Led by Chief Culinary Officer Matthew Baker, Feast On This Culinary & Event Production is a San Diego catering powerhouse and a proud San Diego Tourism Authority member. As July brings Disability Pride Month, we talked with Baker, who is Deaf, about the inspirations behind the business, San Diego’s embrace of people with differing abilities, and his favorite local spots for dining and much more.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to launch Feast On This.
A: I was born and raised in Chicago, then moved to Los Angeles, finishing high school and college in California. My dad was passionate about cooking, and I grew up pushing a red wagon with a Cuisinart down the street to make dishes for my neighbors. Originally I thought about going into law or becoming an EMT — but being Deaf made those paths more complicated. In college, someone introduced me to the hospitality field, and I found my place in the kitchen, working behind the scenes. That sparked something. Over time, I saw my skills grow, and coming from a family where everyone either had a graduate degree or ran their own business, I felt it was my turn to build something of my own. That’s how Feast on This was born — equal parts passion, grit and creativity.
Q: What is your favorite dish on the menu? Any seasonal favorites?
A: That’s like asking me to choose my favorite child — it’s tough! But if I had to pick, I’d say our Thai BBQ chicken amuse-bouche holds a special place because it was one of our original 2000s recipes. Also, our short rib and jack cheese empanadas are always a hit, and the heirloom tomato caprese carving station experience is one of my personal showstoppers.
You really can’t make me pick just one! I love leaning into the ingredients each season brings:
- Winter is all about warm, comforting dishes.
- Spring brings fresh, light flavors — think lemon, blueberry, herbs.
- Summer is for BBQ fun and playful twists such as our build-your-own gelato floats.
- Fall? Give me all the figs, roasted butternut squash and earthy vibes — I’m there.
Q: How do you support or partner with local organizations, nonprofits or community groups to contribute to the well-being of the San Diego community?
A: I truly love being part of the San Diego community and giving back when I can. I served as Chairman of the Board for Deaf Community Services of San Diego for six years. During that time, the organization was going through some serious challenges. I knew we needed a bold approach to turn things around, so I thought outside the box — we brought back several of the original founders to rejoin the board. Their insight, historical knowledge and deep love for the mission helped guide us through the restructuring process, and it ended up being one of the best decisions we made. Together, we brought the organization back into a healthy, stable, and profitable place. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
These days, I continue to support local nonprofits and galas, especially through our work as preferred caterers at many of San Diego’s cultural venues, including the San Diego Natural History Museum, WNDR Museum, the Birch Aquarium and more. Whether it’s a fundraising gala, museum benefit or community gathering, we’re proud to show up with excellent food and a strong team that helps these events shine.
People often tell me I’m a great connector in the community, which I take to heart. I’ve had the privilege of building relationships across so many sectors — from nonprofits and creatives to event planners and corporate leaders — and I love helping bridge those communities. There’s something really special about watching people collaborate, support each other and grow stronger together.
Q: What are a few of your local favorites within your neighborhood? And if someone wanted to partner with your business, what are a few surrounding things that would be interesting to do?
A: From where I live in Scripps Ranch — a small community just outside central San Diego — it truly feels like country living in the best way. We’re surrounded by eucalyptus trees, it’s quiet and peaceful, and neighbors still wave to each other. It’s a vibe. I love the summer monthly concerts in the park — such a great way to gather with friends and the community. When it comes to local spots, I love supporting Junction Bar & Grill — it’s a great neighborhood hangout with good food and friendly people. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in and feel as though everyone knows each other, which is rare these days.
Q: What are some of your favorite Deaf- or disabled-owned businesses or places that you love to support in San Diego?
A: I always love supporting Deaf-owned and disability-owned businesses whenever I can. In San Diego, there unfortunately aren’t many Deaf-owned storefronts, but one long-standing and impactful company is DawnSignPress, which publishes ASL books and educational materials — they’ve been an incredible resource for the community for decades.
The San Diego Zoo has always been one of my favorite places — not just because it’s iconic, but because they’ve made accessibility a real priority. It’s a space that everyone, especially families with kids, can enjoy without barriers.
I also try to support events and organizations that advocate for accessibility and inclusion, like Deaf Community Services of San Diego and Disability Rights California, which do amazing work locally.
One thing I love about San Diego is how many people seem to have taken ASL in school. I’m constantly surprised — in the best way — by how often people will start signing with me at coffee shops, restaurants or even museums. It’s those everyday interactions that remind me how far we’ve come in building awareness and inclusion. The community here is strong, and while we still have room to grow, those moments give me hope.
Q: If someone were coming to San Diego for the first time, what would you tell them to do? (Besides hire Feast On This, of course!)
A: I’d tell them to explore all the unique pockets that make San Diego feel like 12 cities in one. Check out the iconic neighborhood signs — whether it’s the neon lights of Hillcrest and North Park or the coastal charm of Del Mar and Coronado. Each area has its own personality and story. For beach lovers, you can’t go wrong with La Jolla, Coronado or Del Mar. They’re postcard-perfect and each offers something special — whether it’s tidepools, historic hotels or just a peaceful shoreline. And one of my hidden gems? Miramar Lake. It’s perfect for a morning walk, a quiet workout, or even just to visit the ducks and clear your head.
Q: What do you think would most surprise a newcomer to San Diego?
A: Most people expect the beaches and sunshine, but what surprises them is how incredibly diverse the city is. Each neighborhood feels like its own little world — North Park, Little Italy, Barrio Logan, La Jolla. Each has its own vibe, personality and pride.
San Diego also has this amazing mix of military history, biotech, the arts and small-business culture all woven together. And yes, it’s sunny most of the time — but locals will absolutely still complain when it drops below 65°F! What I love most is how clean the city is, and how much people care about their neighborhoods and each other. There’s a strong sense of community here — people show up for one another, and that’s something you don’t always expect in a big city.
Q: Looking forward, what makes you excited about growing your business in San Diego? And do you have any new events or experiences that would be great for returning visitors?
A: I’m excited because San Diego continues to evolve, and so does the food and events scene. People are looking for more curated, thoughtful experiences — not just food, but moments that feel personal, creative and joyful. That’s where we thrive.
We’ve built strong relationships with iconic venues, amazing nonprofit partners and some pretty cool luxury brands. But what really keeps me going is the chance to constantly reinvent — new menus, new event formats, new ways to surprise people.
It’s also been really cool to work with international clients — our most recent project was with a production company from Mexico City. They came to San Diego and brought a global vision, and collaborating with them felt as though we were part of something much bigger than just one event. That kind of cross-border creative energy is what keeps things exciting.
We’ve had the opportunity to welcome clients and partners from Slovakia, South America, Taiwan and beyond. It’s been an amazing experience helping our team learn about and respect different cultures— everything from food traditions to service expectations. That’s what makes us love our job even more.
We’ve also done some unforgettable mitzvah events lately — full of meaning, joy and bold ideas that challenge us to be better every time.
San Diego’s a place where innovation meets community. The mix of laid-back lifestyle and professional ambition is rare, and I love that Feast on This gets to be part of celebrating that, from weddings to galas to pop-ups.
We’ve also invested heavily in training our team and giving them growth opportunities. Seeing them shine in front of clients and feel proud of their work? That’s the real win.
Q: And how would you say San Diego welcomes the disabled community?
A: San Diego has made great strides in becoming more inclusive and welcoming to the disabled community. You can see it in the number of accessible public spaces, ADA-friendly venues and community-led initiatives that create opportunities and visibility for people of all abilities.
As a Deaf business owner, I’ve personally felt a lot of support — not just lip service, but real action. From interpreters at industry events to clients being thoughtful about inclusion, it’s clear people are trying. That said, there’s always room to grow, especially in terms of education and normalizing accessibility as a standard, not a bonus.
I think the biggest strength San Diego has is its people. There’s a sense of care here. Whether it’s at the beach, a local event or in business meetings, people tend to look out for each other. That kind of human kindness goes a long way in making someone feel as if they belong — no matter their background or abilities.