New Yorkers are increasingly choosing comfort over style when dining at upscale restaurants, leading to a decline in traditional dress codes. Many fine dining establishments, fearful of alienating patrons, no longer enforce strict attire rules. The shift reflects a broader trend of informality that has persisted since the pandemic, with notable examples like Le Bernardin softening its dress requirements. As the dining scene evolves, chefs and restaurant owners grapple with maintaining an atmosphere of elegance while accommodating a more casual clientele.
David Foulquier, the co-owner of Chez Fifi on the Upper East Side, noted, 'It's a thin line between being exclusive and classic and being inclusive to make everyone feel welcome.'
Sebastien Silvestri, CEO of Daniel Boulud's Dinex group, expressed, 'We don't want to turn anyone away,' highlighting the challenge faced by restaurants in enforcing dress codes.
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