Expert: Michael - 4/26/2005

Question
Your answer for the dress code in the evening for women was very hepful for my wife.

What would you suggest for the men?  Are casual slacks & a polo shirt acceptable for night dining or should I pack my sports jacket to wear over the polo shirt?

Oh, should I bring a tie just in case?

Thanks

Answer
Dear Andrew,

In most establishments in Bermuda casual slacks and the polo shirt will do for dinner.  For instance, Coconuts, a fantastic outdoor oceanside restaurant at the Reefs I might wear a shirt with tropical print.  It's an island!  Many restaurants within hotels will allow this "smart casual" attire as would pub dining which is a big part of Bermuda.  These are not to be thought of as dives but in many instances habourside restaurants even though they are pubs or taverns.

I would suggest bringing that jacket to wear over a polo just incase.  I enjoy a collarless evening shirt with sport coat at the nicer places.

There are of course "ultra" places in Bermuda where it is required a tie with that jacket.  But not many.  Tom Moore's Tavern, The Four Ways Inn, the Waterloo house to mention a few.

I've even gone the Bermuda Shorts route with knee high socks (purchased at a men's shop downtown one afternoon), a dress shirt, jacket and tie with my Bermuda Onion tie tack.  Linda was dressed with the flowery dress and we did a restaurant downtown.  They gave us the best duce in the house probably figuring we were one of them.  Hehe.

Once again Andrew, most places will seat you either way and you will feel comfortable amongst others seated near you however they are dressed.  I feel it may be half and half, I.E., half with jackets and half without at most places.

If your resort is having a B-B-Q night, there will be no jackets.  If you go to to the Carriage House Sunday brunch there will be only a few jackets. I would not wear one.

If I dined at a restaurant at a hotel I would bring one even though not required. Portofino ... not required, M.R.Onions ... not necessary, San Georgio's ... not necessary.

I find resort dining the quentisenntial experiance of Bermuda dining and they try the very best to pamper.  By the way you can dine at any resort if you call ahead.  Pompano, The Reefs, Aqua, or any other resort.  Personally I would make the effort. You may differ on how you like to feel when you dine though.  When Linda is dolled up it's kinda fun for me.  That's just me.

I hope I've pinned it down for you.

Happy planning!
Michael