I recently went to Dans le Noir in London. A dining concept where you eat your meal in pitch darkness, served by blind guides.
It was incredible and nothing I’ve ever experienced before. My friend Rosie and I got dolled up (rather pointless I must admit) and madly rushed over to Farringdon in true london style. We were greeted as soon as we entered the inconspicuous doors by two friendly staff who promptly gave us keys and a number card to hold on to. We were asked to store all our belongings in lockers before making our way upstairs to the (lit) bar area.
We were given our menus where we had the choice of either 2 courses or 3, from 4 options:
1. Surprise
2. Meat
3. Vegetarian
4. Fish
The drinks were either a surprise cocktail or surprise wine. It was suggested by one of the female staff that we both get the surprise option so we can guess the meal together, a great idea which I recommend! After a lot of stern looks and serious ‘alpha, beta’ kind of talk down her walkie talkie, we waited with the excitement building as to what would happen next.
I’m pretty exciteable anyway, but let’s just say the anticipation and the fact I was getting to experience this with my good friend Rosie was making me (mentally) clap my hands and jump up and down with excitement.
We were soon led through ominous thick, black curtains to our lovely blind guide called Christina. I was told to put my right hand on her shoulder, Rosie did the same behind me, and like a little train we were guided into total darkness.
All of a sudden my ears were bombarded with the sharp sounds of loud chatter, laughter and cutlery clinking together. I’m not sure if the fact that I couldn’t see meant that my ears instantly started to work better? I have a feeling that’s not the case, but it certainly felt like it!
I was told to feel my chair and sit down on it, this was my first challenge because I could feel the back of it but didn’t know if the seat part was to the left or right. Getting the wrong side and sitting down on air is something I would do, so this took some feeling around.
Finally firmly seated, Christina described what was infront of us – fork to the left, knife to the right, glass of water top left and our cocktail would be placed top right. She then abruptly left and we felt like two helpless dummies feeling and tapping everything in front of us.
Surprisingly, she said most people don’t spill anything. I was convinced I’d knock my glass in to my lap, or worse my neighbours lap, and leave with food smeared all over my face.
There wasn’t a peek of light inside, however much I tried blinking to see better. It felt so surreal and definitely unnerving, in the best way possible. I couldn’t stop laughing at the hilarity of it. We felt around for each others faces to get some kind of orientation. It was pretty funny when we both went to drink some water before realising there was nothing in the glass. We were later instructed to pour our own water from a jug, by putting the tip of our index finger in to the glass to know when to stop pouring. This is easier said than done believe me, especially with a big, heavy glass jug. I somehow managed through lots of giggling and jokes from Rosie.
Our starters arrived and the guessing game of what we were putting in to our mouths began.
I’ll be honest, I ate my starter with my hands. I just didn’t understand how I could use my knife and fork when I didn’t know where anything was. I wasn’t reassured by Rosie when I asked her if she too was eating with her hands, to which she replied, “What, no, of course not!” Oh well, no one saw a thing
We went to Dans Le Noir in Paris. My husband and his daughter had much the same experience as you. I, on the other hand, never made it to dinner. My claustrophobia kicked in about three steps inside the big heavy curtains and I had to be escorted out. I had my dinner in the bar and knew exactly what I was eating. 😉
I really know what you mean, it is strangely claustrophobic! I hope you still enjoyed your dinner at the bar, it sounds like a pretty good place to be too! 😉
Sounds so interesting. But I am a little claustrophobic too, so I don’t know he it would work. Certainly, it would give a whole going on a blind date. To get to know someone in person, without ever seeing them–I wonder if the picture of the person created in the mi
I should never try to type on my phone. It just posted my message before I was finished! Should say ” …..give a whole new meaning to going on a blind date.” And ” … I wonder if the picture of the person created in the mind will match reality!”
Yeah I’m so intrigued with the blind date idea! If you both had the most amazing conversation and just clicked, it would be so exciting to see the guys face after. You should still give the dining in the dark a try :), and they definitely will understand if it turns out it’s not for you.
I was in Zurich two years ago and they have a very similar restaurant in the city — I so wanted to try it–the food was rated superior and the experience as well. It is a dining experience as the blind would typically have on a daily basis–but my aunt was cowardly and opted out–so unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity.
I think it is so important that those of us who are gifted with sight, mobility, hearing, etc–may be reminded and made mindful that not all in this world of ours have the same “gifts” which so many of us simply takefor granted—learning a bit of vulnerability is truly, in this case, eye opening
Thank you so much for sharing your experience—
Julie
Thanks so much for your comment Julie, you said it perfectly and I should have mentioned that too. It really was insightful to experience what many people have to live with every day and have that reminder that sight/hearing should never be taken for granted.
Some of my work colleagues have done this, but not me. I want to, though. Especially after reading your description. I’m pinning it so I don’t forget. My husband will love it! 🙂
Yay I’m glad it has made you want to go! It’ll be a different kind of date night that’s for sure!
This sounds amazing and fun and an experience I’d love to experience 😉
You should try it! They have restaurants dotted around the world in major cities :).
Sounds like a really cool concept! I hope something like this comes to Portland soon!
Yeah the concept is brilliant. Not your average restaurant experience!
What an amazing description! I can’t wait to try out one of these restaurants 🙂
Hey thanks! I hope you enjoy it, let me know how it goes!
That sounds like SO much fun! I’ve been wanting to try this place since seeing it in ‘About Time’ Amazing concept (albeit a little strange). Brilliant post – felt like I was there in the dark with you 🙂
Thanks so much! I so badly want to see that movie, lots of people have mentioned that now, I don’t know how I missed it! It’s such a great concept 🙂
You’ll have to watch it! Total tug-at-your-heart-strings rom com 😉 I’d be so nervous going in but it sounds like so much fun. I still can’t believe people walk out of there with clean clothes – I spill things with the lights on haha
I’ve been to a place like this as well. Unfortunately, the food was rather bad. If it was fine cuisine, I think it could make for an exquisite experience.