The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert is one of the most unique event venues in Southern California. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, it’s home to rare desert wildlife, botanical gardens, and flexible indoor/outdoor event spaces that guests genuinely love. Whether you’re hosting a corporate gathering, wedding reception, or private celebration here, you need catering that matches the setting.
Big Smoke Trailers specializes in drop-off catering near The Living Desert and throughout Palm Desert and the greater Coachella Valley. From slow-smoked BBQ brisket to surf & turf spreads and brunch setups, we deliver restaurant-quality food directly to your event — no fuss, no stress. We’ve catered everything from intimate 10-person dinners to 250-person blowouts in the Valley.
Planning a bigger event? Check out our guide to the best Palm Desert event venues or our Stagecoach catering page for festival-style service options.
Our Catering Menus
Authentic BBQ
Appetizers: Southern Smoked Sliders · Hickory Bacon Wrapped Dates · Deviled Egg Flights · Smoked Jalapeño Poppers · Cowboy Charcuterie Board · Smoked Chicken Salads
Entrees: BBQ Sandwiches · BBQ Baked Potato · Big Smoked Wings · Big Smoke Bowls
BBQ By The Lb: Big Smoke Brisket · Smoked Sausage · Real Deal Ribs · Pulled Pork · Smoked Pulled Chicken
Sides: Baked Beans · Baked Potatoes · Coleslaw · Mashed Potatoes · Mac n Cheese · Sweet Potatoes
Get the Full Authentic BBQ Menu or call (760) 531-6060
American Cookout
Appetizers: Deviled Egg Flights · Big Smoked Wings · Smoked Jalapeño Poppers · Cowboy Charcuterie Board · Hickory Bacon Wrapped Dates
Entrees: Grilled Tri-Tip Burgers · Big Smoke Bratwurst · Big Smoked Wings · Whole Tri-Tip
Sides: Baked Beans · Baked Potatoes · Coleslaw · Mashed Potatoes · Mac n Cheese · Sweet Potatoes · Grilled Veggies
Get the Full Cookout Menu or call (760) 531-6060
Surf & Turf
Appetizers: Surf & Turf Skewers · Crab Stuffed Mushrooms · Shrimp Cocktail · Lobster Bisque Shots
Entrees: Lobster Tails · King Crab Legs · Grilled Filet Mignon · Surf & Turf Combos
Sides: Garlic Mashed Potatoes · Grilled Asparagus · Roasted Corn · Caesar Salad
Get the Full Surf & Turf Menu or call (760) 531-6060
Authentic Brunch
Appetizers: Smoked Salmon Bites · Mini Quiches · Fruit Skewers · Mimosa Bar Setup
Entrees: Smoked Brisket Benedict · BBQ Breakfast Bowls · Chicken & Waffles · Smoked Breakfast Burrito
Sides: Hash Browns · Fresh Fruit · Pastry Basket · Yogurt Parfaits
Get the Full Brunch Menu or call (760) 531-6060
Book Your Catering Today
Big Smoke serves events of all sizes across the Coachella Valley — from intimate gatherings of 5 to large-scale celebrations of 250+. Drop-off catering, full-service setup, bartending, and vacation rental stocking all available.
Call us at (760) 531-6060 or request a free quote online. We’ll get back to you fast.
Also check out our catering for other Valley events: Stagecoach Festival · Coachella Festival · AMEX Golf Tournament · Bachelorette Parties · Bachelor Parties