"Little D's opens Thursday, February 23, with a big reveal of the menus and the interior transformation. With just 40 seats nestled into one room and at an L-shaped bar, the vibe is all about intimacy, comfort, and casual elegance. “This [menu] is a departure from what we do at Asheville Proper,” says Mindi. “With the more intimate space, we wanted more dishes to share with the person next to you. Those smaller plates have more emphasis on vegetables.” The produce is local, but finished plates are global — grilled broccolini, for example, is set with cardamom labneh and pistachio dukkah; caramelized cauliflower with raisins and vadouvan aioli; charred carrots with smoked feta, toasted peanuts, harissa, and cilantro. The mains will hit the main things – beef, pork, fowl, and fish – with a vegetarian option and specials as the kitchen gets into gear. Asheville Proper pastry chef Hilary Lamont also oversees the dessert menu at Little D's, named for their 8-year-old “tiny and mighty” daughter Davis. The beverage lineup is more cocktail-focused than the wine-dominated Asheville Proper; Owen McGlynn is doing the prep and batching for what he describes as “elevated classics” as well as several sophisticated non-alcoholic options." - Kay West
