Restaurateurs Brian Douglass and Anderson Clark have firm ideas on what they wanted to achieve at their two restaurants, 5-year-old Common Stock in Hillcrest and newly opened Books & Records in Bankers Hill. But they also know it's their customers who are the final arbiters of taste. Common Stock was initially envisioned as a comfort food restaurant-bar with a wide menu of globally influenced Americana eats.
The interior of the building hasn't changed structurally, but architect Paul Basile has warmed up the interior with art deco-style woodwork, green leather booths and brass décor. Deckman's menu features dishes from the American South with Mexican and Asian accents, which reflect this region's diverse population. His flavors are bold and acidic with no fear of spice.