Dîner en Blanc Takes over Toronto

Photos by: Stephanie Ho

If you were downtown on August 29th, you may have noticed people dressed stylishly in white and elegant outfits, likely toting picnic baskets filled to the brim with delicious food fare along with tables and chairs. Unbeknownst to many, they were on their way to enjoy a beautiful evening called Dîner en Blanc with over 2,000 others in a mysterious location. It was awesome to be a part of the secret this year so we could actually take part in all if its romance and mystery! So what IS Dîner en Blanc, you might ask??

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, this global phenomenon originated in Paris, France which has spawned into a pop-up concept that is attended annually by as many as 10,000 people in cities around the world. Everyone is asked to dress elegantly in white, from head to toe, and bring their own epicurean feasts, tables, chairs, fine china, silverware and white tablecloth. Over the course of the evening, the diners eat and celebrate amid live music and dancing, complete with festive white balloons. When it is time to leave, everyone packs up and heads into the night, leaving behind no sign of their elegant revelry.

It was an incredible experience witnessing this romantic outdoor epicurean feast come to life in our own city and take over an entire parking lot at Queen Street East and Shuter Street. I can honestly say it was one of the most breathtaking, well-organized and well-executed events I’ve been to this summer. It was amazing to see Torontonians rising to the challenge, some decking out their table with Parisian-inspired centerpieces, while others embellished themselves with (handmade) head pieces, to others who took the time to plan and set their meals. We saw everything from delicately laid out charcuterie platters, to wine and cheese, to catered meals that were also offered by the event organizers.

Check out the rest of our stylish snaps from the evening, taken by the talented Stephanie Ho and join us in soaking up the beauty and magic of it all.