Dash and a Handful Catering

Chad did the food and beverage for my wedding last weekend at La Chureya Estate in Palm Springs and it was incredible. The food was even better than at our tasting!
We did a plated dinner and passed appetizers and a cheese and charcuterie station that guests commented on all night. I wish I had gotten to try it, but we were doing pictures during cocktail hour. Chad provided so many personalized touches– when we retreated after pictures and before dinner, he personally introduced us to the maitre d who followed us to our suite with a huge tray full of appetizers and a drink for both of us. It was impeccable service, and delicious food.
Chad also designed 2 signature cocktails for us and let us bring our own wine and champagne. His bartenders were fast and I didn’t see a line at the bars all night!
His dessert table was beautiful and exactly what we asked for. There was also coffee and his signature hot chocolate with passion fruit marshmallow (it’s fancier than that, but I can’t remember the whole description). Over all Chad’s food and staff was amazing and I’d defnitely recommend him to other brides, even those planning from out of town (we live in LA). He made the planning process super easy and worked with us to create a menu that spoke to our tastes and suited the occasion.
Chad is a true artist and takes pride in his events. I’d hire him again in a second!

If you are looking for a caterer look no farther than Chad Gardner and his team at Dash and a Handful. Chad and his team were the event planners for a Birthday party we hosted at our house in Palm Springs for 29 individuals. The evening was magical. Chad organized the most beautiful table scape only to be outdone by the amazing food and service. The evening was perfect with every desire fulfilled.

This is not the first event that I’ve attended that has been catered by supposedly the number one caterer on Unilocal.?As well as the owner of Phở 553.
The floral arrangements were magnificent & the venue perfect but the food and service certainly only earned them one star.
The appetizers that were served were cold, under cooked, over cooked or just bland.
The chef & his kitchen staff/​people that were working in my kitchen, as well as, out of my garage none of them wore gloves. The staff seemed sloppy in both appearance as well as style of service. There seemed to be a lot of angst behind the scene as to who was in charge, what should be done, etc. which as a guest was highly unprofessional. even if it’s true.
The owner did come out to address his staff and greet the guests. Even then his tone was far from positive and encouraging to the staff and we could tell they were highly embarrassed or humiliated. Not sure how he got his rating but in our book he certainly doesn’t deserve it
There are other caterers in the desert who can do a better the job — they’re overpriced and needs. teamwork training or perhaps a raise?

I contacted Dash and a Handful, looking for someone to provide the main course for a private party I was having in my home for about 50 people. I gave Chad an idea of my theme and what I wanted and he came through beyond my expectations. They dropped off the food right on time and even brought disposable serving pieces and plates which I wasn’t even expecting. The food was amazing and all my guests were commenting on how delicious it was. Chad will definitely be my go-​to person for both business and personal events in the future.

Chad was very attentive and helpful to get the budget down to where we needed it to be for our small intimate wedding. We ended up going with someone else, but his commitment to us in the planning stages was much appreciated.

When you are stressed out, planning 4 days for 35 people, you want to know that someone has your back. And, that is Dash and a Handful Catering.
BEFORE THE EVENT:
We were stuck empty handed after another caterer (who was going to handle our weekend event) stopped returning our calls, and at the last minute, called Dash.
Not only did they return our calls and emails immediately, they were ALWAYS so professional, helpful, and anticipated our questions before we even thought to ask them. They were proactive and courteous. They assured us, not by their words, but by their actions, that they were ON IT. They sent a comprehensive quote of what they would charge, and they stuck to it.
DURING THE EVENT:
They showed up early, set up everything with very little direction from us, and came back to cook when they said they would. They catered two dinners for us, and even did grocery/​liquor shopping (WITHOUT BEING ASKED) when they noticed we were low on supplies.
Gerry was amazing. There, but not there, if you know what I mean. Taking care of all of our guests in a way that helps you realize there is amazing service happening without thinking about the service! (a true skill!)
The food was great, simple, delicious, plentiful, and beautifully plated. The cleanup and service crew, bartenders, and staff were all wonderful.
They cleaned the kitchen and removed dishes without even being noticed. It was TOO EASY! Based on our other experience with the caterer that bailed, I kept waiting for the «other shoe to drop», but it never did.
AFTER THE EVENT:
They came and cleaned up, cleared all of equipment, and even took our leftover food to a nearby homeless shelter. The final bill arrived, and it was exactly as expected.
If you need one less thing to worry about for your «big event», definitely use these guys — they won’t let you down!

If you want a party done right, you HAVE to book Dash and a Handful for your event! We cannot praise them enough for the surprise birthday party they catered for us this past weekend. Everyone is still raving about how our party is one that will never be forgotten!
Chad & Miguel worked with us prior to the event to get a feel for the space and what we really wanted to do. They offered excellent suggestions and pulled off an amazing party with ease! I wish I could post pictures to show how truly elegant this event was.
The staff and servers were very professional and served a better meal than you could ever get in a restaurant. We had several courses with different entrees and they were all «over-​the-​top» amazing! Dash and a Handful is truly the best of the best! Thanks to Chad, Miguel and their entire crew! Can’t wait to work with you all again!

If you are looking to have an event catered in Palm Springs or the surrounding areas, look no further than Chad Gardner and his team at Dash and A Handful. A truly first class, top-​notch catering service.
From our initial meeting with Chad and his Team at Dash, we knew that they were the perfect company to handle our wedding. Chad took the lead from when we first started planning and became such an integral part of our special day. He took on a role that was so much more than just a caterer. He coordinated third party rentals/​vendors, which were all excellent, and referred us to the best florist in Palm Springs, Ron at Vaso Bello.
As a person, Chad truly showed a vested interest in us and our wedding. He is a perfectionist, attentive, responsive, and brought a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude to make everything just right. Gerry (wedding coordinator) was so accommodating and made sure everything ran smoothly on the day of our wedding. His entire Team was professional, friendly and polite to our guests.
I may be somewhat biased, but I’ve honestly never been to a wedding with food as good as what Chad and his team prepared. A modern take on surf and turf, short rib and wild salmon, laid out over polenta and asparagus. Our friends and family raved about the passed hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour and said they wished they could’ve had seconds of the main course it was that good. And then came THE CAKE. Chantal Carter, the pastry artist with Dash is a true artist that put a unique spin on the classic ombré style cake. It was absolutely stunning and equally delicious. It was hard to bring ourselves to cut that first piece it was so beautiful!
We are so grateful and thankful that Chad and his Team were with us every step of the way.
Give Chad at Dash a call to discuss your next event, you will not regret it!
Thank you, DASH!
Ben and Sarah

Chad is the owner and Master Chef behind Dash and a Handful. First of all, as far as quality and creativity go, Dash and a Handful is the top in the Palm Springs area. We recently used their services for our wedding, and when tasting around at the different options available, Dash and a Handful was the best– by a landslide. I love that quality and source is of the utmost importance. The fish is organic, wild caught. The beef is grass fed and hormone free.
As wonderful as the food itself is, it is Chad’s staff who really made our day the most special it could be. Gerry, their coordinator, and Danielle, the bartender, especially went above and beyond to ensure that everything ran smoothly and that the experience we had was special and memorable. They do what needs to be done, without being asked. After we sat down to dinner, Danielle came over to us with our favorite bottle of wine — we had purchased only one, for us to drink at the wedding and had completely forgotten about it! She found it amongst the other wine and put two and two together. It sounds simple, but it is initiative like this that makes good service great.
Our experience was great; I will certainly recommend Chad and his team to any one who asks. And, the next time I host an event in the area, I know who will be my first call!

We recently used this wonderful catering company during a five-​day family reunion in a small timeshare we had completely taken over. They supplied us with breakfast every morning, with no repeats in menu, truly delicious early morning fare. They also provided us with a wonderful BBQ on the first night, again superbly executed and presented. The staff was friendly and attentive. We highly recommend this fine provider of quality food and good service.

They were awesome! The caterers were so friendly and so sweet! They made us a menu with a stand that spins (which I believe they left it behind), and the food was great! We had a bachelorette party and they served 16 girls total. The grilled vegetables and celebration rice were awesome! We also had miso cod and filet mignon skewers. To top it all off, he made cupcakes as well, red velvet as the bride had requested. Their service was really the best part and everything turned out great! I would definitely recommend them,.

Wow! I used Chad and his amazing team for a film catering job recently. They were absolute rockstars! My entire cast and crew would count down the minutes until lunch. Great quality food, diverse and unique menu and the Dash staff made us feel special every single day. Not to mention the desserts! Absolutely delicious. Highly recommend Dash and Handful. My entire cast and crew said everyday that this was the best catering they’ve ever had. I feel lucky to have done business with Dash. Thanks Chad!
Max Topplin

Chad and Miguel put together a 40^th anniversary celebration weekend for us and 14 of our closest friends! We rented a fabulous house in Rancho Mirage and we wanted simply to hang out and enjoy each others company.
From menu planning, help with the rental house, rental supplies, ice (lots of ice!) and, of course, all the food, their service was top notch. Their hard work paid off to make this event a success! Everything went off without a hitch, all our guests loved it! The food was fabulous and plentiful!
Our server for both dinners was Geri; she was the best thing to happen to our celebration! She was efficient, helpful, and fun! An enjoyable time was had bay all!
I highly recommend them for small, intimate affairs such as this. They were easy to work with, very responsive to our desires and needs, and made our whole weekend a joy.

We used Dash & A Handful for our wedding at the end of March.
Chad and his staff were highly professional, courteous, very well organized, & easy to work with.
He was very accessible and amenable to discuss all details of our wedding preparations.
He was also instrumental in helping select and coordinate the various different vendors (florist, rental company, etc.)
At the wedding everyone had a great time and Chad’s team made it all come together with seemingly effortless grace.
Last but not least, the food on our wedding day was deliciously composed and delightfully plated.
All promises and expectations were delivered and exceeded.
We fully recommend Chad and all his staff at Dash and A Handful.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We had our holiday Party for 160ppl in Palm Springs in December and Chad and his team catered the event. They were Amazing from start to finish!
Chad is very responsive and accessible which is important when you are planning events and juggling other tasks as well. I love when I get fast responses to emails and he was an expert at that:)
He created an entirely new menu for our themed event, worked with the rental company and florist on orders and drove to us for a tasting that we had requested! He didn’t send a No # 2!
The food was delicious and his staff were organized and service oriented!
We plan on using Dash and Handful catering for any events we have in Palm Springs and I would recommend his services to everyone!

It was wonderful enlisting the help of Chef Chad at Dash and a Handful Catering during our stay in Palm Springs.
My family rented a house for a week and we all agreed that the highlight was having these nice folks come in one night to prepare dinner for our party of 6. They treated us like royalty and the food was amazing. I was really impressed when I requested a cocktail that Chad had never made before. In a second he was on his phone getting the recipe and had the cocktails made in a jiffy (they were delicious I might add).
Highly, highly recommend!

I don’t write many reviews, but after working with Chad and his team this weekend, I wanted to make a point to leave a review here for anyone else like me looking for catering services in Palm Springs.
Chad and his crew were utmost professionals, and very pleasant to work with the last few weeks.
A bit of context: my husband and I rented out the Skylark Hotel near downtown for 3 days for approximately 100+ family and friends to celebrate our recent marriage. We live in SF so had to do all the planning from afar. For two of the meals — including our main bash on Saturday night — we decided to go with Chad and thank goodness we did.
We worked together on a detailed and custom menu for a brunch (e.g., omelette bar, smoked fish station, bagels, pastries, etc) and dinner (e.g., 5 food stations including raw bar, cheese & crudités, mac-​n-​cheese station, skewers, desserts, and more). I was most impressed with the preparation, the attention to detail, the presentation of the food and the overall service. His staff was totally on top of it and really took ownership of it all. Chad and his crew also oversaw the rentals of our lighting, china, glassware, tables, etc so were very involved in ensuring the quality of the overall look and feel.
Thanks Chad to you and your staff. You all helped to make our weekend what it was. We got so many compliments on the food and the setup. Would recommend Dash and a Handful to anyone looking for catering services in the Palm Springs area and beyond.

You know when something you love gets even better? I LOVE Dash and a Handful catering. Their food is always delicious and their service is above and beyond. So, when I found out that they were now offering wedding cakes. I knew immediately that I would order my anniversary cake from them. The cake was beautiful! I described to them how I wanted it designed and it exceeded my expectations. The cake was moist and the filling was decadent. I now have another awesome reason to recommend them to my friends and family! If you are thinking of a great option for your wedding cake or special occasion cake, you will be more than pleased when you choose Dash and a Handful catering! Thank you Chad, and Dash and a Handful for ALWAYS going above and beyond!

About to eat Porcheta, Gruyère & Manchego Macaroni & Cheese & Yellow Beets… so amazing! The flavors of this meal are incredibly delicious & compliment each other so well. If you haven’t stopped by, you’re missing out!

I cannot say enough amazing things about Chad. I reached out to multiple private chefs with the same idea: My husband and I (who are both big food and wine lovers) wanted to do a multi-​course tasting menu paired with wines for 25 people at our home to celebrate our 10^th anniversary. Chad was the only one who completely understood what were looking for. He worked with us to create the perfect menu based on what kind of wines we were going to serve and then, after we chose the final wine selections, we worked with him to tweak the menu.
He graciously handled ordering everything from Classic Party Rentals, so other than approve the final list and pay that bill, I didn’t have to get involved at all. He made himself available in the months leading up to the dinner to take our calls, answer questions, and make any last-​minute changes to the menu.
As for the night itself, everything was amazing. The dinner was spectacular, his food was delicious and each course was executed perfectly. Chad’s staff worked non-​stop throughout the night, setting up, serving, cooking, and cleaning up so we didn’t have to do anything.
Our guests were beyond impressed with every single aspect. Chad made our anniversary dinner truly special. I would hire him and his company again in a heartbeat.