What’s Clean
At The White Bull, local sourcing of fresh ingredients is the main focus. They access many local farms for meats and produce, but in general they strive to source as much organic and organically grown produce as possible, ask for more specifics. The beef is pasture-raised and grain-finished with non-GMO feed. The trout is wild-caught in the winter but farm-sourced in the warmer months while the chicken is locally raised and organic. Just about everything is scratch-made in house. White Bull even mills its own organic flour for the house-made bread and pasta and churns its own butter!
What’s Served
Serving small plates of Farmhouse Italian inspired fare, the ever-changing menu is driven by what is fresh and available that day. White Bull always offers fresh-made pasta, such as Cappelletti, as well as entrees with proteins of heritage pork, pasture-raised beef, shrimp, trout, sausage, and chicken. Several Veggie plates and Salad dishes are also offered…squash blossoms anyone? Beverages include mocktails, cocktails, beer, and an impressive wine list.
What I Ordered
I ordered the house-made Bread & Butter and the Gnocchi e Piselli (with peas). Comingled with tender peas and slices of squash, diced bacon, tomato, parmesan, and garnished with scallion, the Gnocchi dish was outstanding. A flavorful tomato-based sauce touched the gnocchi without dominating, allowing for the pillowy and divine gnocchi to shine. Lastly, the freshly made butter was the show stopper on the bread plate. Dressed with rosemary and a sprinkling of salt crystals, the bread was on the denser side, almost resembling a Foccacia and certainly quite flavorful. On a more recent visit, I ordered the Chicken Wings with house Blue Cheese and Chili Honey Sauces. The wings were browned in all the right places, and perfect for dunking in some of the best Blue Cheese Dressing ever, creamy, not laden with oils, and just superb. Same for the Chili Honey Sauce, finger-licking good with just the right amount of heat and sweetness combo.
The Vibe
Set in an old storefront in downtown Decatur, The White Bull offers a comforting charm complete with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and a local feel. Seating is available at the bar and tables inside, as well as outdoors along the sidewalk and on the newly constructed patio out back.
The Takeaway
Innovative Farm to Plate Italian inspired delicious food is what you’ll find at The White Bull. Always made with the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from small local farms, White Bull strives for zero waste as well. Grab some scratch-made divinity when in Decatur at 123 East Court Square, but you might want to make a reservation first.
