SINGAPORE, Oct 24 — With what we can safely presume is confidence that the haze situation will clear up in time, the fourth edition of Le Diner en Blanc, Singapore will take place on Nov 21 at an undisclosed location, traditionally revealed only minutes prior to its commencement.
The annual affair was initially slated for Oct 10, but was postponed in light of the inappropriate weather conditions, said Alex Philippot, managing director of corporate events company Fullcolors Event. Together with his wife Hannah Park, who is the company’s business development manager, the couple are the new hosts of the event.
Also new is this year’s nod to Singapore’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. “We are very excited with this year’s SG50-themed Diner en Blanc,” said Philippot. “With a new team helming, we want to highlight the Lion City’s lifestyle and culture in ways we have not done with the Diner en Blanc worldwide community, so we have a number of surprises lined up that will make this year even more magical and memorable.”
And, yes, that includes a more relaxed view of foods befitting the epicurean phenomenon. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Diner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh pop-up picnic in over 60 cities in more than 25 countries around the world.
As such, Philippot said it only made sense to “adapt the event to reflect the local lifestyle,” adding that any cuisine is fine as long as it is presented elegantly, citing how “even restaurants serve burgers.”
He did, however, share that it took a bit of a firm coaxing to get this year’s caterer, Luxe Catering, to feature more local flavours in the catered picnic basket — an option to purchase for those who do not wish to pack their own.
Featured in the Istana menu, for instance, is a Shepherd’s Pie made with braised rendang veal cheek, while the City Hall menu includes a chicken satay tortilla wrap and a dish of laksa pesto linguine with prawns.
In fact, though it is hard to imagine how it would be possible without offending at least some diners, Philippot said they are looking at the possibility of a durian dessert for next year’s menu. “As you know, we really want to highlight the local culture. This year is a first step and we are already thinking about next year.
“The possibility of a durian dessert is one of our reflections. We also encourage this year’s guests to source locally grown produce and shop locally for artisan food products.”
He did, nonetheless, up the ante on the event’s quintessential French tipple, picking his favourite, Ruinart, which is the oldest established champagne house, as the official bubbly. The Ruinart Brut, Rose and Blanc de Blancs will be available.
Non-sparkling wines feature a unique taste of the South of France — namely the 2014 Chateau Paradis Coteau d’Aix en Provence Rose, as well as two organic wines: A pinot noir and a viognier by Secret de Lunes.
For details and to register, click here. — TODAY
