Last night, history was made at Emin Pasha Hotel & Spa, as foodies and whisky enthusiasts were treated to an evening of exceptional culinary exploration at the first-ever Singleton Dinner in the Dark.
The concept, revolutionary in its simplicity, invited diners to experience their meals blindfolded and without cutlery, relying solely on their hands and heightened senses, to navigate the three-course feast.
While the dining space was enveloped in darkness, with soothing sounds of nature playing softly in the background, the ambiance was carefully curated to enhance this sensory journey. The meals were by Kenyan celebrated Chef- Raphael King’ori aka Chef Raphael, and he began with a spectacular starter- The Awakening, which included – slow cooked smoked beetroot and goat cheese with Singleton whisky infused dressing.
The culinary ingenuity of Chef Raphael shone through as he masterfully evaporated the alcohol, leaving behind a rich essence that elevated the dish’s flavours. Poetry by the renowned Brian Alideke added a touch of artistic elegance l, as he weaved in words that resonated deeply with the guests. Each table buzzed with excitement as diners embraced the challenge of relying on every sense but sight.
“It’s incredible how the flavours become more distinct while in the dark. Compliments to Chef Raphael! This is an adventure that I shall carry with me for a very long time,” remarked one attendee.
As the starters progressed, diners were treated to fresh prawns and beef, topped with a creamy sauce that was nothing short of indulgent.
However, the undeniable highlight was the grilled marinated fillet steak with mushrooms and fried plantain fritters. This local delicacy, with its crunchy exterior and soft succulent centre, was made unforgettable by Chef Raphael’s secret technique of incorporating sparkling water into the coating, giving it a light yet satisfying texture.
Christine Kyokunda, The Singleton Brand Manager, shared a few words of appreciation with the guests, saying, “Dinner in the Dark aligns perfectly with what our brand. The Singleton stands for, which is savouring life’s finest moments. It’s about celebrating these moments and also taking the time to appreciate the depth and complexity of all these flavours, and tonight, we achieved exactly that.”
“Tonight was apowerful way to walk in the shoes of the visually impaired. By momentarily setting aside the sense of sight, we gain a deeper appreciation for the other senses and for the challenges faced by the blind,” said Edward Olumola, the event organizer.
Dinner in the Dark also served a noble purpose, with proceeds to be donated to the Association of the Blind Uganda. This support event highlighted the often-overlooked aspect of dining for the visually impaired, who miss out on the visual presentation of food but experience it in other profound ways. Guests not only left with satisfied palates, but also with a renewed perspective on the sensory experience of food, as well as deeper empathy for the blind community.
