In today’s busy, oftentimes frantic and noisy world, eating in silence is usually thought of as something to be experienced on a retreat of some sort or in a monastery somewhere. And eating in such a manner is usually regarded as difficult to imagine and a bit weird: who, after all, wants to feel restricted, limited and uncomfortable while eating a meal? In Brooklyn’s trendy Greenpoint neighborhood, at a restaurant called Eat, the head chef and the owner have created an opportunity for patrons who wish to really taste their food and savor the experience of a meal. During a trip to India, head chef Nicholas Nauman, spent time with Buddhist monks who eat their breakfast in silence, exchanging no words. He decided to bring his learning and appreciation of truly mindful eating back to the U.S. Now, according to Jordan Colón, the owner of Eat, folks can partake in a silent dining experience that otherwise may not be an option. Occasionally, the restaurant offers silent meals to people who choose to experience eating in silence. As Chef Nauman says: “It’s just an opportunity to enjoy food in a way you might not have otherwise”, while commenting on the “strong energy in the room.”

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