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<\/p>\nD\u00eener en Blanc \u2014 the DIY, fine, alfresco meal held in secret locations \u2014 has returned to L.A.<\/p>\n
The event had been on hiatus here for seven years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and struggles to find a new volunteer host.<\/p>\n
But on Aug. 1, around 1,500 people dined and danced right on the street in front of the Beverly Hills City Hall. Past locations include the Santa Monica Pier and the plaza at the Music Center in downtown L.A. The mostly volunteer organization says it’s looking to come back in March 2027 with double the attendance.<\/p>\n
I heard about D\u00eener en Blanc about 10 years ago and always wondered if it was worth the hype, a question I\u2019m asking myself more frequently as many pop-ups are more geared towards cool photo-ops as opposed to a good experience.<\/p>\n
Keep up with LAist.<\/p>\n
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The event is held in cities around the world, but started in France and is rooted in both celebrating French culture and the tradition of gathering to break bread together \u2014- a concept I can get behind.<\/p>\n
Attending requires some planning and legwork, including online registration, a membership fee, a nice picnic, carrying a table and chairs, not knowing where you are going because the location is kept secret until the last minute, and working with a group of strangers to find the spot and set up everything.<\/p>\n
Everything you wear and put on your table has to be white. Not eggshell. Not cream. Not even off-white. Paper and plastic are discouraged.<\/p>\n
Guests are encouraged to get extra fancy with their table decor and outfits, and awards are given out for both. Those who go all out wear full costumes with wigs, masks and hats, and some tables are decorated with shining glass and twinkling lights.<\/p>\n
Then there\u2019s the cost<\/p>\n
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Creative table settings are encouraged, and judges choose one for a prize.<\/p>\n
Entry is $65 per ticket, plus a $14 membership fee. Tickets are sold in pairs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It’s $15 for table and chairs rental (optional instead of bring your own). This is worth it if you don\u2019t already own white folding chairs. Plus you don\u2019t have to transport anything.<\/p>\n
A multi-course meal for two is prepared by Todd English, a celebrity chef. That costs up to $125 \u2014 or you can bring your own. The prepared meal is a good option with enough food for two people (if that\u2019s in your price range), but I enjoy putting a picnic together, so I would personally opt to do that part myself in the future.<\/p>\n
For beverages:<\/p>\n
Water: 18.5 ounces, optional instead of BYO, $4, or $32 for a box of 12.Wine: There’s no BYOB. Packages including Chambord and chocolates, from $25 to $68.<\/p>\n
And none of that includes parking, gas or rideshare costs.<\/p>\n
So was it worth it?<\/p>\n
To quote first-time attendee Lilli Burrows: \u201cI don\u2019t need more stuff, I need experiences. I need to have fun things to do and create wonderful memories.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Guests await the ceremonial napkin wave to start the meal after setting up D\u00eener en Blanc in Beverly Hills recently.<\/p>\n
Hector Gama also attended for the first time and was already planning for next year. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe kind of downplayed it this time, but I\u2019m sure next time there\u2019s going to be a lot more stuff,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Alexa Kushner, 26, was invited by friends. \u201cIt feels like a really socially unique experience, and it’s bonding the community of Los Angeles in a really fun way,\u201d he told me.<\/p>\n
Pro tips from guestsDon\u2019t worry about getting your outfit, meal or table set up perfectly. Be as extravagant as you want, but there are no fashion police or even any judgey vibes.\u00a0Wear comfortable shoes since you have to carry your items or at least walk to your table.Bring a stain remover. Sharing a Tide Pen will make you very popular.<\/p>\n
As for me?<\/p>\n
I would pay the extra 15 bucks to not have to bring my own table and chairs.I would not pay more than $100 on the pre-made meal when I can bring a cheaper picnic that’s more to my taste.Would I recommend it? Its a festive event with food, music and sparklers which could make for a fun holiday-like tradition with a group of friends, or if you just want to meet new people in a friendly atmosphere. If that’s not your cup of tea, there’s plenty of great picnic spots in L.A. that are free.<\/p>\n