Copeland Restaurant   

We don't expect much from restaurants catering to tourists and travelers, because the transient nature of their ready clientele demands little loyalty. But Copeland in Morristown is trying to capture the hearts, stomachs and devotion of the critical dining public in Jersey's Hoboken West. Copeland goes for big looks and fine food, and they're almost always successful. It's a spacious and modern restaurant, with handsome ebony and cream furniture, deep red walls, and a bay of windows behind the front and central bar. The seasonal menu changes frequently, but many regulars hope that the papardelle appetizer, with roasted tomatoes and short ribs, stays around for the next 12 months. The Chilean sea bass dinner is an explosion of flavors; the fish is glazed in chili and cinnamon and plated with potato-wrapped shrimp and baby bok choy. And the perfectly charred burgers, served on brioche, have quickly developed a loyal following. The wine list hosts a great variety of bottles in the more affordable $20 range, and the range skyrockets upward for the business traveler with the big expense account. For special events, book the glass-walled wine room in the restaurant's interior. It feels intimate and showy at the same time.