Copan, Korean Fare in Temescal

Copan
4869 Telegraph Ave., Temescal
Phone: (510) 654-2000
Web: copantelegraph.com
Status: Open

Micha Oh and the folks behind popular Oakland Korean spot Ohgane have officially expanded: Copan, their second restaurant, opened in Temescal last week. Helmed by Momofuku Ssam Bar alum Eddie Joo, who's also cooked in Hong Kong and Tokyo, the former Sura features a mixture of classic Korean BBQ items like kalbi, bulgogi, beef tongue, and pork belly, as well as other favorite treats like soft tofu soup, bibimbop, kimchi fried rice, and Korean-style ramen. But there are also some unusual twists, including a beef tartare with Asian pear, sesame, and pine nuts; a miso stew with quinoa; and some Japanese-fusion-y dishes like pork katsu. (The EBX has a scan of the menu.) "We're starting out with traditional Korean food, but I want to change the menu to add more Japanese items and modernize it," says Joo, an L.A. native who decided to move to the Bay to work with the Ohgane crew because they're family friends of his parents.

The beverage lineup is still in the works, but the restaurant has a beer and wine license, and in addition to what Joo deems "fairly standard" draft brews like PBR and Lagunitas IPA, he's hoping to develop a good selection of Japanese beer and sake. The 70-seat restaurant is definitely spacious, with high ceilings, natural wood tables (a few of which have tabletop grills for the full Korean BBQ experience), and a big picture window in front. Hours are daily from 11 am-10 pm, and Joo says he's hoping to eventually stay open until 2 am on weekends to serve the late-night crowd.

· Now Open in Temescal: Copan [EBX]
· Sura Shuttering, Becoming Copan [~ ESF ~]