Gem Evolves: Flynn McGarry Transforms Acclaimed Tasting Spot into Gem Wine 2.0

The Evolution of a Culinary Visionary

Flynn McGarry has always been a name that provokes curiosity in the culinary world. Once dubbed the “teen prodigy” of fine dining, McGarry launched his flagship restaurant Gem on Forsyth Street in the Lower East Side six years ago, offering a refined, seasonal tasting menu that brought together art, youth, and precision.

But all things evolve — and so does McGarry’s vision. As of August 26, Gem has officially closed its doors in its original form. But this is no farewell. In fact, it marks a new beginning. On September 20, those same doors will reopen with a different energy, name, and purpose: Gem Wine 2.0.

From Tasting Menu to Wine Bar: A Thoughtful Shift

The seeds of this transformation were planted early. In 2022, McGarry opened Gem Wine, a tiny walk-in wine bar just around the corner from the original Gem. It was initially imagined as a casual side project — a place where guests could enjoy a drink either before or after their reservation at Gem.

But Gem Wine quickly grew beyond its intended role. It became a destination in its own right — a warm, bustling, communal space filled with cherry wood tables, rare bottles, natural wines, and the kind of relaxed, magnetic energy that keeps New Yorkers coming back again and again.

So when the opportunity arose to relocate Gem Wine into the larger, more polished space once occupied by Gem, it felt more like a progression than a pivot.

A New Address, Same Soul

Though the new Gem Wine will have a larger footprint — thanks to the transition into the original Gem’s more expansive home — McGarry and his team are committed to preserving the essence of what made the wine bar such a hit.

It will remain a walk-in-only spot, keeping that casual, spontaneous spirit. The tables — still communal — encourage conversation, neighborly exchanges, and shared discoveries over a bottle of something new.

But the space itself will reflect the refined DNA of Gem, with thoughtful lighting, elevated materials, and a gentle nod to its fine dining past.

The Wine Philosophy: Natural, Honest, and Curious

At the heart of Gem Wine is a deeply curated wine program. Unlike more commercial lists, Gem Wine showcases natural wines, small producers, biodynamic labels, and rare finds you’re unlikely to encounter elsewhere in the city.

This isn’t a wine bar where you’re told what to like. Instead, the team — knowledgeable but never pretentious — guides you through your own preferences, introducing flavors and pairings you didn’t know you’d love.

Wines from Austria, the Loire Valley, Northern Italy, and even obscure vineyards in Slovenia or the Canary Islands make regular appearances.

Expect a rotating selection, strong by-the-glass options, and limited-edition pours based on seasonal availability or micro-allocation.

Food That Complements, Not Competes

Although Gem Wine 2.0 is centered on the beverage experience, the food menu is far from an afterthought. McGarry, a chef first and foremost, has ensured that the dishes enhance the wine, rather than steal the spotlight.

The menu is concise and ever-evolving, featuring items like:

• Marinated anchovies on grilled sourdough

• Burrata with seasonal stone fruit and chili oil

• Duck rillette with pickled shallots

• Focaccia served with whipped smoked butter

• Late summer tomatoes with fennel pollen and olive oil

The emphasis is on fresh, flavorful, seasonal ingredients, presented simply, with a natural synergy to the wine list. It’s not a replacement for a multi-course meal, but it’s more than enough to satisfy both the palate and the moment.

A Design Meant for Gathering

One of the standout qualities of Gem Wine — both in its original and upcoming forms — is its intentional design for community. The cherry wood tables, low-lit ambiance, and clean, organic aesthetic make it feel like a cross between a friend’s dining room and a rustic European cellar.

In the new space, that sensibility will expand. There will be:

• More seating (without losing intimacy)

• An extended wine wall showcasing bottle selections

• Open shelving stocked with bread, olives, and herbs

• Mood-setting playlists curated by the team

• A general feeling that you could stay for one glass … or five

Why This Shift Makes Sense in NYC Now

The transformation of Gem into Gem Wine 2.0 is more than a brand update. It reflects a broader shift in how New Yorkers want to dine. Formal tasting menus are still admired, but many diners today crave casual sophistication — spaces where quality doesn’t require ceremony.

Wine bars like Gem Wine offer a unique hybrid: thoughtful, chef-driven food with laid-back social energy, anchored by drink programs that introduce people to new tastes in a relaxed setting.

By letting go of the rigidity of reservations and prix-fixe menus, McGarry is meeting the moment — and possibly defining it.

Who Will Love Gem Wine 2.0?

Gem Wine appeals to a wide spectrum of people:

• Wine lovers looking to explore rare or natural selections

• Locals and creatives in search of a stylish hangout

• Date-night duos who want quiet corners and shared plates

• Foodies who love flavor without the formality

• Walk-in wanderers who want a memorable night with no plan

It’s one of those places that manages to be easy-going and high-caliber at the same time — a rarity in the NYC dining world.

What’s Next for Flynn McGarry?

While McGarry is focused on the success of Gem Wine’s rebirth, the chef’s creative energy never rests. There’s talk of future projects, new menus, and possibly exploring different formats of casual fine dining in the future.

But for now, he seems content to let this wine bar evolve into its next phase naturally — much like the wines he serves.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter Worth Toasting

With the closing of the original Gem comes not an end, but a refined continuation. Gem Wine 2.0 is not just a backup plan or a simplified version of its predecessor — it’s a reimagined celebration of flavor, connection, and spontaneity.