Kissing In The Kitchen: Fête en Blanc: A Picnic With A Purpose, by Shawnie Kelley Foy

" Fête in full force" Photo: Dustin Grovemiller

The fine Fête -goers of Columbus created quite a spectacle last weekend when nearly 400 people bedecked in blanc converged on Goodale Park for the second annual Fête en Blanc-- or "white picnic." Last summer, after reading a New York Times article, three foodie fun-loving gals (myself included) decided to organize a Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic but with a major twist: the picnic location is disclosed just a few hours before the event, which is BYOEverything... and we mean everything: tables, chairs, linens, food, beverages, lighting, and centerpieces. In the fall of 2011, our first annual Fête went off without a hitch (assuming you don't count the torrential downpours that left us to party under a tent instead of the stars).

Once again, we hoped for a Fête under the stars and this year were obliged. The fickle clouds and rain throughout the day was a bit of a nail biter, but Mother Nature wanted us to Fête--- proof is in the extraordinary picture snapped by Norm Hall (a two year Fête veteran!)

Mother Nature wanted us to Fête! Photo: Norm Hall

Despite last year's soggy grass and chilly air, we were confident Fête en Blanc would be embraced again this year, but were pleasantly surprised when it doubled in size! Hundreds of white-clad friends impressively rolled in to the designated entrance carting their grand picnic feasts, which included nearly everything but the kitchen sink--- come to think of it, there might even have been a sink.

Photo: Mandy Jones

Fête en Blanc is a non-profit event with non-profit status. We never set out to make money, but after realizing there would be a little money left over beyond our operating costs (which are more than one might expect), we decided to add a charitable component. The choice of a local food organization seemed a no brainer as the three organizers, as well as the Fête goers, share a similar passion for food, friendship, and Columbus.

We opted to give a portion of proceeds to Local Matters, an organization dedicated to improving our local food system, ensuring everyone has access to healthy, wholesome food. We consciously selected the Friday, August 10 date to coincide with the start of Local Foods Week the following day. The same evening, Peletonia (a cancer fundraising bike ride) held its opening ceremony at The Commons, which made a doubly good reason to beg Mother Nature to relent with the rain. She smiled on all of us. It's wonderful living in a city that has so many good things going on.

Sponsor Board

In keeping with our philosophy to maintain Fête's local flair, we invited a few food vendors to come on board by financially sponsoring Fête en Blanc and creating picnic packages that could be pre-purchased and picked up at the venue. This worked out brilliantly for a lot of folks who, like us organizers, might not have time to create their own feast. The Hills Market in Powell/Worthington (and now with a downtown location), Huffman's Market in Upper Arlington, and Pistacia Vera in German Village rose to the challenge.

Huffman's Fete Basket
Photo: Mandy Jones

Hills and Huffman's each created different types of French-inspired menus, but using locally-sourced products. Hills offered a Pan Bagnet using Ohio pulled chicken, pasta from Marietta, local-grown veggies, and offered several types of Ohio cheese on their a la carte menu. Huffman's put together a charming picnic basket with your choice of beef, chicken, of veggie entrees and a full compliment of salads, veggies, breads, and fruit. The peach basket presentation was lovely. Pistacia Vera likewise was kind enough to bundle up a special package of macarons in various shades of blanc and offer Fête-goers a discount on any of their desserts délicieux. Deep appreciation to each of them for creating such thoughtful menus and fabulous food. And we owe ongoing thanks to Oakland Nursery for their behind-the-scenes support and helping hands in set up.

Photo: Marcia Colucci

Those folks who brought their own food, did so with such passion and flair last year, we decided to reward the unbridled creativity with a prize for this year's most splendid table. The winner of "La Table Magnifique" received a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne, but they won only by a hair. There were easily four or five tables in contention, which made for a difficult decision. As the evening progressed, everyone feasted and danced under the night sky while another local delicacy, The Randys, crooned their happy cha, cha tunes from the gazebo. At 10 PM sharp, Fête en Blanc called it a night. Everyone cleaned up their space (immaculately, we must add) and disappeared into the evening...

Photo: Marcia Colucci

We, the organizers, are thrilled with the support and enthusiasm with which Columbus, our sponsors, volunteers, and the band embraced Fête en Blanc -- but even moreso with the ability to make a sizable contribution to an organization such as Local Matters. Thanks to Local Matters for their hard work. And thanks to all of the Fête-goers who made the event what it was.... tres magnifique!!

We look forward to seeing what Fête 2013 has in store and hope to see even more of you there.