Cooper’s–A Neighborhood Eatery
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Craig Fass and Mandy Franklin, the owners of Menagerie, have reopened as COOPER’S–A NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY, a considerably more casual place with the same commitment to fresh, seasonal fare. A few Menagerie-era dishes remain on the menu, such as a mushroom tart–still delicious, with a buttery pastry shell–and grilled flank steak, but now equal billing is given to panini-style sandwiches and exotic pizzas like a duck-confit-and-pesto combo. The vegetable panino was stuffed to the gills with arugula, mushrooms, red pepper, and goat cheese, but the proportions were perfect, the red pepper adding a bit of sweetness, and the thin, crispy fries were some of the best I’ve ever had. For many the real draw of Cooper’s will be the selection of more than 65 beers from around the world. On our server’s suggestion–“It comes in a can but it’s really good”–I tried Wittekerke, a light, fruity white ale from Belgium. The porch has elegant wooden pergolas and suspended flower boxes; live music on Thursdays. –Heather Kenny
