The 10th edition of Dîner en Blanc de Québec unfolded at a secret location on August 22nd, 2024, attracting nearly 1,500 attendees dressed in white, reveling in gourmet delights and lively ambiance. The event, known for its elegance and mystery, marked a triumphant return after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the celebration was particularly special, as it marked the 10th anniversary of Dîner en Blanc’s arrival in Quebec City.
The event’s popularity has grown immensely since its inception in Quebec City in 2011, becoming a highly anticipated affair for locals and visitors alike. The organizers were especially thrilled to welcome back the event after the pandemic-induced pause. They were determined to make the 10th edition a memorable one, honoring the legacy of the previous organizers while adding a fresh and exciting twist.
The organizers, EvenTouch, an event agency, took on the reins of producing the Dîner en Blanc a few months prior to the 10th edition. “We were in the heart of ExpoCité. We were set up on the forecourt of Place Jean-Béliveau. It was a really beautiful site for an event like this,” says Yann Latouche, president of EvenTouch and promoter of Dîner en Blanc de Québec. The location was chosen for its accessibility and central location. “Place Jean-Béliveau is a very accessible and central place,” explains Latouche.
The location, however, remained shrouded in secrecy until the last minute, which is a hallmark of the Dîner en Blanc experience. Guests were transported to the venue by chartered buses, departing from seven designated pickup points across the city. This element of surprise adds to the excitement and intrigue, transforming the event into a grand adventure.
The organizers emphasized the importance of finding a new location this year, given the many venues that have already been utilized for the event.
“We’re just a stone’s throw from the Grand Marché de Québec. The Dîner en Blanc is meant to be a festive and epicurean event too [...]. It’s a way to give a nod to local producers,” he says. The choice of location reflects a conscious effort to showcase the city’s rich cultural and culinary landscape while fostering a sense of community.
The event itself is a grand spectacle of elegance and community, where participants immerse themselves in an atmosphere of shared joy and celebration.
“Everyone is dressed in white from head to toe, even down to the accessories. People bring their own dishes, tablecloths, food, etc. Everything must be adorned in white, or silver or gold for the smaller accessories,” he recalls. This dress code creates a mesmerizing visual tapestry, transforming the venue into a sea of pristine white.
The event’s atmosphere is a testament to the power of shared experiences.
“It’s a great moment of communion where people come to eat, share and celebrate together,” Latouche explains. The emphasis on community and shared dining is the heart of the Dîner en Blanc experience.
The festivities kicked off around 6:15 PM, with guests arriving at the secret location in waves. Though a brief downpour occurred earlier, the weather cleared just in time for the arrival of the participants, ensuring a pleasant evening for all.
“In general, people arrive at the site around 6:15 PM. There was a downpour at 5:45 PM, but when the guests arrived, the sky was gray everywhere, except above our heads. We had a very nice evening in terms of temperature,” explains Mr. Latouche. The organizers were fortunate to enjoy a clear evening after a brief spell of rain, highlighting the importance of a bit of luck in event planning.
The success of Dîner en Blanc is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the participants, who pour their hearts into creating a memorable experience.
“What makes Dîner en Blanc a success are the people who participate and those who go the extra mile,” he assures. The event’s unique charm lies in the individual efforts of each participant, who go to great lengths to create a stylish and delectable experience.
The commitment to culinary excellence was evident in the elaborate food preparations.
“People put a lot of energy into how they dress and into the food they prepare. Some also buy the boxes available by Arnaud Marchand’s group and his three restaurants (Chez Boulay, Les Botanistes and Le Bedeau),” he says. The event is as much about the food as it is about the fashion, with many choosing to savor culinary delights prepared by renowned chefs.
This year, the optional menu was crafted by the chefs of three restaurants, all part of Arnaud Marchand and Jean-Luc Boulay’s culinary empire: Les Botanistes (chef Émeline Pero), Chez Boulay (chefs Olivier Langlois and Arnaud Marchand), and Le Bedeau (chef Pierre Gagnon). The collaboration with these esteemed chefs ensured a culinary experience that was both innovative and refined, showcasing the best of Quebec’s culinary scene.
“In terms of meal boxes, we had the highest percentage of orders among the registered participants in the history of the event in Québec,” said Mr. Latouche. “A lot of people were charmed by Arnaud and his team’s offer. Yes, most people bring their own picnics—that’s kind of the principle—but many chose to discover the fine gastronomy of Québec.”
The menu for the meal boxes featured a delightful combination of flavors: foie gras parfait, confit salmon, and duck breast with boreal notes. A “gourmet box” at $110 and a $85 version were available for pre-order.
The chefs themselves were present to personally distribute the meal boxes, adding a personal touch to the experience.
After dinner, the festivities continued with music and dancing, creating an atmosphere of unbridled joy and camaraderie.
DJ Shieldie kept the energy high, spinning tunes that got everyone moving. Dory LaDrag, a local performer, took the stage, channeling the legendary Céline Dion, enchanting the audience with iconic renditions of her most beloved hits.
The Dîner en Blanc, however, is not just about feasting and fashion, but also about embracing the city’s unique character.
The event has been held in several locations across Quebec City over the years, each chosen for its unique charm and historic significance.
Over the years, the Dîner en Blanc has made its temporary home in several locations in the Québec City region. Notable locations include the Jean-Paul-L’Allier garden in the Saint-Roch district, the lawns of the Gare du Palais, the Manoir Montmorency, the area around the Tourny fountain, and Paquet wharf in Lévis, among others.
This year, the organizers promised to take guests to a never-before-seen location. This year’s destination was Place Jean-Béliveau, at the heart of ExpoCité.
The guests were seated in the heart of the square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, creating a stunning visual backdrop for the event.
“In the middle of the square! The whole floor between the sculpture, the Grand Marché and the Centre Vidéotron will be completely filled with people and white tables, with a set-up where everyone will be together and comfortable,” explained Mr. Latouche.
The event’s organizers have a plan to make the 11th edition even more unforgettable.
“It will be truly enchanting, in addition to creating a beautiful postcard for Québec, since these images will travel a lot within the large global community of Dîners en blanc.”
The organizers are already making plans for the 11th edition, aiming to find a location that is both unique and engaging.
“We’ve given ourselves a mandate to find an unusual place, something with a little more funky flavor. We’d also like to democratize the Dîner en Blanc project a little more,” concludes Yann Latouche. The search is already underway, and the organizers are eager to reveal the next stunning location to the world.
The event’s success lies in its ability to bring people together, creating a sense of community and shared experience.
The organizers are committed to making Dîner en Blanc a long-term tradition in Quebec City.
“This year, we took over the management of the event with less than two months’ notice. We are very happy to have found such an interesting and suitable location that limits the unknowns. Next year, we’ll definitely want to make a change, maybe with something new, exotic, funky!” imagined Yann Latouche. The event’s future is bright, with the organizers eager to continue this unique celebration of community and culinary excellence.
For those eager to experience this magical event, registration for the 2025 edition of Dîner en Blanc de Québec is open.
