Monday, April 12, 2010

Dans Le Noir?



So the adventure finally begins! It took us 3 train rides but we reached Dans Le Noir on just in time for our 7.15 pm reservation. From the outside, it was just like any other restaurant along the street but as we entered, the Dans Le Noir effect started to kick in. We were greeted by a lounge, a locker, and a tunnel like entrance (like one of those when you enter a cinema). Standing lost and reluctant to spend on a drink, we were than approached by a French guy who then confirmed our reservation and took our orders. Don went for the blue menu (fish), while I went for the white (chef's special).



After emptying our pocket of any possible light source, we were then led to our seats by our waitress Lisa. Inside, it was pitch black. Honest to God, I could not see my hands in front of my face! I guess that's one of the reason why it was so noisy as people could not gauge the distance between one another and had to talk louder.



Once the food was served, it was more or less a guessing game. We were trying to guess our food by smell and taste. It was interesting, because most of the time you find the food falling off the fork before it enters your mouth. Was very tempted to use my hands! Because we could not see the food, quality was very important. And truth be told, it was rather disappointing. So disappointing the food was that we did not regret going for the 2 course meal instead of 3.



In all, 45 pounds per person (including tips) was a bit too much for the experience.



Oh well, fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice, shame on you.

By the way, yes, they did inform us what was served after the dinner. And I got it all wrong!

Next up - St Johns!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Dans Le Noir? - Preview

So what's so special about Dans Le Nior?

It does not have a Michelin star, the ratings are much to be desired, and it really isn't that cheap.



The thing about Dans Le Noir is its concept. Dans Le Noir has an interesting concept whereby diners with be dining in pitch black conditions. This means that you would not be able to see your food and that will leave only your sense of taste and smell to judge the food.

To make things more interesting, diners will not be aware of what is being served. They have 4 menus to choose from; white (chef's surprise), blue (seafood), green (vege), and red (meat) and can choose either 2 or 3 courses. The ultimate palate test.

So although the ratings are much to be desired, I look forward to the Dans Le Noir experience!

Introduction

Hello,

I am Ti Cheng



And this is my cousin Don



Don currently lives and works in London while I have recently left my job to join him here. In the next six months, we will be on a once in a lifetime gastronomic adventure. We will be trying everything from the local chippy to Michelin star restaurants, covering as much as our wallet permits!

The list of restaurants currently in line are:

Dans Le Noir
St Johns *
Le Gavroche **
El Celler de Can Roca ***
The Fat Duck ***

And many more to come...

The trip here via budget airline was long and torturous, but boy will it be worth it!

So for now it is goodbye Malaysia, and hello gastronomic adventure!

First stop - Dans Le Noir