LE DINER EN BLANC

Le Diner en Blanc promises to be an all-white affair at HeART Gallery on Sunday, January 26 beginning at 4pm. The historic “en blanc” dinner party first began in Paris, 1988, when Francois Pasquier decided to host a dinner as a way to reconnect with old friends, and subsequently have them connect with each other. His home could not accommodate the number, so he asked invitees to gather at the Bois de Boulogne in Paris and to wear white for easy recognition. The rest, as they say, is histoire, and “en blanc” dinners are currently held in more than sixty cities around the world.

In its original form, guests were asked to bring their own food and drink (only wine or champagne). The meal was to consist of an appetizer, main, cheese course and dessert. It was held outside on white covered tables with white chairs, men sitting on one side, women on the other. The intent was that strangers would sit together and form new friendships.

HeART Gallery’s variation on the historic culinary fest will be held indoors, with a French country dinner provided. The price of the dinner is $20pp and does not include a beverage. Guests are asked to wear white and bring their beverage of choice. Between courses, guests will be treated to a discussion led by Chris Rilling, ad hoc professor at Lourdes College. His presentation includes slides on the progress and issues facing the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral, after sustaining significant damaged in a fire April 15, 2019.

Reservations are required to kate@stpaulstoledo.org. HeART Gallery is located in St Pauls Lutheran Church, 428 North Erie, downtown Toledo. Free parking is located adjacent to the building, which is handicap