In Place of Lil Gem, Matthew Kenney’s Vegan ‘XYST’ Grows on Clinton Street
Lebanese family style restaurant Lil Gem closed up shop this month after just over a year at 29 Clinton Street. The Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient had been the third coming for chef-owner Melissa O’Donnell, who occupied the space with various restaurants over the last fifteen years (Salt Bar, Thelma).
No more, it seems.
Celebrity chef Matthew Kenney – also an author and educator specializing in plant-based cuisine who “crafts the future of food” – is now on deck as replacement. His name appears on the liquor license application at Community Board 3 for on-premise privileges at 29 Clinton Street. The corporate entity tied to this Lower East Side venture is that of his Flatiron vegan restaurant, XYST LES.
More information to follow, so stay tuned.
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