This is by far one of the most memorable dining experience I've EVER had. If not the most.
The concept is simple. You're trying to experience life as a visually impaired person, albeit only for a short few hours and in a controlled environment. The main dining room is completely dark - not dark as in "your bedroom when you turn off the lights to sleep" dark, but dark as in "your eyes never adjust, you can't even see your fingers when you hold them up right in front of your eyes!" dark.
You decide your two or three-course meal in advance ($34 and $41 respectively) in a separate room, where you are also led back to at the end to settle the bill. The selection was bigger than I imagined for a prix fixe menu, including a moderate drink list. Each course also includes a "surprise" dish which I highly recommend to broaden your experience. You're then led into the pitch-black dining room by placing your left hand on your waiter's shoulder and forming a train with your fellow tablemates. The rest of the dinner continues in this tactile manner - the waiter places your hand on the chair you are to be seated, the waiter passes and collects your plates by brushing them over your shoulder, etc.
It's true what they say about other senses being heightened when you lose one. But it may surprise you that they can also betray you - such as voices sounding closer or farther than they really are or your taste buds tricking you to think you're eating something you're not. For example, without giving away too much about the surprise dishes, we incorrectly thought the beef tartar was salmon, which the waiter said was a common observation (er no pun intended). And I swear there was liqueur in the dessert as I was devouring it, but it didn't. I guess it was wishful thinking.
You'll find yourself having trouble cutting up some of the food or determining if you've finished everything on your plate; but don't forget that these are just minor challenges a blind person has to deal with everyday. All was going well for me until near the end of the dinner, when I decided to try something from the person sitting across from me. I knocked over my glass of water because I had forgotten it was there! I knew it was the right decision not to order red wine that night.
We had intended to visit the Toronto location but due to a scheduling conflict, we ended up at the Montreal location and I'm so glad we did. This location has higher reviews due to the calibre of the food, such that the experience was more than just a novelty. And I can attest to this - the food was delicious and I would visit again.
Definitely an insightful (pun intended this time) and exhilarating experience you have to try at least once.
Food: 4*
Ambiance: ????
Service: 5* (The waiter was very attentive and came around to check on us often.. but I guess he had to be given the scenario!)
Value: 4* (I struggled with this one. $41 is steep for what you get. But then again, it's an experience you can't get anywhere else.)