Private Chef & Culinary Experiences in Central Oregon
Seasonal private dining, immersive dinners and inclusive culinary experiences—created by Chef D.J. Mendivel for homes and gatherings across Bend, Redmond and Central Oregon.
Choose the experience that fits your table: an intimate dinner, a five-course tasting menu, a murder mystery, a kids’ event, an inclusive cooking class or The Table supper club.
For aspiring young cooks, the six-week Young Chef Mentorship builds professional kitchen skills, confidence and independence through private instruction.
Tell me your date, guest count and what you are imagining. I’ll reply with a clear next step and a custom proposal.
Our Services
01.Private Dining
Restaurant-level private dining in your home for up to 12 guests. Choose plated or family-style service; every seasonal menu is tailored to your occasion, preferences and dietary needs.
02.Events & Dinner Options
Flexible chef-led dining for celebrations, retreats and gatherings of 12 to 50 guests. Choose plated, family-style or cocktail-forward service, built around the season and the pace of your event.
03.Seasonal Tasting Menu
A five-course menu shaped by the season and the best available local ingredients. One thoughtful menu is served to the entire table, with allergy adaptations discussed before booking.
04.Murder Mystery Dinners
An immersive dinner for up to 12 guests, pairing a themed multi-course menu with characters, clues and guided storytelling. You host the guests; Chef Mendivel designs the evening.
05.Grace at the Table
Inclusive, hands-on cooking experiences designed around each guest’s comfort, communication and sensory needs. Available for individuals, families and small groups of up to six.
06.Kids’ Parties & Culinary Events
Hands-on cooking parties and food-themed celebrations for up to 24 children. Age, menu, theme and participation level are tailored so every guest can join in confidently.
07.Young Chef Mentorship
Six private weekly sessions for a young cook ready to build professional skills, kitchen confidence and independence. $975 plus the cost of ingredients.
08.The Table
A seasonal supper club limited to 12 guests. Each gathering pairs a thoughtful menu with shared conversation and relaxed hospitality—an intimate evening worth planning for.
Chef DJ Mendivel
Chef D.J. Mendivel is a Central Oregon Executive Chef known for experiential gastronomy, sensory‑inclusive dining, and immersive culinary storytelling. With years of experience running multiple restaurants — including his own — he has trained alongside Michelin‑star chefs, cooked for world leaders, and developed culinary contracts for the U.S. military. His philosophy is simple: cook with intention, stay humble, and feed anyone and everyone with respect and heart.
Chef Mendivel specializes in creating elevated, inclusive meals for all guests, including children and adults with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other conditions that require thoughtful culinary design. His work blends fine‑dining technique with the warmth of personal hospitality, shaped by a rich family heritage rooted in the Basque region, Scotland, and the ranchero traditions of his Mexican lineage.
Above all, Chef Mendivel is a father first. His four children inspire his creativity, his discipline, and his commitment to building meaningful experiences around the table. Whether he’s crafting a high‑desert tasting menu, leading an interactive kids’ culinary party, hosting a murder‑mystery dinner, or guiding guests through The Chronicle Historical Dining Experience, he brings the same dedication to quality, connection, and unforgettable flavor
Customer Reviews
Wow. While in Lincoln City visiting my cousin I was introduced to a new idea that would change the way we would “eat out” while on the coast. A personalized meal cooked for you in your own kitchen by a great chef. What a great evening watching Chef DJ and his wife, Sarah, create the best meal you could imagine for a great price. If your looking for an experience like no other, from the first bite to the last your not going to regret this evening at home with family and friends. Thanks Chef Mendivel for a wonderful experience, oh and they did the dishes too.Robert Heater 12/8/21
Robert Heater
Chef DJ, is just a gift. So thankful to have someone like him to help with entertaining. He has put on two wonderful dinners for us and our guests/family. Not only fabulous meals, he’s a pleasure to have in our home. Thank you.
Rebecca Daniels
I hired chef D J Mendivel for a small family gathering around the holidays and it couldn't of gone better. He arrived on time, was extremely professional and nice, cook some amazing foo, and cleaned everything before leaving for the night. I would highly recommend to anyone for a special occasion.12/29/21
Quinten M.
5 star rating. Thank you for the awesome vegan meal experience. This chef is great. I would recommend this man to anyone! 12/14/2021
Daniel C
We have worked with Chef DJ twice hosting private parties and couldn't be happier. Super easy to work with, great menu planning and the meals are outstanding. From the charcuterie to desert each bite gets better. He arrives on time, brings his own equipment and cleans the kitchen on the way out. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him or use his services again. You won't be disappointed.10/15/2021
Paul D
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