About New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant and iconic city, situated in the U.S. state of Louisiana, along the banks of the Mississippi River. It is an integral part of American culture and history, known for its bright and diverse traditions. Historically, New Orleans has been a major port city, hosting trade from all over the world. Today it is most famous for its Creole cuisine, music culture, and festivals, especially Mardi Gras.
Dinner events in New Orleans are also noteworthy, as there are numerous caterers offering some of the finest cuisines in the country; plus many popular venues offer great nighttime entertainment and privacy for your event. The city also offers outstanding architecture such as St Louis Cathedral or Jackson Square — both listed on the National Register of Historic Places – as well as unique attractions like Storyville and The Gallier House Museum.
Dinner Options in New Orleans
- Catering
For those looking for a delicious and convenient option, catering is available in New Orleans. With a wide variety of local cuisines including Creole, Cajun, French, and Italian, there are plenty of delectable options to choose from. To add a personal touch, many caterers even offer custom menus to suit any taste or occasion.
- Decor
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or an extravagant event, New Orleans offers plenty of decor options to liven up any dinner party. From vibrant-colored tablecloths and napkins to candles and festive centerpieces, the city has all the supplies needed to transform any space into a party atmosphere.
- Musicians
Music adds life and energy to any occasion so why not hire live musicians? From jazz bands to pianists playing soft melodies in the background during dinner, having talented performers makes for an amazing experience that your guests won’t soon forget.
Dinner Vendors in New Orleans
- Welty's Deli and Catering
With Donald and Tina extensive experience in the restaurant industry, the couple decided to take a chance on opening an eatery in the Central Business District of New Orleans. Tina grew up in a family that owned several restaurants, including the iconic Commander's Palace. Meanwhile, Donald's reputation in the local restaurant scene preceded him, having worked at prestigious establishments like Henri, Mr. B's, and Windsor Court. Now, at Welty's Deli, the couple combines their skills to provide delicious, locally sourced food with professional service to their customers.
- Disco Warehouse
Come to Disco Warehouse and leave the ordinary behind. From beautifully handcrafted furniture that is full of individual styles to a never-ending collection of decor that can upgrade your dinner venue, they have it all. You'll find something new every time you visit them! Plus, they host weekly art markets on Saturdays and Sundays so you can pick up something extra special. Enjoy their ping pong tables and outdoor playground in between shopping for the perfect piece for you. Let them take you on a magical journey with one-of-a-kind finds.
- Revelry Events
If you want to create a wedding, party, or event that people will talk about for years to come, Revelry Events can help. Established in 2011 by event designer Andrea, who started out creating events for friends, family, and her military unit while serving in the military. Now Revelry Events focuses on giving clients amazing experiences that are fun, unique, and full of the New Orleans flavor they love. Using all local small businesses has become the foundation of everything they do — delivering truly memorable designs and making one-of-a-kind events come to life.
Pros and Cons of Dinner Events in New Orleans
Dinner events in New Orleans are an exciting way to experience the city’s culture and history. From the iconic Creole cuisine to the lively nightlife of Bourbon Street, there are plenty of great experiences to be had at a dinner event in the Big Easy. Of course, as with any event, there are both pros and cons associated with dinner events in New Orleans.
Advantages
- The Cuisine: One of the biggest draws for anyone considering hosting a dinner event in New Orleans is undoubtedly the food. With its unique blend of African, French, and Spanish influence, the rich Creole cuisine is truly one-of-a-kind.
- The Atmosphere: You can hire vibrant live music (like jazz or blues), along with colorful decorations that reflect the city’s unique culture and vibe. Many venues also offer outdoor seating options so that you can enjoy your meal beneath colorful evening skies.
- Cost Effectiveness: With many caterers offering all-you-can-eat buffets or discounts on certain nights of the week, it’s possible to get a quality dining experience at an affordable price point when hosting one of these events.
Disadvantages
- Limited Availability: Unfortunately, due to their popularity, many venues can become booked quickly if you don’t make reservations well in advance.
- Parking Issues: Finding parking near busy venues can often be difficult; if you plan on driving yourself from place to place during your visit there, be sure to factor this into your plans ahead of time so that you don’t waste time circling around for available spots once you arrive at your destination restaurant/event venue.
- Limited Options for Picky Eaters: Finally, those who have specific dietary restrictions or simply aren’t fans of Creole cuisine may have difficulty finding suitable meals at certain dinner events; while most venues do offer some alternatives (like salads or vegetarian dishes), they may not satisfy picky eaters who want something more tailored specifically towards their tastes.
Tips on How to Organize Dinner Events in New Orleans
With its vibrant history, culture, and food scene, New Orleans has plenty of possibilities when it comes to hosting a memorable dinner event. To ensure your gathering goes off without a hitch, here are some tips on how to organize dinner events in New Orleans:
- Choose the right venue: When deciding on where your dinner event will take place, consider both the atmosphere and type of cuisine offered at each location. From chic cocktail lounges to private party spaces, there are plenty of options available that can accommodate any size of gathering.
- Take advantage of local suppliers: As one of the country’s leading culinary destinations, New Orleans has access to an impressive array of fresh ingredients and craft beverages like local beer and wine made by talented producers throughout Louisiana.
- Utilize professional catering services: Having professionally catered food at an event not only guarantees deliciousness but also adds convenience — you won't have to worry about cooking or shopping for supplies! There are many experienced caterers in New Orleans who specialize in authentic regional dishes as well as classic comfort food favorites — so choose wisely.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Jackson Square
Jackson Square is easily one of the coolest attractions in New Orleans. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, it's easy on the eyes. The square was designed after Paris, France's Place des Vosges, and at its center stands an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson — for whom the square was named. Back in the 1700s, it was used for military parades and officially renamed after the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. For tourists and locals alike, Jackson Square is an excellent place to explore everything that makes New Orleans so special; from its shops and galleries to its formal gardens and delectable cuisine. Taking a stroll through this National Historic Landmark might just make your day.
- Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall has been an iconic part of New Orleans since 1961, offering a classic jazz experience. The venue is small with no seating reservations and limited bench seating, so it's best to arrive early and guarantee yourself a spot. The performances are brief—only 45 minutes long—and tickets tend to sell out quickly due to the nature of the venue. To make sure you don't miss out, be sure to check the website for upcoming events two weeks before the start of the next month. Though you may be lucky enough to snag same-day tickets if you plan on attending in person, chances are slim.
- St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in continuous use to this day, graces the north side of Jackson Square in New Orleans. It boasts roots that stretch back to 1794 when it was constructed on the site of two previous churches. Don Andres Almonester de Roxas, a Frenchman with a huge fortune, played a big part in constructing this sight as he was known for contributing his wealth to the rebuilding of New Orleans after the second great fire. This cathedral is even more special since Pope John Paul II himself visited in 1987 to celebrate its legacy and importance. Stop by today and be a witness to centuries worth of history.