By Leila Molana-Allen
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
CHELSEA — Twenty-four hour Cuban luncheonette Coppelia opened its doors in Chelsea on Monday.
The restaurant, named after an ice cream shop in Havana, Cuba, is the latest brainchild of celebrity chef Julian Medina of Iron Chef fame, owner of Yerba Buena in the East Village and Toloache Mexican Bistro in Midtown.
The 70-seat space at 207 W. 14th St. between Seventh and Eighth avenues is decorated in the style of an old school Havana diner, with a marble counter, a blue linoleum floor, revolving stools, potted palms and Cuban flags.
The diner will serve breakfast at all hours, as well as savory and sweet Latin pastries including empanadas and chocolate-covered churros. The consulting pastry chef is Pichet Ong, creator of The Spot Dessert Bar in the East Village.
The menu also offers a variety of post-breakfast options, from traditional Latin fare like huevos rancheros and chicken enchiladas to more adventurous creations such as rum-glazed shrimp and potato-crusted tilapia.
