Ramen on a rainy winter's night, Sunday roast with the fam—we love our go-to foods as much as the next person. But this year we’re all about getting out of our comfort zones and experiencing something new. Enter, Dans le Noir ?
This mysterious dining experience has hosted over 2.5 million people around the world, who gave up their sight for a night and opened their senses like never before. Now, with a permanent home at the Grand Millennium in Auckland’s CBD, you can too.
Want to challenge your taste buds? Read on as we shine a spotlight on dining in the dark.
Sensory Expedition
There’s no searching up the menu before you head along for a feed here. The three-course menu—which changes every three months—is a complete surprise. Arriving with no expectations into a pitch-black venue, your perception of each dish will be incredibly different, relying completely on smell and touch. You’ll be hyper-aware of the flavours, textures, aromas, and even the temperature. Only at the end will your menu be revealed—but do your best to guess as you go.
To give you a taste of what to expect, we managed to snag a copy of their last super secret menu. To start, diners tucked into caramelised beetroot with nori goat cheese mousse—with a miso crumble, candied hazelnuts, micro watercress, crisp kale, grapefruits and fig wholegrain mustard sauce. And that's just the first course.
Encounter Diversity
You'll be guided to your table and served by a team of visually impaired or partially sighted waiters. This incredibly humanising journey will expand your perception of diversity and inclusion, as you become reliant on others to be your eyes—with a reversal of roles that can only be experienced first-hand.
Community Connectivity
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what happens when you can’t see anything? Seated at communal tables, you are freed from the shackles of surveillance, free to be who you are and eat how you please without preconceptions and social stigmas. Chat with your fellow diners, combine your groups and ride the waves of conversation. You never know, you might just meet the love of your life—About Time anyone?
The Details
What: Dans le Noir ?
When: Thursdays to Saturdays, sittings from 6:15pm to 7:30pm
Where: Grand Millennium Auckland
How: Book your table here.
If you’re booking your next celebration—birthday, anniversary, graduation or even first date, make your reservation with Dans le Noir ? here. Or if you're on the hunt for a memorable gift, grab gift cards here.
For the latest updates on Dans le Noir ? Auckland, head to their socials here and here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Dans le Noir ? and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Images: Supplied.