Originally Posted by
bdemaria
But a Navy Officer mess doesn't equal a public, fine dining establishment elsewhere in Italy. ..
Let me assure you that the Italian Navy officers' messes in Livorno and Taranto required considerably greater formality of dress than most "fine dining establishments" elsewhere in Italy. The Italian Navy remains a bit formalized among the higher ranking officers, at least. As for Casserta, the old NATO establishment, the mess there was fully as formal as any 5 star hotel resturant in Rome, too formal for comfort, all those foreign general and flag officers.
Originally Posted by
bdemaria
As for women wearing shorts w/heels - it has become quite popular here in Italy for attractive young women to do so, but when they do, they wear shoes that cost about 1000Eu/pair and shorts by Armani. It has nothing to do with Britney, Lindsey - who thankfully don't merit press mention here..
I'll accept some level of current popularity, having not been to Italy in 18 months and having learned to expect anything these days. On the other hand, I recall several establishments from my "Old Days" in Italy, where one might find young women in shorts and heels. With names like the "Kit Kat Klub", their general nature was close to Californian, I suupose, at least as close as Nevada's Mustang Ranch is to LA. On my next trip, I'll try to avoid "fine dining establishments" in which the middle aged men in dark suits silver ties are accompanied by young women in shorts and heels.
Then I suppose I could ask the traditional question....
"What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?"