ChòpnBlọk, the West African culinary concept by James Beard Nominee and Houston restaurateur Ope Amosu, continues its mission to make the region's cuisine an essential part of everyday dining while celebrating African culture.
ChòpnBlọk Montrose integrates elements that balance everyday African experiences with those of the African American and broader communities. In the restaurant, every detail draws from this inspiration, including the art, textiles, and architecture, creating an environment that highlights artistic expression.
Similar to the interior design elements, the Montrose location introduces Amosu's broader culinary vision through exclusive new dishes alongside ChòpnBlọk's fan favorites like the Motherland and TradBlọk Pairings. The food expands to include Nigerian culinary staples and wider West African influences.
In collaboration with AMAO Creative, Gin Design Group helped bring Amosu's interior design ideas to life. The restaurant's signature pattern is stenciled onto a statement mud-finished wall, referencing traditional African mud walls. The bar and community tables feature a pattern inspired by Aso Oke, a traditional West African woven fabric. Designed by Nigerian American textile artist Shade Akanbi for Clay Imports, these elements highlight the significance of African craftsmanship, with custom tables by Objecktfab.
"Chopnblock is more than a restaurant; it is a community hub, a place of education, enlightenment, and camaraderie with food at the forefront," said Gin Braverman of Gin Design Group. "My team and I dove into West African culture with the guidance of Ope and his creative director, Zainob of AMAO Creative. We connected them with design sources from our network, and they shared cultural elements that we manifested in the interior design components. This back and forth was integral in creating and curating the final product."
Custom wallpaper by Nigerian artist Uzo Njoku is placed throughout the space, including the bookshelf wall and restroom vestibule, bringing modern African art to the forefront. Shelving behind the bar showcases ethically sourced handmade African products, curated by Houston-based shop Root To Home, while a collection of cookbooks and coffee table books by notable Black authors supplied by Kindred Stories are available for purchase. chopnblok.co