Proper is homestyle cooking with a modern, seasonal twist. The name likely references both the prim and proper connotation of the south and allude to whether you had a proper meal today. When our lives are often rushed from one thing to the next, Proper is a restaurant that encourages people to slow down and really enjoy their food. All of the meals are prepared from scratch as a way to give people more than just the energy they need to seize the day.
Humor and Heart.
In downtown Boone, Proper is a bistro-style restaurant serving homemade meals that are all-natural and free from preservatives. There are very few ingredients that are outsourced, and those that are local and carefully chosen.
The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and gracious. They also have a bit of a sense of humor about their operations. You might spot a hidden manager waiting in the wings to catch a staff member who makes a mistake, only to jump up and reveal himself like a caped crusader. If you were going to picture the quintessential Southern restaurant and its menu and dishes, Proper might be exactly what springs to your mind.
When you’re at Proper, try the following dishes:
Hot-Dipped Chicken
This is a fried thigh that was first brined in buttermilk and dredged in a homemade mix of flour and spices. From there, it’s dipped in hot sauce and placed over jasmine rice. It’s fried chicken with just the right amount of heat — not enough to drown out the rest of the flavor but enough to take the meal to the next level.
Mac & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is something of an art form in the South, and Proper takes the time to get it just right. The creamy, gooey side dish is a best seller, and perfect next to best sellers like Fried Chicken or Tomato Pie.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is comfort food that has taken on a new dimension at this homestyle bistro. While the recipe might be traditional, there’s a lot to say about the depth of flavors. The main event is the beef at the center of the dish, but it also comes with homemade ketchup that is better than anything you might find in a squeeze bottle.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
The pulled pork at Proper is both sweet and savory with a little kick of flavor at the end. Getting this (somewhat) sloppy sandwich can help you really dig into the meal and make for a truly satisfying lunch or dinner. This sandwich comes on a brioche bun for a bit of a twist on the traditional, and your choice of side.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Some people think of pecan pie as being too sweet, but there’s a reason why this Thanksgiving classic has endured for centuries now. The addition of chocolate doesn’t make this dessert a syrupy mess, but rather cuts through some of the other flavors and enhances them one by one. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the dish is a best-seller at Proper and the perfect way to cap off your dinner choice.
There’s something about sitting in the shade with a mason glass filled with sweet tea on a hot day. Proper is a place where you can get away from the blinding sun for a bit and enjoy all the flavors the South has to offer. The staff, chefs, and owners are all people who know what the expectations are for Southern food and they come through for each guest through their attention to detail.
Insider Tips:
-The menu is traditional Southern, meaning there aren’t a lot of lighter options available.
-Parking is not plentiful, so you may have to choose a spot further away.
-Menu changes constantly based on what’s available during the season.