The Ultimate Blind Date

A dimly lighted dining room is thought to be romantic. But what if the lights are turned out altogether? Some eateries are plunging diners into the dark--not just for a real blind date but for a fresh culinary experience. The idea: remove the sense of sight, and the sense of taste is enhanced. The menu is secret, so part of the fun is guessing what you are eating. The first dinner in the dark took place in Paris. The trend has also surfaced in Switzerland, Germany and is a monthly event at Suba, a Spanish restaurant in New York City. Guests meet in the lighted bar for drinks and are then escorted to the blackened dining room and seated next to anonymous companions. The only ones who can see are the waiters, who serve the four-course meal wearing night-vision goggles. --By Lisa McLaughlin