Clesi’s Restaurant Catering: A Taste of New Orleans
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By: Inside NOLA
Located in the heart of New Orleans, Clesi’s Restaurant Catering has been serving up authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine for over a decade. With a passion for preserving the city’s culinary heritage, Clesi’s has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike who crave a true taste of New Orleans.
In This Article
TL;DR
Clesi’s offers catering services that bring the authentic flavors of New Orleans to your event
Signature dishes like crawfish boils, gumbo, and jambalaya showcase the cultural significance of Creole and Cajun cuisine
The restaurant adapts its menu for various events and seasons, ensuring a perfect culinary experience for any occasion
Signature Dishes and Recipes
At the core of Clesi’s catering menu are its signature dishes, each one a testament to the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans. One of the most popular offerings is the crawfish boil, a quintessential Louisiana experience that brings together friends and family around a table piled high with spicy, succulent crawfish, corn, potatoes, and sausage.
Other standout dishes include Clesi’s gumbo, a hearty stew filled with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp, served over a bed of fluffy white rice. The restaurant’s jambalaya is another crowd-pleaser, featuring a savory blend of rice, vegetables, and your choice of meat or seafood, slow-cooked to perfection.
For those seeking something more casual, Clesi’s offers an array of po’boys, the iconic New Orleans sandwich served on fresh French bread with fillings like fried shrimp, roast beef, or oysters. No matter what you choose, each bite is a celebration of the bold flavors and textures that define New Orleans cuisine.
Understanding Clesi’s Culinary Roots
The story of Clesi’s Restaurant Catering begins with James Clesi, a native New Orleanian who grew up immersed in the city’s vibrant food culture. Inspired by his family’s traditional recipes and the bustling energy of the French Quarter, James set out to create a catering company that would bring the authentic flavors of New Orleans to events across the city.
Starting with humble beginnings, James began boiling crawfish on the streets of Mid-City, quickly gaining a loyal following for his flavorful and perfectly seasoned seafood. As word spread about his delicious offerings, James expanded his operation, eventually opening Clesi’s Restaurant & Catering in 2018.
Today, Clesi’s remains committed to its vision of providing authentic New Orleans cuisine, using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. The restaurant’s cozy, inviting atmosphere reflects the warm hospitality that is synonymous with the city, making guests feel right at home.
Catering Services Offered
Clesi’s Restaurant Catering is equipped to handle events of all sizes and styles, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions. The catering team works closely with clients to create customized menus that suit their specific needs and preferences, whether it’s a seated dinner, a buffet-style reception, or a casual cocktail party.
For weddings, Clesi’s offers a range of packages that include everything from hors d’oeuvres and entrees to wedding cakes and bar service. The restaurant’s experienced staff will handle all aspects of the catering, from setup to cleanup, ensuring that the bride and groom can focus on enjoying their special day.
Corporate events are another specialty of Clesi’s, with the restaurant providing catering services for business lunches, conferences, and holiday parties. With a variety of menu options and the ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, Clesi’s makes it easy to impress clients and colleagues alike.
Seasonal and Event-Specific Menus
One of the things that sets Clesi’s apart is its ability to adapt its menu to suit different seasons and events. During the summer months, the restaurant ramps up its crawfish boils, sourcing the freshest, most flavorful crawfish from local suppliers. In the fall, Clesi’s introduces heartier fare like gumbo and étouffée, perfect for cooler weather.
For Mardi Gras, Clesi’s offers a special catering menu that includes traditional favorites like king cake, muffulettas, and red beans and rice. The restaurant also creates custom menus for other local festivals and events, such as Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest, ensuring that guests can enjoy the flavors of New Orleans no matter the occasion.
Logistics and Planning for Catering
Booking Clesi’s for your event is a straightforward process. Simply contact the catering team via phone or email to discuss your needs and budget. From there, Clesi’s will work with you to create a customized menu and provide a detailed quote for services.
It’s recommended to book catering services at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. For larger events, booking even further in advance is advised.
On the day of your event, Clesi’s catering staff will arrive promptly to set up and prepare for service. The team will handle all aspects of food preparation, presentation, and cleanup, allowing you to relax and enjoy the occasion.
Customer Experiences and Testimonials
Clesi’s Restaurant Catering has earned a reputation for exceptional food and service, as evidenced by the glowing reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers. Many praise the restaurant’s commitment to authentic New Orleans flavors, with one reviewer noting, “Clesi’s crawfish boil was the highlight of our wedding reception. Our out-of-town guests couldn’t stop raving about how delicious and spicy the crawfish were!”
Others commend the catering team’s professionalism and attention to detail, with comments like, “From start to finish, working with Clesi’s was a breeze. They took care of every aspect of our corporate event, from the menu planning to the day-of logistics. The food was outstanding, and the service was top-notch.”
Comparisons to Other Local Catering Services
While New Orleans is home to many exceptional catering companies, Clesi’s stands out for its unwavering dedication to authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine. Unlike some caterers who may offer a more generic or “Americanized” version of New Orleans fare, Clesi’s stays true to its roots, using traditional recipes and techniques passed down through generations.
Additionally, Clesi’s commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients sets it apart from competitors who may rely on frozen or imported products. By supporting local farmers and fishermen, Clesi’s not only ensures the highest quality food but also contributes to the sustainability and economic growth of the community.
Community and Cultural Impact
Beyond its role as a beloved restaurant and catering company, Clesi’s is deeply invested in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of New Orleans. By showcasing the flavors and traditions of Creole and Cajun cuisine, Clesi’s helps to keep these important aspects of the city’s identity alive and thriving.
Moreover, Clesi’s commitment to sourcing ingredients from local suppliers supports the livelihoods of farmers, fishermen, and other food producers in the region. This emphasis on community engagement and sustainability has earned Clesi’s a loyal following among New Orleanians who value the restaurant’s contributions to the city’s economic and cultural landscape.
In essence, Clesi’s Restaurant Catering offers a true taste of New Orleans, combining exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a deep respect for the city’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, Clesi’s is sure to make your occasion a memorable one, filled with the flavors and spirit of the Big Easy.
