The iconic Dîner En Blanc found its way back to downtown this month. The all white affair kicked off over the weekend with diners filling up Broad, Clay, and Pearl streets, headquartered at the Duval County Court of Clerks. Guests were greeted upon arrival by violinist Richmond Punch and DJ EMCEE playing friendly musical tunes. Toting elegant white picnic baskets filled to the brim with gourmet treats, guests set up their tables and chairs and created unique table decor designs, including elegant tablescapes, miniature lit Eiffel Towers, lanterns and sparkling lights. The food was catered by Pink Salt Restaurant. After all table were perfected, the beginning of dinner was signaled by the traditional waving of white linen serviettes. As the night went on, diners were not deterred from the clouds overhead that poured a heavy rain forcing the diners from their tables to the doorsteps of the Courthouse. “All the guests waited for the rain to stop and we watched old friends began to catch up on their memories while several other diners looked for bottle openers for their champagne,” said organizer Host Markesha Fuller.
Dîner En Blanc (Diner In White) is an elegant diner that requires attendees to wear white, and provide their own chairs, tables, food, and drinks. The first Dîner En Blanc was held in Paris, France in 1988, and has since spread to six continents. Adding mystery for participants, the location is not revealed until several hours before the dinner. The next stop for the national tour will be Tampa, Florida on November 6th.
For anyone planning to attend the gathering in 2022, visit jacksonville.dinerenblanc.com.
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