Every Table Has a Story
Chef DJ Mendivel is a Personal Chef renowned for delivering exceptional experiences tailored to individual preferences. With a strong emphasis on family and community, he recognizes the profound role of food in bringing people together and nurturing relationships. Offering a diverse array services, Chef DJ meticulously curates personalized menus that emphasize the delight of communal dining, using locally ingredients guided by the seasons. His unwavering commitment to outstanding service and culinary occasions positions him as the premier choice for your next event.
Our Story — "No, I don't want my culture to die with me!"
When my grandfather, Domingo Paul Mendivel del Hoyo, was in the late stages of cancer, he asked me to trim nopales — cactus paddles. I kept cutting away too much, and my tía gently offered to take the knife so they wouldn't go to waste. My grandfather began to cry: "No, I don't want my culture to die with me!" He wanted me to hold the knife and learn the craft myself. From leading restaurant kitchens like Mangia and Brûlée on the Oregon Coast to serving families, vacation homes, and events all over Oregon — and volunteering with Family Promise — that lesson guides everything I do: cook with intention, stay humble, and pass the knowledge on.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where do you serve?
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Bend, Redmond, Sunriver and surrounding Central Oregon communities.
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Are menus customizable?
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Yes. Menus are planned around your occasion, preferences and dietary needs.
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Can you accommodate allergies?
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Often, with advance notice. Final accommodations are confirmed before booking.
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Are dates guaranteed?
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No. All services are subject to availability and seasonality. Menus and substitutions may change at the chef’s discretion.
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What is the deposit policy?
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Deposits are non-refundable unless Chef Mendivel cancels, but may be transferred to a future service.
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Do you cook in vacation rentals?
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Yes, when the property permits it and the kitchen is suitable.
What Our Guests Say — 5.0★ Across Multiple Platforms
Google 5.0, 4 reviews. Robert Heater, Family & Friends Dinner: “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... oh and they did the dishes too.” Rebecca Daniels, Repeat Family Host: “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 and family. Not only fabulous meals, he's a pleasure to have in our home.” Quinten M., Custom Plant-Based Dinner: “5 star rating. Thank you for the awesome vegan meal experience. This chef is great. I would recommend this man to anyone!” Verified 5.0★ Guests Across Multiple Platforms (Tess, Matt, Bailey, Anne, Julia & Starr): “Booked Chef D.J. for our group stay in Oregon—every course was restaurant-caliber, timed to perfection, and he left the kitchen cleaner than when he arrived.”
Chef D.J. Mendivel
French technique. Mexican influence. Warm hospitality.
Chef D.J. Mendivel creates seasonal dining experiences across Central Oregon, pairing French technique with Mexican influence and warm, personal hospitality. Every table is planned with care—from intimate tasting menus and immersive celebrations to inclusive cooking experiences.
