Why do people get all dressed-up to go out to eat?

Question

It could be nasty watching people shovel food into themselves. The only difference between going in and going out is the smell.

People are taking this wrong. I also go out dining all dressed. I simply ment the exercise of feeding oneself after awhile is gross and we celebrate it. I do not sit home naked and eat.

Answer 1

Since I work in fine dining, we would prefer that you dressed a bit more formal than streetwear.

I guess it goes back to when meals where considered a formal occassion and not just a time to shovel food into your gullets. You would take the time out to enjoy a 7-12 course meal with delicate wine pairings and not just get a vitamin intake.

Sure, casual dressing is perfect for people who enjoy the Onion Garden and TGIMcScratchy's, but when you are being treated to a culinary masterpiece prepared by a team of trained professionals, I think it best that you look presentable in THEIR dining room.

Answer 2

Well, I don't think that the idea of feeding oneself is gross, or even watching others eat is gross. Actually I find it rather fun to go out with others and see people really enjoy a meal. I'm not really sure where you are coming from on this. Why shouldn't people get dressed up. Going out to eat at times should be a celebration, especially if you are going out with friends. If you have the clothing, it's an excuse to use them, make yourself look good. Not everyone stuffs the food in and drops it all over themselves. Hopefully we have moved on from the neanderthal phase, and know how to use knives and forks, and know what a napkin is for. You totally confuse me.

Answer 3

There is a difference between going out for a fine dining meal and simply going out for a meal at TGI Friday . . . and most people don't get all dresed up for a meal at Fridays.

But the psychology behind restaurant dining is quite unique in that chances are, the dining patron can probably cook the food he or she is eating and for less then what they are paying. This is even more true for the glass of wine or martini or beer.

But dining out has less to do about the food as it does about the experience of eating somewhere other the normal setting.
If you have dinner guests over, you will dress up a bit more then you usally do, especially if its a good dinner. If you go to a person's house, you will dress up better then you normally do.

Dining out is perceived to be a luxury. And we are paying people to be out chef, our butler, our dishwasher, our table cleaner, our table setter, our "servants" . . . etc etc etc. And we spend good money on the event. Spending money is also a luxury. And finally, wearing good clothes is a luxury.

Put all these together, people want t feel luxury. So we wear good clothes, go to a good restaurant and oder good food and sepnd money.

Answer 4

Why not? I go out both ways. Sometimes nicely dressed, sometimes in work clothes but never naked (so far). ;)
I don't find going out to dinner nasty at all. I enjoy eating with friends, chatting over coffee or a meal. I do not focus on people's eating habits.
Having dinner as a way of visiting with friends is a very old deep tradition. In ancient times, there were fewer potential activities. Furthermore, food was appreciated more. In many cases (and many places) food was the only gesture of good faith one could offer.
Most cultures have similar traditions. Some have formalized their tradition so much that it is ritualized, like the proper serving of oriental tea. Sushi has similar formalization.
In biblical times eating utensils were not commonly used. To eat together, then, was more intimate than it is to us. After all, you commonly would dip your bread in the same broth bowl as your dinner partners. To do so was to show trust. It was a way of calling a visitor your "brother". Remember that eating together has always been a family affair.

Answer 5

Your question is totally confusing. Are you asking why some people prefer to dress a little better when going out to enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant?
Is your question about the eating habits of some people when in a public restaurant?
What do you mean..........'the only difference between going in and going out is the smell?

As a rather frequent diner that enjoys many different types of restaurants and foods I am totally confused. i certainly would enjoy trying to answer you but do not know where to start.

Answer 6

Then Lindaann - you stay home naked and shovel your food there.

When I get dressed up to go out to dinner, the last thing I want is a bitter, naked, food shoveler at the table next to me.

If you don't enjoy getting dressed up, then don't do it.

Why would you be angry enough at people who do to post a question about it? Green isn't always a becoming colour.

Answer 7

after preparing meals for the family for a whole week it is nice to be able to go to a restaurant and be waited on. I love to take my time and eat at a leisurely pace. (no shovels) I do not know about the smells where you are but at my house it has wonderful smells when I am cooking or baking-just ask my family and friends

Answer 8

first of all, i don't really understand the question
and i don't think i'm alone...
Second, I'll try answer the question how i perceived it.

It's a nice change to get all dressed up and go out to eat
as opposed to staying in most of the time and you're in whatever you wear at home. I mean, how often do you get to wear your nice dresses or hot shirts. It gives us a sense of change and variation so life is not so prosaic.

Hope this helps!

Answer 9

I usually wear what I have on, and I take my time eating so I could remember the taste for when I eat at that restaurant again.

Answer 10

One never knows, who one my meet, when one is out to eat. Besides, if your dress well, you feel good, the food will probably be good. So you will have a perfect evening out.

Marc