TO Noir
Perhaps, with LA Noire on the brain, I was looking for an experience on the darker side, but it turns out I had to leave Los Angeles and venture into Toronto to find out what 'noir' really means.
I visited O Noir restaurant, where you dine in complete darkness, and I survived to tell the tale. Or, more to the point, my shirt survived, miraculously stain free. Seriously, what kind of dumby wears a white shirt to a restaurant where you can't tell if you're making a mess? I'll tell you what kind, the one right here with the thumbs! Check out my adventure in dark eating, and let me know if you'd be game for such a dinner.
Edit - To answer some questions:
@Blake B - It was about $40 per person, so definitely not cheap. I don't remember any music, but I'm told there was some softly playing.
@Michael J Miller - They did ask about any food allergies and preferences. For example, I mentioned no beef for me and they accomodated in the "surprise" dish.
@Tony - They asked us to turn off cell phones. I was tempted to record some video (well, audio) inside, but was worried about causing ANY light whatsoever.
@Amy - I'm sure if you mention your vegetarianism they could work around it.
Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 12:23PM
Reader Comments (31)
Great post Jeff
& think of what they save on electricity.
I am so down for this, if I'm ever in that region I will definitely try this. Maybe they'll open one up in Edmonton and save me the hassle.
Two questions:
1) Was it pricey? It sounds like this is a pretty elaborate setup, although they probably save big on lighting (ba-dum-pssh)
2) Did they have any music playing? I feel like you might have brought this up in the video already and I missed it but I'm not sure.
That's amazing! I would love to try it sometime, sounds great!
That O Noir is 10 steps from my house, and I've never been. Great review; really makes me want to try it out (though I think I'll stick with the fixed menu :P)
Tried this in Berlin. The exact same thing with the blind waiters, and litteraly pitch black dining room. Amazing experience!!
Great Review! I now have to venture out and seek one of these restaurants.
One question, I like the idea of a surprise dish, but what if you're allergic or absolutely can't stand a particular food? Do they offer any parameters to the meal?
Always look forward to hearing about interesting places. Keep up the great reviews.
I've heard of restaurants like this. I don't have one near me so I've never tried. Sounds like a really neat experience, definitely something I'd like to seek out in the future. Really cool post!
Sounds amazing. Gives me an idea for a My Dinner With Andre sequel: My Dinner With the Dark
It think it would be a great blind date. Just being able to focus on the conversation.
I imagine their insurance bills are high. Its cool they employ blind waiters too.
The menu looks great too.
I've been to the O Noir in Montreal and I completely agree with Jeff. It was such an interesting experience and definitely worth checking out.
I went with around 15 people and it was incredibly difficult to talk to people across the table. And when we first sat down, I was on the corner of the table (which I didn't realize for a good five minutes) and accidentally took the fork of the person to my left. I think most of us ended up just eating with our fingers after the appetizer though.
Kudos to Jeff for going with the surprise on each course. I was only brave enough to do that for the desert.
Very interesting video.
What was their policy on cell phones, by the way? Were they completely banned from the area, or did they make you turn them off or keep them in your pocket?
I'm just curious because the light that might come off of a cell phone could ruin the experience, I'm guessing.
Just so you know: Cougar Town is on your side: http://bit.ly/lAdrxE
Hey Jeff,
Great post! One question though....would this be scary for vegetarians??? There is a resto like that here in Montreal, like Hugh mentioned above, but I've never gone because of this!
I just thought of something crazy. That would probably be the only room i have ever been in that i have never seen.
There could literally be blood on the walls or something and you would never know!
Hey Jeff,
Have you tried the LA restaurant that implements the "pitch black dining" experience? I believe it's called "Dining in the Dark," and it's in Santa Monica. Ate there a year or two ago.
I just hope they don't cook in the dark, too: "Wait, did I just grab sea salt or the rat poison? And--for the last time--whoever you are, GET YOUR HAND OUT OF MY PANTS!"
I was just in Toronto last week! I had no idea about this restaurant, but would have definitely gone. My rec's....Mother's Dumpling's in China Town, The Queen and Beaver restaurant, Queen St shopping, Toronto FC game, and ride the Maid of the Mist if you go to Niagara Falls!
I just watched the "Game of Thrones" TRS after not watching for a long time. Dude - I seriously think you guys need a break!
I would love to try something like this. Eating food is so visual that I tend to judge whether I am going to like a dish before I've even tried it. Maybe I'll find out I like Spinach after all!.......not likely
Hey Jeff,
Just wanted to tell you your movie review for The Tree Of Life was wonderful. Your honesty and your ability to convey your thoughts and emotions is amazing. I got choked up watching you describe how this movie affected you. YOU should really be working on The Today Show, Good Morning America or some other high paying gig where we'd only get to see you once a week. Until then, I'll be watching everyday and telling everyone, " The best movie reviewer in the U.S. is on an internet show called The Totally Rad Show!"
Best of luck to you Jeff. Your an inspiration to me and other extremely handsome and sensitive fanboys out there. ~ Jimmy C
P.S. Favorite Dan quote: "I think I felt similarily to you guys."