Planning an event in New Orleans? Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or private party, choosing the right caterer is essential to your event’s success. The unique culture and cuisine of New Orleans make catering selection particularly important – you’ll want a team that understands local flavors and traditions while delivering professional service. Here are the key questions to ask catering companies in New Orleans to ensure you find the perfect match for your celebration.
Menu and Food Service
What types of cuisine do you specialize in? New Orleans is known for its distinctive food culture, so ask about their experience with local dishes and whether they offer traditional Cajun and Creole options. Look for caterers who can prepare classics like gumbo, étouffée, and jambalaya authentically.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences? Make sure the caterer can handle vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific dietary needs your guests might have. Ask for examples of how they’ve modified traditional New Orleans dishes to meet dietary requirements.
What service styles do you offer? Find out if they provide buffet, family-style, plated dinners, or stations. Each style affects both the event flow and pricing. Station-style service can be particularly engaging, with options like oyster bars or live cooking demonstrations.
Do you source ingredients locally? Ask about their relationships with local suppliers, especially for seafood and seasonal ingredients that New Orleans is famous for. Fresh Gulf seafood and locally grown produce can make a significant difference in your menu’s quality.
How do you handle seasonal menu planning? New Orleans has distinct growing seasons that affect ingredient availability. Understanding how a caterer adapts their menus seasonally can ensure you get the freshest options for your event.
Logistics and Planning
What’s included in your packages? Get details about staffing, equipment, dinnerware, and any other items that might affect the final cost. Some caterers include extras like menu cards or specialty serving pieces.
Do you handle rentals for items like tables, chairs, and linens? Some caterers coordinate rentals, while others expect you to handle them separately. Having one vendor manage multiple aspects can simplify planning.
How many staff members will work my event? Understanding the server-to-guest ratio helps ensure smooth service throughout your celebration. For seated dinners, ask about their recommended ratios for servers and bartenders.
What’s your plan for unexpected weather? For outdoor events in New Orleans’ sometimes unpredictable climate, this is particularly important. Ask about their experience with last-minute venue changes and backup plans.
Venue and Bar Service
Can you work at my chosen venue? Verify that they’re familiar with your venue’s requirements and have the necessary permits to work there. Ask about their experience with similar venues and any specific challenges they’ve encountered.
Do you offer bar service? Not all New Orleans caterers have liquor licenses. If you want alcoholic beverages, ask about their bar packages and whether they can provide local favorites like Sazeracs and Hurricanes. Find out if they offer specialty cocktail creation if you’re looking to add a special touch to your event.
What’s your backup plan if something goes wrong? Professional caterers should have contingency plans for various scenarios, from equipment malfunctions to staff emergencies. This will of course depend on your venue as well.
Pricing and Policies
What’s your price range for different service styles? Get clear information about per-person costs for various service options. Ask about seasonal pricing variations and any minimum guest requirements.
What’s your payment and cancellation policy? Understand the deposit requirements, payment schedule, and what happens if you need to cancel or reschedule. Ask about their policy for guest count changes close to the event date.
Are gratuities included in your pricing? Some companies build gratuities into their quotes, while others leave it as a separate consideration. Ask about service charges versus gratuities.
Experience and References
How long have you been catering in New Orleans? Local experience matters, especially for authentic New Orleans cuisine. Ask about their team’s background and training.
Can you provide references from similar events? Ask if they have testimonials from past clients who hosted events similar to yours in size and style. Request photos of previous events to see their presentation style.
Do you have proper licensing and insurance? Verify that they meet all local requirements and carry appropriate liability coverage. This is especially important if you’re planning an event with alcohol service.
Food Safety and Sustainability
How do you handle food safety in New Orleans’ heat and humidity? Ask about their procedures for food storage and temperature control, particularly for outdoor events in summer months.
What’s your policy on leftover food? Some caterers donate extras to community fridges or have eco-friendly disposal practices. Ask about their food waste reduction strategies.
Do you use sustainable practices? Ask about their use of local ingredients, eco-friendly materials, and waste reduction strategies. Some caterers offer compostable serviceware options.
The Tasting Process
Do you offer tastings? Find out if they provide this service and whether there’s a fee. Ask how many guests you can bring to the tasting.
When do tastings typically occur in the planning process? Some caterers prefer to do tastings after a deposit, while others offer them as part of the selection process. Ask about their preferred timeline.
Can we customize the menu after the tasting? Understand how flexible they are with menu adjustments and when final selections need to be made.
Special Considerations for New Orleans Events
How do you handle second line parades? If you’re planning a wedding or celebration with a second line, ask about their experience coordinating food service around this tradition. One special way Elysian Events handles second lines is through bar packages that are very popular. We can set up a “grab & go” station of pre-poured drinks and canned beverages for guests to grab on their way out for the second line.
Can you provide traditional New Orleans desserts? Ask about their ability to serve local favorites like bananas foster, bread pudding, or pralines.
Do you have experience with festival season events? If your event coincides with major festivals or Mardi Gras, ask about their experience handling logistics during these busy times.
Have Other Questions to Ask a New Orleans Caterer?
Remember that besides the answers themselves, how a caterer responds can tell you a lot about their professionalism and attention to detail. The right caterer won’t just serve great food – they’ll help create an unforgettable New Orleans experience for you and your guests.
At Elysian Events Catering, we love bringing fresh, local flavors to celebrations of all sizes. From traditional Creole dishes to custom oyster bars, our team creates memorable experiences with exceptional service. Contact us at (504) 541-0091 or fill out our contact form to discuss your event. Let’s create something special together!
