Cakes & Ale is an example of a restaurant’s maturation into something brilliant. I remember the little fledgling store on Ponce and now they are on the forefront of the Decatur dining scene.

Cakes & Ale is the perfect date/communal gathering place because of its gourmet casual approach, with minimal clean design replete with romantic votive candles on the table. You can wear a cute cocktail dress or just some nice jeans because the vibe is like Decatur – casual and not pretentious. Need to eat alone or get out of the house from an annoying roommate? Stop at the Cakes bar and you are sure to meet someone.

The ever-changing seasonal menu, driven by Chef Billy Allin, is a fresh New South approach that’s very inventive and artisanal. I’ve always loved “southern popcorn” or fried okra and Cakes makes a nostalgic version that’s crispy on the outside with a vibrant green interior.

Georgia mountain trout is amazing if done right and Cakes’ version with butter and dill hits the spot. We had a giant piece of roasted fresh fish for two for $31 that was healthy and light. We split a side of fall roasted squash for the perfect autumnal meal.

There is also a house made gnocchi with ratatouille and parmesan for vegetarians or an amazing autumnal salad with mustard greens, apples and creamy sherry vinaigrette. If its on the menu, you must order their Figgy Pudding (yes, like the Christmas song) with toffee and crème fraiche — fierce.

Next to Cakes & Ale is their bakery.  If you are stuffed after dinner, pick up some pastry for brunch  or choose an apricot pecan scone ($2.25) with some Counter Culture pressed coffee for a special morning to reward yourself. Try the sweet and savory rosemary monkey bread or some delicious Southern cheese straws for a perfect party gift. The bakery now serves lunch which I’m sure is Decatur’s answer to Alon’s.

We returned to Parker’s on Ponce for the most satisfying Sunday supper of old school prime rib roasted to a perfect medium rare accompanied by a loaded baked potato, with all the splurge toppings like butter, bacon and sour cream. I really like Parker’s because it’s an updated version of the classic steak house that I grew up on.

Yes, I’m a gay meat eater, and is there anything better than a hunk of prime rib on your fork dunked in warm au jus and zippy spicy horseradish sauce? Parker’s also has one of the best versions of fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and pesto. There’s a reason for the classics. The weather is nice, so you can go for a power walk along the oak tree-lined streets of Decatur the next day.

You don’t have to make a lot of money to eat well and healthy in Decatur. Leon’s Full Service serves little red peppers with whipped goat cheese for $4. I love the slight crunch of the red pepper and tangy goat cheese. Then we split the lemongrass mussels with scratch made frites.

Leon’s is a true gastro pub and you won’t find any tired chain fare on the menu here or really much of anywhere in Decatur.

Top photo: Pork ribs with corn puree is one of many treats on the menu at Decatur’s Cakes & Ale. (Photo via Facebook)