Each week in our Chefs Off Duty series, we 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. Next up: Anita Lo, Top Chef Masters alum and the chef/owner behind Annisa in the West Village. Where do you like to grab a bite when you're leaving your own restaurant?
We often go next door to Rockmeisha. It's a Japanese izakaya -- a little plates restaurant. They've got really great ramen there. It's tiny, maybe 15-20 seats. It looks like a little Japanese dive. The cooks don't even show up to work until maybe 5pm. No one's ever there.
What are your favorite things to order there?
They don't always have it but my favorite thing there is this broiled mackerel they do with all these little pickled onions on it and ponzu. It was so good. Maybe if I plead with them via this article, they will bring it back.
RockmeishaTheir ramen is great. It's just pork ramen. I tend to get the same things over again and they do a really good tuna and avocado salad that's just slices of sashimi and slices of good avocado. We sometimes get roasted brussels sprouts with a sweet red miso on top. Delicious.
Rockmeisha Izakaya, 11 Barrow St., New York; Sun-Thu, 6pm-1am; Fri-Sat, 6pm-2am
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