From appearing on MasterChef Junior at the age of 10 to working in high-end Momofuku kitchens, Josh Reisner has already had a long culinary journey as a chef in his early 20s. That journey is about to hit a new milestone with the opening of Kuro Neko, a chef-driven ramen shop at 218 E 10th St. in the East Village.
Although his culinary career started in television, Reisner told What Now New York that he’s worked at just about every level in a professional kitchen. His recent success as executive chef at Do Not Disturb in the West Village inspired him to finally strike out on his own and open Kuro Neko.
“DND really took off last year, and we did around like $1.5 million in food sales,” he said. “I was seeing that, and I was like: Okay, it’s really time to open up my own spot.”
Weisner said the upcoming restaurant, slated to open in June, will be inspired by his extensive training in Japanese kitchens, his Singaporean heritage, and a love of Western European cuisines. He said to expect a contemporary ramen menu anchored by fresh-made noodles. There will also be a section of the menu dedicated to small plates, such as crudos, ceviches and classic dim sum dishes. At the bar, options will include small-label wines and spirits chosen based on sustainability.
As for the name, Kuro Neko — or Black Cat in Japanese — will pay homage to the people Reisner has lost in his life, demystifying the notion of a black cat as bad luck.
