I love when this blog gives me the chance to explore an area of the city that I don’t typically venture into. University City is such a fun and vibrant part of Philadelphia, and one that I, admittedly, don’t get over to as much as I’d like. But after Louie Louie invited me to come in for dinner, I know there are going to be a lot more ~Center City dwellers~ venturing across the Schuylkill soon! Cue the food pics. 😉
Spring Dining at Fogo de Chão Philadelphia
I’m always up for excuses to get a little fancy and head out to a nice dinner. I haven’t been to Fogo de Chão (1337 Chestnut Street) in quite a bit (they were definitely on my original top Center City Restaurant Week picks back when they still did Restaurant Week . . . gosh I need to update that list. #RIPsalento), so when they invited me in to try some things from their new spring menu, I was obviously all for it (#meat).
Chef’s Tasting Menu at High Street on Market
Checking off a restaurant that’s been “on your list” for awhile is a great thing, but what makes it even better is when that restaurant is everything you could have hoped for (and, hopefully, more). Last week, my friend Kelly and I ubered on down to Old City for dinner at High Street on Market (308 Market Street). I’ve been crushing on High Street since I had dinner at a.kitchen (135 South 18th Street) and was really impressed at Eli Kulp‘s ability to get me to eat things I wasn’t entirely sure I would like, or even fully know exactly what I was eating, to be honest (I am a disgrace . . . this is why I am not a food blogger).
5 Tips For A Fantastic Dîner en Blanc
So Diner en Blanc is less than three weeks away, and while I might not have it all together (like if any of the four outfits that are currently being expressed shipped to my doorstep will work), I do know a thing or two about how to enjoy it. Last year was my first year at DEB, so I was really just making some educated guesses about how to make the night as successful as possible. But this year, I’m taking what I learned and making a few changes in my process – and, sharing with you, of course. The majority of these tips were written by me a few days after DEB 2013 and have been sitting in my blog drafts ever since, so you know they’re the real deal.
A Magical Philadelphia Evening {Dîner en Blanc 2013}
Dîner en Blanc . . . oh how to sum up such a special night in one post? Ever since my interview with Natanya DiBona where I covered everything you need to know about Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia, I have been obsessing over Philly’s second annual all white pop-up dinner picnic. And Thursday night it finally happened. And it was perfect.
Our group meeting spot was at the Comcast Center. We arrived right on time & met our group leader, Kat! Little did we know we were in a pretty good spot to walk to the secret dinner location.
My three girlfriends for the evening! Kenya, Kelly & Tara were such fun dates. Check us out in Philly Style Mag!
Always need a solo shot! My dress is by Taylor Dresses (currently on sale!).
We were given wristbands with the #DEBPHL13 hashtag on them. Love this idea!
As our evening was a girls night out, we had to get crafty with our transportation methods. The Magna Cart was perfect for transporting our table, chairs, and of course, baguette 🙂
Before we left, Kat went over some instructions for the evening to our group.
Then we were off! After a quick walk down JFK, we passed some road blockages. But where was there a public space big enough to fit 2,500 people? Oh – no big deal, we were eating ON JFK, right in front of 30th Street Station (omg). 
It was then time to unload & set our tables! Tara & I have been going back & forth preparing for weeks – so we were pretty pleased with our final products! A true labor of love.
Before DEB, Kory Aversa & Natanya had told me how fun it was to make friends with the people sitting around you. And that we did! A big shout out to our dinner & dancing buddies, Sue & Steve! It was so nice to meet the two of you.
Some of the tablescapes at the event were utterly fantastic. Check out this beaut!
My favorite picture of the night. Truly a once in a lifetime sight.
At 9:15 exactly everyone at the event lit sparklers and danced to Coldplay. AKA my dream. 
After dinner, it was time for some mingling & dancing! I ran into so many fab Philly friends! I loved Jeta (1/3 of Philly blog Global Lipstick)’s look.
There were even ENGAGEMENTS at Dîner en Blanc! Check out these cuties. Congratulations!
This vintage Rolls Royce on display was the perfect touch to the setting.
With my DEB planning friend Jade of style wallflower. 
I love this shot of some of the many tables. Talk about a party 🙂 The event was truly a refreshing and exciting way to spend a night in Philly. All of the prep work gathering supplies was so worth it when you saw all 2,500 other guests putting forth the same amount of effort. I already can’t wait for next year! Dîner en Blanc – you rock.
