If you’re already on the list, your email should have arrived in the last few weeks to purchase your tickets to what most consider the event of the summer. Le Diner en Blanc is a secret location popup picnic under the stars serving up French style and sophistication all within the city limits of Chicago. Now in over 120 cities worldwide, Le Diner en Blanc is returning to Chicago for it’s eleventh year August 21. The theme for this year is Blooming Elegance and the dress code is still strictly, elevated and creative, white attire only.

We can’t tell you the location. But we did get some insight into the menu for this year’s event. Curated by executive chef of Blue Plate Chicago, Charles Haracz, the menu offers a taste of history with modern twists. It is a love letter to French culture and will take guests on a journey, no plane ticket required. If you’re intrigued, you can read our article on last year’s version of Le Diner en Blanc.

A few of this year’s standout selections include:

  • Poulet Farci: Chicken breast rolled with sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, basil pistou, and herb ricotta, finished with a whole grain mustard sauce
  • Raviole du Dauphiné & Herb-Crusted Pork Loin: Four-cheese-filled ravioli, whole grain mustard herb-crusted pork loin, rosemary & brown butter vinaigrette, sage, shaved Comte, lemon zest
  • Steak au Poivre & Jumbo Prawns: a refined twist on a French classic, with hanger steak in green peppercorn Cognac sauce and wild-caught jumbo shrimp in white wine, saffron, and basil.
  • La Végétarienne: featuring gratin de pommes de terre et cépes, a rich potato and porcini mushroom bake, ratatouille, and a mushroom and walnut pâté that highlights France’s agrarian roots.

Diner en Blanc is hosted in Lincoln Park on July 24, 2024. Photographer: Jordan Fuller / Diner en Blanc.

This year’s wine selections are provided by Louis Glunz Wines, featuring their Provence Rosé Group by MDCV, which includes the refined Château  de Berne and the bold Ultimate Provence. Sparkling champagne will be available from Veuve Ambal to keep the toasts flowing, along with a new special offering from Chambord Liqueur, which includes a refreshing black raspberry spritz cocktail. All drink selections can be ordered in advance through the Diner en Blanc e-store.

If you aren’t already on the list, there is still a chance to snag tickets by signing up for the exclusive Fan List at chicago.dinerenblanc.com. Simply visit the website and click on “Attend Le Diner en Blanc” to create an account. This will ensure an email invitation is sent to you ahead of the Phase 3 ticket release.