Sometimes we’re all susceptible to living life on autopilot.
But what are we missing out on?
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Had I really looked at her at all?
My bodythrough my senseswas my essential connection to the world and to other people.
Twice weekly, the downtown restaurant Abigail’s Kitchen offers a dinner where guests sit blindfolded throughout a meal.
“Without sight, diners' other senses are heightened,” the website promises.
“Smells, texture, and sounds all become more intense.”
“Are you going to eat carbs, Mom?”
“I’m going to eat whatever we’re served.
Bring it on!”
I tried to imagine my surroundings.
(All completely inaccurate, I later discovered.)
Then the servers gathered the washcloths, and the meal began.
With our masks on, we really heard how much noise we made as we crunched.
Next was cold soup, served in a cupdelicious.
We guessed that it was tomato with basil.
The next course of cold pasta salad, with beets and goat cheese, was easier to identify.
“Do you think people sneak peeks during the dinner?”
“Oh, absolutely.”
“I’m having trouble cutting the food and getting it into my mouth,” I said.
“Are either of you finding it hard to get anything on your fork?”
“Me, too,” said Eliza.
“I’ve been using my hands a bit,” I admitted.
“Now we know why we needed those washcloths.”
“It doesn’t matter, no one can see you,” Jamie said.
“The servers can see!”
“Don’t be gross!”
After her explanation, we all applauded, and the evening was over.
The dinner had been a terrific exercise in my sense of taste.
I was far more aware of the different ingredients and spices that contributed to each dish.
The evening also turned out to be an exercise in other senses, as well.
Also, I kept reaching out to touch them both, as a way to stay oriented.
Best of all, the evening wasfunan elevated version of my own taste party.
Jamie, Eliza, and I had a great time on an unusual adventure.
For me, while the mystery was fun, my wariness distracted me from enjoying my sense of taste.
“That’s a good idea,” Eliza said.
“I’m going to give a shot to do that, too.”
The more we notice, the more we can enjoy.
