Wondering what the new large and brightly lit building is that you can see from Route 101 in Bedford? It's the Copper Door, which opened in December as the newest addition to Bedford's restaurant scene. Area diners are already familiar with the owner, Tom Boucher, who is also the owner and CEO of Cactus Jack's and T-Bones Great American Eatery. At the Copper Door he attempts to take the food and atmosphere up another level, and for the most part he succeeds.

Menu: 18/20

There is a variety of items on the menu; something for most everyone. Overall, the menu features classic American fare, from seafood to steak to chicken. If you aren't in the mood for a big meal, you can choose from one of the 18 items on the Bar Bites menu, or have a pizza from the stone oven. We were impressed by the extensive wine and cocktails menu, featuring some unique martini offerings.

Appetizers: 18/20

Our Gourmet: I'm always looking for a great onion soup, and the Five Onion Gratinee ($6) did not disappoint. The star was the beefy broth that wasn't overly salty. It was topped with a very cheesy and delicious crust. With the popover-style bread that was served with it to start, it could have made a meal all by itself. (10/10)

TDC: To start, I had the Pork Short Chops ($9). They are served pan-seared with radish sprouts, three good-sized caper berries and lathered in ponzu sauce. I'm not much for sprouts or capers but I thoroughly enjoyed the chops. The ponzu sauce, which is citrus-based, packed a powerful flavor without being overwhelming. I soaked up as much as I could with each enjoyable bite. (8/10)

Entrees: 15/20

OG: The Copper Door highlights upscale comfort food, and it being a chilly day, I decided to seek comfort in the Buttermilk Chicken ($20). The chicken, served on the bone, is topped with gravy, alongside rustic mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe with pancetta. The chicken was juicy and the portion was huge, but it needed a bit more salt and spice. I wish the gravy had topped the mashed potatoes instead of the chicken, as it made the crisp skin soggy. (7/10)

TDC: For my main dish I tried the Delmonico Steak ($32). It was served with Wild Mushroom Quinoa, Swiss Chard, and drizzled in Pinot Noir Demi. The chard, a less-known leafy vegetable, was served warm and had a taste very similar to spinach, making me feel healthy as I polished it off. The quinoa's texture mixed very well with the wild mushrooms.

The steak was seared on the outside, tender on the inside, and medium rare just as I had asked. (8/10)

Desserts: 16/20

OG: Earlier in the evening, one of the servers walked by our table with a giant cupcake and I knew I had to try it. The Copper Cupcake ($6) is a carrotcake cupcake topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and candied pecans, served in a white chocolate cup. It was tasty and a sweet end to the meal, but there was no way I could finish it. (8/10)

TDC: I chose the Three Vices ($9) comprised of three distinct desserts: a ramekin of espresso mousse, a chocolate chiffon cake with chocolate ganache and brandied cherries, and a scoop of Jake's mocha ice cream and coffee. I decided that three vices are definitely better than one. (8/10)

Final thoughts: 18/20

Our server was extremely attentive and we were immediately greeted at the door, always a good start to an evening. We liked the restaurant's open concept with exposed beams and large windows, and the gas fireplace made it feel cozy on a cold winter's night. In addition to seating 125 people, the Copper Door has plenty of room around their large bar, making it a good place to enjoy a libation from their drink menu with co-workers at the end of the day. Given the atmosphere and food, the Copper Door seems to be the logical successor to CR Sparks, which closed its Bedford location in June 2010.

Total: 85/100