07/06/2026
Chef Jens was just named Local Hero Best Chef Albuquerque by Edible New Mexico!
Chef Jens Smith, Executive Chef, Farm & Table is someone who walks the walk. He has immersed himself in Farm & Table’s philosophy by creating an ever-changing menu that is rooted in local ingredients while showcasing remarkable creativity. His menus highlight the bounty of New Mexico’s farms and ranches—local beef, pork, and poultry; seasonal produce, and regional grains while incorporating inventive techniques such as fermentation, dehydration, and preserving.
For the past five years as Executive Chef, Jens has led Farm & Table with integrity, passion, and commitment to sustainability. He sources 90% of the ingredients within a 300-mile watershed area, collaborating closely with local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans to create seasonal dishes that reflect New Mexico’s unique terroir. His menus also feature ingredients grown on our on-site farm, including jujubes, sumac, Jerusalem artichokes, golden currants, and fruits such as native plum, quince, and nanking cherry, and other perennial crops—each used with intention and creativity.
Chef Jens holds great respect for the producers who make his work possible, and he mentors his kitchen team in these same philosophies—teaching not only technique but the deeper values of integrity, stewardship, and joy of the craft. Under his leadership, Farm & Table’s cuisine continues to evolve, balancing innovation with reverence for the region’s agricultural legacy.
Through his leadership, creativity, and integrity, Chef Jens Smith has helped to shape Albuquerque’s food scene and inspire a more connected, sustainable, and forward-thinking food culture.
Congratulations Chef. This honor is well deserved!
