Sandi Safi, Co-Founder and Owner of Dîner en Blanc International
On September 26, Le Dîner en Blanc will return to New York City where the international sensation was jump-started. This one-of-a-kind event is a celebration of food, wine, music and friendship. In 2023, the soiree was held in the Meatpacking District with 3,800 guests in attendance.
As a French-inspired urban picnic, Le Dîner en Blanc has become an experiential event globally. This year over 75 cities in 16 countries will host Le Dîner en Blanc. In the U.S., the event will take place in 42 cities. There have been nearly two million fans on waitlists worldwide, hoping to attend events that frequently sell out in a matter of days.
Guests must bring everything they need for a memorable soirée including gourmet picnic food, tableware, a tablecloth, folding table and chairs. Dress code is head to toe in white with elegance and originality as a key. The table settings must be all white as well. As per New York alcohol regulations, guests cannot bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy some wine or Champagne must reserve online through Le Dîner en Blanc’s e-store. There is also a catered picnic basket option through the e-store, which can be picked up on site.
To ensure that the secret location is kept undisclosed until the last minute, guests meet at assigned departure locations throughout the city and are escorted to the site by a Dîner en Blanc volunteer. So, the event location is left as clean as when guests arrived, they are required to leave with all their belongings, leftovers, and litter.
Sandi Safi with Jeffrey Le François, Executive Director of the Meatpacking District Management Association (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Kaplan)
Woman Around Town had the pleasure of interviewing Sandy Safi, the co-founder and owner of the French-inspired culinary phenomenon Dîner en Blanc International.
As a passionate entrepreneur with a drive for structuring, operating and leading businesses, Sandy specializes in the entertainment industry on a global scale, bringing her team management skills to areas like crisis management, sponsorship, negotiation, logistics, and production. Her entrepreneurial endeavors always draw inspiration from her culture, creativity, and dedication to finding unique ways of bringing people together.
Born in Beirut to a family of entrepreneurs, and relocating to Cyprus, Italy, England, the United States, and eventually settling in Canada, Safi’s international upbringing influenced her sense of culture and her adaptability to new environments. Starting out as a ballerina and performing with the Caracalla Dance Theatre, Safi also gained behind-the-curtain experience as a lighting assistant and stage manager. She added to that background working with such prominent international companies as the Los Angeles Opera, the Casino de Paris, and Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu. Safi also toured the US with the Canadian troupe Cavalia before moving to Dubai and working at Peppermint Experience, organizing large scale raves and concerts.
Table Settings (Photo Credit: Jane Kratochvil)
Throughout her career, Safi has advantaged her knowledge of branding, sponsor media exposure, and public relations. She has given talks at the Association of Destination Managements Executives and TEDxNYIT, and was awarded the Young Promoters Award (SAGE) and two Young Entrepreneur Awards—one from the Fondation Montréal Inc. and the other from the Canadian Youth Business Foundation. Safi is also certified in Sustainable Event Management with the Quebec Standards Bureau.
In 2011, Sandy joined forces with Aymeric Pasquier to host the American premiere of the gourmet mass-picnic, Le Dîner en Blanc, in New York City. Because of its enormous success and increasing demands from cities all over the world to host the event, the pair co-founded Dîner en Blanc International in 2012. In 2022, Safi acquired 100 percent of the organization’s business interests, and continues to curate relationships among Le Dîner en Blanc hosts, sponsors, and partners in an ever-expanding global network, and promote and develop the brand around the world.
Fashion Parade (Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography)
When did you first conceive Dîner en Blanc?
Le Dîner en Blanc started in Paris, France, in 1988, with a simple idea: to gather friends, and friends of friends, for a night of good conversation, food, and wine in an iconic outdoor setting. In 2011, my former partner and I became passionate about introducing this extraordinary concept to the U.S., beginning with New York City. The response was overwhelming, we received requests from people in cities around the world wanting to host Dîner en Blanc, and it quickly became apparent that this was more than just a one-off event—it had the potential to become a beloved annual event around the world with each city injecting its own unique culture and culinary voice. That realization led us to create Dîner en Blanc International, and we began supporting organizers around the world to help realize this vision. This year we are proud to organize events in over 75 cities in 16 countries worldwide, bringing together a global community of food lovers, travelers, and friends.
The event has been enormously popular. What is its particular charm?
The charm of Dîner en Blanc lies in its unique blend of spontaneity, mystery, and elegance. The secret location adds an element of anticipation and excitement, and the all-white dress code creates a striking visual spectacle in the heart of the city. But beyond the aesthetics, it’s the sense of community that truly sets it apart. People from diverse backgrounds and cultures come together to share a meal in a beautiful setting, which creates a feeling of connection and belonging. We have seen many relationships blossom, wedding proposals take place, and memories etched in time. This universal appeal—gathering, sharing, and celebrating together— resonates across cultures and age groups, making the event both timeless and inclusive.
Appetizers (Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography)
All of the recent New York City locations have been very successful. How are they chosen and why?
Choosing a location for Dîner en Blanc in New York City is a thoughtful and deliberate process which also requires many governmental collaboration. We seek out iconic spaces that not only can accommodate a large crowd but also capture the essence of the city. Safety and accessibility are paramount considerations. Each year, the challenge is to find a location that remains a well-kept secret until the very last moment, while also offering a fresh and memorable experience for our guests. This balance between tradition and surprise is what makes each event in New York City so special and successful. These recent locations have been very successful thanks to continued collaboration with the City of New York and our team.
Last year, you had an incredible collaboration with NYC to bring Dîner en Blanc to the streets of the Meatpacking District. Can you tell us how you made this happen?
The collaboration with the Meatpacking District was the result of a shared vision and strong partnerships. Jeffrey LeFrancois, the executive director of the Meatpacking District, was already familiar with the Dîner en Blanc concept, which made our collaboration seamless. We both believed in the concept and were committed to bringing something extraordinary to the streets of New York. The support from the City of New York was instrumental. They worked closely with us to align the event with the city’s Open Streets program, transforming public spaces for cultural and community events. The result was an evening that not only celebrated the vibrancy of the Meatpacking District but also highlighted the city’s commitment to creating unique and engaging public experiences.
Entertainment (Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography)
What are some of the challenges of your role as co-founder and owner of Dîner en Blanc International?
As the owner of Dîner en Blanc International, one of my key ongoing challenges is maintaining the integrity and essence of the event as we expand into new cities and markets. Since acquiring full ownership two years ago, I’ve also focused on launching our new branding, new website, and also new ticketing platform—essential tools that have been critical in enhancing the guest experience long term. Another challenge is charting the future direction of the company, particularly as we emerge from the pandemic era. We have a wealth of initiatives on the horizon, including new partnerships in gastronomy, travel, and tourism. The challenge—and the excitement—lies in bringing these ideas to life and staying true to the core values that have made Dîner en Blanc such a beloved event worldwide.
Can you tell us a little about your team that brings Dîner en Blanc to the public?
Our team is the backbone of Dîner en Blanc, and it’s divided into three key groups. First, we have our in-office team at Dîner en Blanc international Inc. who handle everything from training and supporting our global hosts to managing technology, guiding production, and keeping clear communications in the media. They are the ones who ensure that the engine runs as smoothly as possible, and that we select new hosts into the network and ensure their training. Second, we have our incredible hosts from cities around the world—whether it’s Seoul, Honolulu, or Philadelphia—each bringing their local flair and unique touch to the event. These hosts are the true leaders and producers of the Dîner en Blanc concept in their communities. They are the ones that collaborate with local authorities to make the events happen in each city. And finally, we have our dedicated volunteers, who play a vital role in guiding guests and ensuring that every detail is perfect. They are the ambassadors of the brand. It’s a true team effort, and I’m fortunate to work with such a passionate and talented group of individuals.
The Gathering (Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography)
What do you see as the future of Dîner en Blanc?
The future of Dîner en Blanc is filled with opportunities for growth and innovation. We’re always exploring new cities to bring the event to, and we’re continually looking for ways to elevate the experience for our guests. Whether it’s through curated culinary experiences, artistic collaborations, or digital enhancements, we aim to keep the event fresh and engaging. Our ultimate goal is to continue expanding the Dîner en Blanc community, creating unforgettable moments for people around the world, and perhaps even setting new trends in the world of dining and social events.
Anything, absolutely anything, you’d like to add?
The event also supported local businesses by giving them increased visibility—we collaborated with local restaurants and hotels onsite. We have many exciting initiatives planned for the coming year, all centered around creating meaningful connections—both in-person and digitally and connecting our network of hosts as well as participants. Dîner en Blanc is also particularly focused on foodie events and the art of gathering, with the aim of facilitating memorable experiences in each community. We’ve been fortunate to have brands and partners reach out to us who share our passion for food, travel, and the art of gathering to create relevant partnerships. Dîner en Blanc is a truly unique event for brands as we have a database of active participants in the U.S. and globally who we communicate with regularly, which presents extraordinary opportunities. If you see a synergy with Dîner en Blanc, we warmly invite you to connect with us at info@dinerenblanc.com. We’re always eager to explore new and exciting opportunities to create something extraordinary together.
People who would like to be part of this very special night can sign up to attend via newyork.dinerenblanc.com. Once on the website, click on Attend Le Diner en Blanc.
You can also follow Dîner en Blanc on Social Media @dinerenblancnyc.
Top: Sandi Safi (Photo Credit by Eric Vitale Photography)
