Elevate your next event in New Bern with these creative catering concepts that showcase the city’s culinary diversity and local flavors.
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1. Coastal-Inspired Wedding Feast
Transform your wedding reception into a coastal culinary adventure with a seafood-centric menu featuring locally sourced delicacies. Offer a raw bar with fresh oysters, shrimp cocktails, and crab claws from the Outer Banks Seafood Company. For the main course, serve a signature dish like Fiesta Salmon, combining New Bern’s coastal flavors with a festive twist. Include a “build-your-own” fish taco station for a fun, interactive element.
2. Southern BBQ Corporate Picnic
Treat your employees to a laid-back corporate event with Moore’s BBQ & Catering. Serve up authentic North Carolina-style pulled pork, smoked chicken, and all the classic sides. Add a fun twist by offering a DIY sauce bar where guests can create their own BBQ sauce blends using local ingredients like Croatan Farms honey or Weeping Radish Brewery beer.
3. Rooftop Cocktail Party
Host a sophisticated evening event at Captain Ratty’s rooftop bar. Offer a selection of gourmet appetizers and hand-crafted cocktails while guests enjoy panoramic views of historic downtown New Bern. Incorporate local spirits like Bear Town Bear vodka and gin to create a truly unique New Bern experience.
4. Farm-to-Table Conference Lunch
Work with Vine Catering Co. to create a health-conscious, locally-sourced menu for your next business conference. Feature seasonal produce from nearby farms like Decker Farm and incorporate educational elements about the region’s agricultural heritage. Offer a “Living Salad Bar” where guests can pick their own greens and herbs.
5. Italian-American Family Reunion
Bring a taste of Italy to your family gathering with Nino’s Cucina Italiana. Offer a buffet of classic Italian-American favorites like pasta dishes, antipasti platters, and wood-fired pizzas. Set up a gelato bar for dessert to keep things fun and interactive, featuring flavors inspired by New Bern’s history, like “Tryon Palace Peach” or “Birthplace of Pepsi Cola.”
6. Upscale Charity Gala Dinner
Partner with The Chelsea Restaurant to create an elegant multi-course dinner for your charity event. Showcase their award-winning “New American Cuisine” with a menu that balances innovation and tradition. Incorporate wine pairings from Tobacco Road Cellars to elevate the dining experience and support local businesses.
7. Historic Themed Tea Party
Host a refined afternoon tea at Tryon Palace with Thee Catering Company of New Bern. Offer a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and petit fours alongside a variety of teas. Add a historical twist by including dishes inspired by colonial-era recipes, such as Sally Lunn bread or Shrewsbury cakes.
8. Food Truck Festival Fundraiser
Organize a community fundraiser featuring local food trucks and caterers like Skullies Street Q. Create a diverse menu with options ranging from gourmet tacos to artisanal ice cream. Set up communal dining areas to encourage mingling and community building. Partner with New Bern Farmers Market to showcase local produce and artisanal products.
9. Brunch Wedding Reception
Work with Strange and Sons Catering to design a unique brunch-style wedding reception. Offer made-to-order omelets, a waffle bar, and a selection of their signature salads. Include a bloody mary and mimosa station for a festive touch, featuring local Sanctuary Vineyards sparkling wine.
10. Eco-Friendly Corporate Retreat
Partner with a caterer like TPi Event Solutions to create a sustainable, zero-waste menu for your company retreat. Use locally-sourced, organic ingredients and compostable serving ware. Incorporate interactive elements like a build-your-own grain bowl station featuring ancient grains from Carolina Gold Rice Foundation.
By incorporating these unique catering ideas, you can create memorable and delicious experiences for various events in New Bern, showcasing the city’s culinary diversity and local flavors. Remember to check with each vendor for their current offerings and availability, as menus and services may change seasonally.
