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There are a few new additions to this summer’s Diner en Blanc.
Attendees will be able to rent their tables and chairs through the event organizers rather than schlepping them to the secret location themselves. There will also be gourmet food boxes available for purchase for those who would rather not partake in any food prep. Both can be arranged through the organizers.
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“I knew that this could be a barrier to entry and wanted to make the experience accessible and easy for those that did not want to source or carry their own,” host and event producer Aly Armstrong says of the decision to add the logistical elements to the outdoor dinner party.
Billed by Armstrong as the “largest pop-up picnic” in the city, the annual summer soiree will be held Aug. 15 at an as-yet-undisclosed location.
Registration for the event takes place in three phases, according to event organizers: Phase 1, which is open to attendees from previous years as well as “friends of the organizers”; Phase 2, which includes people who are “sponsored” by Phase 1 members; and Phase 3, which is people who are signed to the waiting list.
Founded in Paris in 1988 by founder François Pasquier and a few of his friends, 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the outdoor dinner experience in Vancouver.
Characterized by its venue secrecy and all-white dress code, the pop-up dinner event features a schedule filled with dancing, dining and music — with a special guest at this year’s event.
“We are proud to announce that the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be doing an exclusive performance at Diner en Blanc Vancouver,” Armstrong reveals.
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When pressed to offer a teaser tidbit as to where this year’s event will be held, Armstrong remained tight-lipped. But she did offer a kind of guarantee for those who will be donning their brightest white attire and heading down to the outdoor dinner party on Thursday.
“It’s going to be epic,” Armstrong assures. “A location and edition not to be missed.”
In recent years, Diner en Blanc has taken over Canada Place, Concord Pacific Place, Harbour Green Park and Devonian Park in Coal Harbour, VanDusen garden — among others. Attendees will be left in suspense, as is the case every year, as the selected location won’t be revealed until 6 p.m.
“Table leaders meet their assigned guests in a pre-determined location and are then escorted to the secret venue for the grand reveal,” Armstrong says. “There will be interactive activations this year like never before.
“It will be a beautiful evening full of surprises.”
Side Dishes
In a buzz-worthy blend of beauty and food, Guerlain has teamed up with Holts Café to celebrate its honey-forward Abeille Royale Honey Treatment Rich Cream and Advanced Youth Watery Oil luxury skincare products. The Guerlain Honey Afternoon Tea ($75 per person) is available by reservation now through Sept. 1 at Holts Café Vancouver, Holts Café Bloor Street, Vancouver, and Café Holt Ogilvy. The service includes a generous selection of savoury and sweet bites, along with a choice of tea.
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Aharris@postmedia.com
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