Diners put on blindfolds before going into the restaurant. Out of the ordinary, but just what they signed up for with the "Dark Dining" event at Camaje in Greenwich Village.

Guests are literally led to their tables. They won't see a thing through the four course meal and wine pairings, but will have to rely on taste, smell and other senses to experience dinner in a new way.

"I have no idea what to expect, other than I may spill something,” said one diner.

Creative Director Dana Salisbury says people usually warm up quickly and change with their eyes closed.

"They pay more attention to other things,” says Salisbury. “They're more aware of their bodies and three dimension. They get giggly.”

Guests aren't told the menu in advance but can make dietary needs known. Served on this night, a starter with skewered garlic shrimp, fun to feel and find on the plate, followed by a wild mushroom risotto, hanger steak and potentially messy molten chocolate cake.

Chef Abigail Hitchcock says with no points for presentation, she focuses on the smell and feel of the food.

“If I do a soup, I’m not going to just give them a creamy soup. I’ll put something in there that's going to add texture and something particularly aromatic,” says Hitchcock. “We've had someone convinced they've had chicken and it was halibut. So its just one of those funny things where you often think your so good at something but you're still tricked.”

Between courses, diners take in artistic performances such as the booming sounds of the cello.

And if you're wondering about one tricky situation...

“If people need to go to the bathroom, they just signal one of us. There are plenty of us around that are not blindfolded,” says Salisbury. “And we lead them to the bathroom.”

At the end of the evening, guests are guided back outside and the mystery of the menu is revealed.

Dark Dining cost $75 per person. For information on upcoming events log onto www.darkdiningprojects.com.

As for Camaje's regular services, the Zagat Guide gives the bistro a 21 out of 30 for food, a 15 for dŽcor and a 17 for service. It says an average meal costs $34 bucks a head.