[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] The Kopper Top & Marc Stewarts Guest House

Don’t mistake The Kopper Top for your average sports bar or watering hole. This west side fixture is a legend, if only for its over-the-top seasonal decorating. The “Kopper” in the name refers to the large amount of copper knick-knacks decorating the walls and ledges, plus copper table tops and bar. Those visiting for ArtPrize will get to see the place decked out for Halloween.

Since there are no televisions or loud overpowering music, the Kopper Top is an excellent place for an artistic discussion, and the deep wood booths on the right upon entering provide an intimate atmosphere.

The menu includes pub fare such as burgers, sandwiches and wraps, plus appetizers, salads and entrees. Due to the west side influence, there is a good helping of Polish flavor, such as the “Polish Nachos” (perogies) and the Kielbasa Sandwich. (This is described as “homemade beer cooked kielbasa served with spicy mustard on your choice of a grilled bun or dark rye. Add kapusta for a real treat.” I had to google “kapusta.”) Due to one of the owner’s regular visits to Cuba, there is also a wicked good Cuban sandwich. Entrees include steaks, chops, fish, and kielbasa. There are some salads and a few pastas for the vegetarians, but this menu is mostly for the carnivores.

While you are out visiting the West Side venues, plan to stop by the Kopper Top for good eats, a brew and some conversation.

Specials:
Be on the lookout for coupons in the ArtPrize Guide for 20% off your food order. There will also be Sunday specials, to be determined later.

The ArtPrize you'll see
Next door at Marc Stewarts Guest House, four artists will be displaying entries. These four have fairly diverse styles and media.

• Matt Manley – A freelance illustrator, Manley’s work is a combination of traditional canvas painting and digital collage. The series of three canvases on display are from a larger series of highly symbolic work based on alchemical concepts.
• Rusmel Mora – Originally from Cuba, Mora creates emotive, figurative wood sculpture. The exact piece he will display is unknown; it will likely be a study of universal humanity.
• Jill Schaefer – Schaefer is a well-traveled muralist, who creates acrylic paintings in traditional realism. Many of her murals feature architectural or natural elements. The painting she is creating for ArtPrize will likely be of light coming through trees.
• Ricky Whitaker – An homage to artists of the past, Whitaker’s “The Unforgotten Great Ones” is a monumental project both in size and concept. This mural, 10’ high by 80’ long, has portraits of great artists throughout the ages, in a folk art style. This mixed media project was clearly a labor of love for the artist.