Sun Bum's Spooky Lunch

Encinitas, California | October 29, 2025

‍

Some events just glow from the moment you arrive. Sun Bum’s Halloween Lunch in Encinitas had that unmistakable spark—equal parts creativity, sunshine, and the kind of effortless fun that only happens when a team truly loves gathering together. Between the costumes, the laughter, and the fall-inspired buffet, this was one of those midweek moments that felt like a full-on celebration.

‍

And with Sun Bum being one of Southern California’s beloved premium lifestyle brands, we wanted every detail to reflect the same sense of quality and care they bring to their own work. The theme—SPF! Spirits, Potions, and Fangs—set the tone before the first dish even hit the table.

‍

A Halloween Buffet That Matched the Vibe

‍

For this event, we transformed Sun Bum’s outdoor deck into a double-sided buffet experience, framed with black linens, touches of Halloween décor, and a playful RIP tombstone that quickly became a photo-op favorite. The weather couldn’t have been more Southern California—bright sun, warm air, and plenty of space for people to mingle.

‍

Guests arrived in costumes ranging from undercover ghosts wearing wide-brimmed hats to shimmering goddesses, ‘80s throwback characters, and even a walking bottle of Sun Bum sunscreen. There was something wonderfully surreal about serving braised short ribs to a mad scientist one minute and to Hulk Hogan the next. These are the moments that make corporate holiday catering genuinely joyful—and they’re exactly the type of elevated experiences we love creating for teams.

‍

Seasonal Dishes Made for Sharing

‍

Our menu leaned into cozy autumn flavors—warm, comforting, and crafted to feed a crowd—while still feeling light and vibrant enough for a sunny day in Encinitas. Every dish was prepared with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, highlighting freshness, flavor, and the season’s best.

‍

Sides worth returning for

‍

• Pear, Arugula & Spinach Salad with aged cheese on the side
• Warm Delicata Squash & Brussels Sprouts (vegan)
• Truffle Mac & Cheese—the CEO’s must-have request

‍

Proteins that stole the show

‍

• Honey Mustard Sage Airline Chicken
• Red Wine–Braised Short Ribs with aromatic fall spices

‍

A vegan entrée designed with heart

‍

• Pumpkin & Red Lentil Stew simmered with spices, coconut milk, and toasted pepitas

‍

Dessert with a Halloween wink

‍

• Mezcal Maple Pecan Cheesecake Cups—smoky, sweet, and irresistible

‍

The short ribs disappeared quickly (with plenty of guests making “just checking” trips back to the buffet), and the truffle mac became its own conversation topic. You could feel the energy shift as people chatted over their plates, comparing favorites and sharing bites.

‍

Behind the Scenes: Building a Kitchen Anywhere

‍

Since the office didn’t have a full kitchen setup, we built our own pop-up workspace from the ground up—tents, prep tables, chafers, camp stoves, and all the behind-the-scenes essentials. It’s a dance we love, and our team moves through it with practiced ease.

‍

Events like this are exactly why companies throughout North County San Diego choose Chef Joann for their seasonal celebrations. We thrive in these flexible, outdoor, bring-the-kitchen-to-you environments—especially when working with teams who value great food and elevated experiences as much as we do.

‍

A Holiday Gathering to Remember

In the end, what made this event special wasn’t just the menu or the costumes. It was the feeling—the warmth of the team, the laughter drifting across the deck, the little moments that make a workplace feel like a community.

‍

We were honored to help bring Sun Bum’s Halloween tradition to life, and even more honored to craft a meal worthy of the premium lifestyle brand they’ve built.

‍

Planning a Corporate Celebration in San Diego?

‍

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween lunch, a winter holiday party, or a seasonal retreat, our team would love to help you create something memorable and easy for your team to enjoy.

‍

From custom menus to onsite cooking and meaningful dietary accommodations, we make gatherings feel effortless—and delicious.

‍

Great food brings people together. Great events give them something to remember.

‍