This one isn’t about the food. It’s about the culture. High-class restaurant culture, to be precise. If you thought dress codes were a thing of the past, think again. A Katie and Mike gal and her guy had to swap tops to get into the eatery of their choice…
Katie and Mike swap tops to satisfy snooty Beverly Hills dress code…
The resto in question was South Beverly Grill, in Beverly Hills. And it’s ‘attire requirements’ almost read longer than its menu. But I’m never going to eat there. So this rant is purely philosophical in nature…
Picky, picky, picky
You’ll find the SBG’s dress code enumerated, in great detail, on the contact page of their luxe website:
ATTIRE STANDARDS:
To help us foster an atmosphere centered on respect and quality, please “dress for the occasion”
and take note of our attire guidelines.
The following items are not acceptable:
• Sportswear or team athletic attire, including hats, visors, hoodies, or jerseys.
• Gym clothes, including sleeveless shirts, tank tops, athletic shorts, sweatpants, and sports bras.
• Plastic, rubber, or foam style slides or flip flops.
• Excessively revealing clothing such as intimate wear or lingerie.
We encourage “smart casual” attire which includes dress shorts, collared shirts.
Before your visit, view our other Dining Guidelines.
A minor detail?
So… Online influencer and brand ambassador Katie Novack relates, in a July 30 Instagram video, what it took to get into the South Beverly Grill. They’re swapping tops and giggling like naught children on a mission.
“So, there’s a restaurant that won’t allow him to wear sleeveless, but I can, so we’re switching,” Novack explains. “I can’t believe we’re doing this.”
The video then cuts to the pair after they’ve switched tops. “He looks so good in my shirt, you guys,” Novack chuckles.
Success!
“Our plan worked! We got in and obviously ate in every way,” reads an on-screen caption near the end of the video, which has been viewed millions of times.
Social media weigh in…
A TODAY story curated these choice comments from among thousands to Novack’s post…
“Haha this is amazing! Also, that is such a crazy policy of the place!” exclaimed one viewer.
“I love how you guys made such a fun and sweet memory out of what could have been a very disappointing/frustrating experience!” wrote another.
“Funny! No one wants to see pit hair while eating,” observed one commenter – to whom Perfetuo slapped back, “I’m naturally hairless, I have nothing to shave.”
My take
It’s not really such a crazy policy. But the micro-managerial approach the venue takes to its ‘Attire Standards’ is more than a bit ‘out there’. I remember (Oh, no! Not another paean for the ‘Good Old Days’!) when folks dressed up to go out for dinner, as a rule. Sleeveless women? In cocktail dresses or evening gowns, perhaps. Gents always in jackets and ties.
From my place of lofty age and experience… I wonder why younger folks today find it odd that places such as fancy, upscale restaurants want their patrons to conform to their standards.
The South Beverly Grill is right, when it says: “Our attire standards benefit everyone because clothing can elevate or diminish the experience of the room. […] Our staff takes pride in their appearance and we appreciate your respecting our guidelines.”
~ Maggie J.