Diner en Blanc proves secrets can be kept in D.C.
Spilling the beans is political sport in the nation’s capital, yet organizers of yesterday evening’s inaugural Diner en Blanc were able to keep the location of the event under wraps until moments before it began.
The D.C. location of this flash mob style dinner was Yard Park on the Anacostia River waterfront near the Nationals stadium. More than 1,400 diners attended, including many members of the LGBT community.
Diner en Blanc began 26 years ago in Paris and this year has grown to 50 cities around the world. The rules for the event are simple and exact. Attendees are expect to wear all white, to bring their own table and chairs, and bring their own food and drink unless they pre-purchase catered packages.
Those who register or are invited to attend are unaware of the exact location for the dinner. They are simply promised it will be a worthy local, where diners can “see and be seen.”
Surprising, the usually independently minded Washingtonians followed the rules well. There were a few off color outfits (winter white is not white) but generally the attendees took to the event with style and creativity.
A special treat of the evening was Moet & Chandon‘s introduction of Ice Impérial to the D.C. market. The world’s first-ever champagne created to be enjoyed over ice was well-received.
For its first year, D.C. event seemed to go off without any problems. The feedback from the attendees was resoundingly positive.
“When I was first asked by a friend to attend, I didn’t hesitate,” said Edward Holmstrom. “His general description of the event sounded good and after I did some re
search on the Internet, I knew it was something I was going to enjoy. And I was right.”
Holmstrom and the other attendees are now guaranteed a spot for next year’s event. The estimated thousands who were wait-listed for this year and the many who will likely want to attend next year will have to hope to for an invite from a previous attendee or a future open slot. Registration for the 2015 wait list is available now.
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