SO2 Dîner en Blanc – Jamaica Observer
With the scene set, guests prepared to dine. Naphtali Junior
But Le Dîner en Blanc faithfuls know the evening does not truly begin until the iconic napkin wave. At 7:10 pm, Johnson — standing atop the fort’s upper level — addressed the crowd. “We’re going to do what’s called the napkin wave, which symbolises it’s officially time to dine,” she announced.
As the opening notes of Rvssian, Shenseea, and Tarrus Riley’s 2020 hit Lighter filled the air, guests lifted their white napkins in perfect unison beneath the evening sky. Dinner was then served.
For guests who opted out of the traditional picnic experience, chic eatery Uncorked offered pre-ordered dinner selections, while Chef Jacqui Tyson curated an exquisite four-course dining experience for the corporate tables. Meanwhile, Yummy Desserts 876 ensured the evening ended on a sweet note for dessert lovers.
Brand creation and marketing exec at The YKMD Yanique DaCosta (left) secured an ussie with Chef Jacqui Tyson. Naphtali Junior
In from Montego Bay to enjoy the Dîner en Blanc experience with friend Carmen Brown (right) was Whitter Village principal Angela Whitter. Naphtali Junior
Signalling the start of dinner with the traditional napkin wave were tablemates, businessman Quentin Aris (front, left); his wife, hairstylist Lisa McIntosh (front, right); alongside director general of the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency Colonel (Ret’d) Desmond Edwards and his wife Director of Health Services Corps at the Jamaica Defence Force Lieutenant Colonel Gail Ranglin Edwards. Naphtali Junior
In from the tri-state area were (from left) Hudson County Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership Experience Sandra Florent; Awaken The Power Therapy practice owner Monique West; and New York Transit staffer Althea Richards. Naphtali Junior
Le Dîner en Blanc franchise holder Tash Johnson (Naphtali Junior)
Sharing a celebratory moment were tablemates (from left) Ingrid Lawson, Leah Melbourne, her mum Georgia Melbourne, Sebrynia Patterson, Raquel Surdeen and her daughter Abigail Surdeen. Naphtali Junior
Have a Jelly principal Georgina Venson served chilled coconut water straight from the shell to businessman Allan Piggott. Naphtali Junior
Park & Lake Managing Director Marsha Fashina (left) and NY-based sales director Marion Elliott shared the frame. Naphtali Junior
Artist Maia Chopard created beautiful live watercolour portrait keepsakes at the Abra Arts booth. Naphtali Junior
The Academy of Bartending, Spirits and Wines co-principal Devon Minott poured himself a glass of Cavit Select Red Blend.Naphtali Junior
Vocalists Alanna Leslie and Dimario McDowell performed a sublime rendition of Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s duet The Prayer.Naphtali Junior