Nate is an award-winning chef and journalist, and an influential advocate for local agriculture. 

In 2006, he created Living Culture, a news magazine television program that highlighted local farmers, chefs, and artisans. Originally intended as a volunteer project for public access TV in Salem, he quickly expanded the program to reach audiences in Portland, the Columbia Gorge, and communities up and down the Willamette Valley. The show was seminal in bringing awareness to a burgeoning interest in local food and agriculture. 

That same year, Nate launched Dinner at the Rafns', an invitation-only supper-club operated inside his modest South Salem home. Nate & Rochelle married in 2011 and together they moved the supper-club to an historic mansion in West Salem, where they would host monthly dinners for up to 40 guests. Each dinner featured a local farmer or artisan whose products formed the foundation of the evening's meal. Dinner at the Rafns' developed a loyal following and regularly booked-up weeks in advance.

Based on their success with Dinner at the Rafns' and the relationships they had built with dozens of local farmers, Nate and Rochelle decided to take the leap and start their own legitimate restaurant. In June of 2013 they opened Rafns' Restaurant in historic downtown Salem. The restaurant was one of the Mid-Valley's top dining establishments, lauded for its customer service, rigorous quality, and genuine support for local farmers. Nate & Rochelle sold the restaurant in 2021, and continue to be engaged with their customer base by hosting period cooking classes and private dinners.

In 2022, Nate founded Nathan Lee Bitters, manufacturer of distinctive, oak-aged aromatic bitters for home cocktail enthusiasts, upscale bars and retailers. He currently ships his product throughout the U.S.

Nate is now leveraging his extensive experience to offer consulting services focused on foodservice and hospitality. He specializes in research, planning, assessments, food safety, conceptual and operational design, budgeting, and customer service.