NEW YORK, NY – With its origins stemming from the later half of the 20th century, Diner En Blanc (French for “dinner in white”), has established itself as an annual tradition in NYC since 2011.
The success of Diner En Blanc rests on three primary conditions: first, its location is kept secret until the day of the event. Even the attendees do not know where they go – they simply are asked to meet up with their group leader who is responsible for leading them to the final destination where all the groups converge. The second condition is that attendees must bring their own table setup and food to participate. Lastly, as indicated by the name, attendees must wear all white.
Hear from Sandy Safi, co-founder and owner of Diner En Blanc. The full interview can also be found below.
Q: What makes NYC’s version of Diner En Blanc different?
A: The people. The energy. Their looks. Their fashion. Their determination for having a great time because it is not easy to come and attend this event. You’re carrying your tables, your chairs, your food, you’re going through subways, you’re dressed up, but when you get here, the fact that you put so much effort into it, comes to make the experience more elevated and you’re more energetic and enthusiastic… We [the team] organize the infrastructure and the city has been amazing to us this year but the people of New York come together and make this happen.
Q: What do you think keeps people coming back?
A: It’s a once a year experience. They like to plan for it. It’s like Thanksgiving, Christmas, your once-in-a -year experience where you’re like oh my gosh it’s coming up, I’m going to have this great experience outdoors, summer in New York. Great energy. All of it together is a combination of what creates the magic of this event. At the end of the day, it’s just a picnic. It’s people coming together, creating moments, memories, and community and energy, that’s what it’s about.
Q: If someone’s on the fence about attending, what do you have to say to them?
A: [laughs, jokingly] Don’t come… We like to have friends invite friends. So if you know someone who has been to it, talk to them about it, you’ll learn more about it.
Q: What do you hope people take away from Diner En Blanc?
A: Memories. Moments. New friends. Encounters is what things are about. We create so many moments and memories and meetings here. Meetings create more everything. More growth, more expansion, networks, friends. The volunteer community here is amazing.
Featured Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography
To see what this year’s Diner En Blanc looked like in person, take a look at our Instagram Reel below.
