New England International Auto Show

From January 17 through the 21st, the New England International Auto Show sent the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) into high gear. Featuring everything that classic car enthusiasts could have asked for alongside contemporary models of every shape, size, and color, the Auto Show wowed car fans of all ages.

Cars, vans, crossovers, hybrids, light trucks, and sports utility vehicles were all featured in the Seaport's BCEC. Participants had the opportunity to sit behind the wear, open the trunk, inspect the rims and tires, and pop the hood to experience all aspects of each vehicle. The expo had that "new car smell" as soon as you entered the door! The opportunity to compare prices and vehicle features was everywhere and participants had the chance to get answers to their questions in a no pressure environment right on the expo floor.

Photo highlights from the 2019 Auto Show:

Diner en Blanc: 5th Anniversary!

This year's Diner en Blanc took over City Hall Plaza transforming the epicenter of Center Hall into an all white picnic du jour! What began 3 decades ago in Paris has now spawned an international sensation!

Now in its fifth year in Boston, the tradition continued with volunteer hosts leading participants to the top secret location, revealed to guests, only when they arrived on the very site. Partons bring their own tables and chairs. Table clothes, chairs, and all attire are required to be white. In keeping with the age old tradition, the diner began with the waving of the white napkins. New this year, participants had the option of purchasing a Gold Shimmer Brut from One Hope Wine in celebration of Boston's 5th Diner en Blanc. More than 1,400 participants took part in this momentous event. 

Feast your eyes on Diner en Blanc 2018!

Diner en Blanc: Boston EN BLANC!

Boston: Can you keep a secret???

The World’s Most Elegant Picnic Celebrates its 5^thEdition in Boston on Sept. 9

BOSTON, MA (August 25, 2018) – A leading summer event in Paris for the past 30 years, this elegant and secret affair is now well on its way to becoming THE Fall tradition in Boston. On September 9^th, Le Dîner en Blanc - Boston celebrates its 5^th anniversary. 

Year after year, the breathtaking scene of thousands of white-clad guests descending upon one of the city most prestigious public space becomes more extraordinary for guests and passerby alike.

To maintain the uniqueness of Le Dîner en Blanc as well as staying true to tradition, guests must observe certain requirements and follow a few key rules:

• Once confirmed, each guest’s participation becomes mandatory, regardless of weather conditions.  This is a rain or shine event.
• Dress code:  head-to-toe in elegant and white only attire.  Originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.
• Table setting:  all white!
• To ensure that the location secret is kept undisclosed until last minute, guests meet at assigned departure location and are escorted by a Dîner en Blanc volunteer.
• In order to leave the event location as clean as when they arrived, guests are required to leave with all their belongings, leftovers and litter.

About Dîner en Blanc

2018 marks the 30^th anniversary of Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris! Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. Dîner en Blanc - Paris now attracts over 10,000 people each year. What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on six continents. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principles fuelling this fantastic event have not: guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces.  Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in close to 80 cities in 30 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more info, photos and videos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.

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Sights & Sounds: Part 8

The Boston Wine Expo

The Boston Wine Expo will return February 13th-14th. The annual event if celebrating its 25th anniversary and no doubt there will be plenty of wine from around the world. Attendees of the Grand Tasting on Sunday will experience not just wine from over 200 producers but also food from across the globe. The Grand Tasting floor is dividing into different countries and The Red Balloon did enjoy spending Sunday in "Italy" as the wine and food experience is second to none. It is truly like being taken to another country...no passport needed! 

Check back soon for The Red Balloon's Boston Wine Expo full review!

The Lunar New Year

In honor of the Lunar New Year, the Lion Dance Parade will take place on Sunday, February 21st in Chinatown.

Hail Caesar!

The latest film by the Cohen brothers (which doesn't seem like a Cohen brothers film at all) is now playing in theaters. Starring George Clooney among a ton of other celebrities.

Happy Valentine's Day weekend!

~The Red Balloon