This was the visit to KOPAN where I took a camera... prior to this visit, I also received first-class treatment from a very friendly staff at KOPAN.  I understand why the Cabot community is so proud!  Definitely worth the short drive from Little Rock.   I'll add to this post later today.  (Also see pics from previous blog entry)  The restaurant will be featured today on Live at Five.

                                    6:15 PM UPDATE - Fine Dining in Cabot

Special thanks to Linda Jung and Karen Turner for making the trip from Cabot to Little Rock to showcase their beautiful sushi creations!  The food was absolutely delicious as I expected it would be. 

Just to tell you a little more about Kopan, as you can probably figure out, the name is a combination of Korea and Japan... reflecting Jung's native Seoul offerings and Japanese cuisine, hence "Ko-pan". 

The restaurant is on Main Street and occupies a former Chinese eatery.  Jung tells me it was never "her" idea to open a restaurant but her friends kept trying to convince her, always telling her she was such a good cook... especially Carlisle native Karen Turner.  So, she did.  Turner and Jung, both teachers, had formed a long-distance friendship through an exchange program.  Jung eventually decided to relocate to Arkansas so her daughters could experience a different culture while she shared more about her country with her new neighbors.  (Turner has since located to Cabot - she's a teacher by day and manages Kopan by night)  Both thought it would be a great addition to the Cabot area since the city is so close to the air base and there is such a diverse culture there.

The restaurant venture shifted Jung's career into a profession that also included her passion, she tells me she "loves to cook and appreciates others enjoying her food."  It's evident that she has quickly become the pride of Cabot...with many of her loyal customers sending me notes, prior to my initial visit,  telling me I "must try" Kopan. 

About a month or two ago, I had to do a flooding/farming story in Cabot and decided to visit the much-touted Kopan.  Photojournalist Rich Newman was with me and had never had sushi before.  I've had plenty sushi but had not experienced Korean food, not even kimchee.  I introduced Rich to some items he particularly enjoyed... including a tasty and spicy fried crawfish appetizer.  We had the sashimi lunch box and miso soup.  I was pleasantly surprised at the quantity of items available and the freshness of the sushi offerings.  I decided then "Kopan" must be a Pam's Picks.

I called weeks later to set up the story.... when I arrived at the restaurant to shoot it,  I was again pleasantly surprised at the thoughtfulness of the owner/staff who put my name on the marquee - "I have officially arrived!"  

Don't be fooled by the rather non-descript outside brick exterior - inside, a beautifully appointed establishment with decor straight from Korea, from the elegant china to the cutlery, all reflecting the tastes of Jung who hand-selected each item.  The staff, some of the friendliest I've encountered.  I also saw a familiar face - veteran sushi chef Frank Hahn. (That's his American name)  I knew I was in great shape.  I've been to several central Arkansas restaurants where Hahn's handiwork was sampled and appreciated.

Hahn works from a full sushi bar at Kopan with dozens of the freshest seafood items the restaurant can procure.  He will even create a specialty for you.  I'm told one customer who goes by the name "John B," didn't prefer the raw sushi - so Hahn came up with a cooked beef roll with cream cheese and jalapeno just for John B... and it now bears his name as a Kopan staple. For those who are a little squeamish about sushi, Jung and Turner dispel the myths that all sushi is raw.  Some is, some isn't - for example, you can get some sushi that has tempura shrimp - that's fried in a batter. 

There are also the Korean specialties which are typically spicier than Japanese entrees and in addition to the kimchee (pickled cabbage or other vegetables)  feature Bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated cooked meats)  - beef and pork are popular.  Other popular items on Kopan's menu - the kabobs - cooked chicken, shrimp or a combination. (At dinner you can get the kabobs for $1.99 each)

Cooked entrees are also featured - chicken, beef or salmon Teriyaki, to name a few.  And my personal favorites - Kopan's Galbi (marinated beef short ribs) and Crunchy Red Snapper (battered and fried, topped with a creamy jalapeno sauce).  Delish!!!!

I forgot to mention, the amazing guacamole-type concoction, served with crispy fried wontons, you get as an appetizer .  I had to ask for some to take home it was so good. 

Lunch and dinner are served in combination boxes or individual entrees.  All sauces and dressings made in-house and are Jung's own creations.  For dessert:  fried cheese cake, creme brulee and my favorite there, green tea ice cream.  That has to be healthy, right?

Ask for Jung's cinnamon tea (served cold) or try a cup of instant Korean coffee.  Definitely worth several  repeat trips.

Kopan's hours of operation:  Lunch - Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 2 pm; Dinner - Monday - Thursday 5 pm - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday 5 pm - 10 pm; Closed Sunday.  Moderate to Expensive.  Lunch runs $10-18 while dinner prices can go up to $30.  Kopan does offer specials and Take-out.  For your convenience the phone number is (501) 843-8898.  Address:  701 W.  Main, Cabot, AR 

Credit Cards and Cash only Accepted with the exception of Discover Cards (no Discover Cards)

Website:  none available at this time