A local restaurant is giving diners an exclusive chance to experience the worldwide ‘Dans le noir’ phenomenon, by hosting a bespoke charity event.
‘Dine in the Dark’ has been organised by leading food and drink group Beetroot Restaurants Ltd’s award-winning restaurant, The Courtyard. The exclusive event, in aid of local charity North East Sensory Services (NESS), will give customers a sensory experience to re-evaluate their approach to eating whilst dining blindfolded.
The ‘Dine in the Dark’ event, which consists of a sumptuous three-course meal, will take place on Thursday, November 26 from 7pm. The dining concept, which is now popular in cities across the world, initially began in Paris in the 19th centenary to give seeing people the chance to understand what it is like to be blind.
NESS, which is one of Aberdeen’s oldest charities, provides sensory services to over 4,500 people, exists to support individuals with sight or hearing loss, and assists them in overcoming practical and emotional challenges, to achieve greater independence.
Neil Skene, fundraising co-ordinator for NESS said: “The Dine in the Dark evening is a totally unique dining experience and guests will have a great time trying to work out what dishes they are eating whilst discovering how incredible their other senses can be.
“One in 30 of us lives with sight loss and many people do not know how to interact with a visually impaired or blind person, or how it feels to live without vision. Dining in the Dark is a unique and entertaining way for people to get an understanding of living without sight.”
Chris Tonner, managing director of Beetroot Restaurants, said: “We have worked alongside NESS for a number of years and I am delighted to be hosting our second ‘Dine in the Dark’ on behalf of the charity which we will be donating £20 of every ticket purchase to the charity.
“The experience is unlike any other and diners find that the lack of bright lights and distraction helps them to enjoy the textures, smells and tastes of the food they are eating a lot more than usual. It’s a great concept to not only grasp guests’ taste buds, but to raise awareness of a local charity.
The Courtyard has created a bespoke secret three-course menu specifically for the event. Tickets are priced at £35 each and include a drink on arrival. A charity auction and raffle will take place after the meal. To purchase tickets contact The Courtyard directly by calling 01224 589109 or emailing info@wearebeetroot.co.uk. A £15 deposit is required on booking.