Originally Posted by
robyng
I couldn't possibly eat that much food in such a short period of time. But - if you can - it would be a shame if you missed Epicure just because you don't want to bring a jacket. Remember that Paris can be rather cool - if not downright cold - in October. Damp too. So you'll probably need some warmer clothing.
FWIW - even at our age - we don't want to look like middle aged American schlump tourists - especially in a city like Paris. Especially at high end restaurants. Our last trip to Paris - every guy in a place like Guy Savoy was wearing a suit (and a very fashionable age appropriate suit at that). Robyn
Haha, Robyn. My problem is that I run SUPER hot--even 20 C is warm for me, so most restaurants, regardless of the weather outside, are frightfully warm for me. THAT is why I'm so loathe to wear a jacket almost anywhere. Rarely is the restaurant cool enough for me to comfortably wear a jacket. (I experienced this recently at Daniel, where I wore my lightest black Zegna suit and was uncomfortably warm...but would have been safe at Alinea where I was exempted from a jacket and found it gloriously cool.)
I always dress well in Paris--actually whenever we dine at a fine restaurant outside of Southern California--but that doesn't mean I wear a suit or a jacket. As I've commented previously in this thread, I don't believe being well dressed requires a jacket; conforming to the well-dressed standard of a jacket/suit is for most men, but it isn't for me.
If I'm going to be uncomfortably warm while dining with a jacket (as I was at Daniel), then I'd rather choose another restaurant. That is one reason I've never returned to French Laundry and why I've not yet been to Per Se. We all have our priorities, and being comfortably cool is one of mine if I'm going to enjoy a 3-4 hour meal. Epicure may have to wait...but we get to Paris plenty, so if not this time then perhaps another. It depends on the weather and how cool their dining room may be--for me. I speak for only myself in this regard.
I've received compliments on my style even in Paris--even without a suit or jacket, mind you--so I'm fairly comfortable with my style...as if being a gay man isn't sufficient. I'd never look like a schlubby tourist...but I also don't dress like I am a banker or politician because I'm not. :-)