Kelly Choi is a prominent American television personality known for her dynamic presence on NYC Media, the official broadcast service of New York City. She gained significant recognition as the host of Bravo TV’s Top Chef Masters, a prestigious spin-off of the acclaimed Top Chef series. Choi’s engaging style and culinary expertise have made her a beloved figure in the food television landscape, further solidified by her role as the presenter of the documentary series Secrets of New York, which showcases the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Choi’s journey into the media industry began after she transitioned from modeling, where she was represented by Ford Models and won the Elite Models Look of the Year. She hosted Freckles, a lifestyle program on Plum TV, before making her mark in New York’s competitive media scene. In 2004, she joined nyctv, where she hosted the pilot episode of Secrets of New York and later three seasons of the series, which was nationally distributed by PBS. Her innovative approach led to the creation of Eat Out NY, a program that highlighted the diverse culinary offerings of New York City, earning her widespread acclaim.

In 2006, Choi’s popularity soared as she became a fixture on WNBC’s noontime viewing, thanks to a unique content-sharing arrangement with nyctv. Her expertise was further recognized when she was invited to be a guest judge on the Food Network’s Iron Chef and to host the prestigious James Beard Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars” of the food industry. In 2011, she expanded her repertoire by hosting Late Night Kung Fu, celebrating classic kung fu films.

Choi’s contributions to television have not gone unnoticed, as she has received three Emmy nominations from the New York chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Her career reflects a blend of passion for food, culture, and storytelling, making her a significant figure in the culinary media landscape.