Call him a contrarian if you will.
When many chefs are preaching the gospel of cooking local, Peter Gordon sticks with his love of Fusion cuisine. He still finds inspiration in the best ingedients, techniques and dishes whether they come from Turkey, Spain, Thailand or his native New Zealand.
Peter, along with Michael McGrath, Adam Wills and Brandon Allen, opened Kopapa in Seven Dials, described as Covent Garden hidden village, in early days of December 1010.
I call it a Fusion Cafe because decor has an informality to it and they serve breakfast, lunch, and of course being near covent Garden, pre and post theater dinner.
Taking a quick look at some of the dishes on the menu, with the recent cold spell, I would definitely go with the Liver Risotto (below).
His Spanish bent shows on the Drinks List which includes 3 Sherry by the glass:
Manzanilla, Fernando de Castilla (dry and crisp) 4.00
Oloroso, Antique, Fernando de Castilla (rich walnuts and oak) 6.00
Pedro Ximenez, Fernando de Castilla (concentrated sweetness) 8.50
I think that Steve Heimoff would approve that choice.
So if you happen to be in the neighborhood early in the day or quite late, pop in and check the place.
Whether you feel like small plates with New Zealand beers or a couple of the 20 wines available by the glass or carafe or a full meal, Kopapa has it.
Add to my must visit list for 2011.
(* Photos by Jean Cazals)