Dining in the dark coming to Bellevue's Revival on Lincoln
Darkness can bring other things to light.
That’s the thought behind a dining concept called “Pitch Black,” where people are blindfolded and then served a meal.
“Blindfolded taste tests are a widely used method which sometimes have proven to trick and heighten our senses and allow us to let go of our judgment on the appearance of food,” said Shelley Allen, who handles public relations and communications for Hidden Media Network, which is bringing the event to Pittsburgh, via email. “So we wanted to turn this into a restaurant concept.”
It will take place at Revival on Lincoln in Bellevue. Allen said Revival on Lincoln was chosen because “it is a perfect space for this event.” Located on Lincoln Avenue inside an historic venue built in 1902, the restaurant was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
There is a main dining room, smaller dining rooms, a bar, original fireplaces, and preserved architectural details. There is also an outdoor seating area.
John King, owner and executive chef at Revival on Lincoln which participated in the dining experience last year, said people loved it. He said there was a performer who sang Frank Sinatra songs.
“It’s cool,” King said. “It takes some organizing to get everyone seated and served, so that’s a little hectic. But people were smiling and having a good time. We are happy to be doing this again for our customers. It’s a different dining experience.”
The restaurant can accommodate 75-80 people for each seating. In addition to enjoying food, diners converse with each other and can think about people’s conversation without the distraction of sight, Allen said.
She said they will cater to dietary requests.
“The meals will be a secret, so it’s down to your senses to guess what they are,” Allen said.
Allen said the experience has sold out in multiple cities in Australia where she is based. She said eating in the dark heightens diners’ senses making for a more pleasurable experience.
“The focus is instead on taste, smell, mouthfeel and sound, as well as promoting the art of conversation,” she said.
Diners will enter a warmly lit room before being seated and blindfolded as the lights are dimmed and they are taken on what Allen calls a “sensory journey.”
There is an option of two set menus — meat or vegetarian.
Diners will also have the option to order their favorite drinks to accompany the food.
Each dining experience lasts 90 minutes.
A host will be entertaining diners with games and challenges centered on the sensory experience.
There are two dates with two sessions each day — Sept. 29 and Oct. 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost is $85 per person and includes one drink and two-course meal.
Book a reservation at explorehidden.com.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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