IF you consider the notion of eating an entire meal in complete darkness a little strange, then imagine throwing in a convincing Halloween theme.
That’s what Noire - Dubai’s award-winning dining in the dark concept restaurant - is doing for an entire month. And, we can confirm, it is something both very unusual and a bit spooky.
Just don’t wear white clothing…
Just don’t wear white clothing…
The scene is set the moment you enter the lift up to the ninth level of the Fairmont Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Road Hotel that hosts Noire.
We’re thrown into darkness with a creepy soundtrack featuring a sinister child’s voice suggesting we’re in for anything but a normal night.
Throw in a scary blood red corridor filled with mysterious shapes and sounds and you’re about ready for a pre-dinner drink.
With both soft and alcoholic options being served up in fake hospital blood bags, seemingly by disenchanted hospital workers, there’s no mistaking we’ve stepped into a cul-de-sac of Halloween horror.
We’re thrown into darkness with a creepy soundtrack featuring a sinister child’s voice suggesting we’re in for anything but a normal night.
Throw in a scary blood red corridor filled with mysterious shapes and sounds and you’re about ready for a pre-dinner drink.
With both soft and alcoholic options being served up in fake hospital blood bags, seemingly by disenchanted hospital workers, there’s no mistaking we’ve stepped into a cul-de-sac of Halloween horror.
RED-DY FOR A DRINK: These rather convincing hospital fluid bags contain your aperitif as you arrive for dinner
Rush-hour traffic may still be crawling outside in the World Trade Centre district, but in here you are seemingly a world away from civilisation.
Once checked in by a restaurant team member in a doctor’s mask and the mechanics of the evening explained, we are led in small groups like a human centipede to our designated tables.
Bar the little red light and green glare of the night vision goggles worn by waiting staff “nurses”, the dining space really is completely dark.
Once safely seated, you’re encouraged to locate your cutlery and drinking vessel - drinks are paired with each dish - before the food begins to arrive.
Three courses land, each containing a mix of textures and empowered flavours that are heightened by the loss of a key sense that plays a part in top-drawer cuisine.
Once checked in by a restaurant team member in a doctor’s mask and the mechanics of the evening explained, we are led in small groups like a human centipede to our designated tables.
Bar the little red light and green glare of the night vision goggles worn by waiting staff “nurses”, the dining space really is completely dark.
Once safely seated, you’re encouraged to locate your cutlery and drinking vessel - drinks are paired with each dish - before the food begins to arrive.
Three courses land, each containing a mix of textures and empowered flavours that are heightened by the loss of a key sense that plays a part in top-drawer cuisine.
NIGHT SIGHT: Your waiters can see in the dark so you don't have to courtesy of these night vision goggles
We’re not going to reveal too much about what food you can expect, but mercifully no soup is involved in what is a fun and surprising tasting adventure.
This eerie take on the five-star gourmet cuisine experience follows a suitably creepy premise.
“Legend has it that many years ago there was a hospital for the visually impaired on the current grounds of Fairmont Dubai,” says Noire.
“According to local legend, patients started disappearing mysteriously at the hospital some 55 years ago, eventually forcing its closure. Amongst them, a young dark-haired woman, dressed in white, who can every now and then be seen wandering around the floors of the hotel…”
This eerie take on the five-star gourmet cuisine experience follows a suitably creepy premise.
“Legend has it that many years ago there was a hospital for the visually impaired on the current grounds of Fairmont Dubai,” says Noire.
“According to local legend, patients started disappearing mysteriously at the hospital some 55 years ago, eventually forcing its closure. Amongst them, a young dark-haired woman, dressed in white, who can every now and then be seen wandering around the floors of the hotel…”
SWEET REVENGE: The kitchen has been hard at work to create the Halloween dishes you'll feel and taste
So, as if the Noire journey isn’t surreal enough, during service - with your tastebuds and nose on full alert - sudden sounds, screams and pulses of light deliver an added Halloween layer.
Executive Chef Renald Epie’s team were happy to reveal what we had been consuming immediately after the sitting - and some of it came as quite a surprise.
“We have to be very careful when managing the textures and flavours at Noire,” he explains, “mainly because the dining experience takes place in pitch darkness and our guests trust one of their most important senses – vision - to our hands.”
The menu changes on a weekly basis, including through October during this haunted take on the Noire offering.
“Creativity is also crucial – to make sure that we prepare the three-course gourmet menu in a way that guests won’t guess the ingredients at first bite,” continues the chef.
“Dietary restrictions and food allergies are also something which we are paying very close attention to.
Executive Chef Renald Epie’s team were happy to reveal what we had been consuming immediately after the sitting - and some of it came as quite a surprise.
“We have to be very careful when managing the textures and flavours at Noire,” he explains, “mainly because the dining experience takes place in pitch darkness and our guests trust one of their most important senses – vision - to our hands.”
The menu changes on a weekly basis, including through October during this haunted take on the Noire offering.
“Creativity is also crucial – to make sure that we prepare the three-course gourmet menu in a way that guests won’t guess the ingredients at first bite,” continues the chef.
“Dietary restrictions and food allergies are also something which we are paying very close attention to.
DOLLING OUT THE SHOCKS: The Noire team have been working hard to ensure their service spooks
“During the reservation process, our restaurant reservations team will inquire detailed information about the guests’ preferences, so that our chefs can prepare special meals for them, taking our guests preferences into careful consideration.”
The result of this special edition is a 90-minute multi-sensory dining experience that could have you re-examining how you enjoy your food in the future.
Not to mention wondering whether staff at your favourite restaurants previously worked in the medical profession.
DETAILS:
NOIRE’S haunted dining in the dark dining experience is available until October 31, Monday to Saturday, at 7.30pm - only one seating per evening by reservation only.
IT costs AED360 with soft beverages or AED399 with grape pairing, per person.
ADVANCE bookings are required, made via phone: 04 311 8316 or through emailing [email protected]
YOU can also click on https://www.fairmont.com/dubai/dining/noire-dining-in-the-dark/ for more.
The result of this special edition is a 90-minute multi-sensory dining experience that could have you re-examining how you enjoy your food in the future.
Not to mention wondering whether staff at your favourite restaurants previously worked in the medical profession.
DETAILS:
NOIRE’S haunted dining in the dark dining experience is available until October 31, Monday to Saturday, at 7.30pm - only one seating per evening by reservation only.
IT costs AED360 with soft beverages or AED399 with grape pairing, per person.
ADVANCE bookings are required, made via phone: 04 311 8316 or through emailing [email protected]
YOU can also click on https://www.fairmont.com/dubai/dining/noire-dining-in-the-dark/ for more.
