Let’s face it. All-white flash mob Diner En Blanc will never be the easiest thing to pull off. And while we were none-too-impressed observing the event last year, we’ll admit that it’s hard to get a full idea of what the dinner’s all about without taking a more hands on approach. So this time, we got together our 28-by-32-inch (71 and 81 cm) table, two white chairs, three-course meal, white tableware and glassware, picnic basket, white tablecloths and white napkins and became full-on participants.
It’s certainly a different experience. It is exhausting carrying all that furniture all over the place (we had a trolley but someone stole it). But being part of the flash mob is definitely a lot more fun than just watching. Once we got our stuff set up at the secret location (Marina Barrage), our fellow diners made us feel right at home. In our group, there was young chef Douglas Ng—a 22-year old who runs Asian fusion restaurant 3+1 in Tanjong Pagar—who offered neighboring diners food he’d prepared (like cocktail shrimp and cheese-stuffed mushrooms). It was much appreciated. He was a friend of our group leader Clarissa, who was also lovely, offering up generous pours of Perrier Jouet Champagne. Entertainment this year was also far cooler than last year’s hokey dancing to Kool and the Gang’s “Celebrate Good Times”. There was more smooth jazz and artsy acrobatics.
Even though it rained towards the end of the meal, that didn’t kill the mood, not one bit. Folks bandied together helping each other to carry their tables and even shared their—unfortunately mostly flimsy and small—white or transparent umbrellas. While contrived, Diner En Blanc—when done right—is a great respite from disconnected fast-paced city living. You’re encouraged to come together and meet with strangers to enjoy an unhurried—if impractical—meal. It’s worth experiencing at least once for sure.
