It's the end of a era for great Sydney dining with the news that Billy Kwong, chef Kylie Kwong's Chinese-Australian dining institution, is closing after 19 years in Sydney's rough and tumble dining game.
There is no fixed date for the closure as yet, as new tenants are being sought for the Potts Point site, but it's also news with a silver lining as Kwong will be opening a brand new concept later in 2019.
Kwong, who turns 50 this year, is seeking a new opportunity to express her love of "food, family and connection to the broader community", and her track record of close collaboration with suppliers and producers will continue with her new venture. Details are light on the ground, but we can look forward to a more casual offering from Kwong, with a smaller footprint, which will hopefully allow for greater creative agility.
There's still plenty of time to eat those saltbush cakes, a whole crispy duck and that delicious steamed tangle of native greens that's made Billy Kwong famous.
Once you've ticked another meal at Billy Kwong off your bucket list, book a table these other Sydney dining institutions.