Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about personal chef services in Albuquerque, including meal prep, private dining, and cooking lessons with The Unseen Chef.
How does The Unseen Chef meal prep work?
Each week, Chef John posts a rotating menu of prepared meals, breakfasts, grab-and-go items, and occasional desserts. You order what you want, choose portions, and pick up during the posted pickup windows. Limited delivery may be available in the NE Heights.
Are the meals custom?
The weekly menu is set, but many items can be adjusted when possible. If you have strong preferences, allergies, or dietary needs, leave a note with your order or reach out by text, phone, or email before ordering so Chef John can confirm what can be accommodated.
What if I want something made specifically for me or my family?
Just ask. The weekly menu is the easiest option, but it isn't the only option. You can reach out by text, phone, or email if you want something more custom. Over the years Chef John has built menus around athletes, busy families, medical dietary restrictions, favorite family recipes, and foods people discovered on vacation and couldn't stop thinking about. If you have a goal, an idea, or a problem that can be solved with food, there's a good chance he can help.
Where are the meals prepared?
Meals are prepared in The Unseen Chef commercial kitchen in Albuquerque, then packaged for pickup or limited delivery.
Do you offer catering and private dining?
Yes. The Unseen Chef offers catering, private dining, and special event menus depending on availability, guest count, service style, and menu needs.
Do you cater parties or special events?
Yes. The Unseen Chef offers catering for everything from casual family gatherings to business lunches, holiday parties, and special celebrations. Every event is different, so the easiest way to get started is to reach out by text, phone, or email to discuss your menu, guest count, and budget.
Can you cook for a private dinner or special occasion?
Absolutely. Whether you're planning an anniversary dinner, birthday, small dinner party, or another special occasion, Chef John can often create a customized dining experience. Reach out to discuss your ideas and availability.
Can I host an event at The Unseen Chef studio?
In many cases, yes. The studio is available for small private dinners, tasting events, cooking classes, business meetings, and other gatherings. Contact Chef John with your group size and what you're planning, and together you'll determine whether the space is a good fit.
I'm a chef in Albuquerque. Can I use your kitchen?
Maybe! I enjoy helping other chefs create memorable experiences. If you're planning a private dinner, pop-up, class, or another interesting food event, let's talk. Every situation is different, and approval depends on licensing, scheduling, insurance, what you're planning, and how much support you'll need. If it sounds like a good fit, I'd love to help make it happen.
Can you deliver food to my hotel or Airbnb?
Often, yes. If you're visiting Albuquerque and would like chef-prepared meals delivered to your hotel, Airbnb, or vacation rental, contact Chef John before ordering. Delivery depends on your location and schedule, but accommodations can often be made.
Do you teach cooking classes?
Yes. Classes range from hands-on group workshops at The Unseen Chef studio to private lessons tailored to your interests. Some classes focus on specific dishes, while others focus on techniques, cuisines, or building confidence in the kitchen. The goal is not just following a recipe, but understanding why the food works.
Can I book a private cooking class?
Absolutely. Private classes can be built around nearly any topic, cuisine, skill level, or menu. Whether you want to learn knife skills, master a favorite family recipe, explore a new cuisine, host a date night, or organize a group activity, classes can be held wherever there is a stove, a counter, and enough room to cook.
What can I learn in a cooking class?
Nearly anything. Over the years classes have covered bread, pasta, knife skills, sauces, dumplings, tamales, pastry, chile rellenos, and the proper care and feeding of cast iron. If there is a dish, technique, cuisine, or culinary mystery that has been bothering you, there is a good chance Chef John can help. Thirty-one years in professional kitchens have accumulated a great deal of knowledge, and kitchens have always been more willing to share their secrets than wizards.
Do you accommodate allergies or special diets?
Chef John can often accommodate preferences and some dietary restrictions, but The Unseen Chef is not an allergen-free or gluten-free kitchen. Please ask before ordering if you have a serious allergy or medical dietary need.
How much do meals cost?
Most weekly entrée portions are $16. Breakfast items are usually $11, grab-and-go items are usually $13, and desserts vary by item. Premium proteins or special items may cost more.
How far in advance should I order?
Order deadlines are posted with each weekly menu. Ordering earlier helps with planning, purchasing, and making sure the items you want are available.
Do you deliver?
Pickup is the main option. Limited delivery may be available in the NE Heights depending on the day, schedule, and order details.
What is the secret to good cooking?
Most culinary secrets turn out to be less secret than advertised. Taste your food. Use enough salt. Be patient. Read the recipe before setting it or anything else on fire. The rest is mostly practice.
Have you learned any secrets after 31 years in professional kitchens?
Several. Most of them are disappointingly practical. Sharp knives work better than dull ones. Butter improves morale. People are happier when they know dinner is handled. And every kitchen contains at least one mystery that nobody can explain, usually involving a missing utensil.
I don't see exactly what I'm looking for. Can I ask anyway?
Please do. Many of Chef John's favorite projects started with a simple conversation. Whether you need meal prep for a unique diet, food for an event, a cooking class, a family recipe recreated, or something completely different, reach out by text, phone, or email. If it can be solved with great food, there's a good chance The Unseen Chef can help.
Still have questions?
Every client, family, event, and cooking project is a little different. If you don't see your question here, reach out and ask.
Contact The Unseen Chef