Media Alert: Global Phenomenon Diner en Blanc Returns to Philadelphia August 20, 2015

diner en blanc philadelphia, philadelphia, diner en blanc, party white, pop-up, picnic

The summer’s most sought after ‘secret,’ Dîner en Blanc returns to Philadelphia this week at a secret location revealed only minutes before the festivities begin. This très chic picnic, imported from Paris, is part mystery tour, part pop-up feast and part je ne sais quoi. Event will take place RAIN OR SHINE.

Media credentials are available by emailing kory@aversapr.com. Only media who have signed up in advance will receive notification of the event location 30-45 minutes before participants. Reporters and crews are asked to wear white to blend into the artistic nature of the event.

WHEN:
Thursday, August 20, 2015

6:00pm to 7:00pm, Participants gather at meeting spots around the city before heading to final destination
7:00pm, Participants arrive on location, set up picnics
7:30pm (estimated), Guests wave white napkins in tradition that signifies the start of dinner
9:30pm (estimated), 4,500+ sparklers will light up the night to signify the end of dinner and start of dancing
11:00pm, Participants are invited to attend the after party at 1925

WHERE:
Top Secret Location!

The location of the event is kept secret until the very last minute adding excitement and mystic to the evening.  Secrecy is key to its success and fun!

WHO:
4,500 guests dressed in white from head to toe

WHY:
Diners will celebrate and re-purpose a highly-visible public space by enjoying an unforgettable evening and partaking in the unexpected. Participants will reconnect with old friends, form new relationships and celebrate a new Philadelphia tradition. Past locations have included JKF Bridge, Logan Circle and Broad Street/Avenue of the Arts.

WHAT:
Culinary and culture enthusiasts dressed in white will converge upon a secret locale for an unforgettable evening of elegance, beauty and magic.  Registrants will come prepared with tables, chairs, non-disposal supplies, food and wine.  Evening festivities will include napkin waving, sparkler lighting, live music, dancing and dinner as art form.

Launched more than 25 years ago in Paris, Le Dîner en Blanc promotes friendship, elegance, gallantry and a sense of community. Now held in over 60 cities in more than 25 countries around the world, this annual secret affair brings an unforgettable evening of beauty and magic for the all dressed in white foodies and cultural enthusiasts.

Philadelphia's edition of Diner en Blanc is presented by co-hosts Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran.[DEB PR]   Apothic Wine is proud to be the Official Wine Sponsor of the 2015 U.S. Diner en Blanc series. Celebrity Cruises is proud to be the Official Modern Luxury Vacation Partner of the 2015 U.S. Diner en Blanc series.

VISUALS:
- Entertainment to include The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret, The Canarsie Wobblers and DJ Sabeel Chohan  
- Parade of white throughout the city as participants discover the secret event location.
- White-swathed tables, linens and décor appear in artistic roll out in a public space.
- White napkin waving signifying the official start of dinner.
- Sparklers to light up the night towards the close of dinner and signal the opening of the dance floor.
- Interviews will be available with organizers, participants and government officials.
- Visual and musical surprises (past examples include performances by ballet dancers, jazz musicians, drum lines and the Mummers, Ben and Betsy in white with a white horse-drawn carriage, a vintage 1927 Rolls Royce, Carte Blanche Band in front of 30th Street, a painter from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, etc.)

PREVIEW IMAGES:
http://bit.ly/dinerenblancphlimages

WEBSITE:
philadelphia.dinerenblanc.info

TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM:
@debphl

HASHTAGS:
#debphl15 #dinerenblanc

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CONTACT:

Kory Aversa
Aversa PR & Events
215-840-9216
kory@aversapr.com

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Announces Phase 3 Lottery and Opens Registration for August 20, 2015 Pop-up Picnic

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Announces Phase 3 Lottery and Opens Registration for August 20, 2015 Pop-up Picnic

From global phenomenon to highly sought-after “secret,” Diner en Blanc returns to Philadelphia this summer for an unforgettable evening filled with food, wine, fashion, culture and music. On Thursday, August 20, 2015, 4,300 guests will celebrate and re-purpose an unexpected public space that is revealed only moments before the start of the très chic picnic. Event registration is open now for last year’s registered members and continues through the Phase 3 lottery for new participants (July 20-23rd). Potential guests can add their name to the waiting list at Diner en Blanc's website by 11:59PM on July 17, 2015.

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Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Opens Wait List for Summer of 2015 and Announced Preview Party in Headhouse Shambles

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Opens Wait List for Summer of 2015 and Announced Preview Party in Headhouse Shambles

Diner en Blanc returns to Philadelphia in the summer of 2015 for another unforgettable evening filled with elegance, food, art and music. For the fourth consecutive year, the secret picnic in white will take over an undisclosed public space whose location is revealed only minutes prior to arrival. The date, number of registrations and new phase three lottery system will be announced next week at the official Diner en Blanc preview party on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Headhouse Shambles (2nd Street between Pine and Lombard streets). During the preview, vote on tables themed around Philadelphia’s top neighborhoods, sample bites from the official caterers, reconnect with old friends, and meet organizers and volunteers. No RSVP is required for this free event.

Read More

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Hosts French-Inspired New Year's Eve Party at Down Town Club

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia co-hosts Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran have partnered with Cescaphe Event Group to throw a French-inspired New Year’s Eve Party at the Down Town Club this Wednesday evening, December 31, 2014.  The Historic Down Town Club (Public Ledger Building at 6th and Chestnut streets) will be transformed into a beautiful evening in Paris with three themed rooms from Hôtel Costes in the Place Vendôme to Moulin Rouge and Versailles. Live music and entertainment, specialty French cocktails, and top shelf open bar will be available all night. General admission from 10:00pm to 2:00am is $145.00 per person. VIP experience tickets cost $200.00 per person and a special VIP cocktail party at 9:00pm plus a phase one registration to 2015 Diner en Blanc Philadelphia (ticket registration still required). Complimentary valet parking included. Tickets are on sale at www.philadelphianyeparty.com

New Year's Eve, Party, Philadelphia, French, Diner en Blanc

DiBona and Moran are combining their passion for planning unique events with the culinary and hospitality expertise of the Cescaphe Event Group to provide a delightfully Parisian New Year’s Eve experience.  “We know how much Dîner en Blanc guests love the event’s French heritage, so we decided to expand on that really have fun with the theme”, said DiBona. Cescaphe's signature food stations will offer a culinary tour of France in each space, featuring such classic dishes as Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon, Ratatouille, Bouillabaisse and much more.

As with Diner en Blanc, the co-hosts are working with Mole Street to provide the entertainment for the evening which includes New York’s La Vie en Rose and two European-trained DJ’s: DJ Sabeel Chohan (who performed at the inaugural Dîner en Blanc in DC this past September) and DJ Sean Smoove.  Edith Piaf will also make an appearance with members of The Bearded Ladies cabaret.  The Professional Dance Ensemble from Philadelphia Dance Academy will also be performing and fashion illustrator Denise Fike will be sketching guests.  There will be a midnight toast and the Down Town Club’s floor-to-ceiling windows will offer spectacular views of the fireworks on the Delaware River.

TICKETS

Tickets are on sale at www.philadelphianyeparty.com. General admission from 10:00pm to 2:00am is $145.00 per person. VIP experience starting at 9:00pm is $200.00 per person and includes a phase one registration to 2015 Diner en Blanc Philadelphia (ticket registration still required). Complimentary valet parking included.

VIP EXPERIENCE 

Guests may start New Year's Eve at the Down Town Club an hour early! A very special VIP reception will be held from 9:00pm to 10:00pm that includes a tasting of grower champagne, curated by local wine expert Brian Freedman, paired with a pre-party menu from CEG Executive Chef Eric Hall that includes: American Caviar, Crème Fraiche, Golden Potato Blini; House Cured Duck, Mango Compote, Black Pepper Crisp; Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Potato Gaufrette; Seared Diver Scallop with Parsnip Crème, Benton’s Bacon; and Roast Chiogga Beet, Chevre, Apple Chip; and Seared Foie Gras, Sweet Potato and Black Currant Gastrique. Live music, engraved tasting glass and valet parking included. All VIP ticket holders will receive phase one invitations to next year’s DEB (ticket purchase required). Space is limited.

FULL MENU 

** Les Fromages & Charcuterie
An array of French cheeses and charcuterie; Baked Brie de Meaux en Croute with fresh Raspberry filling, Boucheron, Roquefort, Cow Affinois, P’tit Basque, and St. Andre.  Pate de Campagne, Garlic Sauccisons, Smoked Duck Breast, Vegetable Pate, Herbes de Provence Salami.  Accompanied with fig jam, orange marmalade, port wine preserves, Marcona almonds, pistachios, honeycomb, and dried fruits.

** Fruit de Mers
Chilled Shrimp, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Crab Claws, and Canadian Lobster; Freshly shucked Oysters and Clams; Alaskan King Crab Legs and Cold water Lobster tails;  accompanied with horseradish, cocktail sauce, shallot mignonette, and lemon.

** Les Poissons
Chef Carved Salmon en Croute with sauce aux fines herbs, garlic aioli; Griddle Seared “Loup de Mer”, Mediterranean Sea bass with caper and herb olive oil, “Truite Amandine”, crisp Trout fillet with Almond Sauce.  Escargots, sautéed to order in Pernod Butter, served in a pastry shell. Accompanied by Saffron Pilaf, Haricot Verte with red peppers.

** Salades Composées
Salade Niçoise – composed salad of Mesclun greens, Seared Tuna, Haricot Verte, Egg, Tomato, Fingerling Potato, and Lemon Anchovy Vinaigrette, served in a mini martini glass.
Salade Betteraves - Roasted Beets over greens with candied Walnuts, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Pickled Shallot and Aged Sherry Vinaigrette, served in a mini martini glass.

** Les Classiques
Carved Meats:
Carre d’ Agneau Rôti a la Provençale -  Chef Carved Provençale style Rack of Lamb with minted Tomato Coulis;  
Herb Roasted Tenderloin of Beef with Roast Garlic-Horseradish Aioli and Mushroom Demi-glace;   served accompanied with Artisan French rolls
Coq au Vin – Roasted Chicken with bacon, Pearl onion, in a Red Wine Sauce;  
Boeuf Bourguignon – Slow Cooked Short Rib with Root Vegetables, Burgundy Wine.
Bouillabaisse – Traditional Fisherman’s Stew with Scallops, Monkfish, and Shrimp in a Fennel laced Tomato broth, served in a pastry shell
Pommes “Dauphinoise” - Classic garlic and onion flavored scalloped potatoes.
Ratatouille – Provençale dish of slow cooked eggplant, zucchini, tomato and peppers.

** Soupe et un Sandwich
Mini Grilled Brie and Brioche
Mini Croque Monsieur with Sauce Mornay

Served with shooter glasses of:
Fall Spiced Butternut Squash Bisque
Lobster Bisque
Tomato Basil Bisque

** Les Desserts
Fondue au Chocolat – Bittersweet Chocolate fondue with strawberries, bananas, pineapple, pound cake, lady fingers, apples, and marshmallows
Butlered French Miniatures – A variety of miniatures including Palmiers, Chocolat Pots du Crème, Tarte Tatin, Eclairs, Truffles, Berry Financier, Mille Feuille, and Macrons
Crouquembouche – classic French dessert tower of profiteroles bound with spun caramel.
Crème Brulee – miniature Vanilla Crème Brule, topped with a burnt sugar crust.

Diner en Blanc, New Year's Eve, Philadelphia, Co-hosts

** French Signature Martini
Midnight in Paris: AbsolutPear Vodka, Domain DeCanton Ginger Liquor Simple Syrup, Fresh lemon juice

ABOUT DINER EN BLANC PHILADELPHIA

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia is an annual outdoor pop-up dining experience that celebrates community, friendship, public space and "dinner as an artform." It has been held annually since 2012 in such beautiful spaces as Logan Circle, the JFK Bridge over the Schuylkill River and the Avenue of the Arts.   Diner en Blanc Philadelphia will return for its fourth year in the summer of 2015.  For more information, please visit http://philadelphia.dinerenblanc.info or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DinerEnBlanc.Philadelphia.

ABOUT CESCAPHE EVENT GROUP

Cescaphe Event Group orchestrates over 600 weddings per year at five distinctive Philadelphia locations, including Cescaphe Ballroom, Tendenza, Vie, The Atrium at The Curtis Center and The Down Town Club. Learn more about Cescaphe Event Group by visiting http://www.cescaphe.com.

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia - Public Relations Round Up of Photos and Headlines

Fox 29's Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley, Photo by Al B For 

Fox 29's Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley, Photo by Al B For 

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia dazzled the city by popping up on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the secret location revealed to be the Avenue of the Arts.  This year, it was a sea of white as far as the eye could see as 3,500 guests decked out in the hottest white fashions filled Broad Street from Pine and Chestnut Streets.  Aversa PR and Events was proud to again be the official public relations company for the local installment of this pop-up picnic, viral movement and global phenomenon.  

Special thanks to co-hosts Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran for including us in one of the city's most memorable events. Their attention to detail, grand vision and love for our city produced an event that will never be forgotten. Congratulations also go out to the 100 volunteers that worked hard to ensure a picture perfect evening.  Finally, special thanks to our entire PR team for 2014, including Lauryn Resotka, Gabbi Townsend, Eri Washington and Dash Sears.  

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Indeed they do when it comes to a truly viral event! This year, thousands of gorgeous photos popped up around the globe on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instragram, Google+ and other platforms.  Search for the official hashtag #DEBPHL14 as well as #dinerenblanc and #debphl. Thanks to our sister cities around the globe for sharing our images and all of your support!

For a recap of our favorite photos from the night, visit our official album below featuring breathtaking shots from Johanna Austin, Hughe DillonCharles Mosteller, Alessandra NicoleInna Race, Patrick Hagerty, and our staff photographers.   

inquirer.jpg

Now in its third year, Diner en Blanc Philadelphia continued to garner interest locally, nationally and internationally. Stories started to go viral 24 hours in advance of the event, and the event trended in Philadelphia for up to 48 hours. Over 100 news stories and mentions included 35 radio and television spots that reached millions of viewers and listeners. Print and online reach nearly doubled that of the year prior, with additional stories to come as we enter September. 

For highlights of photo albums, visit the following: 

Special shout-out to Hugh Dillon from Philly Chit Chat for beautiful photos and great recap of the night's festivities: 

  • Philly Chit Chat - Did I Shoot You? My Diner en Blanc Links and a Few More Photos to Enjoy 

Other highlights include the following - please let us know if we missed your favorite. Post any additional stories in the comments for our review. 

Leading up to the big day, Diner en Blanc Philadelphia dropped by local television studios for a special preview of the magic. Visit below for our favorite shots from the shoots on Fox 29's Good Day Philadelphia and CBS Philly. 

The final destination wasn't the only surprise this year! Co-hosts tapped local talent to design one-of-a-kind fashions for a one-of-a-kind evening.  Check out shots from the initial design consultation and subsequent fittings with Project Runway winner Dom Streater. 

Stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter as the co-hosts roll out the official video for Diner en Blanc Philadelphia, along with time lapse footage, photo booth montages, photo albums and more.  Stay tuned in coming weeks! Until next year, merci and au revoir! 

Contest: Win Tickets to SOLD OUT Diner en Blanc Philadelphia

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

Philadelphia's best kept secret will soon be told. We want you to be there for the surprise!  Enter to win registration for two to the sold-out Diner en Blanc Philadelphia

After months of viral buzz,  Diner en Blanc will pop-up in Philadelphia on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at a location revealed only minutes before.  Join 3,500 other guests dressed in white for a fairytale evening of food, fashion, dancing, music and magic.  This once-in-a-lifetime event annually celebrates dinner as an artform as guests dine in a unique, unexpected and re-purposed public space.

Aversa PR, the official public relations firm for Diner en Blanc Philadelphia, presents a final chance to win free access for this très chic picnic and Best of Philly winner.  Click here to enter and you could win free registration for two people. All contestants agree by entering that they will abide by the rules and guidelines of Diner en Blanc Philadelphia. All guests must wear white to the event, and bring their own table, chairs, china and food.  

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

One winner will be selected by 5:00pm this Friday, August 15, 2014.  The winner will be notified directly and has 24 hours to confirm by email, or an alternate winner will be selected. Once the winner has confirmed, they will be sent the free code for a registration. It is the responsibility of the winner to register themselves using the code.

Entering is simple. Please visit our contact page and fill out your contact information.  Good luck and merci beaucoup! 

Bonus: Not familiar with Diner en Blanc? Get a special preview as @koryaversa @debphl @aversapr Tweet live on Thursday night (August 14, 2014) as we head to Montreal for their grand evening! 

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Announces Date for 2014 Pop-Up Picnic

From global phenomenon to highly sought-after “secret,” Dîner en Blanc returns to Philadelphia this summer for an unforgettable evening of elegance, beauty and magic. On Thursday, August 21, 2014, 3,400 guests will celebrate and re-purpose a highly-visible public space by enjoying a night filled with food, wine, fashion, culture and music.  This très chic picnic, now celebrating its 26th year internationally, is part mystery tour, part pop-up feast and part je ne sais quoi.  

The wait list to secure an official invitation is now open at philadelphia.dînerenblanc.info. As of today, 5,000+ new individuals have added their name to the wait list. The total number of interested parties for the 2014 event grows to 16,000+ people when you add past attendees and those that signed up for the wait list prior to May.

Adding your name to the wait list does not guarantee a spot to Dîner Blanc Philadelphia. It does ensure that wait list members will be notified when slots for the event go on sale in mid-July. Each invitation includes registration for two people. Past registered members of Dîner en Blanc do not have to add their name to the wait list, as they will automatically receive notice of registration going on sale. 

For more information, follow Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia on Facebook and on Twitter (@debphl).
 

 

Diner en Blanc Returns to Philadelphia in Summer of 2014 - Wait List Now Open!

Diner en Blanc Returns to Philadelphia in Summer of 2014 - Wait List Now Open!

Dîner en Blanc will return to Philadelphia in the summer of 2014 for another evening filled with magic, food, fashion, art and music. Organizers of the pop-up picnic in white will announce the official date in June. In anticipation, the wait list officially opened today (click here). Past and potential guests are invited to an official preview party on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Williams-Sonoma in the Bellevue, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. No RSVP is required for the preview event. 

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City of Hope Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Let Them Eat Cake Wedding Cake Competition

City of Hope Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Let Them Eat Cake Wedding Cake Competition

City of Hope Philadelphia celebrates ten years of fondant fun with Let Them Eat Cake: Fantasy Weddings on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 6:00pm at the DoubleTree Hilton (237 Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA). Brides-to-be, dessert fanatics and fondant foodies will sample creations from 40 professional pastry chefs and student bakers from around the tri-state region.  Guests will enjoy a new Sweetheart Tablescape competition, Korbel champagne, live music from Back 2 Life by Brandywine Valley Talent, and the opportunity to meet celebrity chefs Marc and Benny (City Cakes NY) and John Moeller (former White House chef). Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/cohcake14 or by calling 215-985-0869. All proceeds benefit City of Hope to help cut out cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses.  

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Winner Announced in Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Contest

Get ready to wave those napkins! 

Get ready to wave those napkins! 

Congratulations to the big winner of our very first contest on Aversa PR! Caitlin Gardner has won registration for two to the sold-out "Best of Philly" Diner en Blanc Philadelphia.

Stay tuned to our website, Twitter and Facebook for more surprises, photos and updates about the "party of the year."  Thank you to everyone that entered - and to our client Diner en Blanc Philadelphia. 

If you didn't get a chance to enter, please make sure to add yourself to our new party and invite list on the contact page. This fall we will host food festivals, tastings, seasonal parties, bar/restaurant openings and so much more. Don't miss the fun!