Le Dîner en Blanc, the exclusive, romantic pop-up picnic event that takes NYC by storm each summer in a sea of white clothing, is back for 2019. The ultra-secret event is a picnic, where you bring all of the silverware, dishes, and table to a location kept private until the last minute, features Broadway stars from shows like Hamilton and Waitress. We got the chance to chat with Linda Davis, one of the organizers for the annual event.
Downtown: 2019 is the year of the woman – tell us what it’s like to be a part of this incredible event and to be a businesswoman in 2019?
Linda Davies: As a “seasoned” event producer, and in my 30th year of business, I am in awe of how far not only the industry has come, but how brave so many women are now to take a leap of faith in themselves as I did 30 years ago, and just go for it! The greatest joy I have in my business, and personally, is mentoring women on how to navigate the many challenges presented to them including maintaining a sensible balance of work and play. One does not work without the other. The team that produces Diner en Blanc New York is 98% women and every day I am inspired by their strength and dedication to this event. The team – in every sense of the word – represents the very essence of what Diner en Blanc is about and the pride I feel when the last song is played is indescribable.
DT: This year DEB 2019 New York, what was your greatest challenge?
LD: Every year presents a different set of challenges. Always with this event, the challenge is finding a location that has the ability to handle not only the capacity needs of such a large event, but represents the city in a way that makes our guests truly feel they are in a New York moment!
DT: We see that this year there will not be a particular chef, what can the guests expect and what was the reason behind no chef this year?
LD: This event is all about self-containment, including your table, chairs, cutlery, etc, etc. New Yorkers are notorious for having a sophisticated palate and are completely capable of creating an amazing meal. We wanted to challenge them this year to show us their talent. With that in mind, we understand not everyone likes to cook, or has the time, so we partnered with a great caterer, Great Performances, to provide picnic basket options for those who chose to focus on other aspects of the event. Many of our guests purchase their baskets so they have time to assemble their amazing ensembles.
DT: Do you have a favorite city for DNB and do not feel that you need to say NYC?
LD: Paris. Simply said, Paris is the ultimate Diner en Blanc experience. It began there and certainly set the tone for all of the other cities around the world.
DT: Give us one tid bit since it’s only a week away, that you have not shared?
LD: I haven’t a clue what I am wearing. But, seriously, we are being treated this year to an amazing performance by Jonathan Cilia Faro, a world-renowned opera singer. The guests are going to absolutely love the entertainment this year!
DT: New York has just past the law that all women are to be paid equally how does this make you feel?
LD: Ecstatic! And it’s about time.
DT: Thus far over the many years of producing this event in NYC what’s been your favorite location?
LD: In Washington DC the event took place on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the Nations Capitol. For the US, you can not get any more iconic than that!
Get on the waitlist now for next year if you want to experience the once-in-a-lifetime event!
Do you need a romantic dinner getaway but only have one evening? Get ready, because “Le Dîner en Blanc” is coming back to NYC. The French-inspired pop-up picnic presents unforgettable dinners in mystery locations. Guests dress up and gather for live music and dancing at an outdoor venue revealed at the very last minute. All you need–besides yourselves, your picnic basket, and your silverware–is an invitation. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Le Dîner en Blanc, despite its massive scope, is equally exclusive and elusive. If you’re just hearing about it now, you don’t have much time to act if you want to experience the picnic of a lifetime.
Hundreds of guests gather at one of Le Dîner en Blanc NYC’s pop-up locations in 2017.
Le Dîner en Blanc was founded in 1988 by François Pasquier. What started as a word-of-mouth tradition amongst friends has risen to global proportions–this year’s event aims to feed more than 130,000 people across 80 cities in 30 countries. New York City’s event alone will have 5,500 guests. Dîner en Blanc International was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. It didn’t hit the US until 2011, when the first Dîner en Blanc opened in NYC.
Registration is always for two, and goes out in three phases: the first phase is for attendees of the previous year, the second is new members referred by phase one members, and the third is for people who signed up on a waiting list. Phase One has already begun, so find your closest Phase One member before it’s too late. Hit up your closest celebrity friend, or that woman at work who always talks about the coolest parties. If all else fails, hop on that wait list ASAP.
Let’s say you find your Phase One friend, or you get picked off of the waitlist. Congratulations! You and your plus one are on your way to a night out or romantic dinner. Now you need the outfit. The dress code calls for all-white clothes and elegance, but leaves the rest to the imagination. Creativity is encouraged. A white three-piece suit and top hat? Queen Victoria’s wedding gown set in an all-white punk aesthetic? Let your imagination soar, as long as it stays elegant and tasteful. Just make sure it’s something you can walk in.
NYC attendees pose in their Dîner en Blanc outfits.
Next comes supplies. You’ll need a folding table, two white chairs, and a white tablecloth. You’ll need a picnic basket filled with fine food, proper stemware, and white dinnerware. Catered picnic basket options will be available to those who reserve them upon registration, but many guests prepare their own individualized gourmet meals. Don’t forget a garbage bag (also white).
Le Dîner en Blanc guests set up their own romantic dinner settings.
So there you have it. Your chance to take part in a worldwide, top-secret picnic with you, a person of your choice, and 130,000 of your closest friends from around the world. Move quickly though, that waitlist had 64,000 people on it last year.
When one thinks of large-scale events, most often Christine Tripoli name will be front and center. Her bio reads like a thesis university prep! Today, you will find Christine as the founder and president of the Looking Glass Event Group.
Downtown Magazine was able to slow Christine down for a few minutes to ask her a few questions
CHRISTINE TRIPOLI
1. Getting into the event arena is not an easy feat, tell us how you got into the event industry and what was missing then, that your firm fills now?
I’ve been blessed to work on amazing large-scale events for more than two decades. I started out working on marketing and publicity for major New York City promotions and citywide events, which fostered my love for the high energy and excitement, as well as the challenge of producing them.
In the late 90s, I got an opportunity to work for the Times Square Alliance when Peter Kohlmann (then the VP of Special Events of Times Square Alliance, and now head of Peko Productions and co-host of Diner en Blanc) invited me to come work with him on events such as New Year’s Eve, Broadway on Broadway, Taste of Times Square and the granddaddy of them all, the Times Square Millennium Celebrations.
After my time there, I produced many large NYC festivals and events and eventually overseeing all the NY/NJ Host Committee Events for the 2014 Super Bowl. That was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Shortly after the Superbowl, I created my company the Looking Glass Group. I think what I bring to every event is this real understanding of how to make events of any size be intimate. We work hard to give opportunities for guests to build an emotional connection event by creating unique moments that are unique and memorable while still paying attention to both the details and the big picture of what we are working to carry out.
2. When and why did Looking Glass choose to partner with DEB?
In 2016, Diner en Blanc International was looking for new hosts for New York City. This event had all the things love: It’s unique, huge in scope, and it really celebrates the diversity and creativity of our great city. In creating a partnership with the event’s Co-Hosts, Peter Kohlmann of Peko Productions and Linda Davis and Kaitlin Davis of the Davis Group, we have been able to lean on our many years of combined experience and our varied backgrounds to bring the best of what we each have to offer. This is our first time back since 2016, and we are very excited about what we have planned for this year.
3. As the founder of Looking Glass, what gets you excited about this particular event Diner en Blanc?
I named my company “Looking Glass Events Group” because I loved the idea of transporting people into space and time that surprises and delights — just like Alice did when she stepped through her looking-glass. I think our team is going to do that again this year. We are taking one of New York City’s great spaces, celebrating it and creating an unforgettable evening for more than 6000 people.
4. What in your eyes makes DEB so extraordinary?
The sheer size and scope of the event, of course, an awesome thing to experience. Watching the excited guests coming from all across the city at one time, all dressed in white, all excited for an amazing night and then assembling on site — is truly mind-boggling as it’s happening. But what I really love about this event is that people from all walks of life, of all ethnicities, of all backgrounds, come together for a joyful purpose. It truly represents the beautiful diversity of New York City.
“Big and Breathtaking Two Words to Describe Diner en Blanc 2018”
5. Your career reads like a novel in the event industry, what keeps your creative juices flowing?
Every event is unique and every day is different. I love taking on new projects and working closely with my clients to think outside of the box and give their guests something that they haven’t experienced before. Staying abreast of what’s new in the arts scene (in music and live performance, and immersive theater in particular) also provides inspiration for me.
6. What is the most difficult when planning an event this large?
I think the most challenging aspect for an event like this is managing the level of detail required on all fronts and having a plan for any scenario that could potentially happen — all while keeping the guest experience in mind.
7. What can we expect differently this year under yours and fellow teammates guidance?
As this event is always held in a different place, I think it’s safe to say that this year’s location will offer a very different experience from any of the years past.
Diner en Blanc 2014 Chicago photo Ronald Leon Hale HD04.jpg
8. Although you cannot, give away this years site, can you give us one word to describe this year’s epic site?
I have two words: Big and breathtaking
9. Give our readers just one tip on how to create the best event?
My best tip is to think specifically about how you want someone to feel at your event, and that everything you have prepared should result in the guest experiencing that feeling from the moment they arrive at the moment they leave. This is true for any event.
Our great city, New York was the first city in the U.S. to host the worlds largest dinner party. Since then it has been a mad rush for Le Dîner en Blanc enthusiasts to sign up year after year.
September 17, 2018, the wildly popular event will make its return to the Big Apple for the 8th consecutive year.Over 6500 guests dressed head-to-toe in chic white will gather at an iconic undisclosed location to dine and dance under the stars.
30th Anniversary DEB
Can you believe that this year marked the 30th anniversary of the world renown Le Dîner en Blanc?
Mais bien sûr, it was befitting to hold its 30th right where the magnificent dinner party made its debut, Paris France. A record-breaking 17,000 guests from France and around the world gathered at the Esplanade des Invalides to celebrate this historic moment.
The legendary all-white French-inspired pop-up dinner party has become the must-attend culinary event of the year in the U.S. and cities around the world. A worldwide phenomenon, this year over 130,000 people in 80 cities spanning 30 countries will attend. To preserve spontaneity and secrecy, the elegant dinner takes over iconic public spaces whose locations are revealed at the last minute to the delight of thousands of guests.
We are thrilled to share with you Downtown’s renowned chef and Michelin Star recipient restaurateur, Marc Forgione will be curating four special picnic baskets for guests in New York who order through Le Dîner en Blanc. Forgione was featured in Downtown Magazine in 2013, riding a wave of success since opening his eponymous restaurant Marc Forgione in 2008 along with multiple locations of his modern steakhouse, American Cut. You can find this delicious eatery right here in Tribeca, Downtown New York. Chef Forgione won season 3 of Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef” at just 31 years old, making him the youngest winner in the show’s history and is currently one of the Iron Chefs on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.” His father Larry Forgione is a culinary legend who revolutionized American-style cooking in the ’70s and ’80s.
Chef Marc Forgione
“I’m excited to be a part of one of the biggest, most sensational events in the world. I’ve always heard that Le Dîner en Blanc is an unparalleled and revolutionary experience and I can’t wait to contribute some of my signature dishes and inventive flavors to the party!” Chef Marc Forgione
DEB NYC Lincoln Center
This must-attend dinner party is by invitation only, traditionally issued by friends and friends of friends who have participated in the past. Another means of attending is via the often-extensive wait lists in each city.
The event has proven to be such a beloved tradition that across the country the number of cities has increased to 32 with five premieres in 2018 alone: Charlotte, Decatur, Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis, Memphis, and Wilmington. While new cities join the adventure every year, in some cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., Le Dîner en Blanc has become the social gathering of the year, move over Met Gala!
Internationally four cities have joined this extraordinary dinner party this year, Toowoomba (Australia), South Georgian Bay and Trois-Rivières (Canada) Madrid (Spain), as well as five new countries: Santiago (Chile), Cartagena (Colombia), Havana (Cuba), Taipei (Taiwan) and Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania).
Be sure to keep an eye on your favorite city, over the next few years as this dinner party continues to expand!
DEB Vancouver
Looking for an excuse to be outlandishly dressed from head to toe in white?
Dîner en Blanc Romance
Guests dine on their own specially curated meals such as lobster, charcuterie, cheese platters, baguettes and desserts, many dishes as opulent as their attire.
Dîner en Blanc offers guests the ultimate opportunity to express their unique fashion and design style. Originality is encouraged; the creative outfits, fantastical hats, and decorative table settings are always a fabulous spectacle. It’s an Instagram lover’s dream — some participants dress as Marie Antoinette with lavishly detailed gowns and wigs. Other ensembles include gowns embellished with string lights, fairy wings, silk tuxedos, dapper sailor suits, powdered wigs, enormous picture hats, and headpieces. The elaborate white table centerpieces range from a miniature carousel centerpiece with each horse carrying a white or silver cupcake to birds in white cages and paper lanterns affixed with LED lights and candelabras.
Diner en Blanc 2017 Querataro photo Mauricio De La Vega 20.jpg
To get a sense of the incredible visuals and how the evening unfolds, here is the 2017 official video of Le Dîner en Blanc – New York.
Linda Davis and Kaitlin Davis of The Davis Group return this summer as the host for Le Dîner en Blanc – New York, along with co-hosts Christine Tripoli of Looking Glass Events Group and Peter Kohlmann of PEKO Productions. Davis, who serves as host in four U.S. cities, says the Big Apple holds a special place in her heart. She explains, “Le Dîner en Blanc first debuted in New York before expanding to other U.S. cities and guests here have developed an extraordinarily passionate bond with the event. They bring a glamour and elegance—along with preparing amazing repasts—that make this an incomparable night in New York. I am thrilled to be a part of such a magical evening again.
LeDîner en Blanc – New York gratefully acknowledges our 2018 Le Dîner en Blanc U.S. national partners.
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We have our whites being prepared, as should, you if you are lucky enough to secure a ticket!
Chef Todd English shares some wisdom from this year’s Dîner en Blanc, a magical summer soirée as always!
Photo by Hal Horowitz
Each year, I have the sheer pleasure of speaking with Chef Todd English at Dîner en Blanc. Just like every year, Chef English does not disappoint — not in food, presence or his delicious menu for the special dinner party.
Since I know my mother will be reading this, I have to share a little of my mom’s feelings for Chef English. First, each month I get a package in the mail. Now for me, this is not unusual because with Downtown Magazine, products come in each and every day. But I always know when I see HSN on the box it must be from my mom.
Secondly, she does her due diligence before she purchases anything, but have always like Chef English’s cookware — however, if she does not like it, she will be the first one of the phone when Chef makes his appearance on one of the cooking shows.
When I tell you she knows his products in and out, that’s not me exaggerating. Little did I know, that at one day at Dîner en Blanc, I would have the pleasure of meeting this handsome, kind enthusiastic chef.
So mom, this is for you!
Todd English and Grace A. Capobianco
Do you ever get tired of Dîner en Blanc, this being its 7th year?
Todd English: No, no. Come on, how do you get tired of this? This is amazing. I love a good party, and this is the greatest setting. I love something unique and fun. It’s all about the glamour, the romance of it. There are a lot of good additives and adverbs you could use to describe what this event is.
I just found out that it’s even more exclusive than I thought, but then again, it has a fun quality to it too. You want to have more people enjoying it, but…
How would you feel if you were not the chef for Dîner en Blanc?
TE: I’d feel left out, I’d be darn… I almost missed it this year, because I was supposed to be away.
How many chefs hankering to have this position with Dîner en Blanc?
TE: You know, I don’t know, I don’t think… I would say if they knew what this is all about… Then maybe, but I got a feeling that they don’t know what this is all about… So, I’m the guy, there’s no one better that me.
How did you plan the menu for this year?
TE: I wanted to do American this year, so all the American picnic stuff. I’m opening an American market in Times Square, so that’s what I wanted to do — to really represent this fun cuisine. We will have to get some of this year’s over here, it’s lobster, corn on the cob, brussels sprouts, and so much more.
How much freedom do you have when creating the menu?
TE: Depending on the guys that cater it, I have to work with them.
Photo by Hal Horowitz
What do you have coming up that you can talk about?
TE: I have the American Marketopening in December on New Year’s Eve in Times Square, so I will be there for New Year’s.
Do you have any new products coming out, my mother will be pleased to hear about for HSN?
TE: I work with Evine, which is in Minneapolis. I have a new steam oven and a dinnerware innovative blender.
How do you come up with your new creative appliances and cookware?
TE: I’ve been around for a long time. I’ve been doing this a long time, so I’m sort of a geek — I love technology, I love bringing new technology to the kitchen, whether it’s in food preparation, or in the food itself, or the machines we use to make the food and bring to the consumer. I want to make it easier and more nutritious for everyone.
Photo by Grace A. Capobianco
How long does it take to get something from concept to the shelves?
TE: Usually about a year, sometimes two.
Last question, what is your favorite NY location for DEB — and you do not have to say Lincoln Center just because we are here?
TE: Downtown and not just because you’re here! I love talking with you Grace, you’re the best and I look forward to working with Downtown Magazine.
Photo by Grace A. Capobianco
And we surely look forward to working with Chef English, too! For next year’s Dîner en Blanc, and for our upcoming issues.
Diner en Blanc 2015 New York / Photo: Joe Cavallini
Diner en Blanc 2015 New York / Photo: Joe Cavallini
We are undoubtedly a nation of foodies who share our passion with friends and family. Yelp has 145 million users. Cooking apps and food trucks are all the rage. Food channels have 24/7 programming. And at the forefront of this celebration, the legendary all-white pop-up dinner Le Dîner En Blanc has become THE culinary event of the year in the U.S. and cities around the world.
Le Dîner en Blanc was launched in France nearly 30 years ago. Today, the storied Paris tradition attracts close to 10,000 people. After Le Dîner en Blanc’s U.S. debut in New York in 2011, the event exploded in popularity with requests to host it pouring in from around the world. This year the event is expanding to 70 cities across five continents. In the U.S., New York will host 5,000 guests at its 6th Le Dîner En Blanc on September 15, one of 20 cities celebrating their own Dîner En Blanc, including for the first time Las Vegas, Orlando and Sacramento.
Diner en Blanc 2015 / Photo: Blynda DaCosta
“It feels like we’ve created a family in four corners of the world,” explain co-founders Sandy Safi and Aymeric Pasquier. Every summer in cities around the world, thousands of people dressed entirely in white descend on a landmark public space with everything they need for an elegant soirée in tow, including folding table and chairs, gourmet picnic food, fine china, silverware, and tablecloth. They first meet in groups of between 100 to 300 people at designated spots in the city and follow group leaders — all of whom volunteers — to the appointed location. The exact location remains a secret until the moment guests arrive, creating an air of mystery and excitement.
Over the course of the evening, the diners eat and celebrate amid live music, dancing, complete with festive white balloons. Many spend weeks in advance planning their menus. Guests also use the venue to express their unique fashion and design style; the often elaborate and creative outfits, fantastical hats, and decorative table settings are always a fabulous spectacle.
Diner en Blanc 2015 New Orleans
To maintain the uniqueness of Le Dîner en Blanc as well as staying true to tradition, guests must observe certain requirements and follow a few key rules:
• Registration to participate happens in three stages: Phase 1 is for members who attended the previous year; Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase 1 attendees; Phase 3 is for people who signed up on the waiting list via the official website: newyork.dinerenblanc.info/register
• Once confirmed, each guest’s participation becomes mandatory, regardless of weather conditions. This is a rain or shine event.
• Dress code: elegant and white only. Originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.
• Table setting: All white!
• To ensure that the location secret is kept undisclosed until last minute, guests meet at assigned departure location and are escorted by a Dîner en Blanc volunteer.
• Champagne and/or wine. Beer and hard liquor prohibited. The alcohol laws and regulations for most states, including New York, do not allow guests to bring their own alcohol. Guests who wish to enjoy some wine or Champagne must reserve online through online. However, guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages.
• In order to leave the event location as clean as when they arrived, guests are required to clean their area, and leave with all their belongings, leftovers and litter.
Guests must bring the following:
• A folding table, two white chairs, white tablecloth.
• A picnic basket comprising fine food and proper stemware and white dinnerware.
• A catered picnic basket option, which can be picked up on site, will be available for those who do not wish to pack their own.
Apothic Wine is proud to be the official wine sponsor of the 2016 US Dîner en Blanc series. Le Dîner en Blanc – New York gratefully acknowledges Moët & Chandon as the official champagne sponsor for the 2016 edition of Le Dîner en Blanc in New York.
