Localist Guide: Nate Long

Sep 24

Occupation: Restaurateur

Locale: San Luis Obispo

Nathan Long is *the* Nate behind the Michelin-mentioned, locally-loved ‘Nate’s on Marsh’ in downtown San Luis Obispo (the Palm Trees mark the spot).

Born and raised in SLO, Nate is a proud Cal Poly graduate. Throughout his career, Nate has learned from some of the best like Chef Joseph Manzare of Postrio and Spago. He worked all angles of the hospitality industry and managed brand strategy for notable spots like Globe, Zuppa, and Joey & Eddie in San Francisco. But even still, he left his heart in San Luis Obispo.

Nate returned to his hometown to establish a place to call his own. And in doing so, he’s made quite a name for himself. Nate’s on Marsh opened in October 2021 and has made the Michelin Guide every year since.

The restaurant exudes what Nate has dubbed “Spaghetti Cowboy” — Italian-inspired classics crafted with contemporary American flair. On the menu, you’ll find everything from softball-sized meatballs and Niman Ranch ribeye steaks, to house made, hand cut or Etto pasta dishes and farm-fresh salads, all accompanied by a curated wine list and cocktails that’ll keep you coming back round after round.

Housed within a historic colonial bungalow, the handsome restaurant makes guests feel, well, at home. The walls are clad in a palm tree patterned wallpaper. Original paintings by local artist Jerry Scott hang in gold frames like windows into the Central Coast cowboy’s way of life. A gorgeous wood bar, white linen-lined tables, and green vinyl booths complete the timeless aesthetic. Think: Ralph Lauren Polo Bar meets Beverly Hills Hotel.

If you are lucky enough to know Nate, you know he pours his heart, soul, style, impeccable taste, and contagious spirit into every endeavor, and the proof is in the pudding (or in his case, the key lime pie). Read on below for a glimpse into his routines and recommendations.

BOOK A TABLE

LET’S DISH

Q & A

A: Sunday is sabbath, which means, brunch/lunch and then Dinner Services at Nate’s on Marsh. My curfew is 8:00 PM, so after that I head home to live in the cloud (bed) with my lover (pizza) and Bravo (obvi). Right now, I’m obsessed with RHOC; I feel seen for some reason.
A: Cigarettes and Altoids. Ha. No, in all seriousness, I try to get some sort of workout in, although, I’ve been off my schedule for a few weeks. Definitely a coffee or walk with the bestie (San Luis Obispo Mayor) Shoug, and then to the desk where I do my best work in the morning. From there I break around 2:00/3:00 PM to allow space to re-energize for dinner service that starts at 4:30 PM.
A: Naturally, Nate’s on Marsh or Nowhere! Right now, I’m loving the double bone-in pork chop with veal bordelaise, bacon braised greens, parmesan polenta, and smoked tomato jam. Pairs perfectly with 2022 Bassi Estate Syrah.
A: While I want to gate keep this, but 100% the old soak and poke. Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs in Avila is so pretty, so close, and most importantly, so relaxing. While it can be a bit sketch in terms of ‘what’s that in the water’, I remember that I have exposed my body to much worse and the post soak energy is worth the risk.
A: This is easy. My top three, in no particular order, and close to us in Edna Valley are:
Claiborne & Churchill. I will be buried with a bottle of their dry Riesling.
Talley Vineyards has a killer spot and beautiful yard to taste.
Lastly, I would send them to El Lugar. They just opened their tasting room in the new Duncan Alley project and Coby has some of the best pinots around.
A: Reading? Who reads anymore? OMG, so bad. While I am getting better at picking my books up, I have two that are queued and primed. The first is Talking to Strangers by Malcom Gladwell which explores what we should know about the people we don’t know.
The second, and more important, is Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez. This brilliant write is a data bias for women in a world designed for men; no less than the story of what happens when we forget to account for half of humanity.
A: Nate’s on Marsh daddy hat.
A: Imaginatively, I’m heading to the great Lago Maggiore in Switzerland/Italy to sip Aperol’s on the boat and snuggle babies. I’ll probably go again next fall to visit my International bestie who just had twins. Realistically, I’m planning the next steps for NRL Food Group which is my greatest adventure yet :)