Party · sample menu
Grilled Protein Station
Herb-Marinated Airline Chicken Breast
House herb marinade, grilled lemon, herb butter finish
Garlic Rosemary Lamb Chops
Lemon-herb marinade, herb butter finish
Herb-Grilled Jumbo Shrimp
Lemon herb butter
Herb-Grilled Farmers Market Vegetable Skewers
Seasonal vegetables, California olive oil, fresh herbs
House Sauces
Chef Glenn B House Chimichurri · Chef Glenn B House Tzatziki · Chef Glenn B House Harissa Aioli
Elevated Sides
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
House roasted garlic aioli, fresh herbs, flaky sea salt
Harissa Roasted Cauliflower
Pomegranate arils, toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs
Whipped Feta Mezze
California olive oil, Aleppo pepper, grilled artisan bread
California Farmers Market Salad Display
Mixed baby greens, heirloom tomatoes, English cucumbers, Kalamata olives, Greek feta, red onion, fresh herbs
House Dressings
Lemon Vinaigrette · Tahini Dressing · Red Wine Vinaigrette
Dessert
Assorted Baklava
Fresh Seasonal Fruit Display
Served with local wildflower honey
California Wine Country Dinner · sample menu
Chef's Welcome Bite
Seared Diver Scallop
Sweet corn purée, basil oil, Parmesan tuile
First Course
Burrata & Heirloom Tomato Display
California heirloom tomatoes, burrata, basil, California olive oil, aged balsamic, flaky sea salt
Carving & Grill Station
Cabernet-Marinated Santa Maria Tri-Tip
Chef Glenn B's House Cabernet Reduction
Cedar Plank King Salmon
Lemon herb butter
Herb & Lemon Grilled Chicken Supreme
Fresh herbs, roasted garlic, lemon butter
Seasonal Sides
Brown Butter Roasted Farmers Market Vegetables
Seasonal California vegetables, fresh herbs
Grilled Asparagus
California olive oil, lemon zest, flaky sea salt
Little Gem & Baby Arugula Salad
House Caesar dressing, focaccia croutons, Parmigiano-Reggiano
Dessert Station
Rustic Apple Galette
Salted caramel sauce, vanilla bean ice cream
Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème
Whipped crème fraîche, chocolate curls
Fresh Seasonal Berry Display
Served with Chef Glenn B's House Honey Yogurt Dipping Sauce
California Cocktail Party · sample menu
Raw Bar & Cold Bites Station
Seasonal Oysters on the Half Shell
House Champagne mignonette, house cocktail sauce, fresh lemon
Seared Ahi on Crispy Wonton
Avocado purée, sesame-ginger glaze, black and white sesame, micro cilantro
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Display
House cocktail sauce, fresh horseradish cream, fresh lemon
Hot Bites Station
Cabernet-Braised Short Rib Crostini
Horseradish crème fraîche, crispy shallots, fresh chives
Bacon-Wrapped Medjool Dates
Aged Manchego, Marcona almonds, aged balsamic reduction
Mini Dungeness Crab Cakes
House chipotle remoulade, pickled jalapeño, microgreens
Wild Mushroom Tartlets
Goat cheese, caramelized shallots, thyme, truffle honey
California & European Artisan Cheese Landscape
Chef's Selection of California and European Artisan Cheeses
Triple cream brie, Point Reyes Blue, aged Manchego, seasonal artisan selections
Premium Cured Meats & Accompaniments
Prosciutto di Parma, Soppressata, Coppa, fig jam, honeycomb, Marcona almonds, seasonal fruit, artisan crostini
Dessert & Sweet Bites Station
Salted Caramel Profiteroles
Vanilla bean pastry cream, salted caramel, flaky sea salt
Mini Cannoli
Orange ricotta filling, pistachios, dark chocolate
Fresh Seasonal Fruit Display
Served with Chef Glenn B's House Honey Yogurt Dipping Sauce
California BBQ & Wine Gathering · sample menu
Hero Station
Santa Maria Tri-Tip Carving Station
Grilled over red oak, pinquito beans, salsa fresca, chimichurri, grilled artisan sourdough
BBQ Favorites
Coffee-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs
House coffee barbecue glaze
Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken
California citrus herb marinade, Avocado Green Goddess
Grilled Street Corn Salad
Fire-roasted corn, grilled poblano, Cotija, chile-lime crema
Roasted Garlic & Herb Baby Potatoes
Brown butter, roasted garlic, rosemary, thyme, fresh chives
California Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Platter
Peak-season California vegetables, grilled lemons, Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Grilled Stone Fruit & Burrata Salad
Baby arugula, creamy burrata, toasted pistachios, basil, White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Dessert
Mixed Berry Cobbler
Vanilla bean whipped cream
California Coastal Gathering · sample menu
Hero Station
California Chilled Shrimp Cocktail Display
Chef Glenn B House Cocktail Sauce, fresh horseradish cream, grilled lemons, fresh herbs
Coastal Favorites
California Lump Crab Cakes
Meyer Lemon Aioli
Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken Skewers
Avocado Green Goddess
California Seafood Pasta Salad
Premium crab, poached shrimp, seasonal vegetables, Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, fresh herbs
California Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Platter
Peak-season California vegetables, grilled lemons, fresh herbs, Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Fresh Seasonal Fruit Display
Honey yogurt dipping sauce
Dessert
Mini Key Lime Tarts
Whipped mascarpone, fresh lime zest, white chocolate curls
California Brunch Gathering · sample menu
Hero Station
California Smoked Salmon Board
Artisan bagels, whipped cream cheese, capers, pickled red onions, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh dill, lemon
Brunch Favorites
Chef Glenn B Breakfast Sandwich Sliders
Maple-glazed Canadian bacon, chive scrambled eggs, Gruyère, house breakfast sauce
Quiche Lorraine
Applewood smoked bacon, Gruyère, caramelized onions
Thick-Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon
Black pepper, maple glaze
House Breakfast Sausage
Classic sage breakfast sausage
Roasted Garlic & Herb Breakfast Potatoes
Roasted garlic, rosemary, thyme, fresh chives
Seasonal Fruit Display
House honey yogurt dipping sauce
Baby Greens & Citrus Salad
Goat cheese, toasted almonds, Champagne vinaigrette
Sweet Finish
Lemon Ricotta Baked French Toast
Seasonal berry compote, warm maple syrup
Mini Pastries
Morning buns, croissants, seasonal fruit Danish
Holiday Gathering · sample menu
Hero Station
Prime Rib with Herb Butter
House Cabernet reduction
Brown Sugar & Dijon Glazed Ham
Whole grain Dijon glaze
Seasonal Sides
Gruyère Potato Gratin
Creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, Gruyère, Parmesan, fresh thyme
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Applewood smoked bacon, aged balsamic, toasted pecans
Green Beans Almondine
Brown butter, toasted almonds, fresh parsley
Winter Harvest Salad
Baby greens, Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, goat cheese, candied pecans, Champagne vinaigrette
Dessert Station
Holiday Bread Pudding
Investment: Starting at $125 per person
Professional chef services are charged per guest. Premium ingredients are sourced specifically for your event and billed separately at cost. Additional staffing and rentals, if required, are quoted separately.
All I Need Is Your Kitchen
What to Expect
Most home kitchens are more than adequate for a private dining experience. During our consultation I'll confirm the space and equipment needed for your menu.
A functioning kitchen with basic equipment: stove, oven, refrigerator, counter space
Table and seating for your guests (I can recommend rental companies if needed)
Plates, glassware, and flatware, or I can arrange rentals
Good Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I choose the menu?
My seasonal menus reflect the dishes and wines I'm most passionate about, and they're a great starting point for browsing. But they're not the only option. Some clients come to me with a vision of their own, and I'm always happy to design a fully custom menu around your preferences, dietary needs, and the occasion.
How far in advance do I need to book?
All events must be booked a minimum of 21 days before your event date, no exceptions. This allows adequate time for menu consultation, ingredient sourcing, and preparation. For weekend dates, summer events, and holiday gatherings, I strongly recommend booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance as my calendar fills quickly.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. Most of my menus are naturally adaptable for gluten-free, celiac, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs. We'll discuss any restrictions during the consultation to ensure every guest enjoys the experience.
Can you source the wine, or should we provide it?
Either works beautifully. I maintain a personal cellar of over 1,000 bottles and hold direct allocations from producers across California, Oregon, Washington, select Old World estates and other sources. I'll curate selections specifically for your menu, or if you have bottles you love, I'm happy to build the pairings around what you already have. Wine curation is priced as part of your overall event package and discussed during consultation.
Do you bring assistants?
For intimate dinners up to 12 guests, it's just me, giving you my full, personalized attention throughout the evening. For larger events, I may bring one assistant to ensure seamless service.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations 30 or more days before your event receive a full deposit refund minus a $75 administrative fee. Cancellations 14 to 29 days out forfeit the deposit. Cancellations fewer than 14 days out forfeit the deposit plus 25% of the remaining balance. Reschedules are handled on a case-by-case basis with as much flexibility as my calendar allows.
Do you do events outside San Diego County?
Yes. I serve all of California. Travel fees apply for events more than 35 miles from downtown San Diego and overnight accommodations may be required for certain destinations.
What makes this different from typical catering?
This is more personal than traditional catering. I personally shop for your ingredients, cook every course, plate every dish, and remain present throughout the evening. It's a high touch experience designed specifically for you and your guests.
Ready to Begin?
Let's Start Planning
I'd be honored to create a memorable culinary experience for you and your guests.