Dinner Lab: My kind of experiment

And yet, last Friday night I went to Charlotte Dinner Lab and realized that there are some experiments I can get down with. This is one of them.

Dinner Lab is a “social dining experiment that unites undiscovered chefs with adventurous diners who are looking for something different from the conventional restaurant experience. [Their] events bring together a group of interesting strangers around a common table to share cuisine crafted by up-and-coming chefs from all over the country.” Cool venue? Check. Engaging conversation? Check. Innovative chefs? Check.

Count me in.

Dinner Lab’s mission is two-fold:

(1) Diners from around Charlotte come together to break really good bread, (or if bread isn’t on the menu, other really good food), enjoy each other’s company, and support chefs in our area.

(2) Chefs, (some more experienced than others), have a chance to test menu items they may be considering for new restaurants or other food ventures. They experiment, knowing that those who are eating are willing guinea pigs and will be honest about the food and experience on their comment cards.

My hubby and I had the distinct pleasure of joining our friends James and Leah for dinner on Friday night as their guests. James told us that the first dinner was on him; we could decide after that night whether or not we’d like to join.

Because that’s the thing about Dinner Lab – it’s a club.

Here’s how it works:

• Members pay an annual fee of $125 dollars.
• Members then receive emails, typically once a month, about when the next dinner will be, who the chefs are, and what the menu will be.
• Members purchase tickets based on whether or not they feel it’s a dinner they’ll enjoy.
• Tickets cost $60/member and $70/guest. Members may invite up to two guests per event.
• Typically emails are sent about three weeks prior to the event. Event locations are never revealed until 24 hours before the event because according to Dinner Lab, “like Christmas, some things are better left a surprise.” (Love this!)

• Members are asked to arrive on-time to events. Upon arrival they check in, get the lay of the land, and grab a drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available and part of the overall cost. So, drink up!)
• After that it’s dinner and grading. That’s right, your missions at Dinner Lab are to eat and rate. Each diner is given a comment card to be filled out based on the food and overall dining experience.

So, why join Dinner Lab when you can eat out anywhere else, probably for cheaper, and get to choose exactly what you want to eat, rather than eating from a set menu?

Because sometimes it’s good to get out of our comfort zones. And it’s good to meet new people. And it’s good to support those people who are trying to do something new and original in our city.

Some notes before you go:

If you’re feeling like Dinner Lab sounds cool, but you have specific dietary restrictions that you fear may leave you out of the club, fear not…well, not entirely, at least. Dinner Lab does its best to meet the needs of diners. At our meal last Friday, I was able to enjoy one course that originally included raw fish, for which they grilled mine. (#pregnancy). Another dish originally included hazelnut milk and tree nuts, but they prepared one sans nuts just for me. (#treenutallergy).

As of today, Charlotte averages one event per month, so about twelve each year. However, the more members that join in a given city, the more frequently events will take place in order to meet the demands of members.

Finally, a friendly recommendation from a friend of mine who is also a member of Dinner Lab. “I recommend dinner lab to my friends that are married guys like me because it reminds you to take your wife on a date each month.” (Thanks, Chris.) I figure whether you’re married, dating, or single, take a chance, and get out there.

So, there you have it: the chance to be bold, to try something new, and to get to know and support others in our community. What could be better than that?

Now, take a moment, sign up, and I’ll see you next month!