Halloween Celebrations for Foodies

For most people, Halloween is all about the costumes and candy.  But for us?  Well, it should come as no surprise, but we spend the holiday in pursuit of especially celebratory food.  And this year, there’s no shortage of fantastically festive options, from a spooky (and delicious) dinner in the dark at Camaje and a creepy “Dante’s Inferno” feast at Louro to a Day of the Dead extravaganza at Sueños and a ghostly goat supper at Parish Hall!

Halloween Dark Dining at Camaje
Address: 85 MacDougal St., at Bleeker St.
Phone: (212) 673-8184
Website: camaje.com
There’s already something undeniably eerie about dining in the dark.  A roomful of guests in black masks, deprived of one of their most vital senses.  Faceless waiters setting down plates of unseen food, instructing patrons on when to lift a fork, or when to take a bite, then leaving them to identify a mysterious progression of dishes from taste and texture alone.  Such events actually happen once a month at the West Village bistro, Camaje, so just imagine what they’ve got up their sleeve for Halloween. Admission to their October 31st “Deathly Dark Halloween Duo” starts with an Experiential Cocktail Party, with blindfolded tastings of fine wines, hors d’oeuvres and sweets.  You’ll then be led out to the street to enjoy the Halloween parade before returning to Camaje for a three-course feast.

Louro’s Dante’s Inferno Dinner
Address: 142 W 10th St., btwn Waverly Pl. & Greenwich Ave.
Phone: (212) 206-0606
Website: www.louronyc.com
In addition to overseeing a full-fledged restaurant, chef David Santos transforms his West Village space into a supper club each Monday, featuring fun, themed dinners and you can bet that he’s going all out for Halloween this year.  Check out the “Dante’s Inferno” feast on October 28th, with eight great courses (for only $65 per person mind you!), inspired by classic scary books.  Frighteningly clever dishes include Lamb Salad with Favas and Chianti Reduction from “The Silence of the Lambs,” Mako Shark Chowder from “Jaws,” Housemade Orecchiette 
with Roasted Garlic Cream from “Dracula,” Pig Head
 Smoked Tomato Soup from “Lord of the Flies,” and Baby
 Veal Chop
 with Ash-cooked Onions and Rosemary Jus from “Rosemary’s Baby.”

Parish Hall’s Wholly Goat Event
Address: 109A N 3rd St., btwn Berry St. & Wythe Ave.
Phone: (718) 782-2602
Website: brownpapertickets.com
In honor of Heritage Foods USA‘s “Goatober” (an effort to raise awareness in America about the sustainability of goat meat), the eco-conscious Brooklyn eatery, Parish Hall, is holding a dedicated dinner on the “goatliest” night of the year.  Instead of eating candied apples and chocolate bars on October 31st, tuck into five courses all revolving around the world’s most popular protein, from Housemade Goat Sausage with Pear and Delicata Squash to Goat Tartin with Arugula, Horseradish Mayonnaise and Weston Wheel cheese, and Roasted Leg of Goat.  And because it is Halloween, after all, expect a few more spooky surprises!

Sueños’ Day of the Dead Dinner
Address: 311 W 17th St., btwn 8th & 9th Aves.
Phone: (212) 388-1990
Website: suenosnyc.com
Looking to make your macabre celebrations last beyond Halloween?  Check out Sueños, Sue Torres’ lively Mexican restaurant in Chelsea.  They’re holding Day of the Dead festivities (the traditional Mexican holiday honoring the dead), from October 30th through November 3rd this year.  Start with drink specials, like a Local Pear Habanero Margarita or Hot Toddy with Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal, followed by Mayan Head-on Shrimp with Pumpkin Seed Mole, Banana Leaf-Steamed Red Snapper with Achiote and Sweet Plantains, and the customary Pan de Muertos, a Spanish sweet roll, served with Candied Pumpkin Seed Brittle and Chocolate Atole.