Paradigm Gardens: Top-Tier Private Catering in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city where nearly every celebration revolves around food—and at Paradigm Gardens it’s no different. Paradigm is a vibrant garden space where the food isn’t just served—it’s experienced. With live wood-fired cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and a chef who brings deep New Orleans roots to every dish, Paradigm not only serves up incredible dishes that will be talked about for months or even years to come, but we provide a culinary experience enjoyed by all guests who attend.
Whether you're hosting a wedding, a birthday, or a corporate gathering, your guests will leave with more than full plates—they’ll leave with lasting memories.
Gorgeous dessert table for a wedding at Paradigm, by Chef Pat and his team at Karibou Kitchen Catering.
Led by a chef born and raised in the crescent city
At the heart of Paradigm’s food experience is Chef Pat, the mastermind behind Karibou Kitchen and our exclusive caterer. Born and raised in New Orleans, Chef Pat infuses every dish with the city's rich culinary traditions—while adding his own unexpected and brilliant twist. Chef Pat’s background and creativity bring authenticity and excitement to every menu. His passion for food isn’t just about taste—it’s about storytelling, culture, and connection. Here are some of his favorites:
Gochujang BBQ Shrimp
“Instead of using a black pepper heavy sauce, we put a twist on New Orleans' BBQ Shrimp by combining Korean chili paste, butter, ginger, & cilantro to cook our gulf shrimp with.”
Shishito Pepper Gulf Fish
“We love shishito peppers! They can be so much more than your average blistered appetizer. Their fruitiness and light heat pair perfectly with flaky gulf fish. We blend the shishitos with fresh lemon juice, a couple cloves of garlic, and some olive oil. We then bake or sauté the fish with the shishitos and add a touch of wine.”
Buttermilk Drop Ice Box Pie with Brown Sugar Whipped Cream
“We take buttermilk drops from the Buttermilk Drop Shop and layer them with our brown sugar whipped cream, then add whatever seasonal fruit we can find from the farmer’s market: blackberries, strawberries, peaches, blueberries. Let it chill in the fridge for 4-5 hours, it’s the perfect cool down dessert.”
tailored menus for every taste, diet and budget
At Paradigm, we believe that no two events are alike. That’s why our private event catering is 100% customizable. Whether you’re planning a vegan dinner, need gluten-free options, or want to honor cultural food traditions, we’ll work with you to create a menu that reflects your vision.
When you book your event at Paradigm, you’ll work directly with Chef Pat and our sales manager Karen to curate a menu that suits your dietary needs, taste preferences, and budget. From family-style meals to buffets or elevated fine-dining presentations, we offer a wide range of service styles.
One of our clients’ favorite parts? The menu tasting—an experience in itself that lets you sample and refine your selections before the big day.
Photo by xistencephotography New Orleans.
fresh from our garden straight to your plate
Paradigm isn’t just a venue—it’s a working garden. Many of the ingredients used in our dishes come straight from our on-site and off-site gardens, such as herbs, vegetables, eggs and even edible flowers for an even more beautiful presentation, ensuring that every bite is as fresh and flavorful as possible.
In addition, Chef Pat’s deep ties to the New Orleans community mean he sources ingredients from local butchers, farmers, and fishers who share his commitment to quality. This dedication to locally sourced food in New Orleans doesn’t just support the community—it guarantees a level of freshness and sustainability you can taste. The food is prepared with love and care from start to finish.
Fresh salad utilizing ingredients from the garden. Photo by Crain photography.
watch your meal come to life in real time
One of the things that truly sets Paradigm apart is our live wood-fired cooking. Imagine your guests gathered around a handcrafted wood fire oven, watching their food come to life while taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of open-flame cooking.
From sizzling vegetables to seared meats and blistered flatbreads, the visual appeal and smoky aroma of our wood-fired cooking creates an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience that elevates any event and leaves guests talking.
This interactive element adds a unique layer of excitement—and makes the food a central part of the celebration, not just a side note.
Chef Pat cooking on the Wood Fire Oven & Grill during a wedding at Paradigm Gardens.
More than a meal, it’s a celebration
Paradigm is perfect for a wide variety of private events, including:
Weddings and rehearsal dinners
Birthday parties
Corporate retreats and team-building events
Graduation parties and family reunions
Nonprofit galas and fundraisers
No matter the occasion, our catering transforms your event into a full-on culinary celebration. From the first tasting to the final toast, every moment at Paradigm is infused with authentic New Orleans hospitality and unforgettable food.
ready to experience the best private catering in new orleans?
Paradigm is more than a venue—it’s where customizable event menus, garden-to-table ingredients, and live wood-fired cooking come together to create one of the most authentic private event experiences in New Orleans.
Ready to plan your event or book a tasting? Contact us today to schedule a private tour or start working with Chef Pat and Karen on a custom menu your guests will be talking about for years.