Chef Bragg now at Lulu

Chef Geoff Bragg has returned to Lulu as chef de cuisine, and plans to start offering specials as early as next week. Bragg was sous chef at Lulu years ago, before running kitchens at the now defunct Peaceful Dragon and Pewter Rose, as well as time at Grove Park Inn, and most recently at the Peculiar Rabbit.

"Restaurants like this one (Lulu) have been my true passion," he said in an email. "Intimate, with the ability to give my attention to every single plate."

Look for more of his influence in the spring menu, on which he'll be working with owner Fabrice Dinonno. He credits Dinonno with doing "a superb job of evolving Lulu into what it is today" and says he'd like to add some "plating techniques, dish enhancement and, of course, leaning more on local and sustainable purveyors/ingredients -- all without bumping the check average!"

Lulu: 1911 Central Ave.; 704-376-2242; www.luludinewine.com