Celebrate 5 Years with Us on Friday, August 12, 2016
LE DÎNER EN BLANC – CHICAGO TO CELEBRATE ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY WITH ANNUAL SUMMER EVENT ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016
The World’s Most Elegant Picnics, Le Dîner En Blanc – Chicago Celebrates Five Years in the City By Showcasing an Evening of The City’s History
CHICAGO – Celebrating its fifth year in Chicago, Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago will host its annual event on Friday, August 12, 2016. Held at an undisclosed public space, whose location is revealed moments prior to the start of the event, this unique experience is one of the world’s most elegant large scale “picnics.”
With the sole purpose of sharing a unique experience in good company, Le Dîner en Blanc was launched by François Pasquier nearly 30 years ago in Paris, France. After spending a few years abroad, Pasquier returned to Paris and wanted to organize a picnic to reconnect with old friends. The concept was simple: "Bring a meal, and bring a new friend." Seeing as his garden was too small for the gathering, he told his friends to convene at the Bois de Boulogne and to dress in white, so they could find each other. This friendly gathering grew over time and soon became to be known as Le Dîner en Blanc. The original event in Paris now assembles more than 10,000 guests and has featured some of the city’s most prestigious sites such as Le Pont des Arts, Château de Versailles, Champs-Élysées, Le Louvre Pyramid, and the Palais Royal Garden. Since the founding of Dîner en Blanc International in 2012, the event has quickly spread to more than 70 cities around the world with Chicago being one of the first cities to launch. Today, nearly 120,000 guests participate collectively around the world each year.
The evening begins as participants converge at a meeting point prior to the main event. From there, they are led by a Dîner en Blanc - Chicago volunteer to an iconic Chicago outdoor destination, whose location remains secret until the very moment they arrive. Required to dress entirely in white, guests are enlisted to bring a picnic basket, table, chairs, and table settings. With the city as a backdrop, guests enjoy music, entertainment, dancing, and new friends upon arrival and throughout the evening. Sixteen hundred guests attended the sold-out event in 2015, and more than 3,000 guests are expected to participate in the 2016 Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago Fifth Anniversary event.
In addition to the Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago 2016 main event on August 12, 2016, an event at Rent-The-Runway on July 19 and an event at The Chopping Block on July 26 will be held for members and confirmed participants. *Event details to be announced shortly.
“Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago is first and foremost an event to celebrate our city. With the inspiration of the original Parisian event, we have created an inclusive environment that transcends societal labels and brings people together to experience the heart of Chicago. Every year we are overwhelmed and delighted at the community that has been created, reuniting old friends and creating new ones. We strive to keep this going by bringing people together, giving back to the community and, of course, having a marvelous time doing it!” states the hosts of the Chicago event (Roger Hobby, James Wild, Lauren Haras, and Annette Dalloo).
Invitations occur in three stages. Each invitation is for two people:
- Phase 1 is for returning 2015 members who attended the previous year’s event
- Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase I attendees
- Phase 3 is for guests who register on the waiting list via the official website chicago.dinerenblanc.info/register, by July 18th.
Once places are reserved and confirmed, and to keep with Le Dîner en Blanc’s unique tradition, guests are asked to observe the following key rules:
- Once confirmed, guest participation is mandatory, regardless of weather conditions. This is a rain or shine outdoor event.
- The dress code is simple: elegant, head-to-toe white outfits. Originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.
- Table setting: all white and no disposable place settings!
- The location is a secret. Guests meet at their selected departure location and are escorted by a Dîner en Blanc - Chicago volunteer to the undisclosed site.
- Guests are required to take all of their belongings, leftovers and garbage, leaving the secret location as pristine as they found out.
Guests must bring
- A table, two white chairs, white tablecloth, and white cloth napkins.
- A picnic basket with food, 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. Guests wishing to do so must purchase a voucher online through the Dîner en Blanc – Chicago e-store.
- Wine and/or Champagne. Beer and hard liquor are prohibited.
- As per venue, City of Chicago and state alcohol laws/regulations/ordinances, guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy wine or Champagne, must reserve online through the Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago e-store. Guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages. Beer and hard liquor are prohibited.
- Valid Driver’s License or State ID (all guests must be over 21).
For full details on the event’s rules and additional tips, please visit the official website: chicago.dinerenblanc.info/about.
Apothic Wine is proud to be the official wine partner of the 2016 U.S. Le Dîner en Blanc series. Le Dîner en Blanc - Chicago also gratefully acknowledges Radisson Blu Aqua as an official local sponsor providing special Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago rates for the event, and Paramount Events as the official caterer/event company of the 2016 Dîner en Blanc – Chicago event. In addition to our sponsors we would like to thank our partners The Chopping Block, Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, and Rent the Runway.
To keep up to date on event announcements, follow us on:
 Diner en Blanc - Chicago |
 @ChiDinerEnBlanc |
 dinerenblancchicago |
Official Hashtags: #dinerenblanc | #DEBchicago2016 | #DEBchicago
For all official videos of Le Dîner en Blanc series, please visit YouTube Le Dîner en Blanc and for photos of Le Dîner en Blanc series, please visit the official website dinerenblanc.info.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, INTERVIEWS, OR HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES PLEASE CONTACT
MARCI PONTO AT 847-790-6606 // [email protected] OR
KARRIE LEUNG AT 312-636-3103 // [email protected]
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 over 10,000 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 70 cities in more than 25 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair.
About The Hosts
The Dîner 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 Dîner en Blanc - Chicago Host team includes Roger Hobby, James Wild, Lauren Haras, and Annette Dalloo.
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 revel in the intrigue of Dîner en Blanc.
About Radisson Blu Aqua
The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, located on the first 18 floors of the architecturally acclaimed 81-story Aqua Tower, opened its doors on November 1, 2011 and marked the U.S. debut for the Radisson Blu upper-upscale brand. Today, the hotel continues to be recognized for its thought-provoking contemporary style and a leader in its field for service, quality, and value. This November, the downtown Chicago hotel turns five. Guests are encouraged to share on social media channels their favorite memories at the hotel using the hashtag #RBA5Year.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, INTERVIEWS, OR HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES PLEASE CONTACT
MARCI PONTO AT 847-790-6606 // [email protected] OR
KARRIE LEUNG AT 312-636-3103 // [email protected]
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.
Learn more
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!