Stamford restaurant Orbis hosted a unique dining event last week, aimed at giving its customers an insight into the challenges, and benefits, of eating a six course meal without the use of their eyes.
The Romans believed that, when it comes to food, ‘we eat with our eyes first’. For most of us, as we sit down to enjoy a fine dinner out, that may well be true but what happens if you are unable to see what is set before you at the table? How would that change your dining experience? Jonny Spencer, owner of the Stamford restaurant Orbis and visually impaired himself, gave his diners the opportunity to find out last Thursday.
The Dining in the Dark Experience aimed to introduce diners to an innovative way to experience eating. The event, which was filled to capacity on Thursday night, began with an introduction from Jonny, while an un-named aperitif was served. Diners were asked to note down what they tasted and how they liked the drink. After that, the blindfolds came out. For each course, everyone was asked to put on the blindfold before it was served, and to use smell, taste and touch only. After each course blindfolds could be removed and notes made on taste, texture etc. Six courses in total were served with Jonny commentating between each one, explaining a bit about his background, how he lost his sight, and the idea behind Dining in the Dark.
The evening was a huge hit and thoroughly enjoyed by all, even with the steep learning curve of having to use cutlery blindfolded. While the food itself was sumptuous, without the use of sight, the entire meal took on a deeper, richer meaning. There was also a powerful, albeit brief insight into the world of the visually impaired, the impact of which lasted much longer than the three hours we were at the event.
Jonny says that the next event in March is already fully booked but a further Dining in the Dark Experience is planned for April. Anyone interested should go to the Orbis website and register online:
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