And the 2015 date is....Friday, August 21, 2015
For the fourth consecutive year, Le Dîner en Blanc to be hosted in Chicago.
Chicago, IL - On Friday, August 21, 2015, Le Dîner en Blanc - Chicago, the annual secret affair, promises another unforgettable evening of elegance, beauty, and magic as it takes over an undisclosed public space whose location is revealed moments prior to the start of the event. Over 1,300 foodies, fashion, and cultural enthusiasts attended the sold-out 2014 event at the Lincoln Park Zoo Nature Boardwalk, and over 1,500 are expected this year.
"Our goal is to bring together the people of Chicago for a memorable evening in the city they love at a venue they may not normally be able to access for an elegant dinner with friends,” says James Wild co-organizer of Dîner en Blanc – Chicago. And that key element is why the Chicago event has been such a success, as exclaimed by popular Chicago blogger Cheryl Leahy, “Honestly, it was one of the most intriguing and magical (yes, I used the word magical, a word I have never used to describe ANYthing before) evenings I have ever had.”
True to tradition, onlookers will witness groups of guests dressed in white gathering at points across the city. Guided by Dîner en Blanc – Chicago volunteers, the groups converge at an iconic, outdoor Chicago location, travelling by foot and public transportation. Each guest brings a gourmet spread, table, chairs, and table setting – breaking out of normal routines to eat and celebrate amid music, entertainment, dancing, and many new friends.
The evening is filled with breathtaking moments including the napkin twirl to mark the beginning of the dinner and lighting of sparklers to indicate guests are free to mingle and dance. The end of the evening is marked with the sound of trumpets as guests pack up their belongings, pick up all their litter, and head back into the night, leaving behind no sign of their elegant revelry.
To maintain the uniqueness and tradition of Le Dîner en Blanc, guests must observe key rules:
- Guests you attended the previous year (2014) are automatically invited, and once tickets for the current event are purchased they may invite a new member to attend. All others should sign up for the wait list via the official website at chicago.dinerenblanc.info/register, by July 20, 2015
- Once confirmed, each guest’s participation becomes mandatory, regardless of weather conditions. This is a rain or shine event and refunds will not be granted.
- Dress code: elegant and attire must be all white and only white! Originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful. Table settings: all white!
- Note: Dinnerware, stemware and flatware must be for two – no plastic or disposable items!
- 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.
- In order to leave the event location as clean as when they arrived, guests are required to leave with all their belongings, leftovers and litter.
- A table, two white chairs, white tablecloth and napkins!
- A picnic basket comprising fine food.
- Guests may pre-purchase a catered picnic basket option, which can be picked up on-site and reserved online through the official Dîner en Blanc - Chicago website during ticket registration.
- Champagne and/or wine must be pre-purchased through the event cater only. Beer and hard liquor are prohibited. All attendees must be 21+ with valid ID’s.
About Dîner en Blanc
Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. Dîner en Blanc - Paris now attracts nearly 15,000 people each year. What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on five continents. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principles fuelling this fantastic event have not: guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over 50 cities in more than 20 countries around the world. Passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair, head each event.
About The Hosts
The Diner en Blanc - Chicago team held their inaugural event in August of 2012 in the South Gardens of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since then, the Hosts have sought out significant Chicago venues that are underutilized or have previously not been available for a public or private event including Pioneer Plaza and the Lincoln Park Zoo Nature Boardwalk. The Diner en Blanc - Chicago Host team includes Roger Hobby, James Wild, Annette Dalloo, and Lauren Haras.
About Apothic
Embrace the intrigue of the unexpected. Apothic® White, the official wine of Dîner en Blanc, blends Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio to create a refreshing, medium-bodied wine with flavors of peach and apricot, that leads to a crisp, balanced finish. Named from the 13th century European Apotheca, where wine was blended and stored, the wines of Apothic fuse Old World intrigue with modern sophistication. Our winemaker, Debbie Juergenson, crafts unique, captivating blends that create layers of complexity. Taste a White with Darker Motives and reveal in the intrigue of Dîner en Blanc.
For full details on the event’s rules and regulations, please review the official website: https://chicago.dinerenblanc.com/faq
Official hashtags: #dinerenblanc #DEBChicago #DEBchicago2015
For all official videos of Dîner en Blanc around the world, visit YouTube Le Dîner en Blanc
For more info and photos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit the official website dinerenblanc.info.
A Look Back on 2023!
08 March 2024
With the 2024 Diner en Blanc Event Season ramping up, we wanted to share some of the highlights from 2023.
Introducing Our New Logo & Website
25 April 2024
You’re here! Have you had a chance to browse this beautiful new website yet? Take a tour and get even more excited about the coming season!
The French Connection | Official Speakeasy Afterparty
14 August 2023
Keep the Party Going—You’re Invited to the Exclusive Secret Speakeasy Dîner en Blanc-Chicago After Party!
Mix, mingle, and dance the night away with new friends, old friends, and the event hosts.
Learn more
Mix, mingle, and dance the night away with new friends, old friends, and the event hosts.
Premier Wine Offerings for Le Retour
01 August 2023
Enjoy premier wine sponsors Bodega Garzón, Bodega Renacer, and the Glunz Family Winery and Cellars at Le Retour of Diner en Blanc-Chicago!
We can't think of a better way to celebrate Chicago and our return, than with a selection of global wines curated by Louis Glunz Wine, a Fourth Generation family-owned and operated importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits in the Chicagoland area.
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We can't think of a better way to celebrate Chicago and our return, than with a selection of global wines curated by Louis Glunz Wine, a Fourth Generation family-owned and operated importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits in the Chicagoland area.
Introducing Elevated Picnic Baskets Curated by Chef Charles Haracz
11 July 2023
Elevated Picnic Baskets Curated by Chef Charles Haracz for 2023 Le Retour
Blue Plate Chicago Executive Chef, Charles Haracz, has curated a selection of elevated picnic basket options, serving two, for the return of Dîner en Blanc-Chicago. Prior to his position at Blue Plate, Haracz spent 10 years at the Art Institute of Chicago, including as Chef De Partie to Chef Tony Mantuano for the acclaimed Terzo Piano Restaurant at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Learn more
Blue Plate Chicago Executive Chef, Charles Haracz, has curated a selection of elevated picnic basket options, serving two, for the return of Dîner en Blanc-Chicago. Prior to his position at Blue Plate, Haracz spent 10 years at the Art Institute of Chicago, including as Chef De Partie to Chef Tony Mantuano for the acclaimed Terzo Piano Restaurant at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Chicago’s Largest Dinner Party, Le Dîner en Blanc, Returns on Thursday, August 17
29 June 2023
Chicago, June 29, 2023 – Le Dîner en Blanc-Chicago presents ‘Le retour.’ After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the elegant, pop-up urban picnic returns Thursday, August 17, 2023, at an unexpected and secret new location in the City of Chicago.
As always, returning members will receive an invitation to purchase tickets, and new guests also have an opportunity to join the experience by registering for the waiting list at chicago.dinerenblanc.com and clicking on the register tab.
Learn more
As always, returning members will receive an invitation to purchase tickets, and new guests also have an opportunity to join the experience by registering for the waiting list at chicago.dinerenblanc.com and clicking on the register tab.
Le Retour 2023
11 June 2023
That's right Chicago, we're making our triumphant return Summer 2023! After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the elegant, pop-up urban picnic returns.
Hope you missed us. We sure missed you! XOXO
Learn more
Sofitel Sweepstakes
16 October 2019
Sofitel Sweepstakes. Win a 4 day trip for 2 to any Sofitel location!
Learn more
E-Store Opens July 12
12 July 2019
For this year's event we're shaking things up a bit, offering an array of picnic basket options using French techniques by Chef Melissa Chickerneo of Blueplate Catering.
From Cauliflower al Pastor to Pickled Shrimp with Watermelon Gazpacho to Petit Tender with Green Chimichurri - there's something for everyone, including 14 sparkling and still wine options!
Learn more
From Cauliflower al Pastor to Pickled Shrimp with Watermelon Gazpacho to Petit Tender with Green Chimichurri - there's something for everyone, including 14 sparkling and still wine options!