The punters crossing The Star's threshold are up for a flutter, but those who head to Black aren't taking any chances. They may have heard the food's good, the service smooth and the moodily lit room, all leather and copper finished, comfortable and flattering. They'll feel the start of a winning streak with a pretty combo of spanner crab, apple and avocado, subtly sweetened with salted peanut caramel. Fried pork hock, sadly not as crisp as the menu promised, was nonetheless appealing, its richness offset with tiny nashi dice, radish and yuzu. Grills are a sure thing here, and an angus striploin, both expertly charred and tender, is right on the money. Passionfruit cream, mango sorbet, macadamia financier, meringue and tapioca is an agreeably tropical fusion of French and Asian ideas. When it comes to playing the tables, we say put it all on Black.

And ... The light rail is right on the doorstep.

THE LOW-DOWN
Vibe Gamblers, tourists and romantics out for a good time.
Best bit Tables face the view.
Worst bit Tempting designer boutiques just beyond the door.