Mountain High
Upper Village has a new culinary star
Written by Charlotte Bryant
Photography by Kort Havens
One of the year's most anticipated restaurant openings, Little Mountain, is celebrating its namesake small village with a world of personality. Owners Graham Duncan and Eva Schreier (Hacienda Los Milagros and Smith Fork Ranch) found inspiration in the idea of a not-so-sleepy gathering space that reflects the local community in all aspects of its look, feel, and flavor. The former Wine Bistro space in the Upper Village has been completely re-envisioned to feel like stepping into a modern hacienda—with a bar that begs for a leisurely hangout. The large patio and 14-seat private dining room, which have been elegantly appointed by designer Andrew Cosbie, allude to the many historic properties and signature Spanish Colonial look that feels woven into the fabric of Montecito. A custom wood-fired hearth is the centerpiece of the kitchen, where Chilean-born chef Diego Moya (who comes to Montecito by way of New York) has embraced the abundance of local produce. Moya employs focused preparations that highlight vegetables at their peak, plating exciting textures and less familiar combinations through dishes like spiny lobster with Tokyo turnip and chrysanthemum or beef tartare with grilled tomato. The locavore sensibility even extends to the walls with work from artist Meredith Abbott Brooks and a sustainably sourced small-producer wine list. 516 San Ysidro Rd., Montecito; littlemountainsb.com
