Elysian Events Catering has deep roots in New Orleans’ local seafood scene, built on years of serving Gulf oysters, shrimp, and crab at local markets before expanding into full-service event catering.
Louisiana sits on one of the most productive fisheries in the United States. The Gulf of Mexico produces oysters, shrimp, blue crab, crawfish, and redfish that are recognized around the country for their quality — and for the caterers who know how to source and prepare them properly, that proximity is a genuine advantage. Not every catering company in New Orleans takes full advantage of what is available locally. The ones that do tend to produce noticeably better seafood dishes.
Why Local Sourcing Makes a Difference at Catered Events
Seafood quality degrades quickly. The shorter the distance between harvest and plate, the better the product tastes — and the fewer preservatives or treatments are needed to extend shelf life. A caterer sourcing Gulf oysters from Louisiana waters and serving them the same day they arrive is offering something meaningfully different from one working with product that has traveled across the country.
Local sourcing also supports the fishing communities and ecosystems that make Louisiana cuisine what it is. That connection between where food comes from and how it tastes is something this guide to why locally sourced seafood is better explores in practical detail.
Louisiana Gulf Seafood on the Elysian Menu
Elysian’s seafood offerings draw on what the Gulf and Louisiana waterways produce best. Below is a look at the local seafood varieties that appear across their catering menus and how they are typically served.
| Seafood | Source | How Elysian Serves It |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Oysters | Louisiana Gulf waters | Raw on the half shell, chargrilled; premium farmed Gulf, East Coast, and West Coast varieties available |
| Gulf Shrimp | Gulf of Mexico | Shrimp and grits, jumbo Gulf shrimp cocktail, shrimp étouffée, Gulf seafood ceviche |
| Louisiana Blue Crab | Louisiana coastal waters | Louisiana crabmeat ravigote, mini crab cakes, marinated Louisiana crab claws |
| Louisiana Crawfish | Louisiana freshwater | Crawfish pies — one of Elysian’s most requested dishes |
| Gulf Seafood (mixed) | Gulf of Mexico | Gulf seafood ceviche, seafood gumbo |
A Background Built Around Seafood
Before Elysian Events Catering became a full-service off-premise caterer, founders Jen Sherrod and Brandon Blackwell ran stalls at St. Roch Market and Auction House Market — two of New Orleans’ most community-rooted food markets. Seafood, and particularly oysters, was central to what they served. That experience gave them direct working knowledge of Gulf product quality, seasonal availability, and the precision required to shuck and serve oysters at volume.
That foundation shows up in how Elysian handles raw bar and oyster bar catering today. They are among the few caterers in the New Orleans area who specialize in this service, and their team is trained in proper shucking technique, food safety, and the kind of fast, friendly service that keeps an oyster bar line moving. For a closer look at what goes into raw bar catering, this complete guide to raw bar catering and oysters covers the details. You can also read about three distinct ways oysters can be prepared for events of different styles and formats.
What to Ask a Caterer About Seafood Sourcing
If local seafood is a priority for your event, ask potential caterers directly where their oysters, shrimp, and crab come from. A caterer with genuine local sourcing relationships will be able to answer that question specifically. Vague answers about “fresh” or “quality” seafood without any reference to origin are worth pressing on.
Organizations like the Sustainable Food Trust have highlighted the growing importance of local food system relationships in professional catering — both for the quality of what gets served and for the long-term health of regional food economies.
To learn more about adding an oyster bar or seafood-forward menu to your event, this overview of oyster catering for New Orleans events is a good place to start. When you are ready to talk specifics, reach out to Elysian Events Catering and tell them what you have in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elysian Events Catering use locally sourced seafood?
Yes. Elysian has longstanding roots in New Orleans’ local seafood community, built through years of operating at local markets. Gulf oysters, shrimp, crab, and crawfish are central to their menu.
What types of local seafood does Elysian serve at catered events?
Their seafood offerings include Gulf oysters (raw and chargrilled), jumbo Gulf shrimp, Louisiana blue crab, crawfish, and mixed Gulf seafood preparations like ceviche and gumbo. Raw bar add-ons like marinated crab claws and shrimp cocktail are also available.
Can I add an oyster bar to any type of event Elysian caters?
Yes. Oyster bars are available as a feature or add-on for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and other gatherings. Elysian is one of the few caterers in the New Orleans area that specializes in oyster bar service.
What is the difference between raw and chargrilled oysters at a catered event?
Raw oysters are served chilled on the half shell and highlight the natural flavor of the oyster. Chargrilled oysters are cooked over high heat, typically with butter and seasoning, and have a richer, more savory profile. Elysian offers both styles and can include a mix at your event.
Is an oyster bar a practical option for a smaller private event?
Yes. Oyster bars work well for gatherings of all sizes. Elysian has served oysters at everything from backyard family events to large wedding receptions, and the setup scales accordingly.