Nate Cooks

Chef Nate Smith runs Nate Cooks, a wedding catering company in Milford, Connecticut. After opening his first restaurant, he moved into catering so that more people could taste his cooking, and he serves gatherings from intimate to large.

Cooking with a Caribbean twist

Raised in Jamaica, Chef Nate brings that background to familiar dishes, using fresh ingredients and pairing meals with island-inspired beverages. A custom menu is built with each couple at a consultation, so the food reflects your tastes and the people you are feeding.

For LGBTQ+ couples

Nate Cooks is LGBTQ+-owned. A chef-led business that designs menus around the couple in front of it gives you room to ask for what you actually want to serve, whether that is a family recipe, a shared favorite or a menu that tells a story about where you each come from.

What to expect

• A consultation to shape a customized menu
• Island-inspired drinks alongside the food
• Service for small gatherings and larger celebrations

Getting the most from your tasting and consultation

Arrive with your guest count, your venue and its kitchen or serving rules, and a clear sense of the style of meal you want: plated, buffet or stations. Mention dietary needs early, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy concerns, and ask how the kitchen handles them on the day.

Ask about staffing, rentals, service timing and how leftover food is handled. If your venue limits outside caterers, check that Nate Cooks can work there before you commit. Book your consultation several months ahead for a busy season.

Local context

Milford sits on the Connecticut shoreline, so many couples hold receptions at coastal and nearby venues. Confirm travel distance and any setup access times with the team when you share your location.