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The flash-mob style dinner that hit Bryant Park last year is returning for its fourth edition on August 25. Tickets for Dîner en Blanc, which originated in Paris, go on sale today at 2pm for $30 at newyork.dinerenblanc.info. The secret pop-up picnic brings hundreds of New Yorkers to a surprise location in the city—revealed just a few hours in advance—for an elegant outdoor meal. Participants can only wear white and must bring their own tables, chairs, china and food.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Dîner en Blanc
This year, however, guests can order a dinner for two prepared by celebrity chef Todd English (Ça Va, The Plaza Food Hall), who’s cooking up four Mediterranean-inspired meals for two. The picnic baskets, priced from $70 to $90, pair salmon with chicken and steak with shrimp, but also offer vegetarian and antipasti options. “When I go out to eat, I order everything on the menu,” English says. “So when I was creating these baskets, I wanted to do the same—give people plenty of options.”
Suggested wine pairings for the dinner, are—yep, you guessed it—white. Sauvignon Blanc, German Reisling and Austrian Grüner are recommended by English as they stand up well to bold flavors. “You need something that’s strong and full-bodied, with crisp tart and floral notes or acidic apple tones and citrus zing,” the celebutoque says.
With Korean-style steak, chicken Milanese and grilled duck sausage on the menu, it's tough to decide on a winner. But the antipasti package might be the obvious choice for those looking to wash down their vino with salty prosciutto. English suggests: “That basket is for those who’d rather have a liquid picnic, but still nosh.”
See the chef's full menu below:
MENU
Korean roasted skirt steak and herb-grilled shrimp, $95
Sesame-glazed rice noodles
Asian summer salad (summer squash, cabbage, kale, mushrooms)
Chinese broccoli slaw with sunflower seeds, ginger and sesame wonton crisps
Strawberry rhubarb pie
Herb-roasted chicken breast and grilled duck sausage, $90
Smashed fingerling potatoes with mushroom, fennel and parsley
Grilled sweet corn and wheat berry salad
Heirloom tomato, grilled Halloumi cheese, radish, with olive and marjoram vinaigrette
Hummus and grilled pita
Key lime pie
Miso-poached salmon with salsa verde and chicken Milanese, $85
Jasmine rice, arugula, shiitake, sesame
Beet green and sunchoke tart with marinated pepper, goat cheese, thyme
Sugar snap pea, asparagus with mint and orange
Assorted marinated olives
Summer berry pie
Cavatelli with pea pesto, wild mushroom and ricotta salata, $75
Smoked eggplant with tahini and whole wheat pita crisps
Grilled beets with ricotta, hazelnuts and watercress
Haricot vert salad with almonds, parmesan and lemon-truffle vinaigrette
Artisanal cheese collection with baguette and dried fruit
Strawberry-Rhubard pie
Antipasti, $70
Fresh mozzarella with cured tomatoes, fresh basil and arugula
Summer melon wedges, speck, prosciutto and salami
Seasonal pickled vegetables
Assorted marinated olives
Roasted cauliflower flatbread with mushrtoom and kale pesto
Tiramisu