The Coachella Valley is home to some of the most spectacular private estates in California — mid-century masterpieces, desert compounds, and luxury retreats that have hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to A-list celebrities. These properties don’t just make great vacation rentals — they make legendary event venues. And Big Smoke BBQ makes the food legendary to match.
Top Private Estates in the Coachella Valley
Twin Palms Estate, Palm Springs
Designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1947 for Frank Sinatra, Twin Palms is a mid-century icon. The famous piano-shaped swimming pool, period furnishings, and Hollywood history make this one of the most sought-after event properties in the desert. Host a dinner here and you’re hosting it in one of the most storied private homes in American pop culture.
The Kaufmann Desert House, Palm Springs
Designed by Richard Neutra in 1946, the Kaufmann House is one of the most photographed residential buildings in the world. Clean lines, glass walls, and the San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop — a perfect setting for intimate, design-forward events.
The Dinah Shore Estate, Palm Springs
This 1964 property — where Marlon Brando, Cary Grant, and the Rat Pack gathered — is a piece of living history. Available for private events and filming, it offers the kind of authenticity no hotel can manufacture.
Sunnylands, Rancho Mirage
The estate of Walter and Leonore Annenberg has hosted every US President since Eisenhower and earned the nickname “Camp David of the West.” The gardens alone are worth the trip — and private events here carry a gravitas unlike anywhere else in the Valley.
Private Villas & Estates Throughout La Quinta, Indian Wells & Rancho Mirage
The Valley has dozens of private estates available for events — from intimate 4-bedroom compounds to sprawling 10-acre properties with guest houses, tennis courts, and resort-quality pools. If you know where to look, the options are extraordinary.
Big Smoke BBQ — Catering the Valley’s Finest Estates
Big Smoke has catered events at private estates, vacation rentals, and exclusive venues across the Coachella Valley. We bring slow-smoked BBQ, surf & turf, and elevated cookout menus that live up to the setting — delivered on time, executed perfectly.
See all our catering options: Coachella Festival · Stagecoach · Bachelorette Parties · Palm Springs Venues
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
Full 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
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
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
Full Brunch Menu or call (760) 531-6060
Book Your Catering Today
Big Smoke serves events across the Coachella Valley — 5 to 250+ guests. Drop-off catering, full-service setup, bartending, and vacation rental stocking all available.
Call (760) 531-6060 or get a free quote online.
More catering options: Stagecoach · Coachella · AMEX Golf · Bachelorette Parties · Bachelor Parties
