F&HE recently attended the beautiful Le Dîner en blanc in Johannesburg
It was a well-kept secret; an invite-only event shrouded in mystery that had taken over social media. All we could really deduce was that it was an elegant gourmet picnic in a secret location, with an all-white dress code. Started in Paris 25 years ago and dubbed by some as “a worldwide epicurean phenomenon” and the “world’s largest secret dinner party”, Le Dîner en Blanc had a lot to live up to. As the date rolled over (27 September 2013), the anticipation built and Joburg was filled with whispers about where it was going to be held.
With well over 1 000 people attending, the buses eventually pulled up at The War Memorial − the pathway dotted with white balloons and the monument lit up in all its glory. In front of it, row upon row of long white tables that you had to zhoosh up with your best cutlery, crockery and (white) creative decorations … and the feasting began.
Whether you chose to bring your own scrumptious somethings or opted for one of the set picnic baskets, the evening was a celebration of good friends and great food. The über popular Deluxe Picnic Menu from Off The Cuff Catering included tasty nibbles like pan-fried prawn and chorizo skewers, rare roast beef with mustard, caramelised onion and rocket and a mini cheese board; and desserts didn’t disappoint either, with Parisian vanilla macaroons, bite-sized brownies and handmade nougat.
The standout moments were truly magical: everyone releasing a balloon (attached with their own hand-written wish) and the entire crowd filling the sky with sparklers, while the rest of the night was left to PARTY. A fab (fun!) foodie event that we can’t wait to pen into our diaries again…
http://johannesburg.dinerenblanc.info
