Automatic

Warnie, if still available for selection, would be an automatic first choice leggie in any team. For a Friday night casual meal, anything at Crown wouldn’t be first choice, simply because it’s too far away from the CBD we roam. Hands were forced, the night my decision privileges were stripped away… forever. Standing outside the modern kebab establishment which had replaced the Malaysian I wanted to try and needing to move quickly away from the seedy King St area, the group trudged across the bridge to the safety of the casino.

Looking for something under $20, Automatic fit our criteria. Like most places situated on the promenade, there is an alfresco dining option, with tables the same as the very funky Blue Train Café and Blackbird Café. Mood lighting inside softens the contemporary designed interior, making it a great place to rest weary feet after trekking halfway across the city.

Like a Warnie googly, the pastas really hit the spot. The flavours spat up off the plate to rock the tastebuds. The textbook penne carbonara surprised us like the wrong un. A, T and W remarked that it’s the one of the best they’ve had, a perfect balance of salty bacon through the cream, egg, spring onion and garlic. The orange zest provided a twist in the traditional bolognaise with the el dente fettuccine. T appeared bowled over by the chicken risotto, flavoured with mushrooms, bacon and thyme and made creamy by mascarpone cheese.

I won’t underestimate the quality at Crown again (given that a spate of new restaurants to be opened by celebrity chefs). Glad Automatic saved the night from a complete mid innings collapse.

2.5 / 5 yums!

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Where? Crown Casino Complex, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank

What? Average Pan Dishes - $20

Left to Right : ???, Carbonara, Chicken Mushroom Risotto, Bolognaise