DINING IN THE DARK

[Syrene-1]

They is a craze sweeping the globe (Started in Europe, then Australia and the US) called Dark Dining or Dining in the Dark where the restaurant is either pitch black or blind folds are worn. The waitstaff is either blind themselves or they wear (I kid you not) night vision goggles.

This sounds absolutely fascinating to me. It could either be an incredible experience or just plain weird.

Has anyone ever tried it? If so, what were your impressions?

[jashermd]

Hi Syrene,

I've also heard about it but I haven't tried it -- there's a restaurant which does dining in the dark in London so maybe I'll try it at some point now that I've moved to the city. It's a fascinating concept, though the food at the London one has gotten mediocre reviews.

Cheers,
Julian

[cruisinred]

I'm always up for a new dining experience, so I looked to see if there were any dark dining restaurants here in NYC. It seems that several restaurants hold dd events, and treat the experience almost as a piece of performance art. http://www.darkdiningprojects.com/

Are the restaurants in other cities dark all the time, or only for special events?

[Syrene-1]

Thanks, Cruisinred. I made reservations at the NYC event for New Years Eve. Why not start the New Year out in a fun and unique way.

I will let you know how it was.

[imbues]

I like to know what I'm eating. This is too adventious for me.

[Syrene-1]

I would definitely agree if I were in a different country or going to a restaurant that was known for it's exotic cuisine. But, I am HOPING that they don't serve "funky" food just for the sake of it. I really don't know. They did ask, when I made the reservation, if there was anything I absolutely would not eat.

As you are leaving, they present you withthe menu (of what you already ate)!

[jashermd]

Hi Syrene,

Apparently the dining in the dark restaurant in London (Dans le Noir) is dark all the time, not just on certain nights. The bar is lit though. They have an interesting website (and apparently a sister restaurant in Paris).

It's encouraging that they asked if there was anything you absolutely wouldn't eat, as that was one thing I was a bit worried about -- there are certain things I would never order because I loathe them and I wouldn't want to encounter them unexpectedly.

I may try the Paris branch when I'm there in March -- I think the likelihood of getting good food is higher in Paris than it is in London, and the high cost of eating out in London also makes me want to know what's going on my plate.

Cheers,
Julian

[kyshel]

Can't wait for the review, Serene 1. There are certainly a few meals I wish I'd never been able to see before eating!!