The Dark Table Vancouver: Eating in Total Darkness
Michael and I took the bus from our hostel on Granville Island, Vancouver. We were dripping with anticipation on what would be our most unexpected and enchanting experience. We arrived at the Dark Table Restaurant and chose from a list of entrees and drinks. Each meal came with a “surprise appetizer” or “surprise dessert”. I chose the Malbec. Michael had the “Lucky Buddha” beer. A full bar was appreciated as I had no idea what to expect from this “dark” experience.
Our server called our names and introduced herself. In a Japanese accent, she said “Hi, I’m Yuko. Nice to meet you! Please remember my name”. Yuko informed us that she was blind. She began to tell us about the restaurant experience and that it would involve eating in total darkness. When I’d read the restaurant’s description, I thought it would be more of a low-light and intimate experience. Nope. Total blackness. I could not see anything. All the light in the universe had faded. Yuko told us that we were going to form a train and I proceeded to put my arms on her shoulders with Michael mimicking my gesture behind me.
“Choo-Choo”, Yuko confidently said. She guided us to our table and provided physical guidance, carefully taking our hands before letting us attempt to sit down. She showed us where our chairs were and ensured that we felt comfortable sitting down before taking our order. Yuko proceeded to teach us how to enjoy our experience and avoid knocking items over. I moved my hand slowly across the table and felt the base of my wine glass. I moved toward the stem with my glass clutched in my left hand. A refreshing and familiar flavor touched my lips: Malbec.
As Michael and I adapted to our new environment, we recognized the anonymity and listened to other parties’ conversations. I made out that there were several other groups, totaling 5 parties. On occasion, we would hear our server’s voice moving and stating “careful, careful”. In our current society, anonymity is rare and privacy is a luxury. It felt incredible to be part of this incognito. Our only defining factors were our names, David and Michael. We could be anyone we wanted to be and could have chosen any alias. We discussed the other parties’ conversations, quietly, enjoying our time in darkness. As the first appetizer was served, Yuko asked us to pay close attention to the flavors. Michael and I discussed the potential flavors. “Mango. No, peach! Both? Basil?” We had correctly identified the dish as a fruit salad. It contained peach, tomato, basil, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette. Our server appeared ecstatic that we had identified the main ingredient of the dish and missed the 4 complimentary others.
The main course was served. Michael had the chicken, which he quickly learned was fried. I had steak and potatoes. Thankfully, our food had been pre-cut. I tried using my fork to pick up the food, but my fork had connected with the plate. I tried again and felt my fork make contact with steak. I brought it to my mouth and it was in fact, a potato, with salsa and a hint of oregano. The potatoes’ location was unclear in relation to the steak. My deduction was that they were placed on top of the steak as I kept only eating potatoes. I finally found the steak and had a strong taste of parsley. I grimaced and later connected this intense flavor to eating the plate’s garnish. Eventually I found the rest of the steak with the use of my hands for the last few pieces. Michael had the surprise dessert and quickly identified it as chocolate cake. Eating in darkness was no simple task, but I’m grateful for the opportunity.
As we were getting ready to pay the bill, Yuko came to our table and referred to us as “King David and Michael”. Bonus points for addressing his majesty. We were clueless as how to pay the bill with no light, but Yuko took us on another train ride to a dimly lit room where our sight was restored. We paid and formed another train to the outside of the restaurant separated by two doors to ensure complete darkness. Thankfully, it was dark outside when we left and our eyes became adjusted to the street lights.
Thank you, Yuko, and Dark Table Vancouver, for providing us with a novel experience! I’m glad that this restaurant specifically hires blind people and people with visual impairments as they have high unemployment rates. As the restaurant boasts, the best way to experience dinner without sight is through the guidance of a blind or visually impaired person. I’d show you pictures, but light emitting devices were strictly prohibited. You’ll have to check out Dark Table yourself for this incredibly intimate and anonymous dinner.
