Chef Terry Koval this spring will open The Deer & The Dove restaurant and Side Bar wine and coffee bar in Decatur’s historic square, according to a press release Wednesday.
Both concepts will replace the now-shuttered Cakes & Ale and its adjoined bakery, at 155 Sycamore Street.
“We’re honored and appreciative to be moving into the two spaces that formerly housed Cakes & Ale and The Bakery at Cakes & Ale, some of our city’s most iconic and beloved restaurants,” Koval, a Decatur resident, said in the release.
“We have big shoes to fill and are looking forward to serving the Decatur and Atlanta communities for years to come.”
Utilizing a wood-burning oven, The Deer & The Dove will serve New American cuisine, rooted in the seasons with ingredients sourced from local farms.
The ever-changing menu will feature items such as chicory, kohlrabi, fennel, and radish salad with green garlic buttermilk; oven-roasted squid and clams; sunchokes with tahini and roasted peanuts; wood-fired dishes such as pastured raised chicken thighs with charred lemon; and venison with rutabaga, pistachios and serviceberry.
Next door at Side Bar, which formerly served as The Bakery at Cakes & Ale, guests will be able to enjoy NY bodega-style breakfast and lunch sandwiches (think “egg on a roll”), bagels and coffee.
At night, Side Bar will become a bar with a focus on natural wines, cocktails and small plates.
On occasion, the space will also host pop-up dinners from local and visiting chefs.
George Frangos, co-founder of Farm Burger, will serve as a partner for both ventures.
He originally met Koval while working together at Concentrics Restaurants before bringing Koval on as Farm Burger’s original chef.
“It’s been amazing to watch Terry grow as a chef and a leader in Atlanta’s good food community over the past few years,” Frangos said.
“I’m excited to work with Terry once more and help bring The Deer and Dove to life.”
Koval’s wife, Jenn, will also be involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant and greeting guests.
Chef Koval will be working with good friends of the Atlanta bartending community to develop and assist with The Deer & The Dove’s beverage program.
Brian Buckner, in collaboration with Local Architects, is designing the two restaurants.
