Looking Back to 2019 Events ...Diner en Blanc!
Diner en Blanc Philadelphia
There are a million reasons why you would want the chance to attend Diner en Blanc. Besides the fact that it is one of the most sought out annual events, you can always look forward to its extravagant ambiance filled with social experiences, fabulous décor, food, entertainment, flowing libations, topped off with the ultimate element of surprise surrounding its hidden location. It is the true night of lights in elegant WHITE!
In the months, weeks, and days leading up to this once in a lifetime event, you cannot help but be overly excited, and hope that you register in time, before tickets sell out. Sidenote: If you are not aware, Diner en Blanc is an event that requires pre-registration and once you are identified as a registered participant, you will be awarded date and time access for Phase access (Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III respectively) for purchase of tickets. I personally have waited years to get into this event, and once you are in they really make sure they WOW you. It is as if all your dreams are finally coming true and they make every effort to impress. Diner en Blanc has the feeling of suspense and great excitement and makes you feel that you need the secret password to get into the Speakeasy door, and once you get in you see all that you have been looking for. Many have dubbed it the event of the year, or the event that you do not want to miss. I promise you, it is exactly that.
This year I had the privilege to attend Diner en Blanc and to say the least it was magical…watch out Disney. FYI: On the day of the event, you only are aware of your assigned meeting point, what to wear…elegant WHITE (obvi), who will be your group leader, and what to bring…but you have no idea where it will be located. It is definitely the new age scavenger hunt.
Arrival:
Your group leader will direct you to travel by foot or by transport to the designated pop-up location in the Philadelphia city limits. This year I took it upon myself to scope out my assigned meeting location in advance. This is a great way to have a clear path to parking or general idea of where to park when you are trying to get to your location during rush hour in Philly. Sidenote: I chose not to Uber, just because sometimes you want to head out when you are ready, but if possible, I would totally recommend reserving and Uber or Lyft if you don’t have time to check out the parking situation in advance.
Meeting Point:
My table group met at the Fountain at located at Waterworks. Can you say plus, plus, PLUS?! Great spot to get amazing pictures as the sun set…and right on the Delaware River. It was amazing to walk over to a crown of people dressed in their best white ensembles. It was truly a vision to see. I think this was a prime location. As it was slightly concealed from on-lookers, and heavy traffic in comparison to my meeting location last year. Waterworks is also located right below the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which gave everyone meeting there a lot of time to roam around and take pictures, as we waited to be escorted to the Diner en Blanc pop-up location.
Location:
You guessed it! Drum roll please…presenting the 2019 Diner en Blanc pop-up location at the legendary Boathouse Row!! Walking down Kelly Drive we immediately noticed it had been blocked off to traffic flow, only to see the unveiling of a crowd of white everywhere. You name it from the greeting of the DEBPHL volunteers getting us excited about the night, to the historic white trolley car filled with DJs and amazing white outfits that made you feel that you were at the Kentucky derby; it was all well thoughts out. There were huge white balloons everywhere and as in true Diner en Blanc fashion, attendees were taking down their bags and creating the beautiful white landscape that we call en Blanc. Pulling out chairs, popping up tables, spreading dinner plates and wine glasses, plating food, and topping off the night of set-up with the traditional dinner napkin twirl, we were now ready to take on a night of adventure.
Food and Champagne:
So, you always want to ensure that you pack a dinner that will be best served chilled, or bring along dishes that will keep your food at the appropriate temperature, because it may be a while before you eat (reference Meeting Point details for more information). FYI: Diner en Blanc is a BYO…food, bottle, tables, chairs, plates, silverware, and table decorations event. This year for appetizers I made a charcuterie board and bruschetta; for dinner I made crab cakes, sautéed spinach over rice, and roasted rosemary potatoes; and for desert I brought raspberry and blueberry cheesecake. Shoutout to VMarksthespot in South Philly, for most of my food prep ingredients, and their BOMB desserts. For beverages you MUST, MUST, MUST always bring water. There will be lots of dancing and entertainment, and typically, the weather is still very hot, so you definitely want to stay hydrated. I also made my usual stop at the local Wine and Spirits to pick up two bottles of Champagne. I brought the white bottle, to keep with the theme of course, of Luc Belaire Luxe Champagne and the Cupcake Sparkling Rose’.
Atmosphere:
The event has an immense number of guests and tables that are decked out with centerpieces like the Eiffel tower, LED lights, sparklers, and floating candles just to name a few. They make sure that they have several stations set-up with DJs with all genres of music to get the party started and please all attendees. There were multiple step and repeats and jumbo lights placed carefully throughout Boathouse Row to take tons of selfies and get group photos. It was awesome to get nighttime photos with twinkling lights surrounding you everywhere. They had a number of entertainers including skaters and a drumline with some awesome beats. They also incorporated some DEBPHL volunteers dressed as if they were on the crew team, as a spin-off of the location. In addition, tons of attendees go ALL OUT with their outfits, so if you come to play, you had better bring your A game. I saw fairies, complete white body paint, sparkles, butterflies, and several costumes from the Game of Thrones. I cannot tell you enough how magical it was.
Weather:
If you are not aware Diner en Blanc is Rain or Shine. Do not matter the weather be there or be square or rather be prepared. I was sure to watch the weather each day as the event approached and there was a huge chance of rain that night. Don’t worry the show must still go on, so you are encouraged to bring ponchos and umbrellas if needed. I personally brought both and it came in handy. Toward the end of the night we got a major downpour that lasted for about 30 minutes. It was the perfect ending to an amazing night of food, scenery, and fun. I say bring and wear whatever makes you comfortable. The event will always be held outside, and trust me there were plenty of attendees partying in the rain all night long.
Top 5 Tips:
Scope Out Parking in Advance
Wear comfortable Shoes
Check the Weather in Advance
Bring lots of Water
Have a great time