When I started planning my 12 Colors in 12 Months project, I kept wondering: How can I really connect with each color? Pretty quickly, I realized it had to be through experiences. For some colors, ideas came to me right away. But for black? I was stuck.
Then, out of nowhere, it hit me—Dinner in the Dark. As soon as I thought of it, I knew it was the perfect fit. What better way to explore the mystery and depth of black than by stepping into total darkness and letting my other senses take over? And just like that, I had my black adventure.
I’d heard about this kind of dining experience for years but never tried it. To be honest, I didn’t want to risk accidentally being served meat. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of eating something I wouldn’t enjoy. But now, with more options available (like vegan or vegetarian), there was finally nothing stopping me from taking the plunge into a world of culinary darkness.
It all came together when I decided to gift the experience to my husband for his birthday. We went on December 1st, just as my red month began. The location was in a beautiful wing of Schloss Nymphenburg here in Munich, which added a little extra magic to the evening. While the venue itself didn’t matter once we were in the dark, the elegant entryway and waiting room made a lovely first impression.
If you’re not local, I’d suggest arriving early to explore the castle and its gorgeous grounds—it’s worth it!
Stepping Into the Dark
After checking in and enjoying a welcome drink, we waited for everyone in the group to arrive. Once assembled, our waiter—wearing night-vision goggles—guided us into the dining room. We walked in a line, hands on the shoulders of the person in front. It was surreal entering total darkness, where you’re instantly stripped of your usual sense of control.
We were seated at a table with a young couple we didn’t know, but any potential awkwardness dissolved immediately. The shared experience of figuring things out in the dark gave us plenty to laugh about! Filling glasses with water, toasting without spilling wine—everything was an adventure. (For the record, we were drinking red and rosé instead of white wine, which explains why I couldn’t quite figure it out at first.)
Tasting in the Dark
The dinner included four courses, and in between, an entertainer stopped by to tell us stories and chat about what we were eating. Guessing the dishes was so much fun! I was surprisingly good at recognizing what was on my plate, though I’ll admit, some things—like sorbet—were trickier since the texture doesn’t give much away.
When dishes combined multiple textures and flavors, like a salad with various vegetables, it was easier to identify what was on the plate. But simpler dishes, like soup or sorbet, were far more challenging. With no visual cues and only the liquid or smooth texture to rely on, I found myself completely stumped at times. But I still managed to guess most things correctly.
I have to confess, I relied heavily on my sense of touch, often using my fingers to explore what I was eating. It might not be the most elegant approach, but it helped me connect with the food in a new and tactile way. Despite the challenges, everything was absolutely delicious.
Using a knife in the dark, however, was a near-impossible feat. I lost count of how many times I brought an empty fork to my mouth! It was such a peculiar and amusing experience that I couldn’t help but laugh at myself.
A Connection in the Darkness
The experience of sharing this dinner with strangers added to the magic. Our tablemates were very nice, and their easygoing nature made the evening even more enjoyable. Sitting in darkness eliminated superficial judgments and allowed us to connect through shared laughter and curiosity.
At the end of the meal, the hostess lit a candle, allowing us to see the room for the first time. It was surprising how different the actual space looked compared to how I’d imagined it in the dark.
Before we left, we had the chance to see the full menu in the waiting area. It was fascinating to see exactly what we’d eaten—and satisfying to confirm that I’d guessed right most of the time!
We also got a peek through the waiter’s night-vision goggles, which was incredible. It’s amazing how limited their view is and how effortlessly they move around in the dark.
Discovering a New Adventure
As I was flipping through some flyers, I spotted another event that immediately caught my eye: a dinner event with five different colored lights, called Dinner im Rausch der Sinne (loosely translated to „Dinner in a Sensory Rush“). What an incredible idea for a future month of my color project! I can’t wait to experience how different colors influence the atmosphere and my perception of food.
Reflections on Black
The Dinner in the Dark was the perfect adventure for black. It forced me to embrace the unknown, sharpen my senses, and step out of my comfort zone. It was an evening filled with laughter, discovery, and a newfound appreciation for how much we rely on sight—and what happens when we take it away.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Exploring black in this way reminded me that even in the dark, there’s so much to discover.
Now, onto December and the boldness of red! Stay tuned for what’s next in my colorful journey.
*Just a quick note—this experience wasn’t sponsored, and I’m not an affiliate. I’m sharing it simply because it was such a unique and memorable adventure that I think is worth trying!
2 Kommentare