BLACKOUT Dining in the Dark Experience, Dining Attraction

Let me start by saying: I’m a keynote speaker, a mom of five, and a woman who does not scare easily. But give me a pitch-black room, a three-course meal, and absolutely zero visibility... and suddenly, I’m questioning my life choices while stabbing a fork into what I hope is polenta. This was Dining in the Dark Las Vegas, and yes, it was completely blacked out. No candles. No glow sticks. Not even the faint blue hue of a nearby exit sign. Just me, my husband Justin, our server who introduced himself by voice only, and a whole lot of trust. The experience starts with you checking your phone (physically locked away), signing a waiver (a bit dramatic but okay), and being led into a room that somehow feels like a blackout training exercise meets couples therapy meets date night. But once you adjust? It's… kind of incredible. You rely on your other senses... taste, smell, touch, and yes, your partner’s commentary as they try to guess what you're both eating. The food itself? Surprisingly elegant. No gimmicks, no “weird for weird’s sake” moments. Just thoughtfully crafted dishes that feel elevated, even if you're blind-guessing what they are. And the wine pairings? Honestly, they hit harder when you're in total darkness... something about the removal of distraction makes you pay attention to the notes. Or maybe that was just the third glass talking. There’s something deeply vulnerable about being completely in the dark... and still choosing to show up, be present, and trust the process. It’s something I talk about in leadership all the time: letting go of control to gain a deeper experience. Here, the metaphor was literal. We had no control. And we still connected, laughed, whispered like teenagers at a slumber party, and left feeling more alive than when we came in. Is It for Everyone? No. If you're a picky eater or a control freak, this might be a sensory overload nightmare. But if you're someone who loves an experience... especially one that forces you to slow down, be present, and experience food in a whole new way... this is for you. Final Thoughts? It was bizarre. It was hilarious. It was unforgettable. And in a city built on overstimulation, Dining in the Dark Las Vegas delivered something entirely unexpected: stillness. In the dark, we found presence. In the silence, we found connection. And in the unknown, we found dessert. (Eventually.) Would I do it again? Yes.