Add the tiny Cornish hen to long list of elegant and esthetic dishes prepared by chef Craig Hopson who recently joined the staff at well-known and romantic Greenwich Village restaurant One if by Land, Two if by Sea.

Chef Hopson describes his style with food as “interesting Continental French”. By that he means, preparing delicious dishes with a variety of unexpected textures. He’s updated several of the menu’s long-time favorites including the beef Wellington.

Originally a surfer in his hometown of Perth, Australia, Hopson turned to food for his career. Traveling the world while working in many of the most prestigious kitchens in Austria, France and Australia, he honed his craft. He tutored in two three-star restaurants in Paris with Alain Senderens, his mentor. He made the move to the U.S. with stops in New Orleans and Philadelphia before he packed up his torque and came to New York City where he promptly mastered the kitchens at Artisanal in Midtown and Picholine on the Upper West Side.

While Hopson is infusing new flavor into the 36-year old eatery’s menu, Oscar Proust, who took over as owner eight years ago, is bringing new life to the charmingly romantic spot that was once Aaron Burr’s carriage house. He has replaced rugs with wide plank wooden floors, added antique chandeliers to the dining room and removed old partitions.

Their goal is to take what has long been a destination for romance and special occasions and make it a go-to setting for great food.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea, 17 Barrow St. (between Seventh Ave. So. And W. Fourth St.) 212-228-0822; www.oneifbyland.com; open for dinner seven nights and Sunday brunch ($20) 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; chef’s tasking menu $95 and $150 paired with wines; street-level access.