Eclectic Kim Review: Little Beast

t had been a few months since I’d last caught up with Jeremy over dinner, so when we finally settled on a night, I let him pick the spot. He suggested Little Beast. While my first visit years ago – with a now former friend – had been underwhelming, I was genuinely excited to return and rewrite the memory with someone whose company I truly enjoy.

I arrived a little early and was given the choice of inside or outside. I opted for the cozy charm of the indoor space – there’s something special about dining in a Craftsman bungalow from the 1910s. The well-worn warmth of the interiors, paired with the inviting vintage decor made me feel all happy inside.

Once Jeremy arrived, we exchanged the usual pleasantries before diving into cocktails. I ordered the CHERRY BOMB (vodka, marendry amarena cherry aperitivo, dubonnet, combier fruits rouges, cappelletti aperitivo, citrus). Thoughtfully composed and beautifully served, it set the tone for the evening.

There’s something lovely about well crafted drinks. This was a cocktail of excellence.

When the HOUSE BREAD & SPREAD (garlic-chili butter, sea salt) arrived to the table, it was pipping hot. We each took pleasure in ripping the pipping hot bread apart and slathering it with the delicious creamy butter as we talked. It felt like the simplest joys of dining done right.

The NORTH AFRICAN ROASTED BROCCOLINI (tomato, caraway, paprika) was some of the best broccolini I’ve had in a while. The sauce was excellent – full of flavor and rich.

For dinner, I sipped and swirled the SAWTOOTH OLD FASHIONED (bourbon, amaro, Licor 43, orange bitters).

The LINGUINE ALLA NERANO (zucchini, poblano, leeks, basil-pepita pesto) and CHICKEN FRIED LAMB CHOPS (caramelized garlic sweet potato mash, house coleslaw, tabasco honey) was – simply put – scrumptious. Jeremy claimed the coleslaw was his favorite. But, I couldn’t pick just one highlight. The dishes were so well balanced and satisfying that I just enjoyed it all.