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My Foodie Adventure at Diner en Blanc Calgary

August 6, 2015 By Jess Leave a Comment

I love a good adventure, especially when there is food involved.

I’ve wanted to attend a Diner en Blanc event for ages. A couple of years ago I read about the iconic Diner en Blanc event in Paris – imagine, you dress in your finest white attire and gather with hundreds of people at a ‘secret location,’ bringing with you your table, chairs, white tablecloth, glassware, drinks and dinner.

Diner en Blanc Calgary l cookinginmygenes.com

This event began in Paris 25 years ago as a ‘chic Parisian picnic’ by a group of friends; now, it has become an international sensation taking place in 17 cities.

In Calgary this past Thursday I was fortunate enough to take part in this event on a gorgeous summer evening.

My husband and I gathered with a group of people at a meeting location where we met with our table leader. Next, we boarded a bus which took us the ‘secret location’ which had just been released on social media – Eau Claire Park. We were only a short bus ride away and when we arrived we joined the groups of people, all dressed in their best white attire, walking over to the park. It was such a neat sight to see – everyone dressed classically carrying picnic baskets and tables & chairs, walking in to the main location from all different areas of the City.

We were fortunate we did not have to carry in everything with us. We attended as a part of a large group from ‘The Commons’ (a co-work space in Calgary where I’m a member); so we walked in and found our table fairly quickly. It was beautifully decorated by our Table Leaders from The Commons, which just continued to add to the atmosphere of the event.

Diner en Blanc Calgary l cookinginmygenes.com

Next, we setup our table settings and went to redeem our tickets for our wine and water (my husband Scott was my date). I was so lucky to be a part of a fun group where we all brought different courses of the meal to share. Scott went off to help barbeque our mains while the rest of the table setup the food for the first few courses.  Shortly thereafter, the dinner ‘officially’ started with the waving of our white napkins.

Our table’s dinner had everything from Charcuterie, Salads and Vegetable Sides to accompany the proteins each person had brought. We enjoyed an absolutely scrumptious meal, tasting a little bit of everything along with glasses of refreshing white wine and enjoyed a lot of great conversation.

I was in charge of one of the desserts for the final course of the meal – fruit and whipped cream. I put out the dessert and then we took a little break, taking time to stroll around and find some of our other friends.

Diner en Blanc Calgary l cookinginmygenes.com

There were some really neat art installations in the park that were lit up as sun went down; so we took a little time to check them out while enjoying a final glass of wine.

Diner en Blanc Calgary  l cookinginmygenes.com

Just before we packed up to head home, it was time to light our sparklers! It was a fabulous way to end the evening. When you take part in Diner en Blanc, everything that you bring in to the picnic should leave with you – the space should be left even cleaner than it was before the event took place. So, we tidied up, said our goodbyes and headed home.

Diner en Blanc Calgary l cookinginmygenes.com

I live for events that create unique experiences around food and Diner en Blanc exceeded my expectations. Check to see if you have a Diner en Blanc in your City – the international website lists all of the locations the event currently takes place in international.dinerenblanc.info

If there is one in your city, I highly recommend taking part – the website will link you to the location specific website and will have information on how to get tickets.

Want more of this delicious story? Stay tuned for Part 2 next week where I’ll share my dessert recipe of ‘Fruit with Whipped Cream’ which I served on this lovely evening. Here’s a sneak peak:

Diner en Blanc Calgary l cookinginmygenes.com

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

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Filed Under: Dessert, Dinner, Dinner Party, Foodie Adventures, Recipe Tagged With: adventure, calgary, dessert, diner en blanc, event, foodie, friends, local, picnic, pop-up

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INSTA-GRATIFICATION

These are my favourite QUICK & EASY PEANUT NOODLES These are my favourite QUICK & EASY PEANUT NOODLES. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or lunch on the weekend here’s how to make them:

INGREDIENTS:
80-90g / 3-4oz dry noodles
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp chili garlic sauce 
1 garlic clove, grated
Juice from a quarter of a lime
2 tbsp - 1/4 cup pasta water 
Optional add-ins: chicken, peas, broccoli or shredded carrots

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
2. Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, chili sauce, grated garlic, lime juice and 2 tbsp pasta water. Stir until sauce is fully combined and add another 2 tbsp pasta water to loosen further if needed. 
3. Stir in noodles and other add-ins. Enjoy!
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#weeknightdinner #quickrecipes #quickdinner #cookinginmygenes #peanutnoodles #quicknoodles #saucynoodles #easyrecipes #recipereels #dinnerideas #yycfoodblogger #dinnerinspiration
The coziest cocktail for our very wintery weekend, The coziest cocktail for our very wintery weekend, this WINTER SPICED OLD FASHIONED is still one I always come back to. 

Made with a spiced simple syrup, it brings lovely warming notes to this Wintry sip. 

Recipe is on the blog friends! Linked in bio above 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/winter-spiced-old-fashioned-cocktail/
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#cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #foodphotographyandstyling #foodtographyschool #wintercocktails #easycocktails #feedfeedcocktails #foodcontentcreator #bourboncocktails #oldfashioned #cocktailsathome #cocktailrecipes
Here’s a quick 20-MINUTE ONE POT BOURSIN PASTA t Here’s a quick 20-MINUTE ONE POT BOURSIN PASTA that you can make any day of the week. 

It’s creamy, packed with flavour and easy to make!

Here’s the recipe friends:

Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment: large pot
Servings: 2-3

INGREDIENTS:
200-250g dry rigatoni (or other pasta shape)
1x (5.2 ounce/150g) package Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic cheese
Zest from 1 lemon plus more for garnish
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp chili flakes
¼ tsp ground pepper
1 cup frozen peas
¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish with lemon zest, chili flakes, parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and then drain the pasta.
2. Add the drained pasta back to the pot and set over low heat on the oven.
3. Immediately add in the Boursin cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, chili flakes, ground pepper, frozen peas and shredded parmesan cheese. 
4. Start stirring together and gradually add in ¼ cup pasta water; keep stirring to create a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Make sure the peas are warmed through - if not keep on low heat and stir occasionally until they are.
6. Lastly, if you want a creamier sauce, add in an additional ¼ cup pasta water. (I generally use ½ cup pasta water total).
7. Enjoy immediately topped with more lemon zest, chili flakes and parmesan cheese if desired.
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#onepotpasta #onepotmeals #easydinner #dinnerideas #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #boursincheese #boursinpasta #recipereels #veggierecipes #dinnerinspiration #comfortfoodie #weeknightmeals #quickrecipe #quickdinner
If you want to escape to the tropics, try my TROPI If you want to escape to the tropics, try my TROPICAL SLUSHIE! Easily made as a mocktail or a cocktail, it’s perfect to brighten things up this winter. 

All you need is:
*frozen mango
*frozen pineapple 
*maple syrup
*lime
*ice
*rum (if desired)

Get the recipe on the blog! Linked in bio above. 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/tropical-rum-slushie/
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#cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #mocktails #mocktailrecipe #drinkrecipes #happyhourathome #wintermocktail #cocktailrecipe #tropicaldrink #foodphotographyandstyling #easyrecipes
You need this Quick Asparagus Gnocchi in your life You need this Quick Asparagus Gnocchi in your life! Made in under 25 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal - save this post for the recipe!

Here it is:

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb store bought gnocchi
3 tbsp butter, divided
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed ends and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 lemon
2 tbsp pesto sauce
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
kosher salt and ground pepper
Extra garnish: red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS
1. If required by the instructions on the gnocchi you’ve purchased, boil and drain the gnocchi then set aside.
2. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp butter. Add the gnocchi and sauté 5-8 minutes, until starting to turn golden brown.
3. Add in asparagus pieces, 1 tbsp butter, juice from half a lemon and a big pinch of both salt and ground pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the asparagus is fork tender and still has a bit of a bite, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tbsp pesto plus half of the parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more pesto, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes if you choose. Use the rest of the parmesan cheese as garnish. Serve immediately. 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/quick-spring-gnocchi-with-asparagus/
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#30minutemeals #gnocchirecipe #weeknightmeals #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #recipeshare #dinnerrecipes #damnthatsdelish #makesmewhole #eatyourcolors #vegetarianmeals #onepandinner #meatlessmonday #quickdinner
Friends, I’ve got another deliciously easy dip f Friends, I’ve got another deliciously easy dip for you! It’s so easy to make AND simple to add in your fav ingredients too. 

Here’s how to make it:
150-200g softened goat cheese (or cream cheese or even hummus!)
1/3 cup chopped cucumbers
1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes 
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2-4 tbsp pesto 
Toppings: drizzle olive oil, chili flakes, fresh basil

Spread softened goat cheese on a plate. Swirl pesto into the goat cheese. Sprinkle over the cucumbers, sundried tomatoes and walnuts. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch chili flakes. Top with fresh basil. (Other delicious add-ons could be olives, capers, balsamic glaze drizzle). 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/goat-cheese-pesto-appetizer/
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#goatcheese #cookinginmygenes #easyappetizers #fingerfood #cheeseplate #cheeseboards #crostini #creamcheese #toasties #toastideas #damnthatsdelish #meatlessmeals #recipevideo #entertainingathome #cheesedip
This is one of my favourite ways to make salads in This is one of my favourite ways to make salads in the winter - ROAST some fav veggies together and then add them to salad greens, topped with feta, walnuts and a balsamic dressing. 

The best part is you can mix and match what you like so carrots would be delish, chopped almonds or goat cheese are great substitutes. 

Here’s generally how I make it:

1 large sweet potato, cubed
4 golden beets, peeled and cubed
12 Brussels sprouts, quartered 
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Salad greens
Chopped walnuts
Feta 

Dressing: Mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1x garlic clove minced, salt and pepper 

Toss the vegetables with a couple tablespoons olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast at 415 F for 30-35 minutes or until done to your liking. Add veggies to your favourite salad greens and top with nuts, cheese and dressing. 
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#easysalad #saladrecipe #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #roastedveggies #wintersalad #dinnerrecipes #healthyinspo #plantpower #recipereels #mealprepideas #saladbowl #healthymealprep #iamwellandgood
You neeeed this CREAMY POTATO SOUP WITH CHIVES & C You neeeed this CREAMY POTATO SOUP WITH CHIVES & CHIPS on your Winter menu!

It’s creamy, cozy and tastes like the best baked potato you’ve ever had topped with cheddar, chives and chips (my fav is Ruffles Sour Cream & Onion!) for the perfect crunch.

Here’s the recipe friends:

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt
Ground pepper
Pinch chili flakes
1x 340mL navy or cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
4 cups chopped & peeled yellow potatoes
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese plus more for garnish
Toppings: Minced chives & Sour cream or plain ruffle chips

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a large pot, add oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. 
2. To the pot add minced garlic, dried thyme, coarse salt, a couple turns of ground pepper and a pinch of chili flakes. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes. 
3. Add the potatoes, beans and broth, stir and bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn down to medium-low heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes have softened / are fork tender. 
4. Remove the pot from the heat. 
5. Use a hand blender to blend the soup right in the pot. Or transfer 2 cups at a time to a stand blender to blend until smooth then return the soup to the pot. Adjust seasoning to your liking with more salt and pepper; add more broth if too thick; and then stir in 1 cup of shredded white cheddar.
6. Serve topped with crushed ruffle sour cream and onion chips, minced chives and shredded cheese. Enjoy!
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#souprecipe #potatochips #potatorecipes #creamypotatosoup #potatosoup #yycfoodblogger #grilledcheese #recipereels #bakedpotatosoup #onepotrecipe #meatlessmeals #soupfordinner #comfortfood
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