Bab Al Qasr Hotel and Residences has added an exciting and novel concept to its culinary portfolio: Dining in the Dark in its Fresh Basil restaurant.
Located on the second floor of the hotel, Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining, promises a one-of-a-kind tailor-made experience. Its unique look has been specially designed to assist with the transition from light to dark, from known to unknown.
No electronic devices are allowed inside the pitch black room, so that the dark and lack of distractions sharpen diners’ senses. The emphasis is on taste, mouthfeel, fragrance and sound – it also promotes of the art of conversation.
For some the concept may seem daring or unusual. But it can be described as unique, fun and risk-free – a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Diners are seated in the pitch black room by night vision-equipped waiters. Each dining experience lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, allowing guests time to adjust to their new surroundings before being served a three-course dinner. Before entering guests can choose also their drinks. The meal package starts from AED 249 per person.
The idea has been brought up and implemented under the guidance of Elias Saad, director of Food and Beverage, also the social face of the capital’s flourishing dining scene.
Nemo Acimovic, general manager at Bab Al Qasr Hotel and Residences says, “We are happy to host such a unique and enriching dining approach as Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining. We can see that the concept is generating a buzz in the market already even during pre-opening phase.”
Fresh Basil’s – Pitch Black Dining mystery menu has been carefully curated by the executive chef Yvan Marclay and head chef Gayan Rupasinghe, and takes into consideration allergies and guest preferences.
In order to make the experience tailor made and as personalised as possible the Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining, is available to book in advance with very limited seats, up to 20 diners every evening.
A journey to remember
1. Arrival Experience: Upon arrival at Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining, diners are welcomed with a cocktail and canapés, while the concept and the dining process are explained in detail.
Before seated at the table in the pitch black room, they are asked to place all light emitting objects, such as mobile phones, watches, lighters and cameras into the secure boxes provided. This policy is in place to make sure all of the guests have a wonderful sensorial experience while dining in the dark.
2- Dining Experience: The Pitch Black Dining begins in a pitch black dining room where servers guide and assist guests to the table. Once acquainted with the darkness, guests’ social awareness is heightened, senses are sharpened. During the dining experience, they will enjoy a three-course set menu, one course at a time. Each delicious course has been created to entice the taste buds and awaken the senses through flavours that flow from dish to dish.
3- Debriefing/The Reveal: After the Dining in the Dark is completed, guests are escorted to the debriefing area where they meet the chef. They’ll be asked to guess the food they ate, after which the mystery will be revealed by uncovering of each course.
Open Monday to Friday from 7.30pm to 10pm.
Bab Al-Qasr Hotel
W Corniche Road, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Reservations email: restaurants@babalqasr.com
Whatsapp: +971 056 992 2078
Dining