Eat Sheet: Recess, Smoking Goose, and More

» Greg Hardesty has changed things up at his dinner-only restaurant Recess (4907 N. College Ave., 317-925-7529). His adjoining casual eatery Room Four no longer offers its own menu, but seats additional Recess diners who can now dine from the chef’s prix-fixe menu or order off the new raw bar, featuring oysters, sashimi, and the best shrimp cocktail north of St. Elmo.

» Looking for something new to serve at your holiday party? Food & Wine magazine recently mentioned Smoking Goose’s (407 Dorman St., 317-638-6328) New Day South Cider salami (in collaboration with New Day Meadery) as one of its “New Party Essentials.”

» Former Zest owner Valerie Vanderpool has a new gig. The veteran chef now offers nutrition coaching and teaches cooking classes as part of her new business, Taste Your Fitness.

» Specialty coffee, wine, and South American flavors will hit Meridian-Kessler in early 2016 with the opening of Open Society Public House (4850 N. College Ave., 317-460-9022).