Chef Nathan Payne

Personal Chef In San Diego

Nathan Payne, the creative force behind Plates By Payne, embarked on a 20+year global journey with renowned musical acts as an audio engineer. After the birth of his daughter, he found a new rhythm that led him to blend his passion for culinary artistry with his love for creating unforgettable experiences. Nathan's keen sense of detail and dedication to perfection have seamlessly transitioned from the stage to the kitchen. His travels exposed him to a myriad of flavors and cultures, shaping his distinctive culinary style that's as eclectic as the concerts he once engineered. His journey from the world's stages to your dining room table is a testament to his passion for creating memorable moments and celebrating the rock star in all of us.

For me, cooking is...

A form of creative expression and a way to connect with others through food.

I learned to cook at...

Self-taught chef with extensive travel experience and cultural appreciation.

A cooking secret...

Meeting the needs of all the guests and providing an elevated and comfortable service to create a memorable experience.

My menus

Plates By Payne, Plated and Courses

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Tuna Crudo, Citrus, Cucumber, Chili, Orange Vinaigrette

Crispy Artichokes, Heirloom Tomato, Burrata Cheese, Basil, Shishito Pepper Pesto

Asparagus, Quail Egg, Crispy Prosciutto, Lemon Cream

Seared Scallop, Chimichurri, Tempura Asparagus, Charred Lemon

Tempura Squash Blossom, Meyer Lemon Ricotta, Roasted Tomato, Romesco Sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Strawberries, Beets, Whipped Goat Cheese, Arugula, Mint Dressing

Asparagus, Pancetta, Spring Peas, Green Onion, Spring Greens, Burrata White Balsamic glaze

Soba Noodle, Edamame, Bean Sprout, Micro Green, Radish, Peanut Soy Dressing

Farmers Market Salad, featuring local produce, Citrus Vinaigrette

Lump Crab Cake, Corn Salsa, Cabbage Slaw, Mango Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Ribeye, Crispy Potato, Broccolini, Romesco Sauce, Hazelnut Dust

Roasted Lamb Chops, Lemon Couscous, Spiced Carrots, Harissa Yogurt

Roasted Chicken, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Shaved Brussel Sprout, White Wine Garlic Sauce

Seared Tuna, Pineapple Sushi Rice, Smashed Cucumber, Blistered Tomato

Pan Fried Whitefish, Wilted Chard, WIld Rice, Lemon Caper Sauce

Fresh Pappardelle Pasta, Corn, Cherry Tomato, Spring Vegetables, Saffron Butter

Roasted Harissa Cauliflower, Maple Glazed Sweet Potato, Spinach, Dried Apricot,Toasted Almonds, Cashew Yogurt Sauce

DESSERT

All inclusive

Lavender Scented Creme Brulee, Caramelized Pineapple, Basil

Moist Chocolate Cake, Salted Caramel Drizzle, Fresh Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry Parfaits, Citrus Scented Ricotta Cream, Biscoff Crumble, Mint Syrup

Butterscotch Pots de Creme, Salted Caramel, Candied Pecans

Citrus and Berry Trifle, Vanilla Custard, Lemon Whipped Cream

Plates By Payne Family Meal

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Greek Salad, Tomato, Onion, Olive, Cucumber, Lemon Tahini Dressing

Strawberry and Beet Salad, Whipped Goat Cheese, Arugula, Mint Dressing

Farmers Market Salad, featuring local produce, Citrus Vinaigrette

Caesar Salad, Fresh Made Caesar Dressing, Garlic Crostini, Parmesan Crisps

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Roasted Carrots, Harrisa, Whipped Ricotta, Honey Walnuts

Miso Butter Roasted Cabbage

Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Pesto, Spinach, Hazelnuts

Manchego Mashed Potatoes

Asparagus, Cherry Tomato, Basil Lemon Vinaigrette

Truffle Mac and Cheese

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Ribeye, Sage Butter, Romesco Sauce

Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Charred Apples and Onions, Garlic White Wine Sauce

Prawns, Mussels, Clams, Fresh Pasta, Tomato Sauce

Swordfish, Herbed Brown Butter, Fruit Salsa

Vegetarian Risotto, Golden Beet, Mushroom, or Asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Decadent Chocolate Brownies, Blackberry Sauce, Vanilla Whipped Cream

Lemon Curd Cheesecake Bites

Creme Brulee, Berries

Sundae Spread, Homemade Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce, Variety of Toppings

Boards and Bites By Payne

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Plates By Payne Signature Grazing Board Selection of Charcuterie with Chef’s Accompaniments

Assorted Pastries Locally sourced baked goods curated for your guests

Fresh Fruit Platter Seasonal locally sourced fruit

Smoked Salmon Platter Accompanied by Sliced Tomato, Onion, Cucumber, Bagel Bites, Fresh Dill Cream Cheese

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Eggs cooked your way (Scrambled, Panfried, Poached)

Frittata Sausage, Brocollini, Ricotta, Roasted Tomatoes

Spanish Tortilla Potato, Chorizo, Caramelized Onion, Bell Pepper, Roasted Garlic Aioli

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Brioche French Toast Bourbon Maple Butter

Buttermilk Pancakes Berry-Maple Syrup

Savory and Sweet Sandwich Brioche French Toast, Parma Ham, Crispy Prosciutto, Gruyere Cheese, Dijon Mustard, Raspberry Jam

Seared Coffee Crusted Ribeye

Rosemary Fried Chicken Tenders

Crabcakes with “Old Bay” Hollandaise

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Thick Cut Bacon

Sage and Thyme Sausage Patties

Beet and Sweet Potato Hashbrown

Cast Iron Potatoes, Peppers and Onions, Wild Mushroom (optional)

Farmers Market Salad, Goat Cheese, Lemon and Herb Vinaigrette

Plates By Payne, Plated and Courses

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Tuna Crudo, Citrus, Cucumber, Chili, Orange Vinaigrette

Crispy Artichokes, Heirloom Tomato, Burrata Cheese, Basil, Shishito Pepper Pesto

Asparagus, Quail Egg, Crispy Prosciutto, Lemon Cream

Seared Scallop, Chimichurri, Tempura Asparagus, Charred Lemon

Tempura Squash Blossom, Meyer Lemon Ricotta, Roasted Tomato, Romesco Sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Strawberries, Beets, Whipped Goat Cheese, Arugula, Mint Dressing

Asparagus, Pancetta, Spring Peas, Green Onion, Spring Greens, Burrata White Balsamic glaze

Soba Noodle, Edamame, Bean Sprout, Micro Green, Radish, Peanut Soy Dressing

Farmers Market Salad, featuring local produce, Citrus Vinaigrette

Lump Crab Cake, Corn Salsa, Cabbage Slaw, Mango Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Ribeye, Crispy Potato, Broccolini, Romesco Sauce, Hazelnut Dust

Roasted Lamb Chops, Lemon Couscous, Spiced Carrots, Harissa Yogurt

Roasted Chicken, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Shaved Brussel Sprout, White Wine Garlic Sauce

Seared Tuna, Pineapple Sushi Rice, Smashed Cucumber, Blistered Tomato

Pan Fried Whitefish, Wilted Chard, WIld Rice, Lemon Caper Sauce

Fresh Pappardelle Pasta, Corn, Cherry Tomato, Spring Vegetables, Saffron Butter

Roasted Harissa Cauliflower, Maple Glazed Sweet Potato, Spinach, Dried Apricot,Toasted Almonds, Cashew Yogurt Sauce

DESSERT

All inclusive

Lavender Scented Creme Brulee, Caramelized Pineapple, Basil

Moist Chocolate Cake, Salted Caramel Drizzle, Fresh Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry Parfaits, Citrus Scented Ricotta Cream, Biscoff Crumble, Mint Syrup

Butterscotch Pots de Creme, Salted Caramel, Candied Pecans

Citrus and Berry Trifle, Vanilla Custard, Lemon Whipped Cream

Plates By Payne Family Meal

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Greek Salad, Tomato, Onion, Olive, Cucumber, Lemon Tahini Dressing

Strawberry and Beet Salad, Whipped Goat Cheese, Arugula, Mint Dressing

Farmers Market Salad, featuring local produce, Citrus Vinaigrette

Caesar Salad, Fresh Made Caesar Dressing, Garlic Crostini, Parmesan Crisps

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Roasted Carrots, Harrisa, Whipped Ricotta, Honey Walnuts

Miso Butter Roasted Cabbage

Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Pesto, Spinach, Hazelnuts

Manchego Mashed Potatoes

Asparagus, Cherry Tomato, Basil Lemon Vinaigrette

Truffle Mac and Cheese

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Ribeye, Sage Butter, Romesco Sauce

Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Charred Apples and Onions, Garlic White Wine Sauce

Prawns, Mussels, Clams, Fresh Pasta, Tomato Sauce

Swordfish, Herbed Brown Butter, Fruit Salsa

Vegetarian Risotto, Golden Beet, Mushroom, or Asparagus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Decadent Chocolate Brownies, Blackberry Sauce, Vanilla Whipped Cream

Lemon Curd Cheesecake Bites

Creme Brulee, Berries

Sundae Spread, Homemade Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce, Variety of Toppings

Boards and Bites By Payne

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Plates By Payne Signature Grazing Board Selection of Charcuterie with Chef’s Accompaniments

Assorted Pastries Locally sourced baked goods curated for your guests

Fresh Fruit Platter Seasonal locally sourced fruit

Smoked Salmon Platter Accompanied by Sliced Tomato, Onion, Cucumber, Bagel Bites, Fresh Dill Cream Cheese

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Eggs cooked your way (Scrambled, Panfried, Poached)

Frittata Sausage, Brocollini, Ricotta, Roasted Tomatoes

Spanish Tortilla Potato, Chorizo, Caramelized Onion, Bell Pepper, Roasted Garlic Aioli

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Brioche French Toast Bourbon Maple Butter

Buttermilk Pancakes Berry-Maple Syrup

Savory and Sweet Sandwich Brioche French Toast, Parma Ham, Crispy Prosciutto, Gruyere Cheese, Dijon Mustard, Raspberry Jam

Seared Coffee Crusted Ribeye

Rosemary Fried Chicken Tenders

Crabcakes with “Old Bay” Hollandaise

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Thick Cut Bacon

Sage and Thyme Sausage Patties

Beet and Sweet Potato Hashbrown

Cast Iron Potatoes, Peppers and Onions, Wild Mushroom (optional)

Farmers Market Salad, Goat Cheese, Lemon and Herb Vinaigrette

Plates By Payne, Plated and Courses

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Tuna Crudo, Citrus, Cucumber, Chili, Orange Vinaigrette

Crispy Artichokes, Heirloom Tomato, Burrata Cheese, Basil, Shishito Pepper Pesto

Asparagus, Quail Egg, Crispy Prosciutto, Lemon Cream

Seared Scallop, Chimichurri, Tempura Asparagus, Charred Lemon

Tempura Squash Blossom, Meyer Lemon Ricotta, Roasted Tomato, Romesco Sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Strawberries, Beets, Whipped Goat Cheese, Arugula, Mint Dressing

Asparagus, Pancetta, Spring Peas, Green Onion, Spring Greens, Burrata White Balsamic glaze

Soba Noodle, Edamame, Bean Sprout, Micro Green, Radish, Peanut Soy Dressing

Farmers Market Salad, featuring local produce, Citrus Vinaigrette

Lump Crab Cake, Corn Salsa, Cabbage Slaw, Mango Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Ribeye, Crispy Potato, Broccolini, Romesco Sauce, Hazelnut Dust

Roasted Lamb Chops, Lemon Couscous, Spiced Carrots, Harissa Yogurt

Roasted Chicken, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Shaved Brussel Sprout, White Wine Garlic Sauce

Seared Tuna, Pineapple Sushi Rice, Smashed Cucumber, Blistered Tomato

Pan Fried Whitefish, Wilted Chard, WIld Rice, Lemon Caper Sauce

Fresh Pappardelle Pasta, Corn, Cherry Tomato, Spring Vegetables, Saffron Butter

Roasted Harissa Cauliflower, Maple Glazed Sweet Potato, Spinach, Dried Apricot,Toasted Almonds, Cashew Yogurt Sauce

DESSERT

All inclusive

Lavender Scented Creme Brulee, Caramelized Pineapple, Basil

Moist Chocolate Cake, Salted Caramel Drizzle, Fresh Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry Parfaits, Citrus Scented Ricotta Cream, Biscoff Crumble, Mint Syrup

Butterscotch Pots de Creme, Salted Caramel, Candied Pecans

Citrus and Berry Trifle, Vanilla Custard, Lemon Whipped Cream

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Chef Nathan Payne

Get to know me better

More about me

For me, cooking is...

I learned to cook at...

A cooking secret...

My menus

Book your experience with Chef Nathan

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