Modern, Comfortable, and Addictive?  … You’re killing me Smalls!

Well, Smalls isn’t literally killing me, but this new restaurant springing up in the fun and dynamic Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte has certainly created a menu to die for! From the Molasses Lacquered Pork Belly small plate, to the Crispy Chicken with salted caramel butter entrée, to the Chocolate Orbit Cake, Smalls has something to satiate any appetite or craving. The grand opening in early January 2012 opened more than just its doors to the Queen City, the eatery opened up a new perspective on dining, focused on providing esteemed guests with inspired cuisine, unparalleled service, and an environment that is purposefully addictive.

Elevate Lifestyle had the luxury to chat with Joseph Dileo, the owner of this new go-to spot. Of course, we had to ask about the name of the restaurant and how it was decided upon. Turns out, Smalls has nothing to do with the classic film from the early 1990s. The name actually originated after the menu and floor plan were already decided upon. Dileo explained that since the menu offers a variety of small plates and sliders, and the restaurant space is intimate, Smalls was the perfect fit.

Dileo, a native of Rochester, New York, has always been an entrepreneur at heart, but said he needed a change of scenery from his typical corporate job.

"My next endeavor would be rooted in my twin passions of food and hospitality,” Dileo told us. But why Charlotte? During his previous career, Dileo frequently traveled to Charlotte four to five times per year for about 10 consecutive years.

“We love the people, the restaurants and found the business climate to be attractive,” he said.

And the location couldn’t be better; Smalls is a short walk from Presbyterian Hospital, CPCC, and Queens University.

Smalls focuses on supporting local and fresh ingredients. According to Dileo, “Everything that can be made in-house is made in-house, [including] all the breads, pastas, fresh ground beef, daily soups, etc."

Continuing with the local emphasis, Smalls exclusively serves N.C. craft beer including Old Mecklenberg Brewery, Mother Earth, Catawba, Greenman, Foothills, Highland, Noda and Duckrabbit.

"We truly wanted to support fellow local entrepreneurs, and the quality and taste of local [beers] are mountains above," he said.

The chef has even prepared six planter boxes at the restaurant to grow his own tomato plants, lettuce, and various herbs for daily use in a variety of dishes.

Chef Zack Gadberry, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, follows the same vision as Dileo. With his amazing creativity and devotion to perfection, the two couldn’t be a better match. Gadberry gained experience in many fine dining establishments around Charlotte, such as Nobles and Customshop. He worked endlessly, along with Dileo, researching and testing many recipes to finally choose the best 20 that landed on the menu. So we had to ask, what is the best dish on the menu? Dileo undoubtedly exclaimed, “The eggplant stack – once tasted, you will have dreams about it!”

But the amazing food and exceptional hospitality is not the only thing Smalls has to offer. The restaurant plans on including live entertainment from local musicians, with no cover charge!

Smalls has been illustrated as a ‘true joint’ by Dileo; "The perfect combination of cuisine, people and vibe. We designed Smalls to be a gathering place for all: classy yet undeniably comfortable.”

Smalls also provides catering for both small and large events, and can customize a menu for any taste or budget.

Dileo also explained that he would not be concluding his entrepreneurial spirit with Smalls; in fact, his next endeavor has already started right next door. Smalls is actually only half of the 8,000 square feet of space in the location Dileo chose. He plans on utilizing the other half to introduce yet another amazing concept to the neighborhood, The Elizabeth Fish & Oyster Company, which opens in late spring of this year. The new restaurant boasts “six types of oysters from around the country, fresh fish and shellfish, [and] house-made pasta – all served in an environment that screams, ‘Relax, you’re among friends.’”

"We made the move and are enjoying every day of it!” said Dileo, and Charlotte cannot wait to enjoy it too. Elevate Lifestyle is proud to welcome Smalls, Joseph Dileo, and all of his future projects to the ever-blossoming restaurant industry in the Queen City. You can get your hands on any of their mouth-watering dishes day or night; Smalls is located at 1609 Elizabeth Avenue and is open until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and until 10 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday. For directions and additional information, visit their Web site at SmallsCharlotte.com.

Laela Karimi