Flynn McGarry, the culinary whiz formerly known as the "teen chef" with a pop-up pedigree stretching from Los Angeles to New York, is expanding his gastronomic empire with a new Manhattan establishment. Slated for a fall 2025 debut, McGarry's Cove is poised to take residence at 299 West Houston Street, marking his departure from brand synergy with prior ventures like Gem, Gem Wine, and Gem Home. This future Hudson Square hotspot is set to feature a 70-seat dining experience, an a la carte menu gracing the main room, and an exclusive set menu in a private space. A spokesperson informed Eater, "Cove will further McGarry’s exploration of East Coast produce with an airy West Coast influence."
Meanwhile, the industry is to also bid farewell to the Prospect Heights wine bar LaLou, which opened its doors in 2019. The establishment recently followed up on the closure of Bar Vinazo with the grim announcement of its impending shutdown. A social media post from the management cited “Due to rising costs and other industry-wide challenges, we’ve made the difficult decision to close,” according to the restaurant's own words. LaLou pours its last glasses on New Year's Eve, as reported by Eater.
McGarry has built a strong culinary reputation since starting at age 12, serving tasting menus to a loyal following. His first restaurant, Gem, located in the Lower East Side at 116 Forsyth Street, solidified his place in New York’s dining scene. The intimate setting featured dishes like king crab with leeks and grapefruit, followed by pasta and a family-style lamb dish. Reflecting on his early experiences, McGarry once told The New York Times, "They let me work in their kitchens, but gave me real responsibilities and taught me the business side, instead of just having me pluck herbs."
