Kylie Kwong has returned to the Sydney dining scene after closing her Potts Point restaurant Billy Kwong in 2019.
Lucky Kwong will open its doors on Locomotive Street in the South Eveleigh precinct (of which Kwong is an ambassador) on 25 May — but it’s not a restaurant.
The concept is dubbed as a cafeteria, and will only open for lunch during weekdays. A no-bookings policy is the go, and guests will order from a revolving menu at the counter.
Kwong describes Lucky Kwong as a big shift for her as a restaurateur. “For me, Lucky Kwong is all about true nourishment,” she says. “This eatery is a celebration of everything I love in life with care, community, collaboration and delicious, life-giving food at its heart.”
The venue’s name is a tribute to her son with wife Nell, who the couple lost in 2012.
“Since this life-changing event I have been on the most extraordinary personal journey which has prompted me to re-focus, re-evaluate, and re-assess,” says Kwong.
“Lucky has taught me about the preciousness of every single moment and to take every opportunity to live a full, rich and meaningful life. My new place is an acknowledgement and celebration of this transformational journey and yes, because I now feel genuinely Lucky.”
Lucky Kwong will showcase native ingredients from South Eveleigh’s Jiwah Indigenous garden, which is spearheaded by Cudgenburra and Bundjalung man Clarence Slockee.
The eatery will serve Kwong’s signature Cantonese-Australian cuisine which Sydneysiders have been missing for the past two years.
Prawn parcels with Sichuan chilli dressing and native bush mint will be on offer alongside Uncle Jimmy’s noodles; caramelised pork belly with Davidson plum; Saskia Beer Farm Produce chicken with ginger, sea parsley and shallot sauce and a vegetarian plate made with produce from Boon Luck Farm.
Savoury pancakes will rotate daily, with raw yellowfin tuna from Fish Butchery with XO and a red-braised brisket with Thai basil and fried egg tipped as options.
There will be room for 38 seated guests and takeaway will also be available during the operating hours of 11:00am-2:30pm.
“Beyond being a great gathering place for delicious food, I want Lucky Kwong to nourish and feed people’s spirit, to be a force for good,” says the chef.
“It’s a simple and humble offering that is very clear in its intention and motivation to positively contribute to society.”