Have you heard of a Dinner en Blanc? The concept originated in France as a private dinner party where everything, including the invitees are decked out in white. A public place is chosen but not revealed to the guests until the day of the event. Think of it like a FlashMob (You know where singers show up in a public place and put on a concert for surprised onlookers.) but instead of singing, everyone sets up tables, brings food and has a huge dinner party. 
This year marked the 3rd year that Des Moines held it's own version of this special event thanks to some dedicated food-lovers in the area like Larry Cleverly, Kim Wall and Rachel & Sheila Formaro.
The fun part about Des Moines' version is that you don't have to be invited to attend. Everyone is welcome! This year's surprise location was the Riverwalk, right beneath the The Hub restaurant. It was a perfect, beautiful, shady location. Last year's FlashDine was held in the Sculpture Park downtown.
I'm already excited to start planning my menu and decorations for next year's event as the best decorated table wins a prize! Make sure you follow us on Facebook because I'll post the link to the event as soon as it's posted for next year.
While sitting by the river with a glass of wine and our picnic dinner was a perfect date-night, the fun came when we started sharing our dishes with old friends and new.
My tip for this event when you come next year (and I hope you will) is to bring extra food for sharing because conversations happen and friends are made over food. Don't be afraid to go to other tables and make new friends. We are so lucky to live in a city where new concepts are welcomed and embraced! Such a cool event.
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