If you’re as fed up as I am with the Instagram intended meals that solely focus on a dish’s aesthetic rather than taste, this tantalizing foodie experience will come to you like a breath of fresh air. The highly intriguing Dining in the Dark experience is here to awaken your palate with layers and layers of flavors and scents. You’ll be given a blindfold that will allow you to lean into your remaining senses of taste, smell and touch. And due to popular demand, new dates have been added for the upcoming months so that Austin’s adventurous foodies have the chance to experience this culinary adventure.
Smooth and velvety textures, fresh and delightful flavors, robust and earthy tastes are waiting for you at the modern Verbena restaurant at the Canopy by Hilton Hotel. Chef Paolo Gama has carefully curated an unforgettable three-course menu prepared only with the freshest ingredients, pairing them with wines that enhance the whole culinary journey.
What to expect at Dining in the Dark?
When we can no longer rely on our sense of sight, it’s believed that our other senses are automatically heightened to help distinguish between textures and tastes. As you sit in a darkened surrounding complimented by candlelight, you’ll get to test how great of a palate you have. After all, you’re only left with your taste buds and your sense of smell and touch to enjoy a fabulous three-course meal.
Upon arrival, guests will blindfolded and then led into a candlelit environment by the restaurant’s waiters, who will be on hand to make sure you don’t bump into anything. Once you’ve found your spot in the dark, you’ll indulge in one of three delicious menus: red (that heroes meat), blue (which uses the flavors of the sea), and green (a vegan option that puts vegetables at the forefront).
This experience is all about thinking outside of the box and getting creative, so you can use every tool necessary to make the most of it. Whether it’s using the cutlery provided by the restaurant or using your fingers and hands to easily grab the food, all culinary etiquette is flung out the window. As long as you don’t get too cheeky and try to peek at the food, anything goes!
Where is Dining in the Dark?
Named after the Texas native plant, Verbena is a modern and inviting restaurant and bar located inside the Canopy by Hilton Hotel. Influenced by his Mexican roots and infusing his French training, Executive Chef Paolo Gama creates innovative dishes that tell stories and burst with exciting flavors.
He took the reins of Verbena last year after a more than a decade-long career as a professional chef for Hyatt Regency in Chesapeake Bay, Omni Hotel and Resort, Grupo Vidanta in Puerto Vallarta, the Mexico City British Embassy and the Four Seasons Resort at Punta Mita and Las Colinas in Dallas, Texas. Although eating in the dark might seem a bit daunting, you’ll be in more than capable hands.
Dining in the Dark Reviews
Dining in the Dark has received 5-star reviews from attendees who have experienced the event across the world.
“This experience was incredible! Not being able to see your food, your drink, guessing what it is. Such a great girls night out!”
“Such a blast! I would love to do another!”
“I would do this over and over again! I’m a foodie and I loved each and every moment of this. Incredible cuisine and drinks!”
If you’re daring enough to try something new and savor intriguing flavor combinations, then head to this amazing Austinite restaurant and embark on a gastronomical adventure with Dining in the Dark. There are several experiences taking place in Austin over the coming months, and you won’t want to miss out. Tickets cost $97 per person and you can reserve your table either for 6:00pm or 8:30pm.
If you have any food restrictions or allergies, don’t forget to specify them using the form that appears in your purchase confirmation email.