Last night, my beau and I stepped into a bit of an adventure. Trying to get back to our Friday Date Nights, we picked a restaurant called “Opaque.” The concept, to experience complete darkness.

Well enough. We though, ‘Oh, how romantic. Candles, plush seating, dark chocolate and cherries.’ Not quite.

The concept is actually much deeper. When you enter, you’re asked to pre order your meal and check your bags and cell phone or any other light emitting device at the door. Fine. Did that.

Next, your server appears. She is blind. And you’re asked to take her right shoulder as she leads you through this pitch black maze until you get to your table.

Folks…when I say pitch black, I mean not really dark. I mean, you can stick you fingers a milimeter from your eyes and you WILL NOT be able to see them. There is no adjusting to the light. This is it. Black. New meaning to the word Black if you ask me.

To be honest, when I first sat down, I started to panic. I got lightheaded and clammy. If it was possible, I thought I was going to black out. My beau reassured me and after a few deep breaths and quiet moments, I slowly settled into a night of heightened audio perception and touch. But it was not romantic or sensual. It was primal and based in survival. Bottom line: It was amazing.

What an experience to enjoy a meal in utter blackness all the while trying to remain normal and in control. The control freak in me was challeneged to the nth degree. At the end of it, I took home a shocking understanding of what it might be like for someone who once saw light, but now is in the black. They must be incredible people.

If you ever get the chance to experience this, please do. If you’re not in LA, see if you can create this for yourself at home.

On that note, may you all have a fabulous, eye-opening 2008 filled with lots of love and joy.

With lots of love and peace,
Shaheen

Posted in: Food and Drink |