UnorthodoxY Archive It's wasn't what you thought

Quick update to the pitch black restaurant that I mentioned earlier. Fraser from blogjam went there and has a review up on his site:

Dans Le Noir is a truly interesting experience in sensory deprivation, but the grub is underwhelming and bland. The restaurant would probably argue that because you’re denied sight, your other senses compensate and you appreciate the food in new and pleasurable ways, but this simply isn’t true: your senses are jumping all over the place, trying to adjust to an environment they’ve not experienced before, and it becomes altogether impossible to concentrate on the flavour.

It’s well worth hoping over to read the full review, even if just for the pictures. I’m a bit disappointed but not terribly surprised, the place really said ‘gimmick’ to me and I wasn’t sure the food would live up to the promise. Chances are I’ll still go try it out if I find myself with a free night in London.

And since this is a food related post I can’t resist throwing in these plates. (Via An Obsession with Food.)

Restaurants are big on presentation, food that ‘looks nice’ seems to taste a bit nicer. So I’m intrigued by the idea of a restaurant where you eat in pitch darkness. From their faq page:

Once deprived from our main sense, the sight, we tend to rely more on our other senses, sense of hearing, of touch and smell. Thus, they will help you to get by in the dark room to eat but also reach your table. Even though at the beginning it can be daunting, then it becomes more and more enjoyable as you start to relax. Our blind guides are carefully trained to ensure visitors’ welfare and will provide you with guidance.

Interesting. It could be a complete gimmick, just another trendy place to be (not) seen in London, but it’s certainly a nice twist.

In complete darkness everyone is equal, politicians, actors, celebrities, … they all look alike in the dark i.e. without any label as in the dark we are no longer governed by appearance and etiquette.

I look forward to visiting next time I’m in London, they also do events such as readings and debates which sound like a cool experience.

Hat tip to blogjam where I found the link.