A moveable feast in a secret location.
A tradition started in Paris 25 years ago comes to Edmonton
For Christina Ignacio-Deines, it’s about creating something from nothing. That’s what draws the Edmonton designer and event planner to Diner en Blanc, the Moveable Feast held in cities around the world that sees hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people dressed in white descend on a secret public space to share a meal.
The phenomenon was started 25 years ago by François Pasquier, who wanted to meet a group of friends in a Paris park, long before cellphones made co-ordinating such events much easier. He asked his friends to dress in white so they could find each other. Today, the yearly event in Paris attracts some 15,000 people, and it has spread to dozens of cities around the world, including Montreal, Toronto, Victoria and Calgary. On July 17, it comes to Edmonton, where organizers hope to attract 1,200 to 1,500 attendees.
Ignacio-Deines is one of the locals in charge. Along with Nestor Turcyzk of Connected Entertainment, it’s her job to convince residents of River City to don elegant garb and to gather picnic baskets, plus matching tables, chairs and china for an evening under the sky. Attendees must find someone who will invite them to come, or join a waiting list, although it’s not hard to secure a space. Details on getting involved are at edmonton.dinerenblanc.info/register.
“Diner en Blanc depends on people reaching out, and spreading the word organically,” says Ignacio-Deines, whose company is called ID Bohemia. “You’re not a spectator, you’re part of making the event happen.
“People complain, why do I have to bring all this stuff? But it’s part of the appeal. When you’re walking in with everybody dressed in white and everybody with chairs — you’re part of making it happen.”
In Edmonton, Diner en Blanc is connected to Alliance Francaise Edmonton, the non-profit organization devoted to celebrating French language and culture.
Entertainment is involved, but it’s all very hush-hush. Participants must pay $40 each, a fee that covers overhead such as the cost of security, bus transportation and a sound system.
You are encouraged to bring your own picnic, although organizers insist on “highquality” foods only. Perhaps this means my Stoned Wheat Thins are out. (Is there a monitor? A system of penalties?)
Around 5 p.m. on the evening of the event, rain or shine, the spotless participants will be instructed by assigned table leaders to gather with their gear at various muster points across the city, where they will take either public transit, or possibly a rented bus, to the secret location. I am guessing it’s Louise McKinney Park but nobody will confirm or deny this. Still, Ignacio-Deines suggests ladies avoid stilettos, because they stick in the grass. In. The. Grass.
If you don’t want to lug a picnic basket up and down city streets, you can opt to purchase a catered meal (with a vegetarian option), available on-site at a couple of different prices and organized in advanced through chef Paul Shufelt of Century Hospitality Group. One of the choices is Tuna Nicoise ($48), with a lemon tart for dessert. It’s all very French.
“It’s a picnic in the park, but sometimes when you wear a suit to the park, it’s fabulous.”
CHRISTINA IGNACIO - DEINES
Champagne and wine are also available for purchase when you register for your ticket. Here’s a tip: the required folding chairs and table (square, with each side measuring between 28 and 32 inches so it fits preplanned grid) can be rented in advance through Special Event Rentals, sparing shoppers the indignity of a spat at Canadian Tire over the last stick of white patio furniture.
Ignacio-Deines says they are quite strict about the accoutrements of Diner en Blanc, and frown on departures from the uniform. In other cities, people have been sent back home to change for infractions. Though IgnacioDeines says they will try to be forgiving for this first outing in Edmonton, I suggest you start shopping right about now.
“As you get closer to the event, and particularly with guys, Edmonton will become scorched earth for white,” she warns.
It would be easy to dismiss Diner en Blanc as pretentious, but in a way, that’s the point. It’s special. You have to get dressed up. There’s a bit of a mystery involved, a departure from the quotidian that can get pretty dreary.
“When some people hear sophisticated and elegant, they think it’s going to be stuffy,” says IgnacioDeines.
“Try and think more of it as an evening out ... It’s a picnic in the park, but sometimes when you wear a suit to the park, it’s fabulous.”