DFD'ing....

Finally and at last, as the memorable lunch in the Hay Adams fades a bit (but never will be forgotten), we can get to the DFD matter. Alert readers will remember the genesis of my campaign to “Dress For Dinner” arose from a meal in Leonardtown where we were forced to share our anniversary dinner with a party in cut-offs and ball caps that remained affixed to their head throughout the meal. Since then, I have tried to wage a campaign to dress appropriately for the establishment you are in. Flip Flops? Fine in the Tiki Bar, not a fine dining restaurant. Ball caps? Well, I would say never unless you’re outside. Honor the food.

Anyway, over the years while I waged my campaign, there is no doubt that so-called "casual" dress has gained traction, as you see less formal dress in more fine dining establishments. When is the last time you actually wore a tie to dinner? All I ask is try to dress appropriately and tastefully (yes, that’s a subjective term) for the place you are in.

Afraid of “howling in the wilderness” on the subject, I was pleased to see an article in the latest (October) issue of Baltimore magazine entitled “No Jacket Required” which led off with a story from the venerable Baltimore restaurant The Prime Rib. They have finally taped a notice to the host stand that says “We fought the battle the longest, but we surrender”. After 50 years, the restaurant has switched to business casual. They admit that they are a business first, and they were losing business because of their jacket requirement. The story then goes on to talk about how over the years, people have eschewed “dressing up” to go out to a fine dining restaurant. I suppose it reflects the trend to be comfortable over being nicely dressed (not that they are mutually exclusive). They point out that it’s somewhat generational, quoting a former Wall Street Journal fashion reporter: “..the younger generation just doesn’t know any better, they were brought up during the dot com heyday of flip flops and T-shirts. In an era where accomplished men like Bill Gates didn’t have to dress for success (DFS?) to be a success”.

They also quote the owner of a (fine) men's clothing store recounting an experience in the Capitol Grille where the table next to him was occupied by “well dressed women, eating with “mature men” dressed in Raven’s jerseys, shorts, and – gasp – Flip Flops!” He goes on to say it offended him: “I don’t want to see guy’s legs and I surely don’t want to see their feet when I’m ordering a $100 bottle of wine". Exactly. Right on.

Well, you get the picture. When I first started, lo these many years ago, enjoying and writing about food, I used to hear the term “dining experience” and think it was sort of affected. Well, I have now come to understand (welcome to the party, Feeder) what that really means. It’s not just what’s on your plate, although that is a huge part, it’s from the time you walk in the door till you walk out the door: décor, table settings, how you’re first greeted (PLEASE without Hi I’m…another rant), service of course, and the food and wine. For want of a better term, things should be in harmony. Casual place? Fine, a nice pair of slacks and a tab or button down shirt. Waterfront Crab House? Bring on the football jerseys. But please when you’re at a “fine dining” establishment honor the food and fellow diners by wearing clothing commensurate with your surroundings. It is, in fact NOT all about YOU. Be respectful of others, the effort it takes to create a fine meal, and continue to

DFD