Legendary Sushi Chef Seki Opens Second Location In Chelsea

Chef Seki, the culinary master behind Sushi Seki, has opened a second location in Chelsea on 208 West 23rd St. The Fujianese-born chef went to Tokyo for college and started in the food industry as a dishwasher. Years later, Seki, whose Chinese name is Zhong Zhen, came to New York and eventually took over the Upper East Side restaurant owned by chef Hatsu.

Chef Seki's restaurant began drawing in off-duty chefs, who appreciate the fact that Sushi Seki was open until 3 a.m. Chefs like Eric Ripert, Daniel Boulud, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten eventually became loyal fans.

"I love the authenticity of the experience at Sushi Seki," Eric Ripert, chef of Le Bernardin, told The Daily News. "Chef Seki only uses the most pristine seafood and rice cooked to perfection for his flawlessly crafted sushi."

Chef Seki's new restaurant on the same block as the Chelsea Hotel features much of the same classic menu as the Upper East Side location.

Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.