News Digest

Diner en Blanc: New York leads world’s biggest pop-up picnic

Five thousand people dressed in white got together for the world’s largest popup picnic at a location revealed only at the last moment. Guests for Tuesday’s Diner en Blanc, French for Dinner in White, showed up at one of 24 designated spots where the secret venue was disclosed. Then came the spectacle: dining and dancing under the open sky at Pier 26 on the Hudson River in Manhattan’s tony Tribeca neighbourhood. Participants brought what they wanted for a chic BYO, including food, tables, chairs and even silverware and candles.

You meet great new people under the stars.

Cindy Joseph, one of the diners

Each participant pre-registered for the event, paying $30. Food and drinks also were available at cost. The phenomenon started in Paris in 1988 and has expanded to 60 cities on five continents, but organizers say the one in New York is the biggest. More than 125,000 people signed up this year.

This is great for people watching. I love it.

Wendy Chang, another diner