Evolution of Dining Out
Have we evolved over the past fifty years? To address this inquiry, let’s examine what dining out signifies to us now and what our expectations are compared to the not-so-distant past. By focusing on a few contemporary standards, we can take a deeper dive into the experience of dining out in 2024 and how it contrasts with previous times.
Dress Codes
When it comes to dress codes in restaurants, a recent survey by The Guardian found that more than two-thirds of people believe there are no longer any rules. They think that customers should be able to wear whatever they want without being bothered by those around them. The reason for this change is due to the influence of modern artists and their non-traditional fashion choices. Some have even been seen dining in high-end establishments wearing what looked like their pajamas. This has led to the idea that if it’s acceptable for them, it should be acceptable for everyone else as well. Despite this shift in attitudes towards clothing, it can be assumed that a touch of quality with a good perfume is still welcomed and desirable amongst all restaurant-goers.
Standing in Line
Fifty years ago, it was a common sight to see long lines of people patiently waiting to be seated at restaurants. While you may still encounter some, they have become increasingly rare in today’s world. This is due to the fact that most people now make reservations for their meals, which has become a standard practice in the restaurant industry. Another factor contributing to the decline of long lines is our generation’s aversion to waiting. With the rise of mobile phones, we have developed an expectation for immediate gratification and don’t like to wait for what we want.
High Quality Food
In the past, people didn’t go out to eat at restaurants and expect to have a mediocre meal. Unfortunately, it happened quite often. This was due to the lack of resources like TripAdvisor, which allows individuals to check the quality of food before making a reservation. In today’s world, it has become necessary to research and choose a restaurant online before actually going there. If you neglect this step, it’s best to let your friends make the decision for you, or else they may hold a grudge against you for weeks afterwards.
It is evident that the experience of dining out has significantly evolved in the last 50 years. It can also be argued that it has improved, as past strict guidelines and regulations have been removed, making life more enjoyable and convenient. For certain, it’s difficult to imagine anyone wanting to return to a time where they had no idea what to expect from a restaurant before actually going there. Overall, living in 2024 seems to be a much better era for dining out.
