Opaque - dining in the dark
Experience a world of sensitivity in a pitch-black dining room, guided by blind servers, at Santa Monica's V Lounge.
(877) 253-3998
2020 Wilshire Blvd
(at 20th)
Santa Monica,
CA
90403
34.031534
-118.483024
Neighborhoods: Wilshire Montana, West LA
What People Are Saying About Opaque - dining in the dark
The Owner
Opaque - dining in the dark
Owner
Arriving in Southern California on the crest of the latest dining trend sweeping through Europe, based on an ingenious European concept that has enjoyed great popularity in cities like Berlin, Paris and Vienna the first ever Dining in the Dark experience is now available in Los Angeles.
Just imagine that you can not see for an hour or two, that you are abandoning vision in exchange for a new, multi-sensual dining experience. Opaque is enhancing our senses of taste, smell, touch and hearing by abandoning one that we often take for granted? This is "Dining in the Dark."
Brought to you by Opaque, the dining in the dark experience allows you to willingly plunge into a world of sensitivity you have never experienced before, taking you through a journey of taste, sound and touch, all in the dark.
The Editor
Martha Burr
Citysearch
In Short
Following a cultish dining trend in Europe and a celebrated stint on the Sunset Strip, this unorthodox experience of eating in absolute darkness remains unlike any other in Los Angeles. Arrive at its new location at V Lounge, order from a three-course prix fixe New American menu (it's $99 with choice of chicken, fish, steak or vegetarian) and then proceed to be guided by blind servers into a completely dark room to spend the next two hours hearing, feeling and tasting in an extraordinarily heightened way. Abandoning vision renews appreciation for sight, while simultaneously enhancing other senses. People talk louder in the dark, so be careful what you say. It's an inspired place for a first date or illicit assignation plus nobody--and we mean nobody--will see you playing footsies.
User Reviews
mollypsca
June 14, 2009
I read the reviews here and made the drive to Santa Monica to try the unique experience with my Wife. Our server and guide through the dark was super nice, but she was smacking gum for the first 5 minutes of our interactions. It is true that other senses come out in the dark and listening to someone smacking on gum is not a great appealing. In addition, the food was awful. In fact, I did not even eat my salad. It was like they took a bag of unwashed bitter mix and threw it on the plate with some sesame dressing. It was awful. Main's were okay. In truth it was like wedding food at 50.00 a plate. Further, the tables and chairs were a very low quality, again like cheap banquet tables and chairs. Yep, I learned a lesson - you can see quality in the dark. With all of that said, it was a cool experience and something to talk about with friends, although very expensive!
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joshuatree12
January 07, 2009
Nothing, plain nothing, is what you get. In terms of what you see. But they offer you the world of senses on a silver tray it is up to you to choose whether you want to take it and where you want to take it. Do you want to listen, smell, touch, or taste, or all at once. It was a concert of senses conducted by our lovely waiter Michael. Do yourself a favor and request him.
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testa123
January 07, 2009
I have been getting ready for this day a long time. I am putting my best gear on... gonna look real pretty, as there real beauty is proven when no one sees. This is so exiting and I will follow up when its on my 'seen' that done that list.
read full reviewThe Details on Opaque - dining in the dark
What to Drink:
Wine and beer are offered with the meal--differentiate the white wine glasses from red by feeling the shape of the glass.
Look Good:
Guests are asked to leave their cell phones in the lounge so as not to infringe on the collective sensory experience.
Know Before You Go:
It really is a pitch-black dining scene with a special dispensation by the fire department to eschew even exit signs. If you are inclined to claustrophobia be warned; it can also be a transcendent experience that opens mental boundaries.
Message from Opaque - dining in the dark
- Uniquely Splendid
- Eye/Soul Opening
- $99 for a 3 course dinner
Arriving in Southern California on the crest of the latest dining trend sweeping through Europe, based on an ingenious European concept that has enjoyed great popularity in cities like Berlin, Paris and Vienna the first ever Dining in the Dark experience is now available in Los Angeles.
Just imagine that you can not see for an hour or two, that you are abandoning vision in exchange for a new, multi-sensual dining experience. Opaque is enhancing our senses of taste, smell, touch and hearing by abandoning one that we often take for granted? This is "Dining in the Dark."
Brought to you by Opaque, the dining in the dark experience allows you to willingly plunge into a world of sensitivity you have never experienced before, taking you through a journey of taste, sound and touch, all in the dark.
