A Night to be Remembered - Le Diner en Blanc 2018

A Night to be Remembered

The excited chattering on the platforms, accompanied by expectant faces and baskets brimming over with table décor, was the scene that guests created at the various meeting points of the Gautrain stations across the city of gold. The central topic of conversation: the secret location of this year’s Diner en Blanc, Johannesburg.

This year’s celebration of the world’s favourite pop-up dinner was nothing short of breath-taking. The weather held out for guests to descend upon one of the cities treasured sites, Constitution Hill in Braamfontein. The courtyard was alight with fairy lights and scents of the freshly prepared cuisine by Chef Wandile Mabaso and the team from the SA Culinary Club accompanied by beverages in the form of Idiom Wines, Acqua Panna and S.Pellegrino to complete the offering. From the food and the wine to the entertainment, the expressions on guests faces demonstrated the level of enjoyment had by all.

"Kaya’s partnership with Le Diner en blanc Johannesburg was a great success, when we were approached by Chef Wandile Mabaso we had no doubt that the evening would be a sensation. Kenzhero tipped the scales with the entertainment on the evening, starting off with his live brass band paying tribute to the late Soweto hip hop star Pro kid and finishing off with a DJ set that left everyone nostalgic and wanting more. The setting at Constitutional hill was the perfect backdrop to the excellent gentlemen who delivered their craft spectacularly. We are proud of our association with Chef Wandile and Kenzhero,” says Greg Maloka MD of Kaya FM.

The element of secrecy surrounding the venue was perfectly maintained by the transport logistics supplied by the Gautrain as those attending only began to cotton on as the buses were arriving outside the entrance to the heritage site.

“The partnership with Le Diner en Blanc Johannesburg proved a big success, promoting Gautrain as a lifestyle choice and enabling new passengers to experience the service for the first time. It was good to hear passengers’ positive feedback about the safety of Park Station and the good friendly service at the stations and on the Gautrain buses.” Dr Barbara Jensen, Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager, Communication and Marketing.

From the hosts to the partners, sponsors and guests a memorable night was had by all and as one guest commented when asked if she enjoyed herself? The answer was definitive. “Absolutely. I was in Panashe’s group. I came with three other people from the USA (we aren’t expats, we were just visiting). I have done Diner en Blanc in Paris previously and convinced them to go. We had the most amazing time! The culinary dining experience was a great touch, the others don’t offer that”- Nena Michelle

The organizing committee want to thank all those who attended and made it possible to deliver a night of the highest quality lifestyle experience in all aspects. “After months of planning, the evening came together as envisaged. The highlight for us was witnessing the guests sharing a meal, enjoying fine wine and dancing and laughing the night away. Le Diner en Blanc Johannesburg 2018, could not have been a success without the effort of our partners and we look forward to next year’s event.” – Diner en Blanc organizing committee.