![](https://deb-asset-management.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/news/introducing-elevated-picnic-baskets-curated-by-chef-charles-haracz-7325.jpg?X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=DO00R2WD3RNYBN7B8GTW%2F20240908%2Fnyc3%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240908T012614Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=225e5a4dd5bee000c8b6a1853d4b147bfeb0a77ca11ec9033c0f5d3a5f886852)
Introducing Elevated Picnic Baskets Curated by Chef Charles Haracz
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.
2023 Picnic Basket Menu
All picnic baskets are served at room temperature and are meant to serve two.
Le Pique-Nique Nosh
A supplement for your self-made entrée. All items served at room temperature.
Demi Baguette, Rosemary Flatbread, Whipped Salted European Butter
First Course
Red Rock Cheese Mild Blue Vein Cheddar, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Carr Valley Boozin Ewe’ Sweet Sheep Milk Cheese, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Maytag Creamy Blue Cheese with a Lemony Finish, Locally Sourcedfrom IA (VG, GF)
Prosciutto di Parma, 100% Natural Cured Ham (GF,DF)
Nostrano Local Salami with Coarse Pink Peppercorn (GF,DF)
Smoked White Fish Spread Smoked with Local Hickory, Celery, Mustard (GF, DF)
Assorted House Pickled Vegetables, Country Olives, Preserved Fig Jam (V, VG, GF, DF, CN)
Second Course
Toasted Farro, Sauteed Snap Peas with Pickled Cherries, Shaved Parmesan (VG)
Third Course
Fruit de la Passion Fruit BonBon with Panna Cotta Filling, Dark Chocolate Shell (VG, GF)
Caramel Sel BonBon with Dark Caramel Filling, Dark Chocolate Shell, Sea Salt (VG, GF)
Pot de Crème au Citron, Fresh Lemon Infused Crème, Opalys White Chocolate Crunchy Pearls (VG, GF)
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Poulet à L’Orange
Three course meal for two. All items served at room temperature.
First Course
Demi Baguette, Whipped Salted European Butter
Red Rock Cheese Mild Blue Vein Cheddar, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Carr Valley Boozin Ewe’ Sweet Sheep Milk Cheese, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Assorted House Pickled Vegetables, Country Olives, Preserved Fig Jam (V, VG, GF, DF, CN)
Mixed Farm Greens Salad with Shaved Fennel, Charred Roasted Carrots, Fennel Pollen Citrus Vinaigrette (VG,GF)
Second Course
Chicken à L’Orange with Pickled Chili Peppers, Orange Segments, Smoked Cippolini Conserva, Chicken Chicharron (GF, DF)
Toasted Farro, Sauteed Snap Peas with Pickled Cherries, Shaved Parmesan (VG)
Third Course
Chocolat Noir Pot De Crème, Tahitian Vanilla Infused Dark Chocolate Crème, Valrhona Caramelia Crunchy Pearls, Fresh Raspberries (VG, GF)
Framboise Macaron with Pink Shell, Raspberry Jam Filling (VG, GF,CN)
Le Café Macaron with Coffee Infused Shell, Coffee Ganache Filling (VG, GF,CN)
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La Végétarienne
Three course meal for two. All items served at room temperature.
First Course
Demi Baguette, Whipped Salted European Butter
Red Rock Cheese Mild Blue Vein Cheddar, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Carr Valley Boozin Ewe’ Sweet Sheep Milk Cheese, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Assorted House Pickled Vegetables, Country Olives, Preserved Fig Jam (V, VG, GF, DF, CN)
Mixed Farm Greens Salad with Shaved Fennel, Charred Roasted Carrots, Fennel Pollen Citrus Vinaigrette (VG,GF)
Second Course
Koji Smoked and Roasted Four Star Lion’s Mane Mushroom Carpaccio with Truffle Aioli, Pea Tendrils, Pickled Shallots, Toasted Pistachio, House Made Focaccia (V, VG, GF, DF, CN)
Toasted Farro, Sauteed Snap Peas with Pickled Cherries, Shaved Parmesan (VG)
Sweet Corn “Elote” with Cotija, Lime Crema, Cilantro, Togarashi (VG, GF)
Third Course
Chocolat Noir Pot De Crème, Tahitian Vanilla Infused Dark Chocolate Crème, Valrhona Caramelia Crunchy Pearls, Fresh Raspberries (VG, GF)
Framboise Macaron with Pink Shell, Raspberry Jam Filling (VG, GF,CN)
Le Café Macaron with Coffee Infused Shell, Coffee Ganache Filling (VG, GF,CN)
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Le Pique-Nique BBQ
Three course meal for two. All items served at room temperature.
First Course
Demi Baguette, Whipped Salted European Butter
Red Rock Cheese Mild Blue Vein Cheddar, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Carr Valley Boozin Ewe’ Sweet Sheep Milk Cheese, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Assorted House Pickled Vegetables, Country Olives, Preserved Fig Jam (V, VG, GF, DF, CN)
Whipped Stracciatella Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Shaved Onion, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Fine Herbs (VG, GF)
Second Course
Chicago-Style Brisket with a Rich Smoky Bark (GF, DF) with Alabama White BBQ Sauce (GF), Classic Chicago Style BBQ Sauce (GF)
Sweet Corn “Elote” with Cotija, Lime Crema, Cilantro, Togarashi (VG, GF)
Toasted Caraway Coleslaw (VG, GF, DF)
Stone Ground Mustard Red Potato Salad with Tarragon (VG, GF, DF)
Third Course
Fruit de la Passion Fruit BonBon with Panna Cotta Filling, Dark Chocolate Shell (VG, GF)
Caramel Sel BonBon with Dark Caramel Filling, Dark Chocolate Shell, Sea Salt (VG, GF)
Pot de Crème au Citron, Fresh Lemon Infused Crème, Opalys White Chocolate Crunchy Pearls (VG, GF)
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Charcuterie pour Le Dîner
Three course meal for two. All items served at room temperature.
Demi Baguette, Rosemary Flatbread, Whipped Salted European Butter
First Course
Red Rock Cheese Mild Blue Vein Cheddar, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Carr Valley Boozin Ewe’ Sweet Sheep Milk Cheese, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Maytag Creamy Blue Cheese with a Lemony Finish, Locally Sourcedfrom IA (VG, GF)
House Pig and Fig Terrine Country Style Pork Pate with Fig, Cinnamon, Ginger, Clove (GF, DF)
Prosciutto di Parma, 100% Natural Cured Ham (GF,DF)
Nostrano Local Salami with Coarse Pink Peppercorn (GF,DF)
Smoked White Fish Spread Smoked with Local Hickory, Celery, Mustard (GF, DF)
Assorted House Pickled Vegetables, Country Olives, Preserved Fig Jam (V, VG, GF, DF, CN)
Mixed Farm Greens Salad with Shaved Fennel, Charred Roasted Carrots, Fennel Pollen Citrus Vinaigrette (VG,GF)
Second Course
Merguez Sausage with Black Truffle Aioli, Lemon and Herb Couscous, Candied Cashew
Toasted Farro, Sauteed Snap Peas with Pickled Cherries, Shaved Parmesan (VG)
Third Course
Chocolat Noir Pot De Crème, Tahitian Vanilla Infused Dark Chocolate Crème, Valrhona Caramelia Crunchy Pearls, Fresh Raspberries (VG, GF)
Framboise Macaron with Pink Shell, Raspberry Jam Filling (VG, GF,CN)
Le Café Macaron with Coffee Infused Shell, Coffee Ganache Filling (VG, GF,CN)
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Terre et Mer
Three course meal for two. All items served at room temperature.
First Course
Demi Baguette, Whipped Salted European Butter
Red Rock Cheese Mild Blue Vein Cheddar, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Carr Valley Boozin Ewe’ Sweet Sheep Milk Cheese, Locally Sourced from WI (VG, GF)
Assorted House Pickled Vegetables, Country Olives, Preserved Fig Jam (V, VG, GF, DF, CN)
Whipped Stracciatella Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Shaved Onion, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Fine Herbs (VG, GF)
Second Course
Grilled Petite Tender with Herb Chimichurri (GF, DF)
Ouzo Shrimp with Potato, Lemon, Parsley, Aleppo Pepper, Garlic (GF)
Sweet Corn “Elote” with Cotija, Lime Crema, Cilantro, Togarashi (VG, GF)
Third Course
Chocolat Noir Pot De Crème, Tahitian Vanilla Infused Dark Chocolate Crème, Valrhona Caramelia Crunchy Pearls, Fresh Raspberries (VG, GF)
Framboise Macaron with Pink Shell, Raspberry Jam Filling (VG, GF,CN)
Le Café Macaron with Coffee Infused Shell, Coffee Ganache Filling (VG, GF,CN)
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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.
![](https://deb-asset-management.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/news/69537_DEBINT1.jpg?X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=DO00R2WD3RNYBN7B8GTW%2F20240908%2Fnyc3%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240908T012614Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=9304e9d03d911d9a3d1a33581c2b35fe4b402078dfde6028a068a4dfcb32cd1d)
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!
![](https://deb-asset-management.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/news/the-french-connection-official-speakeasy-afterparty-7511.jpg?X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=DO00R2WD3RNYBN7B8GTW%2F20240908%2Fnyc3%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240908T012614Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=379e00e6eb61c08131a4bc5490b3f571a9707d4e22398680ca6a9f489fec207b)
The French Connection | Official Speakeasy Afterparty
14 August 2023
Mix, mingle, and dance the night away with new friends, old friends, and the event hosts.
![](https://deb-asset-management.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/news/premier-wine-offerings-for-le-retour-7461.jpg?X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=DO00R2WD3RNYBN7B8GTW%2F20240908%2Fnyc3%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240908T012614Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=f2c328ce20306bf83d1734789686aa59afd9aff69e90a21b0b33e6ca1ce2c8aa)
Premier Wine Offerings for Le Retour
01 August 2023
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.
![](https://deb-asset-management.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/news/chicagos-largest-dinner-party-le-diner-en-blanc-returns-on-thursday-august-17-7257.jpg?X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=DO00R2WD3RNYBN7B8GTW%2F20240908%2Fnyc3%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240908T012614Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=b88c1ba6376503bc9e6cfdec2806c48e7e83d719bfea1e35e5708452e84b8a0b)
Chicago’s Largest Dinner Party, Le Dîner en Blanc, Returns on Thursday, August 17
29 June 2023
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.
![](https://deb-asset-management.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/news/le-retour-2023-7255.jpg?X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=DO00R2WD3RNYBN7B8GTW%2F20240908%2Fnyc3%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240908T012614Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=168be103ba1fd9375c3b5905eadffc5cb5fa70c0737966a67ac8446272ed19e3)
Le Retour 2023
11 June 2023
![](https://deb-asset-management.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/news/sofitel-sweepstakes-5007.jpg?X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=DO00R2WD3RNYBN7B8GTW%2F20240908%2Fnyc3%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240908T012614Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=b72ff0babbded6e4ff8887457b80c7948e4c2a0c23410d760d6ab2b3de6d44c5)
Sofitel Sweepstakes
16 October 2019
![](https://deb-asset-management.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/news/e-store-opens-july-12-4375.jpg?X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=DO00R2WD3RNYBN7B8GTW%2F20240908%2Fnyc3%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240908T012614Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Signature=3e1992ba89414d4175d32e8d13dc3ccff1abeab738ee8ab4f5221095c652a87c)
E-Store Opens July 12
12 July 2019
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!