There was magic in the air and on the floor. By the final trick, magic was pretty much everywhere at Taj Campton Place in San Francisco.
The Magic Table is the newest luxurious five-course meal to burst on scene of immersive dining experiences. The event is handcrafted by Thommy Ten and Amélie van Tass, known worldwide as The Clairvoyants of “America’s Got Talent” fame.
Diners at the historic 1909 landmark hotel are encouraged to don magic top hats and colorful capes to help set the scene for a night of illusion. As the approach is made into the darkened dining hall, visitors are greeted by projections of the magical duo. Each table is equipped with a projector mounted to the ceiling, illuminating the table, divided into four settings with a curious envelope sporting a winged key playfully dancing on a projected message. “Do not open,” it read, for that surprise was for after the appetizer course.
Diners pick out their magic attire before experiencing The Magic Table in San Francisco. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald)
Thommy Ten appeared in person to greet the guests. Even though he stated the night was not about him, he did take some time to perform a floating table illusion with an unsuspecting diner before taking a seat to enjoy the meal himself.
Following an introduction to the world of magic, a multi-colored grid covered with buttons holding magic symbols was illuminated on the table. Instructions were given to randomly choose any symbol on the grid and place your finger on it. Through a series of instructions, each diner is then asked to meticulously move their finger around the grid, eliminating colors and symbols with the final symbol, most likely a mathematical probability, ending in a similar conclusion.
With the warm-up trick out of the way, it’s time for the budding magicians to move on to the first course. For those experiencing the Grand Illusion menu (carrying a price tag of $170), a Mystic Tuna Crudo with compressed cucumber, fish roe, wasabi fraiche, crispy rice, and micro cress with chive oil was first to materialize. Some famished prestidigitators made the apptezier disappear practically instantly, while others savored the wine over the seafood. A vegetarian option was also available, along with a less pricey young magician menu.
As the skill level of the amateur magicians grew, the dinner – created by Chef Thomas George – is brought to life through 3D storytelling and interactive magic. From proper hand placement and Spiced Pear Royal (a salad consisting of wine-poached pears, endives, French radish, baby heirloom greens, goat cheese mousse, Yuzu, and pomegranate) to discovering what type of magician lives within, paired with Magician’s Circle: Steak Au Poivre(an Angus fillet mignon with pomme purée, glazed asparagus, and a green pepper sauce).
Magician’s Circle: Steak Au Poivre: an Angus fillet mignon with pomme purée, glazed asparagus and a green pepper sauce. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald)
At the end of the night, after a decadent chocolate dome dessert, the experience is capped with one final feat of amazement. However, a good magician knows you never reveal your tricks. So we will just say it’s best described by Katy Perry.
“Baby, you’re a fireworkCome on, let your colors burstMake ’em go, “Oh, oh, oh.”You’re gonna leave ’em all in awe, awe, awe.”
There are other immersive dining experiences, like 7 Paintings in Mountain View or Le Petit Chef, also in San Francisco, but no other offers the unique take on magic that will have you leaving the venue eager to show off your latest abracadabra.
For more information on the Magic Table dinner experience, visit themagictable.com.
Diners experience their first interactive magic experience during The Magic Table in San Francisco. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald)