The clock read 4:37 PM when my best friend Jess texted: “Running late, be there by 6!” I stared at my bare backyard no decorations, no food, just an empty patio and a sinking feeling. Jess’s 35th birthday party was supposed to be a low-key wine night, but last-minute guilt had me scrambling for something special. That’s when I discovered hibachi catering San Diego could save the day with just one hour to spare.
4:42 PM – The Panicked Google Search
Frantically typing “San Diego hibachi at home last-minute”, I expected nothing. Then miracle a little-known company called Coastal Hibachi Express answered my call.
“We’ve got a chef available at 5:30,” the manager said. “But you’ll need to handle setup.”
I had:
1. A backyard (messy, but functional)
2. A folding table (slightly wobbly)
3. Zero clue how this would work
“Done,” I said.
5:02 PM – The Mad Dash Setup
With 58 minutes left, I:
Cleared Space – Shoved lawn chairs aside, creating a “dining area” (i.e., a circle of patio cushions)
DIY Decor – Strands of Christmas lights (still up from December) became “romantic ambiance”
Beverage Station – A kiddie pool filled with ice became the wine cooler (classy)
Pro Tip: Hibachi chefs bring their own grill just give them a 10×10 ft space and a power outlet.
5:29 PM – Chef Marco Arrives
A white van screeched into my driveway. Out stepped Chef Marco, rolling a stainless steel grill like it was no big deal. “We do this all the time,” he laughed, assessing my chaotic setup.
In 10 minutes flat, he:
Transformed my rickety table into a teppanyaki stage
Arranged ingredients with razor precision
Lit the grill with a whoosh of blue flames
Jess would arrive in 20 minutes. The countdown was on.
5:51 PM – The Show Begins
Jess walked into the backyard to find:
A Flying Egg Trick – Marco cracked an egg one-handed, yolking it mid-air onto the grill
Shrimp Roulette – “Think fast!” he yelled, flicking shellfish at guests. (My sister caught it in her wine glass.)
Onion Volcano Eruption – Flames shot three feet high, illuminating our shocked faces
The menu was simple but killer:
Filet Mignon Bites – Seared in garlic butter, melt-in-your-mouth tender
Scallops with Yuzu Kosho – Citrusy, spicy, gone in 60 seconds
“Emergency” Fried Rice – Marco’s genius throw-together with leftover kimchi and bacon
Pro Tip: Even last-minute, chefs can improvise with what you have. (Thank God for my Costco frozen scallops.)
6:22 PM – The Grand Finale
For Jess’s birthday “cake,” Marco:
Sculpted fried rice into a heart
Stuck a candle in a lemon wedge (my pantry was bare)
Sang Happy Birthday while juggling two spatulas
Jess cried. Actual tears.
Why This Beat Any Restaurant
Zero Planning Stress – No reservations, no group orders, no waiting
Built-In Entertainment – No awkward lulls in conversation
Instagram Gold – That volcano video got 200+ likes
Total Cost: Less than our usual fancy dinner out.
Total Time From Booking to First Bite: 63 minutes.
How to Pull It Off
Bookmark “hibachi catering San Diego” NOW (you’ll thank me later)
Keep these on hand:
A cleared outdoor space
Ice/wine (critical)
A phone charger (for filming the madness)
As we sat around the fire pit later, Jess squeezed my arm. “This was the most ‘me’ party ever.” High praise from a woman whose ideal birthday usually involves spa days.
