I work at a fine dining steak house in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. For those of you who do not know much about "The Valley", let me give you some in sight. There is a whole other breed of people who live here. It is hard to pin point their specific characteristics, but I often hear, "well, it is the valley," as an excuse for things. People are rude, inconsiderate, and think they deserve more than they ever are willing to work for. Do not get me wrong, I have met wonderful people here, but that is the stereotype give to this group. That stated, what I am about to say goes for anywhere, but my experience is here.
When I go out to dinner, I take it as an opportunity to get dressed up. It is in respect for the restaurant and its chef, an art for which I have a lot of respect, and it is fun. I have previously stated my disappointment in the casual style of dress in LA, but I get particularly irritated at what some people wear to dinner these days. The discussion came up at my work last night, and I was ensured I do not stand alone in my ideas. Here are a few pointers that may help you, or you can use to help others, when it comes to eating out attire.
- Hats in a restaurant are not cool. This is an old fashion rule, but common courtesy has always been to remove your hat when you walk inside somewhere you are being hosted. This is especially true for beanies, baseball hats, and stocking caps. Once again children can get away with fashionable hats, and I know women's fedoras and cabbies are in trend, but nine times out of ten, it is not okay.
- Shorts are not an option. It is never so hot in a fine dining restaurant that you require shorts. Even at my restaurant where the plates are five hundred degrees. In the valley heat of one hundred and ten degree summers, I still wear pants, a button up dress shirt, a vest, and a tie to look professional for you. Trust me, it gets hot while I run several miles a night, and you relax with your beverage of choice.
- Flip. Flops. Are. A. No. All the time, forever and ever, not okay. End of story.
The manner in which you conduct yourself is a whole other issue, and there are many rules that apply there, but this is a fashion blog, so I will just discuss the topic at hand. But I will say, be nice to your servers, their assistants, the managers, the hosts, anyone who comes in contact with you. They all work harder than you can imagine to make you happy. And please tip appropriately, 20%, especially when you can afford a $40.
PS: This is what I wore today.
Tee Shirt: Club Monaco
Jeans: Paige Denim
Sandals: Banana Republic
Leopard Headband: bebe
Aviators: bebe
