Some of the best menu items aren’t born in a brainstorming meeting—they happen when creativity meets leftovers. At All Occasions Catering, we’ve found that kitchen magic often starts when chefs start to play. What begins as an off-the-cuff experiment or a way to reduce waste can turn into something unforgettable. Here are three of our favorite dishes that went from “what if” to full-time menu stars.
Mac & Cheese Bites – A Happy Accident
It all started with too much mac and cheese. After prepping for a large event, our team realized we had way more of the cheesy classic than we needed. Rather than letting it go to waste, one of our chefs asked, “Why don’t we try making our own mac and cheese bites?” Challenge accepted. A few test batches later, we had a crispy, golden, bite-sized version of everyone’s favorite comfort food. Today, they’re a go-to favorite on our appetizer menu—and often the first tray to empty at events.
Short Rib Crostini – From Main Dish to Star Starter
While preparing beef short ribs for a formal dinner, one of our chefs had a lightbulb moment. The ribs were fall-apart tender, and he saw potential beyond the plated entrée. He topped toasted crostini with the rich short rib meat, added a layer of melty cheese, and passed it around for a quick team taste test. The reaction? Immediate approval. This savory, satisfying bite has since become one of our most-requested hors d’oeuvres.
Brisket Trim Tacos & Chili – Nothing Goes to Waste
Great food doesn’t just come from premium cuts—it comes from smart, flavorful use of everything. While trimming brisket for a catering order, one of our chefs asked, “What if we turned the trim into tacos?” A quick test run led to smoky, savory brisket tacos that packed serious flavor. Not stopping there, we took some of the extra brisket pieces and created a slow-simmered chili that quickly won fans around the office. Both are now part of our rotating specials—and proof that a little creativity goes a long way.
From Idea to Icon
These dishes are more than menu items—they’re reminders of what happens when our team experiments, plays, and makes the most of every ingredient. Our chefs aren’t just cooks—they’re problem-solvers, artists, and innovators. And we love that our guests get to taste the results.
Have a favorite dish or want to try something new for your next event? We’re always cooking up something fresh—sometimes by accident, always with passion.