Dining In Dc – Food and Restaurant Blog

Sensorium costumes. Photo by Lisa Shapiro

With a Master’s degree in educational psychology & statistics, Bryon Brown‘s interest was piqued by memory recall, or the lack thereof. Research in the area of memory recall indicated that food memories are the quickest to fade compared to any other, such as sight, sound, or smell.  Brown believed that if he could combine multiple sensory stimuli, it would create a longer lasting taste memory. Brown says, “The goal is to create strong visual memories that are directly linked to your taste buds.” Brown credits the influence of José Andrés due his  staging opportunity at Minibar, known internationally for its avant-garde molecular gastronomy said “he taught me to look at how we experience food.” His experience inspired him to found Artisa Kitchen, a nomadic underground supper club, in January 2010 where guests would only be given a time and location; the menu remained a secret until they arrived.  After hosting 700 guests in various local art galleries around town, the idea for Sensorium emerged. He says that hosting the monthly supper club dinners in the “visually provocative” settings inspired the idea to create an “ecosystem for your senses”. He said that people love the intimacy of the experience and he wanted to recreate the experience – but add the element of theater.

Sensorium, the first “culinary production” of its kind in the nation’s capital, combines a 12-course meal designed to enliven the senses, paired with wine and a theatrical performance, including costumes, lighting, and music (click the link to see Bisnow’s video montage by Jessica Sidman). Each course is accompanied by an intertwined vignette designed to be an extension of the presentations on the plate.

The Yards.

Even more theoretical is the setting for this production. A 36-foot geodesic dome, a structure made of interconnecting triangles, will be constructed on the east lawn of Yards Park, located just south of Capitol Hill and a few blocks from the National’s Park stadium. (The entrances to the The Yards Park are located at 3rd and 4th Streets, SE and at Water Street, SE which is two blocks south of M Street, SE.) Materials to begin building the large geodesic dome for Senorium arrive March 31st and this a terraced riverfront will surely come to life.

Sensorium's Cloud 9 Salmon Salad. Photo by Lisa Shapiro

I had the opportunity to preview the performance and try a few courses, similar to what would be offered at the at the actual performance, including dancing, singing, lighting and costumes galore. It was truly a unique experience. The most memorable was one of the first courses. No, not the gel-encapsulated liquid that looks like an egg yolk that with added pop rocks tasted like a mimosa (I’m totally serious) … the one after,’The Cloud 9 Salmon Salad,’ which truly was heavenly. It looked like something that was truly out of this world. The dried ice resembled a cloud and was topped with three types of salmon roe, dehydrated pulled pork, and greens, including an edible flower.  It’s like going to a 3D movie, you keep looking around the room for comfort. You have no idea what’s coming next! Bryon Brown insists that food memories fade but I still remember the taste of the deliciously delicate and tender twice brined duck and the ice cream trio with pistachio, lemon and apricot. I could eat a whole jar of that honey nut accompaniment.

Sensorium's Miracle Fruit. Photo by Lisa Shapiro

For your final course, the sensory overload is far from over. You’re presented with a “miracle pill”. If you’ve never heard of flavor tripping, this is your crash course. While the concentrated African berry dissolves on your tongue, you’re presented with three pieces of citrus on a plate.  Expect the unexpected when you place the lemon wedge in your mouth. You’ll just have to wait and see! (No spoilers here!) Expect to laugh, be confused and intrigued all at the same time!  This unique dining experience at Sensorium is not to be missed! Sensorium truly enlivens your senses and creates a long-lasting food memory, never to be forgotten.

Sensorium, the most dramatic pop-up restaurant DC has ever seen, will open for business on April 12th, and feature two seatings per night (from Tuesday-Sunday for six weeks through May 22nd. Reservations are required as each show is designed for only 30 guests per seating. Seatings: Tuesday-Sunday evenings, with two seating times: 6 PM and 9 PM Sunday-Thursday; 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $125 per person for April 12-13 performances, and $150 for every one following.

For more info: ‘Like’ Sensorium on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter: @DCSupperClub