There’s something timeless about gathering friends and family around the grill for a backyard BBQ. The smoky aroma of slow-cooked ribs, sizzling chicken fresh off the fire, grilled fish with charred citrus, and flavorful vegan entrées create the kind of experience guests remember long after the party ends. The challenge for most hosts, however, is finding the time to enjoy the event while also managing the cooking. That’s where  Dine With 9 Catering comes in.

Based in Los Angeles, Dine With 9 Catering specializes in elevated catering experiences that combine restaurant-quality cuisine with professional hospitality. Our culinary team is known for creating flavorful menus using premium ingredients and globally inspired techniques. 

For hosts looking to throw the perfect BBQ without spending the entire day behind a grill, Dine With 9 Catering offers a simple and crowd-pleasing solution: hire a private chef to prepare all the main entrées while guests contribute their favorite homemade side dishes. It creates a relaxed, communal atmosphere while ensuring the centerpiece proteins are expertly prepared and beautifully presented.

Imagine your guests arriving to the smell of tender barbecue ribs slowly caramelizing over the grill, juicy herb-marinated chicken sizzling to perfection, and fresh grilled fish finished with bright citrus and herbs. Vegan guests are equally impressed with gourmet plant-based options like grilled portobello mushroom burgers, roasted vegetable skewers, and other flavorful meat-free entrées. With a private chef handling the timing, temperatures, and presentation, the host is free to mingle, enjoy the party, and actually eat while the food is hot.

This style of event has become increasingly popular because it blends professional catering with the warmth of a potluck-style gathering. Guests love contributing their signature side dishes while still enjoying chef-prepared mains that elevate the entire experience.

If you’re planning a backyard BBQ, family reunion, birthday celebration, graduation party, summer gathering, or corporate cookout, here are 10 classic BBQ side dishes that guests consistently love bringing and sharing:

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese:

    A rich, cheesy comfort-food favorite that pairs perfectly with smoky barbecue meats.

Southern-Style Potato Salad:

    Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, potato salad remains a staple at every great BBQ.

Baked Beans:

    Slow-cooked beans with brown sugar, bacon, and barbecue sauce bring sweet and savory balance to grilled entrées.

Coleslaw:

    Cool, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and texture alongside ribs and grilled chicken.

Cornbread:

    Warm cornbread with honey butter is always one of the first dishes to disappear.

Grilled Corn on the Cob:

    Simple, smoky, and brushed with butter or chili-lime seasoning for extra flavor.

Pasta Salad:

    Colorful pasta salad with fresh vegetables and Italian dressing is a refreshing side for warm-weather events.

Watermelon Salad:

    Watermelon with feta, mint, and balsamic glaze offers a bright, refreshing contrast to hearty BBQ dishes.

Deviled Eggs:

    A nostalgic crowd favorite that works well for casual backyard gatherings and upscale BBQ events alike.

Collard Greens or Grilled Vegetables:

    Savory greens or seasonal grilled vegetables provide hearty and healthy options for guests seeking lighter fare.

One of the best parts about hosting a BBQ this way is the flexibility. Guests feel included by bringing sides they love, while the professional chef ensures every entrée is cooked perfectly. It creates a collaborative dining experience that feels both elevated and personal.

Whether you want fall-off-the-bone ribs, perfectly grilled seafood, flavorful vegan dishes, or a customized menu designed around your guests’ preferences,  Dine With 9 Catering can help transform an ordinary backyard cookout into a memorable culinary event. With expert chefs, polished service, and a passion for exceptional food, they make it easy for hosts to relax and enjoy the celebration alongside their guests.  Call us today at 818.769.1883 for a quote or request a quote on our website https://www.DineWith9Catering.com

Graduation season is exciting!  You’re celebrating years of hard work, unforgettable memories, and the official transition from “student” to “person who suddenly has to pay bills.”

But once your guest list crosses the 100-person mark, things can get chaotic fast.

Suddenly you’re calculating how many chicken sliders equal 117 hungry relatives, wondering if your backyard can survive folding chairs, and realizing your cousin already invited six extra people “just in case.”

The good news? You do not have to stress your way through graduation party planning.

With the right setup — and the right catering team — your graduation party can feel effortless, organized, and genuinely fun. That’s where Dine With 9 Catering comes in. From incredible food and event rentals to staffing and logistics, they help turn “How are we going to pull this off?” into “Wow… this is actually amazing.”

Start with the Big Stuff First

Before you start shopping for balloons shaped like diplomas, lock down the essentials.

Pick a Date Early

Graduation season books up FAST. Venues disappear. Caterers get slammed. Your aunt somehow already has three graduations in one weekend.

Choose your date early so you can secure the best vendors and avoid panic-Googling “party tents near me” at midnight.

Choose the Right Space

Whether you’re hosting at home, renting a venue, or taking over a local park, make sure your space can comfortably handle your crowd.

A party for 100+ guests needs:

• room to move,
• seating areas,
• food stations,
• and enough space so Uncle Rick doesn’t back into the dessert table while telling his “college stories.”

Dine With 9 can also help coordinate rentals including tents, tables, chairs, linens, and more — because trying to borrow 87 folding chairs from neighbors is not a sustainable event strategy.

Set a Budget

Focus on the things guests actually remember:

• amazing food,
• comfortable seating,
• good music,
• and an atmosphere that doesn’t feel like organized confusion.

Nobody leaves saying:

“Wow, the napkin color palette changed my life.”

But they will remember dry chicken forever.

Master the Guest List Chaos

Here’s a universal graduation party truth:

People will bring extra guests.

Your carefully planned RSVP count of 82 somehow turns into 117 humans and a toddler carrying three cupcakes.

Send Invitations Early

Give guests at least six weeks’ notice so they can plan ahead.

Digital invites are lifesavers because they help track RSVPs without:

• losing paper invitations,
• forgetting text messages,
• or relying on your mom’s “mental spreadsheet.”

Plan for Surprise Guests

Always expect a few extras. Graduation parties are basically social magnets.

The good news? Dine With 9 specializes in large-scale catering, so nobody ends up fighting over the last slider like it’s reality television.

Feed the Crowd Without Losing Sleep

This is where most graduation parties either become legendary…

…or become “the party that ran out of food at 5 PM.”

Dine With 9 creates menus packed with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and crowd-pleasing favorites that look incredible and keep guests happy.

Think:

• gourmet BBQ,
• elevated comfort food,
• elegant appetizers,
• fresh salads,
• decadent desserts,
• and enough flavor to make people suddenly ask for your caterer’s phone number.

How Much Food Do You Actually Need?

For a party over 100 guests, here’s a simple breakdown:

• Proteins: ⅓ to ½ pound per guest
• Sides: Around 1.5 cups per person
• Bread/Rolls: 1–2 each
• Drinks: About 1.5 beverages per person per hour
• Desserts: More than you think. Always more.

Because people who “don’t even like sweets” suddenly become dessert professionals near cupcake tables.

And if all this food math makes your eye twitch, don’t worry — Dine With 9 handles the calculations, preparation, setup, and service so you can focus on enjoying the celebration instead of panic-counting dinner rolls.

Create a Setup That Actually Flows

Large parties need structure. Otherwise guests wander around confused, standing in random lines wondering:

“Is this for tacos or the bathroom?”

Buffet Stations Work Best

Buffets keep things moving efficiently and allow guests to eat at their own pace.

Dine With 9 designs catering layouts that prevent bottlenecks and keep food flowing smoothly — which is especially important when 100 hungry guests all decide to eat at the exact same moment.

Separate Food & Drink Areas

Trust us:

Putting drinks, desserts, and appetizers in different areas helps spread guests out naturally and prevents one giant traffic jam near the mac and cheese.

Self-Serve Drink Stations = Lifesavers

Hydration stations with lemonade, iced tea, infused water, and soft drinks keep guests refreshed and dramatically reduce the number of times someone asks:

“Where are the cups?”

Don’t Forget Entertainment

A graduation party should feel like a celebration — not a conference waiting room.

Music Matters

Good music instantly changes the energy of a party.

A proper sound system and microphone setup also help for speeches, announcements, and emotional parent moments that somehow become stand-up comedy halfway through.

Create Interactive Spaces

Some fun crowd favorites:

• photo booths,
• Polaroid guestbooks,
• memory jars,
• graduation trivia,
• giant Jenga,
• cornhole,
• and giant Connect Four.

Because adults absolutely will become aggressively competitive over oversized lawn games.

The Things Everyone Forgets

Bathrooms

Nobody plans for bathroom traffic until there’s suddenly a line longer than the buffet.

For large parties, plan approximately:

• 1 restroom per 35 guests.

Portable restroom rentals may not sound glamorous, but neither does a bathroom emergency during cake-cutting.

Trash & Cleanup

100+ guests create an astonishing amount of cups, napkins, plates, and “I’ll throw this away later” energy.

Dine With 9 can provide staffing support to keep trash handled, food replenished, and cleanup under control — which means you won’t end your night carrying garbage bags in graduation clothes.

Enjoy the Celebration Instead of Managing It

The best graduation parties aren’t the ones where the host spends six straight hours stressed, sweaty, and yelling about ice.

They’re the ones where:

• guests are relaxed,
• food keeps flowing,
• everyone’s having fun,
• and the graduate actually gets to enjoy the moment.

From catering and staffing to rentals and event coordination, Dine With 9 Catering helps make large graduation parties feel polished, organized, and unforgettable.

Because graduation only happens once.

And it deserves better than grocery store veggie trays and panic.  Call us today at 818.769.1883 to discuss your next event or request a quote on our website at https://www.DineWith9Catering.com

Transform your Valentine’s Day from a standard dinner into an unforgettable, luxurious experience by hiring a private chef. This option allows couples to avoid crowded restaurants and enjoy a personalized culinary adventure right at home. With Dine With 9 Catering, you can explore diverse cuisines through custom menus designed to highlight unique ingredients and techniques, making your evening intimate and hassle-free.

The Private Chef Experience

When you choose a private chef service from Dine With 9 Catering, you benefit from a comprehensive, enjoyable dining experience:

– Full-Service Offering: From menu planning and grocery shopping to on-site preparation, serving, and cleanup, our chefs handle every detail, allowing you to relax and enjoy your evening.

– Tailored Menus: Our chefs work closely with you to create a personalized multi-course menu that accommodates all dietary restrictions and preferences.

– Interactive Dining: Unlike a typical restaurant setting, our chefs engage with you during the meal, sharing the background of each dish and demonstrating unique cooking techniques.

– Relaxed Atmosphere: Enjoy the freedom to savor each course without the pressures of a busy restaurant. This is your time to connect with your partner.

Exploring New World Cuisine

Dine With 9 Catering offers the perfect opportunity to break away from traditional dining by exploring “new world” cuisines. Consider these exciting menu ideas:

– Japanese Omakase: Delight in a selection of sushi, sashimi, and flavorful Miso soup that highlights high-quality ingredients and stunning presentation.

– Modern Latin Flavors: Experience vibrant dishes like ceviche, plantain-crusted snapper, and mole-glazed meats that showcase fresh and bold flavors.

– Spanish Tapas: Create a cozy, shared dining experience with small plates like patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, and charcuterie, perfect for leisurely grazing.

– Asian-American Fusion: Enjoy a unique blend of traditional and innovative flavors that cater to adventurous palates.

– Mediterranean Delicacies: Savor lighter dishes featuring raw fish crudo, edible flowers, roasted pistachios, and citrus vinaigrettes for a refreshing approach to dining.

With Dine With 9 Catering, you can transform your Valentine’s Day from stressful to spectacular, as our professional chefs bring everything needed to your home, prepare customized meals, and handle all cleanup.

Setting the Scene for Romance

To enhance the culinary experience, creating a romantic ambiance is essential:

– Lighting: Set a warm, inviting mood with soft lighting. Use candles or fairy lights to create a cozy atmosphere.

– Table Setting: Elegant tableware, cloth napkins, and a fresh floral centerpiece can make your dining experience feel extra special.

– Music: Curate a playlist of soft jazz, romantic ballads, or bossa nova to complement the meal and enhance conversation.

Planning Tips

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable evening, keep these planning tips in mind:

1. Book Early: Private chefs are in high demand, especially for Valentine’s Day. Book your chef from Dine With 9 Catering at least two weeks in advance.

2. Consultation: During your initial booking, discuss your preferences, food allergies, and any must-have dishes to ensure the menu is tailored to your liking.

3. Wine Pairings: Ask your chef to curate wine pairings that enhance the exotic flavors of your chosen cuisine.

By choosing Dine With 9 Catering, you eliminate the stress of cooking and cleaning, allowing you and your partner to focus on each other and embark on a delightful culinary adventure.

This Valentine’s Day, consider making your celebration extraordinary with a private chef who can provide an exquisite dining experience filled with personal touches. Ready to explore the flavors of the world with a private chef? Contact Dine With 9 Catering today!

January is a month of fresh starts. As the new year begins, many people make resolutions and look for meaningful ways to turn the page on the past and set a hopeful tone for the months ahead.

In the middle of this month, Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers another powerful opportunity for reflection and action. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister, activist, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and one of the most influential leaders of the civil rights movement. From the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968, his leadership shaped the struggle for racial justice in the United States. He championed nonviolent protest, including the historic March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Observed on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday honoring his life, legacy, and ongoing impact. It is often called “a day on, not a day off,” because it invites people to serve, learn, and build community. Here are several meaningful ways to celebrate Dr. King and carry his work forward, including through the powerful act of sharing food.

Give what you can

• Donate money or goods to local charitable organizations that support people in need.

• Contribute to food pantries, community fridges, or meal programs that help address hunger and food insecurity—issues that are deeply connected to economic and racial justice.

• Consider donating culturally meaningful foods or ingredients that reflect and respect the traditions of the communities being served.

Donate your time

• Volunteer at a nonprofit, school, shelter, or community center.

• Help prepare or serve meals at a soup kitchen or MLK Day community luncheon. Sharing food and conversation can be a simple but profound way to practice Dr. King’s message of dignity and belonging for all.

Revisit the “I Have a Dream” speech

• Set aside time to watch or listen to the full 17-minute speech.

• Reflect on how his vision of justice, equality, and unity connects to the present day—including how we gather, eat, and build community across lines of race, class, and background.

Promote equality initiatives

• Support organizations that work for voting rights, criminal justice reform, fair housing, education equity, and economic opportunity.

• Use MLK Day as a starting point to commit to ongoing learning and advocacy throughout the year.

Bring people together through events and food

• Host or participate in community mixers, potlucks, or neighborhood gatherings that bring together people from different backgrounds.

• Consider planning a special MLK Day meal that highlights dishes from African American culinary traditions—often referred to as soul food—such as collard greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread, sweet potatoes, or fried or baked chicken.

• Use the meal as a space for conversation: read a short passage from Dr. King’s speeches, share stories about civil rights history, or discuss how to advance justice in your own community.

• Encourage participants to bring dishes that represent their own cultures, creating a table that reflects the diversity and unity Dr. King envisioned.

Plant a tree or other lasting symbol

• Plant a tree, garden, or community plot as a living tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.

• Consider growing herbs or vegetables that can later be used in community meals or donated to local food programs, linking environmental stewardship with food justice.

Learn more about Dr. King and the movement

• Visit museums, cultural centers, or historic sites that feature exhibits on Dr. King and the civil rights movement.

• Read biographies, letters, or speeches, or watch documentaries and films about his life and the broader struggle for civil rights.

• Explore how access to food, fair wages, and economic justice were part of the broader movement—Dr. King spoke frequently about poverty, workers’ rights, and the need for a “beloved community” where everyone’s basic needs are met.

Celebrate with intention through food

Food can be a powerful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy. On MLK Day, you might:

• Prepare a meal inspired by African American culinary traditions and take time before eating to reflect on Dr. King’s life and words.

• Invite family, friends, or neighbors to a shared meal where everyone brings a dish and a quote from Dr. King or another civil rights leader.

• Support Black-owned restaurants, bakeries, or food businesses in your area as a way of celebrating the day through economic solidarity.

• Cook extra portions to share with a neighbor, elder, or someone in need, embodying Dr. King’s message of service and love in action.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a day off from work or school. It is a chance to honor a man whose courage, compassion, and vision continue to shape our world. Whether by serving others, learning more about his life, or gathering around a table to share food and conversation, each of us can use this day to help build the more just and loving community Dr. King dreamed of.

Dine With 9 Catering excels in customer service and global cuisine, emphasizing that corporate dining in 2026 must transcend the ordinary. Traditional buffets are outdated; today’s guests seek engaging food experiences that foster connections beyond presentations. This guide highlights innovative catering trends that enhance corporate events through creativity and interactivity.

###Elevating Corporate Events with Culinary Innovation

– **Culinary Experiences as Brand Identity**: A thoughtfully designed menu reflects a company’s values. Options like local sourcing and zero-waste practices showcase sustainability, while interactive food stations highlight innovation.

– **Building Connections**: Experiential dining promotes networking over formal presentations, with activities like sushi preparation encouraging interaction.

### Engaging Guests with Interactive Menus

– **Theater of Cooking**: Live-action food stations, such as sushi bars and hibachi grills, offer both fresh meals and entertainment, transforming dining into an experience.

– **Customizable Food Bars**: Allowing guests to create their own meals—like tacos or poke bowls—ensures satisfaction while accommodating dietary restrictions.

### Storytelling Through Themed Menus

– **Culinary Journeys**: Menus can narrate a company’s story or celebrate cultural milestones, creating immersive dining experiences.

### Commitment to Sustainability

– **Green Practices**: Implementing recycling and composting, using reusable tableware, and supporting food rescue organizations are essential for modern catering.

– **Local Sourcing**: Emphasizing seasonal ingredients enhances freshness and supports the local economy, reducing environmental impact.

### Catering to Wellness

– **Health-Conscious Options**: Modern menus cater to dietary needs, featuring gluten-free, vegan, and functional foods that boost energy and focus.

### Celebrating Diversity with Global Flavors

– **Inclusive Menus**: Offering a variety of international cuisines enhances cultural awareness and provides options for all guests.

### Luxury Catering Experiences

– **Sophisticated Indulgence**: High-end stations, like caviar carts and bespoke cocktails, create exclusive experiences that appeal to discerning guests.

### Social Media Appeal

– **Visual Presentation**: Aesthetic food displays encourage guests to share their experiences online, amplifying the event’s reach.

### The Business Value of Experiential Dining

Investing in unique culinary experiences not only enhances guest satisfaction but also boosts brand reputation and differentiation in a competitive market. Memorable meals promote positive word-of-mouth and elevate your company’s standing as a thoughtful host.

By focusing on innovative, engaging, and sustainable catering practices, companies can transform their corporate events into unforgettable brand experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Whether it’s a corporate gathering, wedding or film shoot, your guests deserve more than cookie-cutter menus.  At Dine With 9 Catering our team specializes in crafting elevated dining experiences that align with your vision and values.  Call 818.769.1883 today to design a culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression on every guest.  Visit our website at DineWith9Catering.com