Interesting, sounds even more like something you could experience often in Japan or also Korea.

Obviously you are a regular and could probably have kept those sports shoes on.

But then, around the counter of a French bistro in refined northern Kyoto or the best blowfish restaurant in southwestern Korea you could have experienced the same.

Simple. but at the same time very exceptional food with the best, detailed ingredients and refined techniques. And although the service may seem relaxed by comparison, they do have the skills and experience to run a three star restaurant.

I think in Europe and the US we are still kind of brainwashed into the traditional French model of a gourmet restaurant. The Catalans, Basque people. Spaniards, Italians etc. and especially East Asian nations can add their own cultural tradition to that without diminishing the overall experience.