Private dinners for small gatherings—thoughtful, seasonal, and a little different.

Usually Unusual, by Andrew Ellis, grew out of years spent cooking in very different places—from structured kitchens to more unconventional settings, including time as a tenzo (head cook) in a Zen monastery.

That experience shaped a way of cooking that values attention, adaptability, and a respect for both tradition and change.

Today, Usually Unusual offers private dining for small groups, with menus that draw from a range of influences and are tailored to each gathering. The result is food that feels grounded, but never routine—meals that are familiar in parts, and unexpected in others.

Dinners are typically priced per guest, with a minimum event investment of $1500.

Most experiences range from $150–$250 per person depending on menu and group size.