A new idea in dining has started here in the states after making its debut in Europe. Its called dark dining and it started in Zurich in a place called Blinde Kuh. The people there wanted patrons to see what they see, nothing. They turned out the lights and with hand on shoulders, led customers to their tables. Thus began a trend that, within a few short years, found its way to Los Angeles restaurants and even restaurants in smaller less sophisticated restaurant markets.



This is an odd experience for most, but definitely one worth trying for the oddity of it all. When they walk you to the table, you will note you cannot see anything at all, you are completely in the dark. When you sit down, you are handicapped without a menu. You do not have the luxury of ordering your food. It is simply brought to you. You are not told of what you ate, until after you leave the dining area.

Since a diner cannot see what it is they are eating, other senses are heightened and thus creating an experience one normally would not have. One gentlemen recalled he could smell the red wine before it even got to the table. Some things, like the white fish, tasted flat in comparison to the vegetables which were alive with flavor. The sounds of people laughing in the darkness were eerie, like ghosts dining out at some deserted restaurant.

The dark dining concept has really taken shape in America with restaurants opening in Los Angeles and San Diego. Some restaurants cheat a bit and make you where a blindfold instead of darkening the room. In fact, customers are allowed to see everything until the meal arrives. The blindfolds are not made of cloth. They look like space helmets and definitely adds an element of humor to the experience. This is definitely for the less faint of heart.

For what its worth, about 99.00 per plate, its something that you should try at least once. You have to consider you will not have a menu to look at, so be prepared to dine on something you have not tried before. Many times you will take a stab with your fork and find nothing on the opposite end. Also, the food on your plate wont be the only surprise; one best kept secret is that celebrities in Los Angeles love to hide out in these restaurants. The next time you visit LA, you should definitely check out these unique establishments. Its a dining experience unlike anything any of us have seen.