HazelDiary

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! If you have not made plans, surprise your partner with a unique dining experience at Nox, where patrons savour their meal in a pitch-black room, staffed by specially trained blind or visually impaired hosts.NOX’s Valentine’s Promotion consists of exclusive Valentine’s Welcome Drink for each guest, 2 amuse bouche, 3 course Mystery Menu, 3 Mocktail Pairings and Petit Fours in a box with a stalk of rose for $168++ per pax. If you prefer alcoholic drinks, top up $20 to swap the mocktails to cocktails. Still and sparking water are also included in the package.Now let’s dive into what most people are curious about- the one of kind dining experience at NOX! We commenced the evening with drinks at the litted lounge on the ground level, nibbling on delightful Duck Rillette with Cheddar Cheese and Impossible Meat with Black Caviar amuse bouche. As for the mocktails, we tried Forrest Berries (fizzy and refreshing drink made with raspberries, blackberries and blueberries and mint), Strawberry Shaker (similar to a light strawberry milkshake) and Virgin Passionfruit Julep (tangy beverage made with lemon juice, lime juice, passionfruit and mint).
A staff member came to brief us on what to expect during our time at NOX, then lead us to lockers to store our belongings. Yup, no bags, handphones and anything that glow in the dark such as watches in the dining room. It would be a good idea to make a trip to the restrooms before heading up.
We waited at the bottom of the dimly lightly stairway for our host, Bernard. After introducing himself, the cheerful man put my hands on his shoulders and my partner place his hand on my shoulders. We walked up slowly and found ourselves enveloped in complete darkness.
While Bernard was leading us to our table, I cant help but feel a tad apprehensive not being to see in an unfamiliar environment. Will I knock into something? Will I step on someone’s foot? Will I trip? Thankfully, Bernard ushered us to our table safely. Don’t be startled by the loud clucking noises, those are sounds that the hosts make when they are moving around.
Once seated, Bernard informed us that our water glasses and mocktails will be placed in the middle of the table. Each course comprises of 4 different dishes, served in small bowls on a wooden platter. We are meant to start from the bowl placed at 6 o’clock, 9 o’clock, 12 o’clock and finally 3 o’clock.




Do stir the contents in each bowl before eating, because the sauces are placed on the bottom and top of the ingredients. As the food are prepared in bite sized pieces, there is no need for a knife. A fork and spoon are provided and its recommended to use the spoon to minimize the risk of food falling off the fork.
I had to rely on my sense of touch to gradually figure out where the drinks and bowls were, and this took some effort. After a while, I felt tired and gave up reaching out for the 3 mocktails and just focused on trying to figure out what I was putting into my mouth. I hope I can guess most of the dishes correctly!
Once we completed each platter, we called out for Bernard and he will proceed to clear the table and serve the next course.
Some of the ingredients used in the European dishes were quite premium, I particularly enjoyed the grilled scallop and crab appetizer, and Wagyu Beef main course. Do note that the menu is refreshed regularly so other dishes maybe presented on Valentine’s Day.
When we were done with dinner, Bernard asked for our feedback and shared his unfortunate story on how he lost his sight and how thankful he was to have a found meaningful work at Nox. I felt sad and happy for him at the same time.
Bernard lead us back down to the lounge where light greeted our eyes. It’s disheartening to know that darkness is the norm for the hosts but am glad that NOX provides them with fulfilling employment to empower and enrich their lives.While we enjoyed the petit fours, a staff member presented photos of the food on a tablet and explained each dish. Only half of our guesses were right, opps! How many correct guesses will you be able to make?

PROMOTION DETAILS
Valentines Day 2021 -14th February 2021
Price: S$168.00++ per pax
– Special Valentines Day Welcome Drink for every guest.
– 2 Amuse bouche
– 3 Course Mystery Menu
– 3 Course Mocktail Pairing
– Still & Sparkling Water included
– Petit Fours in a box with a stalk of rose and Menu per couple.

Price: S$188.00++ per pax
– Special Valentines Day Welcome Drink for every guests
– 2 Amuse bouche
– 3 Course Mystery Menu
– 3 Course Cocktail Pairing
– Still and Sparkling Water included
– Petit Fours in a box with a stalk of rose and Menu per couple.

P/S: You can save 20% savings when you pre-purchase the voucher here.

NOX
Address: 269 Beach Road
Singapore 199546
Tel: +65 6298 0708
Opening Hours:
6:00PM – Late night
Website: https://www.noxdineinthedark.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoxDineInTheDark/

[This is written and photography by Adele. ]

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