Biota Dining has temporarily closed its doors.
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Although owner James Viles did not answer our calls, he confirmed on Instagram the multi-hatted Bowral restaurant has shut down.
"Almost a decade ago we started a little restaurant in regional NSW and named it Biota, meaning the balance of plant and animal life," Mr Viles said.
"During the week we closed Biota. It's taken me a few days to realise that the restaurant of my dreams that my family and I built together is no longer, I'm still trying to come to terms with it.
"The immense effects on tourism in regional areas is real. It's driven by bushfires, drought and now a virus we cannot tame, only help control.
Mr Viles encouraged his hospitality peers in the Southern Highlands to stay strong and work together.
"Now is a time for resilience and reassurance, a time to listen to each other and to mother nature," he said.
"To my peers experiencing these effects band together and be strong, focus on the important things in life, life itself.
"For now, we will spend time in nature and with the most important things I've made in the last 10 years, my two beautiful children."
Mr Viles said in the meantime, he would work on a new venture called Offgrid Kitchen.
"We are taking bookings for me to come to your farm, property or home and cook under the stars," he said.
"Biota will be back, when COVID-19 is over... stay tuned!"
Follow @offgridkitchen on Instagram for more information about Mr Viles' new program and to make a booking.