NEWSFLASH: Here’s the word from organizer Larry Cleverley: “Our location is 215 Water Street. On the Riverwalk beneath The Hub Spot. Just north of Court Ave on the west side of the river. Plenty of parking, shady all afternoon, should be a breeze off the river, beautiful views.”
FlashDine # 3 is upon us! Here are the details, which I culled from the Facebook page and from co-organizer Rachel Formaro
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 1st 2013; 6 p.m.
LOCATION: That’s the fun of this! The location is never announced until the morning of the event. This year’s event will take place in a different spot than it has in the last 2 years (which was the gorgeous sculpture park, downtown). According to Rachel: “Please note that the site that has been picked out this year is not toddler/young child-friendly. Older kids would probably be okay.”
To find out where the event will be held, be sure to check the Des Moines Flashdine Facebook Page on Sunday morning!
WHAT TO BRING: According to co-organizer Rachel Formaro, here’s a checklist:
• folding table (banquet or card table)
• folding chairs
• white table cloth
• table decorations (candles, etc) if you feel inclined
• food and beverage
• plates, utensils
• wear white
• be ready to make new friends
For those of you who are new to this event, I offer a few Q&A’s that I hope will convince you to come. Although I’m not one of the official organizers, I’ve personally attended this great event in the past, so I do have some insights.
1. What Is Flashdine Des Moines?
Flashdine Des Moines is the local take on Dîner en Blanc, an event that started in France more than 25 years ago but has expanded to scores of cities around the world. The concept is simple: Once a year, everyone in a community basically dines together at a given location. Just for the fun of it, everyone wears white. And many people “go all out”-dressing themselves and their tables splendidly.
2. So, it’s like a big potluck then?
Not exactly. While it’s not uncommon for people to share tastes of this and that back and forth, everyone simply brings what they want to eat within their own group, along with everything your group needs to enjoy it: table, chairs, plates, utensils, napkins, tablecloths, etc., etc.
3. Do I have to bring a table? Can’t I spread a blanket and eat on the ground?
In the past, a handful of people have indeed spread picnic blankets, but you’ll be much more comfortable if you bring a table and chairs to this particular venue.
4. Do I have to dress elegantly? Do I have to dress up my table with candelabras, etc.?
Part of what’s cool about this is the whole “flashmob” aspect of this. Within minutes, all these people converge on this great spot in the city, and suddenly there’s this beautiful open-air restaurant with people sitting at linen-draped tables and chairs—I’ve seen people wearing white gowns and elbow-length gloves with candelabras on their white-drape tables. But I’ve also seen people simply wearing casual white sports shirts and trousers or shorts and sitting at makeshift camp tables with very simple cloths draped over them. Do what’s best for you.
5. What’s new this year?
In addition to seizing an exciting new location, the organizers also decided to hold the event on Sunday night to allow more chefs and restaurant personnel to attend the event.
If you have other questions, go to the event’s Facebook page and post away.
Hope to see you there!
