Dining in the Dark is a unique, multi-course experience taking place in complete darkness.
Guests are invited to wear eye masks because, although the room is completely “light-locked”, there is still some light which comes in through open doors and exit signs. The dinner consists of a secret menu kept quiet until the end of the event with a big reveal. Guests utilize their other available senses throughout the dinner while getting to know their server, an individual with a visual impairment or blindness.
Before and during the dinner, we have live music, a silent auction, raffle, cash bar, and sensory room experience. The event itself is like none other in our community and is appreciated by all.
The event is an awareness effort for our community about the abilities of people with blindness or visual impairments. All proceeds go to the programs at Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living and future awareness events.
The 2016 Experience
A room submerged in complete darkness; lightless and uncompromising. You reach for your fork, but hit your glass instead. Your optic nerve is rendered totally useless and you have to rely on your other senses to guide you. Your hearing peaks, your taste becomes piquant, your touch more delicate. Your nose betrays your lips with every bite of the secret menu items. A considerately and vigilantly set up multi-course meal will amaze you with every bite as you dip into each dish and discover the difference your eyes can make. A challenge that is sure to keep your mind reeling with anticipation! Test your skills and see if you can guess what you are eating before concluding with the chef’s menu reveal.
2016 Guest Reviews
Dining in the Dark is an eye-opening experience because it requires people to rely on senses other than vision to communicate and create meaning. It creates awareness about the abilities that people with VI have and how a simple modification or accommodation to their environment can make all the difference.
A wonderful event that everyone should experience!
I feel that the event inspires a spirit of cooperation and togetherness because we are all having to cope without being able to see.
I love this event and I will definitely come back again. I hope it keeps going and I plan to keep supporting it!
What a WONDERFUL experience! Definitely different, but in many good ways. The volunteers are dedicated and it’s certainly for a good cause.
Fantastic event! Learned so much about how people live independently with disabilities. Great interaction.