Get Ready to “Pass a Good Time” at Copeland’s Where New Orleans Flavor is an Art

Whether you want drinks, dinner  or dessert—need a table for two or 10—or are in the mood for authentic New Orleans cuisine or something more mainstream, Copeland’s is a perfect destination.

With a 24-year history of creating and refining palette-pleasing food and an ambiance that is upscale but comfortable and festive but not overwhelming, Copeland’s has honed its craft to an art. The menu features a selection of the Louisiana regional cuisine the restaurant is famous for, and with the addition of dozens of fine American entrées ranging from USDA Prime steaks to chicken parmesan, there is something for even the most discriminating dieter or finicky guest.

Fairly new to this area, Copeland’s is the signature restaurant of Al Copeland, founder of Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken. When he started out in New Orleans years ago, he was committed to showcasing the culinary traditions and heritage of New Orleans, and that is evident today in the 38 restaurants nationwide.

On a recent visit, I was longing for a Crescent City feast, so I chose from Copeland’s classic entrées. Greeted by servers wearing Mardi-Gras beads and stirred by the subtle sounds of jazz in the background, my companion and I ordered a Hurricane and an Eye of the Storm, festive specialty drinks to get us started on our journey to the French Quarters.

Before long, we were, as the Canjuns like to say, “passing a good time” over a sampler  appetizer platter that features Cajun food with a Continental flair. Lightly seasoned and fried bow-tie pasta complements the traditional artichoke and spinach dip. The Cajun popcorn shrimp are spicy but not hot, and even everyday broccoli tastes extraordinary when fried with cheese and bacon and dipped in a tasty sauce.

Continuing with our night-in-New Orleans theme, we chose shrimp etouffée and Copeland’s pan-roasted chicken. The etouffée has a generous portion of Gulf shrimp in a roux-based sauce. Seasoned with garlic and green onions, the dark sauce is rich and balanced to complement the delicate flavor of the fresh shrimp.

The spice-encrusted chicken breast filet is also tender and tasty and comes topped with a full-flavored brown Bordelaise sauce. Red hot potatoes—red potatoes cooked in traditional seasoned seafood boil mix before mashing—add their own unique punch to the plate. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

We’d been advised to save room for dessert, and I’m glad we did. Dessert is not an afterthought here. Copeland’s attracts a large dessert-hungry, afterdinner crowd with its specialty coffees and premier desserts. The cheesecake Napoleon and signature cheesecake are offered with an extensive selection of toppings, including several fruit toppings, caramel, kahlua, amaretto and fudge. The dessert menu also includes a chocolate signature cheesecake, carrot cake, fudge cake and several other traditional desserts.

Sipping on some very good café au lait, we mulled over our endless options, and using a sophisticated version of rock-paper-scissors, we selected the signature cheesecake and the more traditional white chocolate bread pudding. Copeland’s signature cheesecake, with a pecan crust and topped with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream, is as good as it gets—it will make you want to dance in the streets. But the bread pudding floating in a creamy white chocolate sauce is my favorite. The time-honored, simple flavor and texture will make you want to throw a parade!

Copeland’s is located at 970 Northpoint Drive in Alpharetta. Banquet facilities and catering are also available. For additional information, visit www.copelandsatlanta.com or call 678-297-2000.