With branches in London, Paris and Moscow, Dans le Noir? uses total darkness as its dining concept, meaning you’ll no longer be put off your delicious escargot by your lying companion’s Quasimodo-like looks. Described by French owner Edouardo De Broglie as "a unique sensory experience," dining in the dark heightens the senses, meaning you'll taste each and every ingredient used to make up your chosen dish. He says, "It's a sensual feast. Your other senses are awakened by the dark. Your nose, fingers and ears make you face the reality of the taste of the food." Naturally, there are unbreakable wine glasses to avoid any accidents with red wine and white outfits, but other than that everything at Dans le Noir? is as civilised as the brightest capital eatery, not allowing its concept to override its world-class menu or sophisticated ambience. There are even real knives, rather than the plastic airplane kind you’d expect – but just because you are entrusted with them don't be tempted to do away with your blind date, however much they get under your skin (infrared CCTV cameras are installed to catch an inappropriate behaviour on film, such as murder).
Diners begin their experience in a well-lit reception area, where they are served drinks and shown the menu. Those who'd prefer to can choose what they'd like to eat here, while the more adventurous can opt for a surprise tasting menu, which is recommended for getting the best out of the experience (naturally, diners are asked for any allergies they may have, as collapsing beneath the table and choking to death on a swollen tongue isn't part of the experience). Diners then place their hand on the shoulder of their partially-sight/blind waiter and are taken through a heavy set of curtains into the blacked-out dining room, which holds 60 patrons. Diners are then seated and are told that if they need anything they should call their waiter by name rather than stumble around in the darkness themselves. Naturally, no digital watches, mobile phones, lighted cigarettes or any other form of illumination are permitted into the dining room, and personal belongings are left in a locker room to avoid servers tripping over ill-placed Mulberry bags.
But it is when the food arrives that the real fun begins. While blindly jabbing at your food doesn't sound like a laugh-a-minute, the dining room is usually alive with giggling and excited conversations as people attempt to put their food to their mouths. In fact, because diners aren't able to judge on looks, social barriers are lowered and interaction occurs between complete strangers. Most of the time people give up with the silverware and eat with their hands, and because nobody can see it's not considered rude. Here the act of eating is an interactive experience, where the diner must guess what they're chewing on by texture and taste alone; indeed, diners will be surprised how some foods are bursting with scent, while others have none at all, and that some ingredients are almost impossible to identify without being able to see them. Drink is less confusing, with wine provided in a square bottle and water provided in a cylindrical one.
In the outside world the waiters and waitresses of Dans le Noir? are the disadvantaged ones. Inside the restaurant, however, it is the customers who must put their faith in the usually-disadvantaged as they are guided around tables, chairs and other poeple. While the restaurant does rely somewhat on its gimmicky nature, De Broglie wanted Dans le Noir? to show other business owners that there is a place for blind people in the working world. In fact, the restaurant donates ten per cent of its nightly takings to a blind charity.
While Dans le Noir? may not be the kind of place that attracts regulars – merely for the fact that most people like to be able to see their friends and food – it does attract novelty-seekers and tourists through its doors, and, interestingly enough, blind people who want their friends and family to share the blind experience. Themed restaurants never come cheap, but the experience of Dans le Noir? is priceless; it may also be the only place in London that doesn’t care if it’s a place not to be seen in.
www.danslenoir.com / Images: Dans le Noir
