If you’re planning a special event in New Orleans, there’s one delicacy that can instantly add sophistication and local flair to your menu: fresh Louisiana oysters. At Elysian Events Catering, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of raw bar catering, bringing the authentic taste of the Gulf to weddings, corporate events, and private parties throughout the area.
Whether you’re familiar with oysters or trying them for the very first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about seamlessly incorporating a raw bar into your next event.
The New Orleans Oyster Tradition
Oysters have been a defining element of New Orleans cuisine for centuries. In fact, the oyster is native to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and Louisiana has more than 200 years of documented oyster-cultivation history to its name. French settlers were said to have harvested these delicious fruits de mer in Louisiana, causing them to surge in popularity and inspire the iconic local oyster bars we enjoy today.
When you include oysters at your event, you’re not just serving food—you’re offering your guests a taste of authentic New Orleans culture and history. At Elysian Events Catering, we’ve built our reputation on understanding this rich tradition while making it accessible and exciting for modern events.
What Makes Louisiana Raw Bar Catering Special?
Louisiana oysters are prized for their distinctive taste and texture. The warm Gulf waters create oysters that are plump, buttery, and slightly sweet—characteristics that set them apart from their cold-water cousins. The estuaries and bays along the Louisiana coast provide the perfect conditions for oyster cultivation, resulting in shellfish that are both flavorful and meaty.
When you choose raw bar catering with us, you’re getting Louisiana oysters that are:
- Fresh from local waters: We source our oysters from trusted Louisiana suppliers who understand the importance of quality and freshness in locally-sourced seafood.
- Professionally handled: Our team knows exactly how to store, transport, and serve oysters to ensure they’re at their peak when your guests enjoy them.
- Sustainably harvested: Louisiana’s oyster industry follows strict guidelines to protect these precious resources for future generations.
Choosing Your Raw Bar Catering Style
One of the great things about oyster bar catering is the variety of preparation styles available. At Elysian Events Catering, we offer both raw oysters and chargrilled oysters, each providing a delicious experience for your guests.
Raw Oysters on Ice
Raw oysters are the classic choice for those who want to experience the pure, briny taste of fresh Gulf shellfish. We serve them on ice with traditional accompaniments like lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and mignonette. Raw oysters are perfect for guests who appreciate seafood in its most natural form and want to taste the subtle differences between varieties.
For events where you want to offer variety, we can provide premium farmed Gulf oysters alongside selections from the East coast and West coast. This gives your guests the opportunity to compare flavors and find their favorite.
Chargrilled Oysters
If you’re looking for something with a little more richness, chargrilled oysters are an excellent choice. This preparation method is quintessentially New Orleans, featuring oysters topped with butter, garlic, herbs, and cheese, then grilled until bubbling and golden. The result is a warm, savory bite that even skeptics often find irresistible.
Chargrilled oysters work particularly well for casual events or outdoor gatherings where that smoky, grilled flavor complements the atmosphere.
Expanding Your Raw Bar
While oysters are the star of any raw bar, you don’t have to stop there. At Elysian Events Catering, we offer several raw bar add-ons that can round out your seafood selection and provide options for guests with different preferences.
Popular additions include:
- Marinated Louisiana crab claws: Sweet, tender crabmeat in a zesty marinade that showcases another Louisiana seafood treasure.
- Jumbo Gulf shrimp cocktail: Perfectly poached shrimp served with classic cocktail sauce.
- Gulf seafood ceviche: Fresh fish and shellfish marinated in citrus juices with peppers and herbs.
These additions allow you to create a comprehensive seafood experience that goes beyond oysters while elevating that coastal Louisiana feel.
Planning Your Raw Bar Catering Service
When you’re considering raw bar catering for your event, there are a few practical factors to keep in mind. As formally trained culinary artists, our team at Elysian Events Catering handles all the details, but understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions about your menu.
How Many Oysters Per Guest?
The number of oysters you’ll need depends on several factors:
- Type and size of event: At a cocktail reception where oysters are part of a larger spread, plan for 2-4 oysters per person. For an event where the raw bar is a main attraction, consider 6-8 per person instead.
- Your guests: Think about whether your crowd includes oyster enthusiasts who might eat more, or whether many of your guests will be trying oysters for the first time.
- Other food offerings: If you’re serving a full meal, fewer oysters per person may be appropriate than if the raw bar is the primary food source.
We’re happy to work with you to determine the right quantities based on your specific event needs.
Timing and Service
Fresh oysters need to be kept at proper temperatures and served promptly. Our oyster bar catering team arrives with everything needed to maintain raw food safety while creating an attractive presentation. We bring professional-grade coolers and ice, shucking stations with proper tools, display platters, service ware and all the necessary condiments and accompaniments you could wish for!
What to Expect from Professional Oyster Service
One of the advantages of working with experienced New Orleans caterers is that we understand not just the food, but the entire experience you’re trying to create. Here’s what sets professional oyster bar catering apart:
Expertise You Can Trust
The key to excellent oyster service is knowing the intricacies of a perfect shuck, which is both an art and a skill. It requires the right technique to open the shell cleanly without damaging the delicate meat inside. Our team members are trained professionals who can work quickly and efficiently, even during busy service periods. This means your guests won’t be waiting in line, and every oyster they receive will be perfectly and intentionally prepared.
Presentation Matters
An oyster bar isn’t just about the food—it’s also a visual centerpiece for your event. We create displays that are both functional and beautiful, using fresh garnishes and elegant serving pieces to make your raw bar a focal point that guests will remember.
Educational Engagement
Many people are curious about oysters but unsure how to eat them. With our raw bar catering services, our staff are always excited to engage with guests: explaining different varieties, offering tips on tasting, and making everyone feel comfortable trying something new. This interactive element adds entertainment value to your event.
Different Oysters for Different Events
The beauty of oyster bar catering is its versatility. We’ve provided oyster service for countless events, each with its own character and requirements.
Wedding Receptions
Adding oysters to your wedding event package can introduce an elegant touch to cocktail hours or reception dinners. They pair wonderfully with champagne and create a sophisticated atmosphere that photographs beautifully. For couples who want to showcase New Orleans cuisine at their celebration, an oyster bar is an authentic and memorable choice.
Corporate Events
For business gatherings, oyster bars provide a conversation starter and a unique experience that helps your event stand out. Whether you’re hosting clients, celebrating company achievements, or planning a holiday party, raw bar catering demonstrates attention to detail and appreciation for quality.
Private Parties
From birthday celebrations to galas and fundraisers, oysters can transform a simple party into something special. A raw bar works equally well for casual backyard events and more formal dinner parties. The key is that oysters feel both indulgent and approachable—perfect for making your guests feel celebrated.
Making the Most of Your Oyster Bar Catering Experience
To help your oyster bar catering be a success, consider these final tips:
- Communicate with your venue: Make sure your location allows outside catering and has appropriate space for setting up a raw bar station.
- Think about timing: Oysters are best enjoyed fresh, so plan your service time accordingly. We can work with you to determine the optimal serving schedule.
- Pair thoughtfully: Consider what drinks and other foods will complement your oyster service. We offer bar catering packages that can include wine, beer, and cocktails perfectly suited to seafood.
- Embrace the experience: Don’t be shy about making your oyster bar a featured element of your event. Let guests know it’s available and encourage them to try it.
Why Choose Elysian Events Catering for Your Next Raw Bar
Here at Elysian Events, we’re one of the few oyster bar caterers in the New Orleans area who can provide comprehensive raw bar catering service for parties large and small. What sets us apart is our combination of culinary expertise, local knowledge, and genuine passion for Louisiana seafood.
Our team has decades of experience in New Orleans hospitality, and we’ve catered everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events, always with the same commitment to quality and service. If we’ve learned anything from our time in the industry, it’s how to throw a great party—whether you’re looking for a casual get-together or a more formal, sit-down affair.
Treat your guests to buttery, plump oysters on the half shell at your next event by partnering with our talented team. We’ll make sure your guests are dazzled with fresh, professionally shucked oysters that showcase the best of Louisiana’s seafood tradition.
Get in touch today to learn more about catering options for your event by calling (504) 541-0091 or by filling out our contact form! We’re ready to shuck the house down!
