Sensory dining experience in the dark coming to Downtown Fort Myers for one night only

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Dinner is about to look a little different in Downtown Fort Myers.

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On Sunday, July 19, local veteran and woman-owned culinary business Gabriel's International Bakery & Cuisine is hosting Island Seduction: Taste in the Dark, an immersive dining experience that asks guests to do something unusual: leave their sense of sight behind.

Created by Chef Aqueelah James, the evening features a four-course Caribbean and Latin fusion menu served as part of a guided blindfolded tasting experience. Without relying on sight, guests are encouraged to focus on flavor, aroma and texture while sharing the experience with their partner. 

Relationship coach, Heather Richards says experiences like this are unique but necessary, " It can help connection. IT also helps enhance that connection you already have and adds something new and fun into an existing or brand new relationship."

Dr. Richards recommends this for all kinds of couples, no longer how long you've been together, " You get to step away from social media and a sensory experience can help awaken other intimate things between the couple."

The intimate event is limited to just 18 couples and is designed as a romantic summer date night. Along with the chef-curated menu, guests can expect candlelit ambiance, Caribbean-inspired music and an elegant tropical atmosphere. Chef AJ hopes this experience will bring not only new flavors but a new experience to people, " I've done the blind folding with couples in other states and I wanted to bring this experience to Southwest Florida. This is the first time I'm doing it based on our culture."

Chef AJ is a U.S. military veteran whose business specializes in Caribbean and Latin fusion cuisine, catering, private chef experiences, and artisan baked goods throughout Southwest Florida. 

Beyond offering a unique culinary adventure, the event also gives back to the community. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Naples Cancer Advisors, a Southwest Florida nonprofit that provides free oncology consultations, second opinions, care coordination and other support services for cancer patients and their families.

The event adds another distinctive experience to Downtown Fort Myers' growing culinary scene, offering residents and visitors a chance to try something well beyond a traditional dinner reservation.

Island Seduction: Taste in the Dark begins at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. The private Fort Myers location will be shared with confirmed guests after registration, and seating is limited: https://www.gibctreats.com/event-list