Dîner En Noir Is Back For A Second Year

Diner en Noir Philadelphia

‘A Mysterious Pop-Up Dinner With Guests All Donned In Black’

Dîner en Noir is set for September 10, 2015.

This second annual pop-up picnic, where all guests must dress in black, was first conceived out of frustration. The founder, Chris Nowaczyk, was frustrated while trying to register last year for Dîner en Blanc, so he created Dîner en Noir and actually held it on the same evening as Dîner en Blanc out of rebellion.

Speaking to Chris, that was last year and this is this year. He was able to turn a negative into a positive, with the main focus of giving back to a local charity, and wants to distance himself from the rebellious aspect.

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 15 at 10 am for those who attended or showed interest last year and those who have supplied their e-mail addresses this year. For those who don’t supply their e-mail addresses by midnight of July 14th, will have to wait until July 22, when it will be open to the public.

Diner en Noir Philly 2014Dinner guests can expect entertainment and dancing during the spectacular soiree. You will have the choice of bringing your own meal or choosing from a selection of three different caterers from the Philadelphia area, which will all be announced in the next several weeks.

Why Dîner en Noir? Cira Nerino-Davis, one of the volunteers who started this all with Chris, said they weren’t thinking of other cities who hosted DEN when they first thought about the event. That their choice basically speaks volumes to the special interest that they had in starting this and to be able to keep it going year after year.

When looking into the history of Dîner en Noir, not much can be found. Unlike its white dressed rivals, Dîner en Blanc originally started in Paris 26 years ago and has exploded onto the Philadelphia scene in the last 3 years. Noir looks like it started in two different cities in 2011, New York City and Baltimore, yet it doesn’t seem that both have continued throughout the years.

I for one can say that it takes dedication and hard work to make any event appear again for a second time or to be able to repeat itself over the years. The Dîner en Noir team of volunteers seem to have that working for them as it heads into its second pop-up dinner with much excitement and enthusiasm. 

I asked Nowaczyk why he decided to hold the Dîner en Noir event for a second time, he simply stated;

When I sat back at the last event, I saw all of these people come together, that may not have met prior. People from all over the Delaware Valley, who then became friends and made plans to meet after Diner en Noir. That moment was very gratifying to me. I have met some really amazing people in the admin group as well as from my involvement with the event. And I love giving back, which we do when picking our charity partner.

When comparing both Dîner en Noir and Dîner en Blanc, the obvious would be the dress code. Noir is black and Blanc is white. A few other differences that can be noticed is the price and the proceeds after the event.

Diner en Noir Philly 2014When it comes to Noir, to carry your tables and chairs to the event, the cost would be $50 for two people, as opposed to Blanc’s $93.70 cost to do the same. You could do one better with Noir. If you didn’t want the hassle of carrying your table and chairs, you will pay $65 for a communal table. And Noir is allowing singles to sit at the communal table for $32.50.

As far as the proceeds? Noir picked Philabundance last year and will be announcing their charity partner in the next week. When it comes to Blanc, it’s still a mystery to where their proceeds end up.

What I find exciting about Dîner en Noir is that they want to find the hidden gems of Philadelphia for its location for the event. Finding areas of Philly that aren’t talked about as much, allowing their guests to explore other parts of this wonderful city. The same goes for their charity of choice. Yes, Philabundance is highly recognized and a great charity helping so many families. Moving forward, Noir wants to find those hidden charities that are just as meaningful, yet don’t get the same recognition as the larger charities.

Noir n’est pas mal, this year’s theme, is translated as “Dark is not Evil.” Very fitting after last year’s theme, “Rebellion.”

Bon Appetit Noir guests!

Update as of 8/5/15

Women’s Clothing: Diner en Noir has partnered with Urban Princess Boutique.

Urban Princess is giving 5% off for those attending Noir’s event. Read more about it here: Diner en Noir partners with Urban Princess

Men’s Clothing: Diner en Noir has partnered with Goldstein’s Men’s & Boy’s Wear

Goldstein’s is giving 10% off for those attending Noir’s event. Read more about it here: Diner en Noir partners with Goldstein’s Men’s & Boy’s

Dîner En Noir Philadelphia 2015

Location

Undisclosed  |  Location is given to all guests shortly before the event

Date

September 10, 2015

Time

Approximately 6:00 pm

Cost

$50 for 2; bring your own tables & chairs  |  $65 for 2 at communal table (table & chairs supplied)  |  $32.50 for single at communal table

Web Site

Photos From Diner en Noir Philly 2014