David Burke Invites Guests To Blindfolded 'Dinners In The Dark'

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Looking to spice up your summer?

Monmouth County celeb chef David Burke's "Dinner in the Dark" series is offered Wednesday night at Red Horse in Rumson, July 28 at The Goat in Union Beach, and returns Aug. 9 to Red Horse.

Diners sit completely blindfolded as they are guided by Burke on a five-course meal. Burke and his team steer patrons through a five-course "secret" menu paired with one signature cocktail, one glass of champagne and wines from notable regions.

One recent guest was Casey Webb, host of "Man vs. Food" on the Cooking Channel.

“Often, we are consumed by the surroundings and chatter at a restaurant. But when one of your senses is taken away you must tune into the others," said Webb, who happens to be Burke’s neighbor in Atlantic Highlands.

"The energy in the room at Red Horse was fun, playful, intimate, very social. We were all in the same boat, with David steering the ship. We couldn’t see our food or beverages, but we knew it was all going to be great.”

The first three "Dinners in the Dark" that Burke hosted were all sell-outs, said Burke.

Burke also has future plans to add a “blind date” Dinner in the Dark.

Upcoming dates:

• July 12: 6:15 pm Dinner in the Dark at Red Horse in Rumson: Upscale, Asian-accented steakhouse $100++ Per person

Ticket purchase link https://redhorsebydb.com/event/7-12-dinner-in-the-dark-with-chef-david-burke/

• July 28: 6:15 p.m. Dinner in the Dark at THE GOAT in Union Beach: Italian-American bistro $85++ Per person

Ticket purchase link: https://thegoatbydb.com/event/...

• Aug. 9: 6:15 p.m. Dinner in the Dark at Red Horse Maximum seating: 15 people $100 per person

Ticket purchase link: https://redhorsebydb.com/event/8-9-dinner-in-the-dark-with-chef-david-burke/

*Please note the menu is subject to change and there will be no substitutions.

In 2003, Burke was named one of the “Top 50 R&D Culinarians” by Nations Restaurant News and “Culinary Prankster” by Time Out New York. Two decades later, he says he is still playing with his food and pushing the boundaries of the dining experience.