Each week in our brand new Off Duty series, we'll talk to some of our favorite chefs and industry folk around the country to find out their secret late-night spots where they like to grab a bite and a pint when their kitchens are finally closed. First up: David Chang, chef/founder of the Momofuku empire and editor of food-centric quarterly, Lucky Peach. What's your favorite joint to grab a bite late at night after your kitchen's closed?
Great NY Noodletown on the Bowery in Chinatown
What's their specialty?
Roast Pork and Roast Duck
What is your favorite item to order there?
Ginger Scallion Noodles
How did you discover this place?
I started going with my friend, Chef Jonathan Benno, who is now the Executive Chef at Lincoln Ristorante.
Any crazy stories from late nights spent there?
I remember one night when I was in a -- let's just say -- surreal state, and found myself sitting across from this family with kids eating tiny black snails. I didn't know what was weirder, the state I was in or the fact that these four-year-old Chinese kids were eating snails right out of the shell.
Great NY Noodletown is located at 28 Bowery, New YorkPhoto of David Chang by Gabriele Stabile