SENSORY FEASTS WITH BLINDFOLDS

Let us lead you into an environment created by an innovative artist in collaboration with some of the finest chefs of our day.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Arriving to a warm welcome and a few words of orientation, you don a featherweight blindfold and are immersed in velvety darkness. Then, gently guided to your table, you are served an extraordinary four-course meal paired with fine wines. 

Other senses take over; you discover in yourself an expanded awareness and surprising competence.  Savor the supper’s sensuous tastes, smells and textures. Playfully challenge your palate to tease out the mysteries of the menu.

Pausing between courses, you are swept up in unexpectedly vivid performances. One evening’s artists might include a tap dancer, a virtuosic vocalist, a jazz musician, or a clavichord player. You might hear a baroque violin, South Indian percussion, Japanese flute, trombone . . .

At the evening’s close, the menu is revealed.

In the words of a diner, "When we emerge, the dim hallway seems glaringly bright, but everyone is grinning, seemingly relaxed, relieved, and totally elated. "
 
WHY IN THE DARK?
Because it awakens the senses and presents new pleasures.
In the words of Artistic Director Dana Salisbury,
 “I was choreographing a dance based on non-visual perception. One morning in the studio, I peeled an orange with my eyes closed.  Pulling back the skin, I was dusted with hundreds of droplets of pungent oil; never had an orange had such an intoxicating aroma. I brought it to my lips; the structure of the orange slice became clear and the cells burst open and  juice exploded in my mouth. It was so sweet.

I was swept with pleasure. The world seemed open and more intimate at the same time. I wanted to share this intensely pleasurable expanded ‘vision’ with others and decided to create Dark Dining. The art would be the experience itself.

The art would start with gourmet food and drink. Performances by extraordinary artists would be woven throughout the evening. The environment would be safe and playful, one in which diners could relax, expand into their senses and drink it all in. It would be a true celebration of the senses.

I knew we could have a lot of fun.  We all love to eat; it is our first conscious sensory delight. People worry they will not know how to eat without seeing, but they shouldn't; we all know where our mouths are and have held utensils in our hands without thinking for years.”

Vegetarians
When you make your reservations, please let us know if you prefer a vegetarian menu.

Allergies
When you make your reservations, please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Blindfolds
As you enter, you are handed a blindfold to wear throughout the event. No peeking. If you need any assistance, simply ask or raise a hand; there are always several people ready to help to you. Our blindfolds are extremely comfortable with adjustable velcro closures and foam pads which permit wearers to open their eyes. Designed as meditation masks, they provide absolute blackout. Diners have the option to buy the blindfolds they have worn at a fraction of their usual price.

Restroom Trips
If you need to use the bathroom, simply ask or raise hand. You will be escorted there. Once inside, you may remove the mask. The room will be lit. When you are ready to come out, put your mask back on and tap on the door. Your escort will lead you back to your table.

Are these art performances or dining experiences?
Both; they are participatory art events revolving around sensory awareness, fine performances, food and eating. In art-world terms, they are site-specific, audience-specific performance installations.

Where have Dark Dining Projects events taken place?
Based in New York City, our first event was held at Camaje Bistro in Greenwich Village in 2005. Since then numerous Dark Dining Projects collaborations have taken place there.
Among the other venues are Abigail Cafe in Brooklyn, NY; Rover's, Nell's and Dinette in Seattle, WA; Green Street Cafe in Northampton, MA; Pond House in Hartford, CT; Mansion Restaurant and the De Seversky Center on Long Island; Fisher Island Club, on Fisher Island, Miami FL. Art venues include Galapagos Art Space and Chez Bushwick in Brooklyn, NY and the KO Festival of Performance at Amherst College, Amherst, MA. Numerous private parties, corporate events and workshops have taken place including ones for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "Art Beyond Sight" Conference.

What people say about Dark Dining Projects events? For a list and clips, go to PRESS and GUESTS

Cover story, Edible Manhattan Nov/Dec 2008