San Francisco Blog

It's a culinary adventure, it's based on an "ingenious European concept," it's a "multi-sensual dining experience" it's -- Dining in the Dark! Yes, Opaque San Francisco has arrived, and hopefully they've brought a lot of bibs, because I have a feeling this could get messy. Pick from a special menu prepared by a rotating roster of local chef talent (at this point you can still see), then you'll be guided into an absolutely pitch black dining room where "special security measures are taken to make your experience both safe and enjoyable" -- Bib? Corked fork tines? Sippy cups? The possibilities are endless! Does this all sound a little gimmicky? Sure, but maybe the coolest part: the servers aren't some fumbling caterers in night-vision goggles, they're actually blind and visually impaired folks. Reassuring to say the least. The next dinner is happening this Thursday, June 19, at the Crimson Lounge (687 McAllister at Gough) -- with Opaque dinners scheduled for Friday and Saturday as well. The three-course menu runs $99 a piece (check it out here), and remember: dress like you'll be sitting in the dark eating for two hours!

-- Brian Bernbaum