The wait is over— CHO-ZEN has arrived on Second Avenue. The new restaurant focusing on Kosher-Asian cuisine is the only one of its kind in the neighborhood and Upper East Site has a breakdown of what diners can expect as it opens its doors for a soft launch starting with take out service only.
CHO-ZEN is the latest establishment from Neil Wallin, a seasoned restauranteur who owns three other Kosher-Asian restaurants— with the similar, but not identical, Cho-Sen name— located in Forrest Hills, Queens and on Long Island.
The new Upper East Side restaurant, located at 1553 Second Avenue, between East 80th and 81st Streets, is taking over the space that was formerly home to Jaiya, a Thai restaurant, for the last ten years.
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CHO-ZEN may be new to the neighborhood, but Mr. Wallin is an industry veteran whose Kosher Chinese food has been satisfying hungry New Yorkers since 1990.
The new restaurant’s menu features an assortment of all your Chinese favorites, like beef and broccoli, General Tzo’s chicken and the lo mein, all prepared under rabbinical supervision to meet strict Kosher standards. An assortment of fresh sushi, sashimi and special rolls round out the menu.
Inside CHO-ZEN, there’s an inviting upscale atmosphere, with a sushi bar at the front of the space and cozy booths, with seating for 60, along the side and in the rear of the restaurant. The peaceful, yet intimate space creates a feeling of Zen, according to Mr. Wallin, which is how CHO-ZEN got its name.
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Take out service began on Thursday afternoon, the start of CHO-ZEN’s soft launch. Mr. Wallin tells Upper East Site he expects to have diners eating inside the restaurant by next month, as they take their time to work out the kinks and make sure they get things right.
For Wallin, diners are more than just customers, they become family. He hopes his restaurant becomes the place for your family to celebrate its special moments.
Regular hours are noon to 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday, Friday’s from noon to 3:30 pm. Once daylight saving time begins, CHO-ZEN will open on Saturday’s starting an hour after nightfall until midnight, in observance of the sabbath.
To place an order call CHO-ZEN directly at 212-717-8818. Printed menus can be picked up at the restaurant.
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