Tonight was one of the most highly anticipated events in Vancouver, the annual Dîner en Blanc. This is the international, luxury experience centred around companionship and what is essentially an elevated picnic in the park.
2024 has it returning for its 11th year, and it marks the start of a new decade with a new show runner. We now have Events by Aly taking on the challenge of coordinating and organizing the spectacle. For those unfamiliar, this is that event, known for its all white dress code.
I was most interested in seeing how the new event company would take on the challenge. Especially given the illustrious handoff, and the fact that Aly is already well known for her successful luxury wedding planning. I was cheering them on and campaigning the change; however, the night’s consensus seemed to be that the event fell short.
For those like myself, who have been to Dîner en Blanc many years past, we were able to compare what it was then to now; and unfortunately there was a bit of disappointment. Speaking to those who were here for the first time, they too found the presentation and offerings lacklustre, and not what they were told coming in.
To begin, VIPs, table leads, and media were gathered at D6 in Parq Casino. A meeting point that was said to be adjacent to this year’s secret venue.
Here, we all believed we would be treated to a cocktail hour with small bites, considering the venue, and patterns of year’s past. However, it turns out that this was just a meeting point as people were corralled, so that we could be walked over to the actual venue as a group. So those like myself, who are always punctual, we found ourselves waiting an hour and a half, sipping on water and checking our watches on the time to go.
We ended up making small talk with friends new an old. But unfortunately, the result was I was restless by the time we were actually told we could go.
Then it was a matter of having everyone wait for the elevator to take us from the sixth floor of D6 down to the lobby. We had leaders with labeled paddles showing us the way. Although, there seem to be a lot of confusion as we were walked to BC Place. We were stopped at the threshold of an all white balloon arch, only to be told there was a different entrance that we must enter by. Then led in the opposite direction, only to eventually go through that very entrance.
Once inside our either gold or silver wristbands were checked, and we made our way onto the centre field. As we entered, models were dressed in thematic costumes welcoming us. There were a couple with sequinned leotards and bird wings, flappers with ostrich feathers, and my fair lady in tulle and a lace umbrella.
The central multi-directional television box welcomed everyone to the occasion, paying thanks to event sponsors. The event was gathered on the pitch, the normally green Astroturf laid with plastic tiles. Although economic, they did not give the feeling of luxury that event is known for, especially given the ticket price.
Worth mentioning is that Dîner en Blanc is always held outdoors amongst green grass, blue skies; and even on occasion, bluer waters. So this was the first time (that I have attended), and it has been held indoors. Sadly the unique stadium locale felt stifling, as the picnic element was completely removed. We missed the fresh air, the gentle breeze, and the natural backdrop that nature provided. Instead, it was empty bleacher seats in grey and red and a roof of metal rods.
The stadium setting definitely took away from the luxe experience, that Dîner is better known for. The air was still and stale, under the dome it felt stuffy, and left us feeling uncomfortable in our finery. For those who wore a white T-shirt and white jeans with running shoes, they fit best in this setting.
The perk of being a media guest, is that you bypass the need to bring your own tables, chairs, place setting, and food. Instead, we were able to enjoy the media lounge with high top tables and chairs, rounded sofa cushions; and a refined, but limited buffet of small bites prepared by BC Place catering. Having had the experience of years past, I knew to eat before. Therefore, I was not as hungry as the others who depended on this offering for dinner.
There was a cheese board with select cured meats, dried fruit, and spreads. A pickled vegetable board with hummus and tzatziki paired with pita.
Small bites included seared scallops, brie and fig over a square of puff pastry, and herb shrimp with salsa on a tortilla chip.
Desserts included white chocolate covered strawberries with gold flake.
And macarons in popular flavours like raspberry, lemon, pistachio, and chocolate.
The most interesting item was the Popcorn Shooter prepared with magic mushroom kernel and caramel foam. It drank like a thick cream based soup, but tasted like buttered popcorn.
I took a little bit of each and enjoyed everything well enough.
For drinks, there was a limited open bar. On the table were two different types of sparkling water and wine by sponsor Villa Maria from New Zealand. The sparkling wine was the first and quickest to go. There was plenty more, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
We were settled and in time to catch the napkin twirl that initiated the start of the event. However, with the backdrop as industrial as it was, this fell short visually.
We would spend our time walking the plastic tile tarmac, taking in the gathering of event goers and their curated tables and meals.
They were many more sponsor tables, including Glowbal Group, here for their first year. There was also a tennis club that marked their tables with oversized prop rackets. Considering the venue, Whitecaps were also on location with your own table and branded photo booth. Each invited guest had their chair marked with a Whitecap scarf that they can take home later.
If you didn’t have a drink you could order some from the Taittinger bar. And if you wanted dessert you could purchase a scoop of ice cream in a cone.
Similarly, there was a gift shop booth of sorts, right at the entrance where guests could purchase hair products, permanent jewelry, light up accessories for the end of the night, and even get tinsel hair extensions.
All this made the event feel very commercial, which was never a tone of years past. I did not have a taste for it, comparing the complimentary samples and free installations from previous years.
In years past there was also a significant arts portion to the night. This included live performers, singers, dancers, musicians, and a gallery of either painted or sculpted artwork. This year there was no entertainment outside the centre stage. Although to the design’s credit, the circular arrangement at least gave everyone a good view of the centre stage.
After opening ceremonies by mayor, Ken Sims, guests were regaled by a performance from a portion of the Vancouver Symphony orchestra. I would imagine that being in a stadium, acoustics would be good for this performance. However, if you were not standing in front of the stage it was hard to hear the beautiful symphony. Not to mention there was plenty of feedback from the audio equipment, that took away from the performance.
After we roamed the event grounds, made new friends, and caught up with old ones we decided to leave. Sadly forgoing the sparkler moment. This is the end of night highlight where guests are given sparklers to light up as a send off.
I appreciated the experience and am happy I got a chance to report on it here. However, I felt it fell short and was deflated by it.
Although, as is the case with any new restaurant or business, a certain amount of grace needs to be given. It is evident that experience in such a specific venture is necessary. To sit down, do a post mortem and have takeaways. Perhaps even brainstorm and tap into the knowledge from event hosts in the past. It can only go up from here and I would like to see show-runners rally .
