Dressing for dinner in Italy?
Mar 3rd, 2007, 01:11 PM
#41
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Yes, 2Italy-you're quite right. Why WOULD one go to overly expensive, rip-off restaurants in Italy when you can so pleasantly dine at half or a third of the price at wonderful osterie/trattorie that cater to a more local clientele? Don't know. As for Cantinetta Antinori-I do know about that. It is not an "upscale wine bar"- the Antinori family, the winemakers, have those, too, but the "Cantinetta Antinori" restaurants are the "restaurants" part of the Antinori empire, a chain, really-the main one in Florence, but also ones in Zurich and in Vienna. I have been to the one in Vienna (which is just off Kaertner Strasse, very close to St. Stephan's, in case anyone is interested) and it is an upscale restaurant-but IMO, it costs too much for what you can get elsewhere for less (and I only went there in Vienna, 'cause I don't do the schnitzel thing, and it was close to where we happened to be at dinnertime). Just like "La Giostra" in Florence-another overpriced, caters-to-the-more upscale-tourist crowd-restaurant, good food, yes, I guess, but I lived down the street on the Borgo Pinti, and never saw anyone but tourists in there. Not my kind of place.
And yes, you did/do see the coat and tie thing in C.A, but I also saw men without a tie, but with a jacket, and neatly dressed. (however, the Viennese are more traditionally formal dressers, both men and women, than what one sees in Florence, but at the C.A. in Florence, I'm quite sure almost all would be dressed-up tourists-Florentines don't generally go to places like that).
As for C.A., pleasant enough, but I wouldn't go there again-there are more authentically charming, good or better dining places in Florence for less, I say, and one does not need to take a tie, that's for sure-jacket, I would say definitely yes, because a jacket will take your DH to the Hassler or whereever other dining establishment is astronomically and gastronomically over the top in Italy.
And yes, you did/do see the coat and tie thing in C.A, but I also saw men without a tie, but with a jacket, and neatly dressed. (however, the Viennese are more traditionally formal dressers, both men and women, than what one sees in Florence, but at the C.A. in Florence, I'm quite sure almost all would be dressed-up tourists-Florentines don't generally go to places like that).
As for C.A., pleasant enough, but I wouldn't go there again-there are more authentically charming, good or better dining places in Florence for less, I say, and one does not need to take a tie, that's for sure-jacket, I would say definitely yes, because a jacket will take your DH to the Hassler or whereever other dining establishment is astronomically and gastronomically over the top in Italy.
Mar 3rd, 2007, 02:25 PM
#43
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I was roaming through threads and found this thread on Rome...about threads.
What a great conversation.
My wife and I often make dinners for friends and for special occasions. I always see it as a sign of gratitude when someone dresses up and expresses to me that they are appreciative. During special meals we also don't sit in our breakfast room but in our dining room as it is more special and formal area and thus more memorable and special for them too.
We live in the DC area and sometimes eat at some very fancy places for special occasions, and, I have always noticed how proud the waiters, waitresses, owners and chefs are: And the belief that their establishment is special. Often they are admirers and aspirers of the culinary world themselves.
Like most other guys i do know the value of my favorite 17 year old T-shirt. However I think dressing up is not to be high brow but to show a level of respect and gratitude for the wonderful establishment you are dining in (I am of-course not talking about Mimis Grill and Cone).
There is also the “to see and be seen factor of Italy..” I.e. one becomes the atmosphere and dressing foster this.
Conversely, I will never forget when my wife and I were getting married and my brother showed up at the church rehearsal in bare feet! My wife walked over to him and gave him a sincere and heartfelt Thank you for participating and for missing part of his vacation at the beach… I was aghast but she treated and him as if he were wearing a tuxedo.
That always impressed me the most about her and that special evening.
appreciated. During special meals we also don't sit in our breakfast room but in ou dining room as it is more special and formal area and it is more memorable. We liove in the DC area and sometimes eat at some very fancy places for special occasions, and, I have always noyticed how ptroud the waiters, waitresses, owners and chefs are that there establisment is special often they are admirers and aspirers of the culinary world themselves.
Like most other guys i do know the value of my favorite 17 yoear old Tshirt. However I think dressing up is not to be high brow but that you are showing a level of respect and gratitude for the wonderful establisment you are dining in. There is also the to see and be seen factor of Italy... These wonderfull restaurants one becomes the atmospheree and this is part of the fun
What a great conversation.
My wife and I often make dinners for friends and for special occasions. I always see it as a sign of gratitude when someone dresses up and expresses to me that they are appreciative. During special meals we also don't sit in our breakfast room but in our dining room as it is more special and formal area and thus more memorable and special for them too.
We live in the DC area and sometimes eat at some very fancy places for special occasions, and, I have always noticed how proud the waiters, waitresses, owners and chefs are: And the belief that their establishment is special. Often they are admirers and aspirers of the culinary world themselves.
Like most other guys i do know the value of my favorite 17 year old T-shirt. However I think dressing up is not to be high brow but to show a level of respect and gratitude for the wonderful establishment you are dining in (I am of-course not talking about Mimis Grill and Cone).
There is also the “to see and be seen factor of Italy..” I.e. one becomes the atmosphere and dressing foster this.
Conversely, I will never forget when my wife and I were getting married and my brother showed up at the church rehearsal in bare feet! My wife walked over to him and gave him a sincere and heartfelt Thank you for participating and for missing part of his vacation at the beach… I was aghast but she treated and him as if he were wearing a tuxedo.
That always impressed me the most about her and that special evening.
appreciated. During special meals we also don't sit in our breakfast room but in ou dining room as it is more special and formal area and it is more memorable. We liove in the DC area and sometimes eat at some very fancy places for special occasions, and, I have always noyticed how ptroud the waiters, waitresses, owners and chefs are that there establisment is special often they are admirers and aspirers of the culinary world themselves.
Like most other guys i do know the value of my favorite 17 yoear old Tshirt. However I think dressing up is not to be high brow but that you are showing a level of respect and gratitude for the wonderful establisment you are dining in. There is also the to see and be seen factor of Italy... These wonderfull restaurants one becomes the atmospheree and this is part of the fun
Mar 4th, 2007, 03:30 AM
#46
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I have been to Cantinetta Antinori a half dozen times. I have never dined there, just stopping in for a glass of wine before heading off to one of my preferred Florentine restaurants.
It certainly IS upscale. And it is also a wine bar. One is welcomed to sit at the bar and select from a nice range by the glass.
It certainly IS upscale. And it is also a wine bar. One is welcomed to sit at the bar and select from a nice range by the glass.
Mar 4th, 2007, 03:33 AM
#47
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FYI, I rarely see khakis on Italians, these are an American style. Dockers seem to be umbiquitos here.
The fabrics used in Italy to make clothing are beautiful!
I think that dress slacks, a turtleneck and polished dress shoes are a great look and will work most places. Add a jacket when the weather or venue call for it, and a man is stylishly and appropriately dressed to go anywhere.
The fabrics used in Italy to make clothing are beautiful!
I think that dress slacks, a turtleneck and polished dress shoes are a great look and will work most places. Add a jacket when the weather or venue call for it, and a man is stylishly and appropriately dressed to go anywhere.
Mar 4th, 2007, 04:27 AM
#48
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>The fabrics used in Italy to make clothing are beautiful!
Oh Yes.
We came across a woman of a certain age wearing what appeared to be stone-washed jeans (back when they were popular), however they didn't look quite right to me. (My family has been in the rag trade for 4 generations.)
Upon closer, somewhat surreptitious, inspection, I discovered that they were silk!
Oh Yes.
We came across a woman of a certain age wearing what appeared to be stone-washed jeans (back when they were popular), however they didn't look quite right to me. (My family has been in the rag trade for 4 generations.)
Upon closer, somewhat surreptitious, inspection, I discovered that they were silk!
Mar 4th, 2007, 05:20 AM
#49
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Ira, if you want to remain in your position as the Fodor's Fashion Guru, you might want to think twice before revealing your inability to recognize silk.
(By the way, your new appointment should not impinge on your ongoing duties as Fodor's Amalfi Coast/Naples bus/train guru and all-around booster for Le Sirene, Hotel Bonaparte Paris, and an obscure Indian restaurant in Florence (probably long shuttered) where "the locals go when they want a groovy time and something different" to eat....)
(By the way, your new appointment should not impinge on your ongoing duties as Fodor's Amalfi Coast/Naples bus/train guru and all-around booster for Le Sirene, Hotel Bonaparte Paris, and an obscure Indian restaurant in Florence (probably long shuttered) where "the locals go when they want a groovy time and something different" to eat....)
Mar 5th, 2007, 07:58 AM
#52
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I think most of us understand that no matter where you are there occasions and places for dining where one "dresses for dinner", I don't think I need to go into that. It seems Italians "dress for dinner" more than Americans simply because Italians, especially in cities simply like to dress well and happen to be at dinner. You're a tourist face it. Locals understand that. Simply dress nicely. What would certainly be out of place in a nice restaurant, even for lunch are some styles of "tourist" dressing. Shorts, loud "florida" shirts, sandals with socks! Spencer Gift t-shirts, you get the picture. Italians love to dress nicely for "Passeggiata" the evening stroll. So if you can go back to your hotel and "passeggiata" yourself up a bit, do it. Join in, it's fun. There are small bottles of wrinkle spay you can have that take wrinkles right out of a simple light linen jacket.
Mar 5th, 2007, 08:07 AM
#53
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Hi, i presonally would sqay you dont need to bring a jacket and tie if in Summer,trousers and shirt are always acceptable unless in a really really posh and snobby restaurant which i would say to avoid anyway as the best Italian food is generally in the lottle trattorias anyway. I am an events planer here in Italy and should you need ay reccomendations where you eat just let me know
Mar 5th, 2007, 11:58 AM
#54
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I certainly agree with both of you. Remember that the original poster told us that her husband is "dreading" bringing a coat and tie. There is no reason that he has to pack these items to eat in the vast majority of restaurants in the three cities mentioned if his dress is otherwise appropriate.
Mar 5th, 2007, 12:18 PM
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Just came back from those three cities with my wife.
We went to restaurants, both with reservations and walking in. We dressed like tourists, jeans, sweaters or sweatshirts, walking shoes, etc. We did not have any problems.
We didn't go to any fancy restaurants so I can't comment on that.
Your husband is fine w/o jacket and tie.
We went to restaurants, both with reservations and walking in. We dressed like tourists, jeans, sweaters or sweatshirts, walking shoes, etc. We did not have any problems.
We didn't go to any fancy restaurants so I can't comment on that.
Your husband is fine w/o jacket and tie.
Mar 5th, 2007, 12:21 PM
#56
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Hi G,
> We dressed like tourists, jeans, sweaters or sweatshirts, walking shoes, etc. We did not have any problems. <
That's because the rest of us were either too polite or too gob smacked to say anything.
> We dressed like tourists, jeans, sweaters or sweatshirts, walking shoes, etc. We did not have any problems. <
That's because the rest of us were either too polite or too gob smacked to say anything.
Mar 5th, 2007, 12:23 PM
#57
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Hi LJ,
>I want to know what degree of offense (undue or otherwise) was required to ascertain that the "stonewashed jeans" were silk? <
If one waits until the bar gets a little crowded, one can unobtrusively handle the fabric without causing undue concern.
>I want to know what degree of offense (undue or otherwise) was required to ascertain that the "stonewashed jeans" were silk? <
If one waits until the bar gets a little crowded, one can unobtrusively handle the fabric without causing undue concern.
Mar 5th, 2007, 01:01 PM
#59
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Well, Ira, that is a relief about the Indian place...one never knows when the urge for bhel puri or lamb vindaloo will strike.
And my goodness, how could I forget to reiterate your status as "SNCF guru" (you do have a few contenders nipping at your heels for that post, however) and the frequent exhortations to check:
www.mappy.com (?)
I will let the recommendations for Vagenende go unmentioned.
BUT DO NOT FORGET that you can get 10% off dinner at one of the Flo brasseries with the coupon below (multiple restrictions apply so check the small print).
COUPON FOR FLO BRASSERIES
CHOICE OF DINNER MAIN COURSE:
Tripe a la mode de Caen
Cervelle en buerre noir
Ris d'agneau
And my goodness, how could I forget to reiterate your status as "SNCF guru" (you do have a few contenders nipping at your heels for that post, however) and the frequent exhortations to check:
www.mappy.com (?)
I will let the recommendations for Vagenende go unmentioned.
BUT DO NOT FORGET that you can get 10% off dinner at one of the Flo brasseries with the coupon below (multiple restrictions apply so check the small print).
COUPON FOR FLO BRASSERIES
CHOICE OF DINNER MAIN COURSE:
Tripe a la mode de Caen
Cervelle en buerre noir
Ris d'agneau
