I wish that I could recommend O. Noir, I really do. Eating in the dark-- experiencing what it's like to eat at a restaurant as a blind person-- is an amazing concept, and I love the fact that 5% of their profits to go charity, not to mention that they employ many blind people, who don't always find it easy to get a job. But the fact is that although the food was excellent (we chose the surprise plate, which turned out to be a succulent filet mignon, perfect mashed potatoes and well, some rather boring unidentifiable vegetable), the atmosphere was absolutely horrible.

The first thing my boyfriend and I were confused about was that the waitress seated us side by side at the table, even though it was just the two of us. I then relized that our table was pushed right up against the wall-- I had my boyfriend on my right and the wall on my left, leaving me with no room whatsoever to maneuver. I guess sitting us side by side was a good thing though, because we'd never have been able to hear each other over all the yelling if we were across from each other.

Yes, that's right; I said yelling. And not just the usual rowdiness you'd expect from a few immature losers taking advantage of the fact that they can't be identified; two whole tables of at least ten people each were yelling at the top of their lungs, and several times they broke into a chorus of "Who let the dogs out". Seriously.

Now, I know this isn't the restaurant owner's or manager's fault, but the fact is, my boyfriend and I are students and it's rare that we get to go out for dinner somewhere and spend close to a hundred bucks. For that price, I expect the respect of having patrons who are out of control and rude and ruining the night for everyone else, to be asked to leave. O. Noir failed in that respect, which is why I won't return.

It was a great experience, the food was good, and I was surprised that I could eat my bread and butter with the help of a knife, reach easily for my wine, eat my filet mignon and vegetables with fork and knife, and finish my dessert easily. The service was excellent, the atmosphere exotic though a little noisy from some close by tables.
For the first time in my life I finish all my plates, probably just concentrating on the food and flavoring the taste.
I recommend it to anyone who like good food and some adventure.