By Melanie Gonzalez
(Kaneohe) – For the fourth year, Honolulu hosted its annual Le Dîner en Blanc! On Saturday, September 9th, the elegant affair gathered at a secret location welcoming more than 1,600 friends as well as friends of friends for a magical event set against the beauty of Hawaii.
As we approached our departure point, Aloha Stadium, the parking lot was a sea of white. Everyone dressed exquisitely in white clothing began to gather near parked busses, along with them their picnic baskets, tables, chairs and ice chests in tow. Once we boarded the bus the excitement of learning our secret location was all anyone could talk about. As we departed the stadium our bus leader informed us that we were heading to the windward side of the island, specifically, the picturesque Kualoa Ranch.
Courtesy of Le Diner en Blanch Honolulu
Le Dîner en Blanc – Honolulu host, Malie Moran says the Honolulu event “celebrates the spirit of the original, bringing together people from around the city for one stylish and elegant evening beneath the stars.” She added, “This year we are particularly excited to work with talented Chef Kevin Hanney of 12th Avenue Grill to offer a sumptuous three-course dinner and exquisite cheese and tasting board – the perfect addition to any gourmet meal.”
The evening was filled with visually breathtaking moments including the waving of a cloth napkin to mark the beginning of the meal. Attendees of Diner en Blanc are beyond creative when it comes to setting their tables for this event. Some of the elaborate table decorations consisted of shimmering lights, swinging chandeliers and silver painted pineapples.
After dinner the DJ began to play and guests gathered to dance under the moonlit sky.
At the end of the evening, guests are required to pack up all of their belongings, pick up all their litter and head back into the night, leaving behind no sign of their swanky revelry.
Courtesy of Le Diner en Blanch Honolulu
About Le Dîner en Blanc
Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. Le Dîner en Blanc – Paris now attracts over 10,000 people each year. What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on six continents. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principles fuelling this fantastic event have not: guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over 70 cities in more than 25 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more info and photos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.
