Restaurant Review

By Michelle Bourg

ith attractive neighborhoods, excellent schools, a thriving cultural life and easy access to Atlanta, the city of Decatur is one of the metro area’s most sought-after areas and home to some of its hottest shops and eateries. One of the mainstays is Scout, a restaurant and bar opened by noted Atlanta res taurateur Chris Martha and executive chef Michael Semancik in 2016. Located in Decatur’s Oakhurst district, Martha was deliberate about opening a neighborhood eatery—and Scout is literally just around the corner from his home. “My family and I have lived here since 2008 and we love it,” he says.

Executed by chefs Webster Anderson and Chris Neff, Scout’s con temporary American cuisine is based in local, seasonal ingredients and originally inspired by Semancik’s previous engagements across the South in Atlanta, New Orleans and Savannah, with a stop in Maine as an unexpected accent. It’s an approach you see on the menu, where jumbo lump crab cakes live next to Statesboro bleu cheese curly kale slaw, and taste in the touch of Andouille sausage that enlivens the Bangs Island mussels.

The same creativity reigns at the bar, where guests will find inventive cocktails that are both simple and delicious, while reflecting the tastes of the neighborhood. Indulge in a Dandelion Hanky Panky, featuring gin, sweet vermouth, fernet branca and dandelion liquer. There’s also a solid mix of local and regional craft brews and a thoughtful wine list weighted heavily towards reds.

Scout makes its home in an airy space inside a former solarium, part of the old Scottish Rite Hospital complex designed by famed Atlanta architect J. Neel Reid and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The space is, like the food, a playful mix, blending the generous windows, vaulted ceilings and vintage truss work with light woods and earthy colors that evoke a Maine lodge in this gra cious Southern building. The grounds include fun amenities to help make the eatery a true neighborhood spot: there’s an elevated outdoor patio, a bocce ball court and a game room with shuffle board and a vintage pinball machine. While the meaning of the restaurant’s name may not be readily apparent, it actu ally has double significance. According to Martha, the restaurant is built on the same values upheld by the concept of scouting: service, commitment to the community and an upholding of high standards. Scout strives to display those qualities and infuse a sense of unity and neighbor hood togetherness through the sharing around the table of exceptional food and drink. And there’s also the meaning of scouting for the best ingredients from the Atlanta area’s bountiful suppliers. PHOTOS: (Left) Mia Yakel; (Right) Shelby Light Above: Scout’s interior mimics the style of a Maine lodge. Left: Bangs Island mussels are among the seafood items offered. W

Of his creation’s relationship with the area, Martha says, “Whether it be the families and their kids, the walkability of Oakhurst, or just the great sense of community, the neighborhood had a big influence on the creation of Scout. Now I can look around and almost always see a familiar face.” It’s his hope that the relationship between Scout and the neighborhood will be one that endures for years. In combining the charm of a local hangout with a quality culinary experience, it typifies what’s so special about the community—casual, friendly, but still sophisticated. Scout is right at home. N THE DETAILS Attire: Casual Atmosphere: Casual, family-friendly Recommendations: Brunch, avocado deviled eggs, creative cocktails Reservations: Not required, but encouraged Parking: Available behind the restaurant Hours: Tues-Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. 11-10 p.m., Sun. 11-9 p.m. Location: 321 W. Hill St., Decatur, GA 30030 Contact: 404-496-6863, scoutoakhurst.com