Dining in the Dark Chicago offers everything you’d expect from a top-notch dinner date in Chicago – excellent food, attentive service, and an unbeatable atmosphere. The only not-so-small difference is that each and every diner is completely blindfolded. But, why? Well, when sight isn’t an option, your other senses are open to new intensities of tastes and smells. The burst of flavors are all the more powerful and the aromatic scents of the food smell even stronger, which in turn elevates the dining experience to new and exciting heights.
Available on selected days over the coming months, these unforgettable culinary experiences will be putting taste buds to the test inside some of Chicago’s finest restaurants. Fulton Market Kitchen’s funky interior will provide a unique setting for the 90-minute gastronomical experience while Sushi by Bou is delighting diners with a 12-piece sushi extravaganza served the omakase way, and About Last Knife’s gastropub vibes provide the perfect relaxed atmosphere for dining in the dark.
What to expect at Dining in the Dark
How good can food taste? That’s the question on everyone’s lips at Dining in the Dark. The theory is that when we take sight away, our other senses step in to help identify flavors and smells.
Now, distinguishing between a variety of different scents and tastes is one thing, but navigating your cutlery in complete darkness is another. Prepare to fumble around for your knife and fork and have a giggle along the way as you set out on this gastronomical adventure with your nearest and dearest.
For 90 minutes, diners will indulge in a delectable surprise menu. The menus are jam-packed with crunchy surprises, mouthwatering combinations of tastes and textures, divine delights, and explosions of sweetness that are just waiting to be discovered by your taste buds.
Where is Dining in the Dark?
Some of Chicago’s finest establishments will be playing host to these unforgettable Dining in the Dark experiences.
Over the upcoming months, Sushi By Bou will also be opening its doors to daring diners who want to indulge in delicious sushi served the omakase way. Omakase means that the chef has complete freedom to select and serve the sushi however they want. Sushi By Bou has expert chefs who know all there is to know about mouthwatering Japanese cuisine, so you’re definitely in safe hands here.
You can find Fulton Market Kitchen in the heart of the city where, according to Phil Vettel from Chicago Tribune, “simple-sounding dishes impress in intuition.” This trendy spot serving up a welcome mix of international cuisines combines art, classic techniques, and local ingredients for a memorable dining experience in Chicago.
Diners can also discover the true potential of their taste buds at About Last Knife. Located on 168 Michigan Avenue, this contemporary space is serving up American tapas and the classics. From the craft cocktails to the creative dishes, About Last Knife is definitely worth a try.
Dining in the Dark Reviews
“Fantastic and well-thought experience. Really had to rely on other senses to get your way through the table and manage to carefully grab your wine without spilling.” – Aishlea S.
“Fabulous from start to finish. Waiters were great and welcoming, and then the food was amazing!”– Devon P.
““Great food, great service, great experience.” – Chelsea W
Once you slip your blindfold on, all you have to guide you through the evening is your eager taste buds and your attentive sense of smell. These unbeatable culinary experiences take from one sense and give to multiple others, allowing your mouth and nose to appreciate the mouth-watering food with even more intensity.
Please note: some allergies can be accommodated for and should be noted using the form in your confirmation email that you will receive on purchasing your tickets.