Things that go chomp in the night

As any self-respecting foodie will tell you, the gastronomic experience makes use of all five senses. Apart from mere visual presentation, there are wafting promises, contrasting textures, sounds of crunching vs slurping and of course, the delicate palate of taste itself.

But how often do you take these things for granted? Gobbled half your lunch whilst barely pausing for breath... munched distractedly on a juicy sweet crisp apple...

So the thought of Dining in the Dark is an interesting one. Eating in pure darkness. No sight to presume tastes and textures. No absent-minded forkfuls shoved into mouths. When's the last time you closed your eyes mid-mouthful--concentrating, envisioning, savouring, smiling?

R sent me a link to this latest international craze which hits Sydney tomorrow. From the 11th to the 29th of January, Sydneysiders can choose to eat in pitch darkness, led to their tables by waiters wearing night-vision goggles.


Photo: Paul Harris

The concept began in 1999 at the Blind Cow Restaurant in Switzerland. Its owner and originator, the blind Rev. Jorge Spielman, used to host dinner parties at his house and blindfold his guests. This, he said, enabled them to momentarily experience and appreciate a blind person's world. In addition, the restaurant also enabled him to provide jobs for blind workers.

The effect on diners is apparently heightened conversational and gastronomic concentration. Without visual distractions, diners talked more, tasted more critically and felt more comfortable eating with their fingers.

Since then, the concept has exploded internationally with similarly-themed restaurants opening in Munich, Cologne, Paris and even Melbourne.

The Sydney version will be held at the Oaks Hyde Park Plaza on College Street. The $55 fee includes two courses and a glass of champagne.

I'm not sure if I'll be heading over, but it's a brilliant idea no doubt. Maybe next time I'll just have dinner with all the lights out...

EDIT: We did end up dining in the dark.
Click here to read all about it and check out the photos.