Lower Manhattan en Blanc

By Jarrod Grim

Thousands of people dressed all in white gathered in Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City for a mass chic picnic.  Onlookers watched in wonder as the pop-up dinner took place Monday evening as part of the fourth Dîner en Blanc series. With over 90 acres of open space, waterfront views and stunning architecture, it’s no surprise that Lower Manhattan was chosen as the secret location. Surrounded by Lady Liberty, 1 World Trade Center and a Hudson River sunset, diners ate, drank, laughed and took part in a one of a kind dreamlike dining event.

The concept started in 2011 as part of an idea that was born 25 years ago in Paris.  Founder Francois Pasquier organized a picnic to reconnect with old friends.  His garden was too small so he told them to meet at the Bois de Boulogne and to dress in white as a way to find each other.  The gathering became so popular that it grew over time and eventually traversed into many international cities across the world.

New Yorkers have embraced the unconventional picnic making it one of the most popular outdoor events of the summer.  To get in on the fun, participants need to register for an upcoming event and then wait for the secret location that is given out at the last minute via email.  To learn more, click here.