It would be almost impossible to have missed the recent spate of industry news focusing on the death or evolution of fine dining, and the proliferation of casual dining (as opposed to fast food) options. Venues like Automata, however, are part of a new breed – casual fine dining. That is, the produce and experience is still first class – but the venue is more relaxed, less oppressive than the white table cloth black tie affair.
This experience – be yourself, but with access to the best – reflects the casualization in other industries – the theatre industry is a notable one, as is flying. Once deemed special occasions, flight is now so commonplace that smart dress is not just unnecessary, but seems absurd. The theatre, though still a special occasion for most, has relaxed it’s dress standards over the years to encourage a broader patronage rather than being a somewhat elite and classist event. Fine dining, too, is no longer just for the wealthy. As the foodie epidemic spreads, fine dining is not just for the critic, connoisseur or wine snob, but accessible to everyone – and therefore, must make itself more approachable.