The Official-ish DC Thread

[hpreston]

Likely a niche thing as the old days won't be coming back. But, still...appreciated.

Leave the Sweatshirt at Home. Dining Dress Codes Are Back.

A number of restaurants are betting that Americans want to get gussied up again, but not everyone is thrilled about the fashion screening.

www.nytimes.com

Any spot that bans shorts and flip flops is fine by me.

I can't read the article as I have reached my limit of free articles (odd, since I don't recall reading any NYT online articles in quite a while, but that's a different thread...)

But, in general, I agree with the sentiment, and completely concur with @bry2000, shorts a flip flops have their place but not in many restaurants. Bring back some sort of dress code.

Brings to mind an older article from B'more Magazine
https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/fooddrink/fine-dining-gets-dressed-down/

Two things to note, not long before The Prime Rib changed their dress code, my wife and I were eating there (semi casual, no tie, at the bar) and it was mid summer. After the main course, I took off my jacket, and hung it on the back on the barstool. The maître de came over and very smoothly picked up my jacket, said something along the lines of, "let me help you put this on" then assisted in donning the jacket, no muss, no fuss, just a gentle reminder.

Secondly, Ken Himmelstein, quoted in the article
"Nattily dressed Prime Rib regular Ken Himmelstein mourns, but grudgingly accepts, the shift in attitude. “I am admittedly old school,” says Himmelstein, who owns Samuel Parker Clothier, an upscale haberdashery. “But I think there is a time and a place for everything.” is a good friend. he closed his shop in 2017, but maintains a small private MTO/MTM business out of his house.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Wedding guests dress up for a wedding without being told to do so out of respect for the couple getting married. The situation is not identical, but it seems that diners should go to a nice restaurant looking presentable out of respect for their fellow diners and the ambiance the restaurant is trying to create.

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

I dunno man, life's too short for anachronistic rules. If you want to eat a $65 porterhouse in jorts I say have at it. I'll be sitting here smugly spilling bourdelaise sauce on a Drake's tie.

 

[lordsuperb]

I dunno man, life's too short for anachronistic rules. If you want to eat a $65 porterhouse in jorts I say have at it. I'll be sitting here smugly spilling bourdelaise sauce on a Drake's tie.

Agreed

 

[smittycl]

I dunno man, life's too short for anachronistic rules. If you want to eat a $65 porterhouse in jorts I say have at it. I'll be sitting here smugly spilling bourdelaise sauce on a Drake's tie.

Agreed

I dunno. I really hate being somewhere nice with folks dressed like slobs. No need for black tie but just trying to look presentable is basic politeness. I greatly prefer the European mindset in this regard.

 

[mak1277]

If restaurants are going to take a stand, I’d prefer they start by banning children under 10. Kids are much more annoying than people dressed poorly.

 

[TheSuitBurnsBetter]

I dunno. I really hate being somewhere nice with folks dressed like slobs. No need for black tie but just trying to look presentable is basic politeness. I greatly prefer the European mindset in this regard.

I was in Madrid last week and went to a fairly upscale restaurant called Kuche wearing navy linen trousers, suede loafers, a chambray button down, but no jacket. I think I was more dressed up than most people there? Definitely saw some jeans. The pulpo and the basque cheesecake were divine.

 

[smittycl]

I was in Madrid last week and went to a fairly upscale restaurant called Kuche wearing navy linen trousers, suede loafers, a chambray button down, but no jacket. I think I was more dressed up than most people there? Definitely saw some jeans. The pulpo and the basque cheesecake were divine.

I'll be in London in two weeks and will report my sartorial findings.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Well I think we know two DC-area residents we won't be inviting to the next meetup. I kid, I kid.

 

[smittycl]

Well I think we know two DC-area residents we won't be inviting to the next meetup. I kid, I kid.

Our upcoming Brioni-only meet up?

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

I was in Madrid last week and went to a fairly upscale restaurant called Kuche wearing navy linen trousers, suede loafers, a chambray button down, but no jacket. I think I was more dressed up than most people there? Definitely saw some jeans. The pulpo and the basque cheesecake were divine.

By inappropriate dress, I am thinking of shorts and flip-flops at a Michelin-starred restaurant. If The Inn at Little Washington tolerates that attire, all hope is lost.

 

[lordsuperb]

I'll be in London in two weeks and will report my sartorial findings.

Be sure to check out the old and new arsenal stadiums.

 

[smittycl]

Be sure to check out the old and new arsenal stadiums.

Was hoping for a soccer match but Premier League ends shortly. Not sure wifey would want to go anyway. Heading over for a retirement party for my last close friend still on active duty.

 

[smittycl]

Okay, off crutches and back on bike. Allergies or head cold made me too symptomatic to be at work freaking out coworkers. Beautiful day for a long ride and lunch at Eastern Market.

 

[bicycleradical]

Our upcoming Brioni-only meet up?

I can't afford Brioni so I'm out