CHEF D.J. MENDIVEL
Private Chef & Culinary Experiences in Central Oregon
Experience the art of seasonal private dining, immersive dinners, and inclusive culinary offerings designed by Chef D.J. Mendivel for homes and gatherings throughout Bend, Redmond, and Central Oregon. Select the experience that best suits your occasion: an intimate dinner, a sophisticated five-course tasting menu, a captivating murder mystery, a children's event, an educational cooking class, or the esteemed Table supper club. For aspiring young chefs, the six-week Young Chef Mentorship program provides a unique opportunity to develop professional kitchen skills, confidence, and independence through tailored instruction. Please provide your desired date, guest count, and any specific ideas you have in mind, and I will respond with the next steps and a proposal.
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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