Enhancing flavours at the Dinner in the Dark

When fellow trencherman and I received our invitation trepidation and wonderment set in as to how we would relate and enjoy the Dinner in the Dark but as the time for the event approached curiosity got the better of us and we set off with an open mind to challenge our taste buds and table etiquette. 

The chef in situ was none other than Chef Raphael King’ori who hails from Kenya. 

Notwithstanding, I must say, the experience had a completely different effect on me. Although the food did taste great, none of my taste buds were supercharged while I was eating in the dark (probably because I was too tense throughout most of the meal and I couldn’t wait to finish my plate). The experience had instead given me a much-needed new perspective on life.

Entering the dark room

Before entering the dark room, we began the journey by stepping into a ‘virtual reality experience’ which transported us to an Equatorial forest setting that immersed us to interact with natural world as we readied ourselves for the repast ahead. Just before entering the darkly lit dining area, each of us was given a mask to cover our eyes. 

My initial response to stepping into a dark room was pure fear and panic. This totally shocked me (although I know it shouldn't have because I was supposed to know what was coming), and I felt quite helpless. I mean, I have been in a room with no light, but this was entirely different. I blinked a few times to try and see something (which usually works when my eyes are adjusting to a darker place). Alas I only saw black.

Dinning in the dark: The flow

The MC for the evening was the irrepressible and loquacious Timothy Code who kicked off the event by asking us the five sense of the body viz. taste, smell, vision, hearing and touch. This knowledge set the ball rolling and he explained that this was a 3-course dinner and every course would be served using a serving tray with 4 diamond-shaped bowls on it, each with a different food item. We were supposed to eat in a clockwise direction, starting with the bowl on our left. Last but not least, we also learnt that rather than using cutlery, we would all be eating with our fingers which was an essential part of the sensory experience.

Switch up your senses

Of course, use my hands! Why didn't I think of that? But then again, when we are so accustomed to using our sight to do the job for us, it's only natural to be a little lost at what to do initially.

After each course we were allowed to lift our masks which ushered in the light and then were told the details of what we just ate. The MC explained that this dining concept was to enhance flavors.

I wasn't exactly paying attention to the MC when he was explaining the menu because all I could think of was when I could finally see again was how IMMENSELY grateful I am for my sight. My mind also started reciting a litany of other things for which I will always remain grateful.

Reflection

1. Never underestimate the power of the mind

I was in a state of panic when I first stepped into the dark room. My mind kept telling me to "Get out get out!" and that "You won't be able to make it." I could feel myself almost losing my mind. However, when I started to consciously and repeatedly tell myself to calm down and to snap out of it, I felt better and that I was regaining control. So I think the mind is a pretty powerful tool that can be trained to help us control our emotions when we are presented with difficult situations.

2. Gratitude can be so simple

We do not need to experience spectacular things to be grateful. There are many simple things for which we can be grateful. Be grateful that we can scratch our nose when it's itchy, or take a breath of fresh air without pain or difficulty. Be grateful that we can enjoy a cup of coffee or a kickass movie on Netflix. Be grateful that we woke up in the morning (we survived another day!) so we can live for today.

3. Courage comes in many forms

A war hero is considered courageous. A firefighter is considered brave. A healthcare worker who is on the front line helping patients in an epidemic is considered brave.

However I am of the view that the concept of courage should be extended to those who are physically challenged and in this case I am referring to the blind. I cannot imagine my life without my sight and yet some individuals who are blind, but without any choice must live with this impairment forever; but have the mental fortitude to accept and live their lives. These are not people we generally term as brave, but rather the unfortunate, disabled or handicapped. We usually show sympathy instead of admiration for their strength—but I think we can change our perspective on that.

4. Phobia of the dark

As much as I would like to recommend this to everyone (as it has helped me to have a renewed sense of appreciation for my life), I would highly discourage anyone who has a major or slight phobia of being in the dark. It's not for the faint-hearted.

However, if you would like to experience what it is like to be living in pitch dark, you can check out this website called Dialogue in the Dark which is a social enterprise offering dinners or workshops in the dark in many countries around the world.

• Place: Emin Pasha Hotel & Spa, City Blue Collection, Kudara Hall

• Address: Plot 27 Nakasero Road, Nakasero

• Event: The Singleton Dinner in the Dark: An Equatorial Forrest Experience 

• Smoke-Free Zone: Enforced 

• Recommended items: Smoked beetroot & feta cheese

• Service: Good 

• Ambience: It takes getting used to but otherwise enthralling

• Menu: Smoke beetroot & feta cheese with a Singleton whisky infused dressing, grilled shrimp with mango salsa. A green apple and cinnamon sorbet, Singleton whiskey infused grilled chicken sliders. Broiled marinated fillet steak with wild mushrooms and fried plantain fritters. Chocolate truffles four way, tropical mixed berry tartlets, Singleton whisky crème Brule 

• The Crowd: Mainly Ugandan foodies with a sprinkling of ex pats 

• The Bar: A curated selection of Singleton whisky infused cocktails viz. the unusual Singleton Forest sour or the unique Singleton whisky Mojito 

• Sound level: Idyllic

• Rating: Not to be missed

• Parking: Available and very secure

• RATINGS: Not to be missed, worth a visit, OK/so so, don’t waste your time.