When I first read about this series about dining in the dark, I was skeptical. Most of the time, I really enjoy the presentation and going “Oooh! Mmmmm!” when the food arrives. But then I remembered how much I like the effect that smelling good food has on my saliva glands and how then savoring good food brings me such joy.

Well, coming from a dining trend in Europe (of course), Opaque: Dining in the Dark takes all that to a new level. The meals are prepared by the celebrity chefs from Chi (Justin Timberlake’s hip Asian restaurant), served in a pitch-dark setting and then diners are guided by blind/visually impaired and thoroughly trained servers for, as the Opaque Web site declares, the purpose of plunging you “into a world of sensitivity you have never experienced before, taking you through a journey of taste, sound and touch, all in the dark.”

Each meal is comprised of a salad, entree and dessert and you have your pick of a chicken, fish or vegetarian entree. You have to make your choice when you book your reservation prior to the event. I’m not clear if the entrees change with each event.

Chicken: TEQUILA AND LIME MARINATED GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST WITH CITRUS BEURRE BLANC, SERVED WITH CHEFS CHOICE OF STARCH AND SEASONAL VEGETABLES.

Fish: NUT CRUSTED MAHI MAHI WITH COCONUT BEURRE BLANC SERVED WITH CHEFS CHOICE OF STARCH AND SEASONAL VEGETABLES.

Vegetarian: GRILLED SEASONAL VEGETABLE PLATE DRIZZLED WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE.

Opaque takes place every weekend. Upcoming dates are Friday, September 23rd and Saturday, October 1st. This event is looking to expand itself to San Diego, Las Vegas and the foodie capital of California, San Francisco (strange that we got it first).

Hyatt Hotel on Sunset
8401 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(800) 710-1270
Price: $99 per person, profits go to the Braille Institute