Elizabeth Turnbull and Roberto Copa Matos are integral to the Durham community. They first made their mark when they opened the Old Havana Sandwich Shop located just a few blocks away from their new home in COPA on Main Street. As incrediBULL as the Old Havana Sandwich Shop was, Roberto and Elizabeth were ready to elevate and modernize traditional flavors and dishes from Spain, Cuba, and the Americas.
So COPA was born. COPA Latin Bistro and Bar is a place where you get an intimate view of the soil to table experience, filled with family stories, the history of our food, and the culmination of a delicious meal.
To begin your dinner, Elizabeth, Bar Director and Owner of COPA, has created what I would say defines what is Durham, La Diosa Negra Cocktail with Cuban Cigar Smoke. Elizabeth noticed that many of the mainstream cocktails were named after men. So rather than create a new drink with a male name, she decided to create one with a female goddess. Therefore, La Diosa Negra cocktail was created to honor strong women who worked on the tobacco fields and represent the African women’s contribution to North Carolina. La Diosa Negra is a beauty to see and experience.
Next are the Tapas. From the Local Cheese Plate, to the Sweet Plantains (Maduros), my personal recommendation is the Crackin Bread. Chef Roberto’s grandfather was famous for making Crackin Bread, and he recreates this dish in honor of him.
For the entrees, you can not go wrong with the Local Seafood Paella. This Paella is filled with local clams, shrimp, and fish with heirloom Carolina Gold rice from Anson Mills. What’s special about this dish is not only that it takes 45 minutes to prepare all the flavoring, it is made with Carolina Gold Rice. Carolina Gold Rice originates from West Africa and was introduced in the states during the slave trade. Other delicious recommendations are the Steak “Frites” and the Plato Fuerte for my vegetarian/vegan friends.
To top off this meal, a fan favorite is the Chocolate Cake. Smooth and sweet to end your night experiencing the Latin culture at its finest.
COPA Latin Bistro and Bar is one of a kind. You can experience this too! Make your reservation for COPA tonight!
Located: 107 West Main St. Durham, NC 27701
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 5:30pm-9:00pm, Thursday-Saturday 5:30pm-12:00am
Thank You Elizabeth, Roberto, Doug, Dalton, and Angel for an unforgetaBULL night.
