Billed by former Orange County Register meals critic Brad A. Johnson as “probably the most spectacular non-Vietnamese restaurant to open in Fountain Valley, ever,” Gem Eating introduced its non permanent closure on Sunday.
“Beginning September 25, we’re hitting the pause button to form a brighter future and much more thrilling future for Gem Eating,” Kei Ideas, the staff behind Gem Eating, posted to the restaurant’s social media.
Administration went on to say “this isn’t a goodbye” however as a substitute “a bittersweet pause, a second of gratitude and anticipation as we dream up a Gem Eating that’s reborn, reenergized and richer in spirit.”
Opening in 2018, Gem Eating, helmed by government chef Viet Nguyen, who additionally owns close by Vox Kitchen in addition to Sūp Noodle Bars in Buena Park and Cerritos, acquired constructive evaluations for its up to date tackle Pacific Rim delicacies via a California lens. The Michelin Information additionally listed it as a notable restaurant, highlighting Nguyen’s kampachi crudo with beet-cured amberjack and compressed mango, laksa risotto and sticky toffee pudding.
“This restaurant was alleged to be an establishment for all of us, all of our cooks, to come back collectively in a single area to create numerous wonderful cuisines,” stated Nguyen in a video posted to Instagram. Nonetheless, when the pandemic hit, Kei Idea opened Nếp Cafe inside Gem Eating in an effort to stay open and profitable. It labored: A second Nếp Cafe location in Irvine opened in 2022 following the recognition of the Vietnamese espresso and brunch idea in Fountain Valley.
“Nếp has been an amazing success, however clearly due to that there’s a lot of stress on the area. The area is getting too small for 2 ideas,” stated Nguyen, noting that Sunday, Sept 24, was the final day for Gem Eating in its present iteration.
Throughout Gem’s hiatus, workers will reportedly take day without work to journey and “be taught extra delicacies to come back again with a a lot better menu, higher area … we hope to indicate you what our travels have introduced again,” stated the chef.
Neither a re-opening date nor a attainable new location have been introduced.
Nếp Cafe will stay open contained in the Gem Eating area. Beginning Monday, Sept. 25, the Fountain Valley cafe can have new hours: Monday via Friday from 8 a.m. to three p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
