2012 Succes at the Art Institute
Successful Inaugural Event - Le Dîner en Blanc® Chicago in
the South Garden of the Art Institute
the South Garden of the Art Institute
In 2012, a group of friends decided it was time for Chicago to join the prestigious ranks of cities like Paris, San Francisco, Milano, and Montreal by bringing Le Dîner en Blanc to the city. Working with Le Dîner en Blanc International and the son of the original founder, the Chicago event was born.
Held on August 24, 2012 in the South Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago along the Magnificinet Mile, 500 guests enjoyed food, friends, fashion, and wine at a Chicago landmark not normally available for evening events. As an added treat, world-renowned Chef Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia partnered with our event to provide gourmet picnic baskets and over 10 wine varietal pairings. The night ended under the summer stars dancing to French pop star Mylène Farmer. There was even a guest appearance by a little white dog named Loki!
The inaugural event was so successful that the Art Institute of Chicago plans on using the South Garden starting the summer of 2013 for evening events.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Sofitel Sweepstakes
16 October 2019
Sofitel Sweepstakes. Win a 4 day trip for 2 to any Sofitel location!
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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!