I returned to Chop-Shop for its proximity to the Landmark Starrett-Lehigh building in Chelsea, where Jean-Michel Basquiet’s family put his art on display.

I had to order their nicely spiced green papaya salad with shrimp cashews and watercress ($14) again. Yes, that good. It didn’t disappoint. I still wish they’d trim the watercress stems a tad.

My dining partner enjoyed the poached Norwegian salmon with a ginger scallion sauce over steamed baby bok choy ($24). Although delicious, we agreed that the rice-flour-dusted, lightly fried, spicy Thai branzino filet ($24) was the thing to have. It was so delicate and flavorful with the fillet served atop the skin, all in a sweet and spicy vinaigrette.

Worth going out of your way for, especially when walking the High Line at Hudson Yards or going to one of the West Chelsea galleries.

After lunch, we headed to the Jean-Michel Basquiat show, put on by his family. He was an American artist who rose to success during the 1980s of the Neo-expressionism movement. According to what I’ve read, Jean-Michel Basquiat gained celebrity due to his art, personality and friendship with Andy Warhol. He is known for his painting style with graffiti-like images and scrawled text.

King Pleasure, presented by his family, is open in Chelsea. Tickets are available here.

Chop-Shop
Chelsea
254 10th Ave,
New York, NY 10001
(212) 820-0333