re: .

Pretentious is the single most overused word on this board. What is pretension to one is simply regular behavior to another. It's fine to prefer comfy sweats and causal settings; spend your money when and how you like. But realize that many spend a great portion of their lives in coat and tie, don't find such dress strange or uncomfortable, and are happy to enjoy a lovely meal with attentive service. We all get to choose in our great country.

I'm also thinking of the French and Italians, who take great pride in both their dress and their dining....yes, you find casually dressed people in both countries, but rarely do you find the level of slobbery/unkempt appearance one finds in the average US fast food joint. I'd rather look at a room full of Italian men who understand bella figura than a pack of cargo-shorted, logo golf shirt wearing Americans. And don't get me started about pajama bottoms in public....

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Again, for me, having to put on all of these nice, uncomfortable clothes in order to get a seat at a restaurant who's atmosphere I don't like and that is very expensive for food that is good, but not THAT much better than $10/entree food is not something I enjoy.

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Then don't go

You keep using the word, "aloof." I'm assuming you're trying to say fancy schmancy restaurants are uninviting or cold when, in fact, these places are doing everything they can so that you enjoy your experience.

In the example you gave, galatoires is simply trying to maintain a throwback atmosphere to a time when people cared about their appearance. They serve old school dishes and do them very well, that's what they do. IMO, if they didn't sort of make you feel like you stepped back in time, people would complain that time had passed their food by and it would probably close. I, for one, enjoy the experience for what it is, a part of old New Orleans that I don't necessarily want to go back to but don't mind visiting for a little while every time I go to galatoires...