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Joined February 2025
Chef Nathan was an excellent choice for our private dinner at a short-term rental in La Jolla! Nathan and his team pulled off a great, multi-course plated dinner for our bachelorette group of seven. The theme was "off the market" and the menu matched that perfectly. Amazing produce, beautiful presentation. Nathan was so helpful during the menu development, suggesting surf and turf for our entree, which was an epic surprise for the bride. We really appreciated the lengths they went to source the fish. We were a persnickety group with many preferences and restrictions, and the team made a delicious low-gluten, dairy-free, soy-free meal that accommodated pescatarians and omnivores alike. On top of all of that, Nathan prepared two mocktail bases (fruit purees and herbal simple syrups) for us to mix ourselves the following morning for an 'elixir bar.' YUM. We initially said that we'd do the tablescape, but the Plates by Payne team swooped in and did it all for us. The dinner service was attentive and seamless so I could simply spend the evening celebrating with friends. Our airbnb kitchen was tiiiny, but this dinner was a HUGE win.
We had such an incredible experience with Nathan and his team and were treated to an extravagant experience from start to finish. His food is phenomenal and the service was top notch. He was very communicative throughout the process and helped customize a menu that was perfect for my mom's 60th birthday. We all said, "how will we ever go out to eat at a normal restaurant after this experience?" It was such a special night that we will never forget! We look forward to working again with him for future events!
I was recently on a girls' 60th birthday trip (8 of us) to San Diego and we hired Chef Payne to prepare a special dinner for us that weekend at our condo. We couldn't have been more pleased with the dinner that evening. All of the food was delicious, and the tables and presentation were gorgeous. Chef Payne and his assistant were very professional and did an excellent job of putting everything away and cleaning up. This was so much more fun and better food than going out to a restaurant. I would definitely reach out to Chef Payne on another trip to San Diego.
Nathan cooked a fabulous meal for our birthday celebration. The presentation was beautiful and the food was amazing! I highly recommend him. You will not be disappointed!
We had such an incredible experience with Nathan and his team and were treated to an extravagant experience from start to finish. His food is phenomenal and the service was top notch. He was very communicative throughout the process and helped customize a menu that was perfect for my mom's 60th birthday. We all said, "how will we ever go out to eat at a normal restaurant after this experience?" It was such a special night that we will never forget! We look forward to working again with him for future events!
Chef Nathan catered a private dinner for a bachelorette party of 8 gals in San Diego and he was incredible! Communication was easy, his menu options were all so tempting we had a hard time choosing and he was prompt and timely the day of the event. We started with the most amazing grazing board I've truly ever seen and then his entree and sides spread was over the top in the absolute best way. But the star of the show was the ice cream sundae bar for dessert featuring homemade chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, dozens of toppings and a few fun surprises that knocked our socks off (I won't ruin for any future clients). I cannot recommend Chef Nathan and Plates by Payne enough. He is a must book - I promise you won't be sorry!
Do not hesitate to hire Nathan and his team for your next event. We hired Nathan for a birthday dinner. His follow through and attention throughout the process was excellent. He delivered a lavish celebratory meal for 11 guests. The food and service were perfect. Nathan and our server Rachel created a magical night for our guests. I look forward to hiring him again, treat yourself, hire Plates by Payne.
Plates by Payne catered my bridal shower, and wow — they absolutely crushed it. The food was incredible (seriously, people are still raving about it, especially the romesco sauce) and everything looked as good as it tasted. The team was super friendly, professional, and made the whole experience so easy. Nathan put together a delicious menu of food that complied with my dietary restrictions and during the event Rachel was always there with a friendly smile, refilling mimosas before we even had a chance to realize we needed a refill. They handled everything with such care and made my guests and I feel totally taken care of from start to finish. And they nailed the lavender shortbread cookie I made a special request for. Nathan even made a few in the shape of the first letter of my name as take away gifts for my guests. And the best part? We actually got to relax and enjoy the party without worrying about a thing. They even cleaned up the kitchen before they left. If you’re hosting any kind of event and want to impress your guests without the stress, Plates by Payne is the way to go!
Nathan cooked a fabulous meal for our birthday celebration. The presentation was beautiful and the food was amazing! I highly recommend him. You will not be disappointed!
Chef Nathan was an excellent choice for our private dinner at a short-term rental in La Jolla! Nathan and his team pulled off a great, multi-course plated dinner for our bachelorette group of seven. The theme was "off the market" and the menu matched that perfectly. Amazing produce, beautiful presentation. Nathan was so helpful during the menu development, suggesting surf and turf for our entree, which was an epic surprise for the bride. We really appreciated the lengths they went to source the fish. We were a persnickety group with many preferences and restrictions, and the team made a delicious low-gluten, dairy-free, soy-free meal that accommodated pescatarians and omnivores alike. On top of all of that, Nathan prepared two mocktail bases (fruit purees and herbal simple syrups) for us to mix ourselves the following morning for an 'elixir bar.' YUM. We initially said that we'd do the tablescape, but the Plates by Payne team swooped in and did it all for us. The dinner service was attentive and seamless so I could simply spend the evening celebrating with friends. Our airbnb kitchen was tiiiny, but this dinner was a HUGE win.
Plates by Payne catered my bridal shower, and wow — they absolutely crushed it. The food was incredible (seriously, people are still raving about it, especially the romesco sauce) and everything looked as good as it tasted. The team was super friendly, professional, and made the whole experience so easy. Nathan put together a delicious menu of food that complied with my dietary restrictions and during the event Rachel was always there with a friendly smile, refilling mimosas before we even had a chance to realize we needed a refill. They handled everything with such care and made my guests and I feel totally taken care of from start to finish. And they nailed the lavender shortbread cookie I made a special request for. Nathan even made a few in the shape of the first letter of my name as take away gifts for my guests. And the best part? We actually got to relax and enjoy the party without worrying about a thing. They even cleaned up the kitchen before they left. If you’re hosting any kind of event and want to impress your guests without the stress, Plates by Payne is the way to go!
Chef Nathan catered a private dinner for a bachelorette party of 8 gals in San Diego and he was incredible! Communication was easy, his menu options were all so tempting we had a hard time choosing and he was prompt and timely the day of the event. We started with the most amazing grazing board I've truly ever seen and then his entree and sides spread was over the top in the absolute best way. But the star of the show was the ice cream sundae bar for dessert featuring homemade chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, dozens of toppings and a few fun surprises that knocked our socks off (I won't ruin for any future clients). I cannot recommend Chef Nathan and Plates by Payne enough. He is a must book - I promise you won't be sorry!
Chef Nathan catered a private dinner for a bachelorette party of 8 gals in San Diego and he was incredible! Communication was easy, his menu options were all so tempting we had a hard time choosing and he was prompt and timely the day of the event. We started with the most amazing grazing board I've truly ever seen and then his entree and sides spread was over the top in the absolute best way. But the star of the show was the ice cream sundae bar for dessert featuring homemade chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, dozens of toppings and a few fun surprises that knocked our socks off (I won't ruin for any future clients). I cannot recommend Chef Nathan and Plates by Payne enough. He is a must book - I promise you won't be sorry! Kate S
Plates by Payne catered my bridal shower, and wow — they absolutely crushed it. The food was incredible (seriously, people are still raving about it, especially the romesco sauce) and everything looked as good as it tasted. The team was super friendly, professional, and made the whole experience so easy. Nathan put together a delicious menu of food that complied with my dietary restrictions and during the event Rachel was always there with a friendly smile, refilling mimosas before we even had a chance to realize we needed a refill. They handled everything with such care and made my guests and I feel totally taken care of from start to finish. And they nailed the lavender shortbread cookie I made a special request for. Nathan even made a few in the shape of the first letter of my name as take away gifts for my guests. And the best part? We actually got to relax and enjoy the party without worrying about a thing. They even cleaned up the kitchen before they left. If you’re hosting any kind of event and want to impress your guests without the stress, Plates by Payne is the way to go!
Chef Nathan was an excellent choice for our private dinner at a short-term rental in La Jolla! Nathan and his team pulled off a great, multi-course plated dinner for our bachelorette group of seven. The theme was "off the market" and the menu matched that perfectly. Amazing produce, beautiful presentation. Nathan was so helpful during the menu development, suggesting surf and turf for our entree, which was an epic surprise for the bride. We really appreciated the lengths they went to source the fish. We were a persnickety group with many preferences and restrictions, and the team made a delicious low-gluten, dairy-free, soy-free meal that accommodated pescatarians and omnivores alike. On top of all of that, Nathan prepared two mocktail bases (fruit purees and herbal simple syrups) for us to mix ourselves the following morning for an 'elixir bar.' YUM. We initially said that we'd do the tablescape, but the Plates by Payne team swooped in and did it all for us. The dinner service was attentive and seamless so I could simply spend the evening celebrating with friends. Our airbnb kitchen was tiiiny, but this dinner was a HUGE win.
Nathan is a talented chef, a good communicator and an excellent service provider. We hired Plates by Payne to cook for a birthday dinner in our home. From first contact to the day after the event, Nathan was attentive, timely and thorough. Nathan worked with us to create a fun and celebratory menu for the party, and he delivered. The food was creative, bright and delicious. The service was impeccable. We hosted an upscale lavish dinner party and did not lift a finger. Nathan and our server Rachel created a really magical night for our guests. I strongly recommend hiring Plates by Payne for your next event.
Thank you Nathan for an amazing dinner for our friend's birthday. We thoroughly enjoyed each and every course you prepared for dinner. Brunch the next day was fabulous as well! We are still enjoying our left-overs. I am happy to recommend you and Kaitlin to anyone in the San Diego area.
What fabulously delicious dinner and brunch. Thanks for answering our questions and being a delightful human being.
Nathan provided a fantastic Spanish/Tapas meal for our team of 5 in our Airbnb. From start to finish, his culinary skills and service were top-notch. The flavors were authentic, and the overall experience exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended for a delightful and hassle-free dining experience.
Do not hesitate to hire Nathan and his team for your next event. We hired Nathan for a birthday dinner. His follow through and attention throughout the process was excellent. He delivered a lavish celebratory meal for 11 guests. The food and service were perfect. Nathan and our server Rachel created a magical night for our guests. I look forward to hiring him again, treat yourself, hire Plates by Payne.
Nathan provided a fantastic Spanish/Tapas meal for our team of 5 in our Airbnb. From start to finish, his culinary skills and service were top-notch. The flavors were authentic, and the overall experience exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended for a delightful and hassle-free dining experience.
Chef Payne totally crushed it for my husband's 50th birthday dinner party! From the start, he helped to create a thoughtful menu that catered to the likes of the guests. He and his team were professional, served amazingly delicious food, and left the space cleaner than how they found it. Can't wait to do it again!
Professional, attentive, and innovative. If your desire is to have a special night and experience new flavors, look no further than chef Payne
We loved the quality of the food and the excellent service of Chef Payne. We have a group of 10, and he hit a home run serving us dinner 2 nights in a row. Him and his staff are extremely attentive to the needs of every person in our group and any dietary restrictions. Can not recommend him highly enough.
WOW! Book Chef Payne now! Every year, our group of 10 does an annual retreat where we hire a chef over 2 or 3 days to provide dinners. Chef Payne is insane - he's the whole package - everything from presentation to printed menus and flowers. Most importantly, the flavorful and filling set of meals and desserts. And maybe more specifically, the creative mix of flavors he and his team provided was exquisite! The investment for us is fully realized as they served, bussed, and cleaned up after dinner, allowing our group to connect fully and be with each other. Worth every penny - Book him now! Thank you so much Nathan!
Nathan is a talented chef, good communicator and excellent service provider. We hired Plates by Payne to cook for a birthday dinner in our home. From first contact to the day after the event, Nathan was attentive, timely and thorough. Nathan worked with us to create a fun and celebratory menu for the party, and he delivered. The food was creative, bright and delicious. The service was impeccable. We hosted an upscale lavish dinner party and did not lift a finger. Nathan and our server Rachel created a really magical night for our guests. I strongly recommend hiring Plates by Payne for your next event.
Do not hesitate to hire Nathan and his team for your next event. We hired Nathan for a birthday dinner. His follow through and attention throughout the process was excellent. He delivered a lavish celebratory meal for 11 guests. The food and service were perfect. Nathan and our server Rachel created a magical night for our guests. I look forward to hiring him again, treat yourself, hire Plates by Payne.
What fabulously delicious dinner and brunch. Thanks for answering our questions and being a delightful human being.
We used Plates By Payne for a group weekend away. Was blown away by the dedication and attention to detail. Presentation, taste, and accommodating preferences of the group were top notch. Plus, they left the kitchen immaculately clean! Felt like we were at a high end restaurant. Thanks Nathan!
Thank you Nathan for an amazing dinner for our friend's birthday. We thoroughly enjoyed each and every course you prepared for dinner. Brunch the next day was fabulous as well! We are still enjoying our left-overs. I am happy to recommend you and Kaitlin to anyone in the San Diego area.