One thing New York City always does well is host a multi-hyphenate business. Pick two or three things you like and I guarantee there is a store that offers the perfect fusion. If you love books and pickles, you can go to Sweet Pickle Books (yes, that’s a real place). If playing chess and having a drink is your thing, head to Greenwich Village. And as of last week, if your personal Venn diagram includes vintage home goods, upscale groceries, and specialty coffee, there’s now Gem Home in Nolita.
Photo by Sean Davidson
The store comes from chef and restaurateur Flynn McGarry, who got the idea from the grocery store cafes he visited as a child in California. While still a teenager, he became a chef and ran the upscale children’s restaurant Gem in New York City for five years until it closed its doors last summer. He still runs the accompanying wine bar, Gem Wine, and the cool kids, like Kaia Gerber, still flock there.
Photo by Sean Davidson
Photo by Sean Davidson
And now I’ve joined that group, too, but at Gem Home, which is located in a cozy but minimalist space that McGarry designed himself with Louis Poulson lights and vintage pieces he’s collected over the years. On my first visit, I immediately took stock of the one-of-a-kind ceramic soap dispensers and refrigerators stocked with Ghia (always a good sign for me). Vintage coupes lined the shelves and I also saw the retro bar cart items of my dreams. Plus, I always love handmade dishes that I definitely don’t have space for but absolutely want. And the best part? Everything, including the products, is linked with a handwritten price tag and a chalkboard menu is updated daily. All the tables are filled with taper candles, so it’s definitely not a take-your-laptop cafe, but it’s a great pre-dinner or shopping spot.
As for the cafeteria part, it currently offers coffee and tea from La Cabra, as well as pastries, seasonal sandwiches and portions. I went on a Wednesday night, so when I got there, many menu items were crossed off the board, but I was still able to get an iced coffee and a brown butter bagel with black cardamom.
Although it opens at 9 a.m., the store slowly transitions during the day from a daytime coffee shop to a nighttime hangout. The flickering chandeliers and soft jazz set the tone for the last few hours, creating a charming and welcoming atmosphere, one I didn’t want to leave, but I know I’ll be back soon.
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