CAMAJE Dark Dining

Good Food Since 1997

DARK DINING at CAMAJE

Winter/Spring 2012 dates:

includes four courses paired with wines and artist performances,
tax and gratuity included

Curious? Check out the You-Tube Video

There is a one week
cancellation policy for all Dark Dining reservations.
Please plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to start time. There is no late seating.

Saturday, March 31 at 8pm Reservations

Thursday, April 12 at 7pm Reservations

Saturday, April 28 at 8pm-- VENUS IN FUR NIGHT REPRISE
The first one was such a hit, we've been asked to do it again!
A slightly kinky affair celebrating the Broadway production of "Venus in Fur."
Includes giveaways and discount coupons to the play. Reservations

Thursday, May 10 at 7pm Reservations

Friday, May 18 at 8pm Reservations

Saturday, June 9 at 8pm Reservations

Friday, June 22 at 8pm Reservations

Thursday July 12 at 7pm Reservations

AND, private Dark Dining events can be held at our sister restaurant, Abigail Cafe & Wine Bar:

Feasts for the Senses

Don a blindfold and let us lead you into an environment created by innovative artist Dana Salisbury in collaboration with inspired chef Abigail Hitchcock. Wearing a specially designed blindfold, you are immersed in darkness; eyes open or closed, you experience the perfect blackout.

Each event is unique and features a different menu and artist/performers. Notice the unexpected. Let your remaining senses take over. Between courses, unexpectedly vivid performances will fill the room; the evening’s artists (as always, unannounced in advance) might include a tap dancer, a virtuosic vocalist. a flamenco dancer or a jazz guitarist. You might hear a baroque violin, South Indian percussion, Japanese flute, or . . .

Let the experience carry you to a romantic, intriguing innerspace.

Savor complex and delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen where chef Abigail Hitchcock is preparing a luxurious four course meal with fine wines. Challenge your palate to tease out the mysteries of the menu which will be announced at the evening's end.

"There was a hesitancy that was wonderful," says 31-year-old Jonathan M. "Paying attention to the way the hand slowly met the glass, the way the food slowly took on shape and identity in the mouth. It was such a wonderful exercise in being in the moment."

What makes Dark Dining Projects different? Is it “Blind Dining”?

Unlike "blind dining" restaurants that offer meals served in a darkened room, Dark Dining Projects guests are invited to come together on specific dates, at specific places and times. Blindfolded, the diners are immersed in an environment that is comfortable and welcoming.

Using space, sound, motion and emotion, DDP's artist-conceived dimensions of frolic and experimentation spark and heighten the non-visual senses and the imagination. DDP's Director and her assistants, called "Dancer/Embodiers," are dancers well versed in the language of the whole body; the musicians are concert quality. We work only with fine chefs.

Each feast unfolds in its own way in response to the diners as a group and individually. No two DDP experiences are alike. Dana Salisbury’s Dark Dining Projects events take place in restaurants, cultural settings and private homes around the country and abroad.

March, 2009 - Check out the NBC News piece on Dark Dining at CAMAJE:
Dark Dining Projects bring a gastronomical experience to New York. You'll have to see it to believe it."

Dark Dining at CAMAJE is the cover story of the 2nd issue of "Edible Manhattan":

"Three years ago Dana Slisbury approached Chef Abigail Hittchcock who was open - 'I like to do different things'. Her cooking is like anything you'd want to encounter in the dark: familiar, appealing, with a sense of expansive possibility. Without the visual, aroma and texture become her focus. Everyone is uncomfortable and cautious at first, but 'by the end of the night, social barriers come down and people become flexible and generous'." - By Zoe Singer - Edible Manhattan, Winter '08

See Eyewitness News' Story on Dark Dining at CAMAJE: "One-by-one the masks go on and the journey into darkness begins. They'll stay this way for the next two hours as they eat dinner at Camaje Bistro in the Village... The sensory deprivation certainly gets you thinking, and it seems to gets plenty of diners touching. To further enhance the mood there's live entertainment. Diners seem to listen a little more closely with the blindfolds on."

See NY1's video on Dark Dining.

Private Dark Dining: CAMAJE hosts private Dark Dining events with custom tailored menus and performances.
Call 212 673-8184 or email for more information.
There is a one week cancellation policy for all Dark Dining reservations.

DARK DINING spaces fill up fast...

GIFT CERTIFICATES:
Dark Dining Projects events at Camaje Bistro
are (except New Year's Eve) $120 per person all inclusive
Purchase by calling Camaje: 212-673-8184 or
Email us to request a Gift Certificate to be mailed to sender or recipient

There is a one week
cancellation policy for all Dark Dining reservations.

A Few Specifics

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
When you make your reservation, please let us know and we'll accomodate any allergies dietary restrictions .

Blindfolds
As you enter, you are handed a blindfold to wear throughout the event. No peeking. If you need any assistance, simply ask or raise a hand; there are always several people ready to help to you. Our blinfolds are extremely comfortable blindfolds with adjustable velcro closures and foam pads which permit wearers to open their eyes. Originally designed as meditation masks, they provide absolute blackout. Diners have the option to buy the blindfold they use at a fraction of their usual price.

Restroom Trips
If you need to use the bathroom, simply ask or raise hand. You will be escorted there. Once inside, you may remove the blindfold. The room will be lit. When you are ready to come out, put your blindfold back on and tap on the door. Your escort will lead you back to your table.

Are Dark Dinings art performances or dining experiences?
Both. They are participatory art events revolving around sensory awareness, fine food and eating.

CAMAJE Abigail Cafe & Wine Bar offers Private Dark Dining Parties for as few as two people. Book Yours Today!

Please plan on arriving 10 minutes prior to start time. There is no late seating. There is a one week cancellation policy for all Dark Dining reservations.

More Dark Dining photos

CAMAJE • 85 MacDougal Street • New York, NY • 212-673-8184