– Tasting Invite –

When NOX – Dine in the Dark first opened its doors sometime around the third quarter of 2013, there was plenty of hype because the very idea of eating in complete darkness was intriguing and exciting to many. Shortly after its opening, I came across a handful of reviews online and was very tempted to check this place out but at that time, I was in my first trimester of pregnancy and didn’t think that it would be such a good idea. Decided to put it off till much later but I kind of became consumed by motherhood and ended up forgetting all about it!

Naturally, I was really enthusiastic when I received an email for a media tasting so on Monday evening, misterchewy and I turned up at NOX 20 minutes early. We made ourselves comfortable browsing the drinks menu while the staff did the necessary preparations. It was a pity that misterchewy didn’t get to try the Skippy Dip as the restaurant ran out of peanut butter so he was recommended the Blue Curacao while I chose the Rubus Pink. Both cocktails are really pretty as you can see from the photo and I liked my choice as it was sweet and also not overly potent.

We were also served our amuse bouche at the lounge and soon after we had to lock up all our valuables, in particular mobile devices and other items that give out light or glow in the dark. Like I had mentioned in my earlier posts, I am obsessed with my iPhone and I actually spent the last couple of minutes typing away furiously, trying to post a photo of the cocktails we had on Instagram. LOL.

You are also strongly encouraged to visit the washroom before heading upstairs for dinner. I was very paranoid so I went twice! Hahaha.

The dining area is situated on the second floor and we were introduced to our server, Hafiz, who was a very friendly chap. Going up the flight of steps would lead us to pitch black darkness, hence we had to form a line by holding on to each others’ shoulders with Hafiz leading the way. As we were shuffling our way up, those horror movie scenes started popping into my head! AHHHH I really felt like smacking myself. Suddenly, Hafiz paused and announced that we have reached our table! He guided misterchewy to his seat, and then me to mine. I could feel the cushion and the table but not sure if I positioned myself correctly and asked Hafiz stupidly, “Am I facing the right way?” to which he laughed, “Yes you are!”

Hafiz then went on to brief us about our 3-course dinner. Each course would consist of 4 different dishes served in individual bowls placed on a large plate. We were asked to feel for our cutlery and napkins on our right and subsequently tasked to pour water into our own glasses. At this point I almost panicked but told myself to remain calm. I ran my fingers along the side of the table and reached for the bottle of water. Instead of holding the body of the bottle like I normally would, I held its neck and poured really slowly. Dipped my finger into the glass to gauge how much I poured. No spills there. Phew! As we were waiting for our food, we waved our hands in front of us but nope, can’t see nuthin’! The hubs asked Hafiz how do the servers manage to serve in the dark and Hafiz explained that all of them are visually impaired and NOX is like their second home. I kinda felt emotional after he returned to the kitchen and thought long and hard about how difficult life is without our sense of sight! 🙁

Hafiz served our appetizers and boy, the food smelled really good! We were told to start off with the bowl closest to us (6 o’clock) and proceed in clockwise direction. I shall not spoil the fun by revealing what we ate that night. Anyway the menu changes every two months. I have to say that it was really fun pressing the bowls close to our lips and shoveling food into our mouths, all the while exclaiming throughout the meal. Good thing we were the only diners in the restaurant when we had our appetizers and mains. Halfway through our desserts, Phoebe and her husband entered the restaurant. I was 100% sure because I heard Hafiz address the couple as “Phoebe and Jonah”. Hahaha! I think they were seated probably two tables away from us and the conversation between Phoebe and her husband was kinda funny which livened up the atmosphere because before their arrival, misterchewy and I were like whispering to each other.

We called out to Hafiz when we were done with our desserts. I held onto Hafiz’s shoulders and he asked, “Ok are you guys ready?” The silly hubs exclaimed YES! and I was like “WAIT! NO! HE DIDN’T HOLD MY SHOULDERS!” Funny la this misterchewy. Hafiz kept reassuring us that we were walking on flat ground because we were taking like small baby steps. HAHAHA. I was so relieved when we finally saw light and shook hands with Hafiz. He was such a wonderful host!

It doesn’t end here! We had to fill in a short questionnaire listing what we think we had just eaten, after which pictures of the dishes were revealed to us on an iPad. I think we almost nailed it! I would also like to add that the food prepared by Head Chef Desmond Lee, formerly from some of Singapore’s highly-acclaimed and most decorated restaurants including Ember, Braise, as well as Private Affairs, is seriously delicious! The hubs and I were very impressed that NOX is not just another gimmicky restaurant.

NOX – Dine in the Dark is a dinner only restaurant. However, it will be welcoming the lunch crowd on Mother’s Day, 10th May 2015 offering a luxurious 2-course (S$68++) and 3-course (S$88++) Mother’s Day Mystery Set Lunch from 11am – 3pm. In addition, mothers dine for free with every 3 paying guests! A unique experience awaits, one that would tug on your heartstrings, and which is truly memorable! NOX – Dine in the Dark will also be offering a complementary glass of sparkling wine, coffee/tea, and petit four to go along with the exclusive Mother’s Day Set Lunch.

NOX – Dine in the Dark
269 Beach Road
Singapore 199546
Tel: +65 6298 0708

Opening Hours:
Mon to Friday
6pm to late
Sat
5pm to late
Sun
5 – 11pm (last reservation 9PM)
Lunch: Open for group bookings