Restaurant Review: Chicago Loop’s About Last Knife opts for ‘Dining in the Dark’
It’s said that you eat with your eyes first.
However, in Chicago’s Loop, the Arlo Hotel chain’s cutely monikered restaurant About Last Knife, (aka, ALK) serving American bistro fare from breakfast to late-night, is turningthat saying upside down with their twice monthly ‘Dining in the Dark’ dinner service.
In August, the prix-fixe meals are scheduled for Saturday, August 10 and August 24 from 6pm to 10pm in two seatings.
Wait ..I can’t see what I’m eating?
As the website says, this culinary journey begins in an intimate atmosphere, where guests are blindfolded and senses awakened as you take in the tastes and aromas of the top-secret three-course menu and explore new flavors in a way they’ve never experienced before.
As you reserve your seats, you select a Red (meat), at which they promise: “A starter (that is) crispy gift packed to the brim with flavors. A main course (consisting of a) combination of sweet and savory that will make your mind spin, and a dessert (made with) flavors you know and love presented in surprising textures.”
Their Blue (seafood) starter promised that “land and sea unite on your plate, and that the main course will include tropical flavors washed up on the shore, giving the ocean a crisp, fruity spark of flavor, and finally, a dessert of flavors you know and love presented in surprising textures.”
Finally, the Green (vegan) starter promises soft and crispy com(ing) together in fresh, delightful bites. In the main course, “Its strong flavors will catch your senses by surprise. Dessert is provided by Mother Nature’s greatest gifts.”
After purchasing your tickets, you need to indicate any dietary requirements using the form provided – this is mandatory.
For reservations, click here.
The Experience
On the night of your Dining in the Dark experience, you are blindfolded and whisked away into complete darkness, disconnected from social media and distractions, and set to “embrace the present moment and foster meaningful connections with the people and food around them.”
Reservation times include first seating from 6-7:30 p.m. and second seating from 8:30-10 p.m.
NOTE: Tips and drinks are not included in ticket purchases, and every guest is required to pay a $10 food gratuity at the end of the experience. Beverages consumed are an additional cost and are subject to 20% gratuity.
Many who have tried it really, really liked it. As one reviewer on their website said, “It was an amazing experience. Somehow I was able to share my dish with my wife even blindfolded. I highly recommend it.”
At other times, the restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as a late-night kitchen. You can try a juicy ALK Burger, made with house-ground beef and topped with sautéed mushrooms, fried onion, white cheddar, and pickles, served with fries. Or an ‘English,’ with ham and hollandaise sauce. Their Chicken Sandwich has a Boursin spread, buttermilk batter chicken breast, dill pickle, apple slaw, and bleu cheese. Start your day with a Bruschetta Egg Toast with pesto, mozzarella, tomato, arugula, and country bread. Chicken and Waffles feature an herbed waffle, buttermilk fried chicken, country gravy, and a fried egg. Avocado and Heirloom Tomato Toast comes with poached eggs, radish, and chives.
Arlo Chicago is located at 168 N. Michigan Avenue. Besides their Dining in the Dark menu, they are open daily from 7am – 11pm. Their kitchen closes at 10pm. Their ‘Lucky Hour’ is Monday–Friday from 3pm – 7pm. For reservations and information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
