No Gem
Since opening our Bushwick roastery, we have valued the chance to connect with like-minded businesses in New York, building personal relationships with partners who care deeply about quality. No Gem, a thoughtfully curated boutique and café on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, is one such partner.
Founded by Emily and Young, No Gem grew out of their shared vision of blending food, design and meaningful experiences. “Our name comes from a playful phrase blending Korean (jae mi) and English, which means ‘no fun,’” Emily shares. “It is a lighthearted reminder to have fun and cherish the joy of living.”
Their diverse backgrounds, Emily in design and product development and Young with over 15 years in hospitality, shaped the café. Both have spent significant time living in South Korea and Japan, and those experiences deeply influence the atmosphere and menu at No Gem. When the opportunity came to join two units in their building, they created a space where guests can slow down, enjoy specialty coffee and discover beautifully considered objects.
Our collaboration began with a simple visit, bringing along samples of some of our seasonal coffees.
After a few conversations in person and over email, Emily and Young found that our Brazilian lots aligned beautifully with their vision for No Gem’s menu of curated specialty drinks.
They began by exploring our “rich and sweet” espresso recipe with an 18 g dose, 45 g yield and a 29 to 32 second extraction and have since refined their approach to a 20 g dose, 46 to 48 g yield and a 30 to 34 second extraction. Brewed on their Mahlkönig E65 grinder and La Marzocco Linea Classic S 1 Group machine, this recipe delivers the clarity and sweetness that perfectly complements their offerings.
Korean culture and nostalgia run through No Gem’s menu, including its first drink, the Oksusu Americano, which pairs espresso with oksusu cha, or Korean corn tea. This tea, a staple in many Korean households, holds memories of childhood for Emily and Young. “It captured the essence of what we want to build,” Emily explains, “something both familiar and a little unexpected.” Their curation also highlights Korean makers and ceramicists alongside favorite brands from around the world, with a focus on thoughtful, giftable objects that bring beauty and joy to everyday life.
La Cabra’s focus on quality and integrity resonated with Emily and Young from the start. “We have long admired La Cabra, not just for their exceptional coffee but for their commitment to sourcing and transparency. As we developed No Gem’s coffee program, we knew we wanted a partner whose values aligned with ours,” Emily notes. Our collaboration is hands-on, shaped by their vision of how coffee should be experienced in their space.
Deeply rooted in the Lower East Side community, No Gem reflects the everyday lives of their guests. “Living here, we are constantly thinking about how people actually use and live with objects,” Emily says. Limited apartment space in the city means smaller ceramics are often more popular, and insights like these shape their offerings.
Inspiration also comes from their own backgrounds and experiences, from Korean design sensibilities to the aesthetics of Japanese craft, resulting in a warm, thoughtful and inspiring environment. Feedback from their community often guides what they introduce next, such as the modular shelving soon to be available after many guest requests.
For Emily and Young, No Gem is about creating a space that feels personal and joy filled, one that brings together coffee, design and a sense of playfulness. For us at La Cabra, it is rewarding to support partners like them, providing coffee and guidance that help bring their vision to life.
