Alta Loma and the foothill lots
On the north side of the city, Alta Loma climbs toward the mountains, and many backyards come with a view of Cucamonga Peak and a slope to match. Terraced yards and hillside patios look great for a party, but each station needs one level, open spot about 12 × 8 ft, which holds the grill and the guests seated on three sides. A flat upper patio, a pool deck or the driveway usually works better than the lawn.
Hillside homes often mean steps between the street and the backyard. Tell us how many stairs there are, how wide the side gate is and whether there is an easier way in, and the team will plan how to carry the grill in. Many of these yards look out over the valley, so a dinner timed for sunset is worth the planning.
Etiwanda, Terra Vista and the newer neighborhoods
Etiwanda and the newer neighborhoods on the east side are full of families, and the party calendar follows the schools: graduations for Etiwanda, Los Osos, Rancho Cucamonga and Alta Loma high schools, team banquets in spring, and birthdays all summer. These homes usually come with an HOA, so check its rules on street parking and backyard cooking, and save the driveway for our team to unload.
Around Terra Vista and Victoria Gardens, yards are smaller and houses closer together. A hibachi station still fits on most patios; just keep the grill clear of fences, eaves and the neighbor’s trees, and give your neighbors a heads-up if the party will run into the evening.
Rancho Cucamonga is also a place people work. For teams in the office and industrial parks along Haven Avenue and Arrow Route, a hibachi lunch on a patio or in a section of the parking lot, with the property manager’s approval, is a welcome change from catered trays.
Foothill winds and weather
Rancho Cucamonga is known for strong Santa Ana winds, especially close to the foothills. On a gusty day the chef keeps the flames low and focuses on the cooking and the knife tricks, because a big fire show is not safe in strong wind. Check the forecast the day before, choose a spot sheltered by the house, and secure umbrellas, canopies and tablecloths.
Summer afternoons are hot, but foothill evenings cool off nicely, which makes a sunset dinner a good plan from May through October. Winter nights can drop into the 40s, so have heaters or a covered patio ready. If it rains, a canopy can cover the guests, and the chef cooks under a covered patio, carport or open garage with good ventilation.
