Brooklyn's Version of Diner en Blanc

Peonies and pancit

When I told my dad that Anthony and I were attending a flash picnic at which everyone wears white and brings their own food and decorations, he said, "Jenny, that's so...bourgeois." I was relieved he said it. The statement was exactly what I expected from the hyper-aware, progressive man that raised me. I quickly explained, "I know. But it's very New York! And we'll be bringing Filipino food." I knew he'd understand then.

Ever since Anthony and I decided that we'll probably move back to Hawaii in about three years, I've made a conscientious effort to appreciate New York to the fullest. At least, to the fullest that our budget allows. A "Diner en Blanc" in Prospect Park seemed very New York, and the fact that it had a quintessential Brooklyn spin on it - less exclusivity; proceeds go to a public park - was perfect.

To prepare for the day, we had to buy white outfits, Filipino food, a picnic basket, white plastic dishes, champagne, white cloth napkins, and peonies. I didn't mind, as I really only enjoy shopping for specific events.

I somehow always luck out when it comes to outfits for specific events. For the last three weddings I've been to, a beautiful dress that fits me perfectly happens to be in the sale section or a cheap store that I had previously written off. This time was no different. I usually avoid places like H&M, but when I decided to skip my dance class at Alvin Ailey to check out the shops at Columbus Circle, it was there that I found it: a simple white sleeveless dress that flared slightly at the waist. I'm really short with a Coke bottle-shaped body, so these types of dresses look great on me and kind of odd on any other type of frame. I knew I had to get it. I paired it with my floppy black hat, tan-and-white heels from Free People, and a sparkly necklace from Banana Republic.

We got our Filipino feast during a trip to Woodside, Queens, the weekend before. It consisted of lumpia shanghai with sweet chili dipping sauce, pork adobo, and pancit bihon. We fried the frozen lumpia shanghai a few hours before the picnic, and we ordered some champorado from my favorite Filipino restaurant in the city, Pig & Khao. Their chocolate rice pudding is doused in condensed milk and topped with crispy bacon bits. We paired our meal with some Trader Joe's-recommended prosecco, and it turned out to be fantastic, which is surprising because I know very little about choosing wine.

Pig & Khao's champorado

We got to the secret location right on time and set up fairly quickly. We spread out our thin white tablecloth, placed two peonies into a tall plastic Perrier bottle, and laid out our new dishes from Target. Much to our relief, instead of sharing the eight-person table with a large obnoxious group, a laid-back couple asked to sit with us. We actually had quite a lot in common with them; the man had completed the same grad school program as Anthony, and the woman often partners with my city agency for her job at REI.

It was great bringing Filipino food, a cuisine that Anthony and I share. Compared to everyone's sandwiches, fried chicken, raw vegetables, and pasta salads, it was refreshing to see warm rice and meat-heavy dishes. The weather was perfect, the guest musician (Ben Folds!) was entertaining, and the night with my love surrounded by all these strangers in white felt as magical as I had hoped.