A knockout special of plum-glazed barbecued quail, Kentucky cheddar spoon bread, and pickled green beans at Beholder (1844 E. 19th St., 317-419-3471).
A pair of cocktails sipped by the open garage door at 8th Day Distillery (1125 E. Brookside Ave., 317-600-3791): the Turn a New Leaf bourbon cocktail and spiced-rum Quantumn.
A spin on classic bouillabaisse with a well-seasoned broth spiked with saffron and leeks, mussels, fingerling potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tempura cod with a hint of wasabi on chef Chris Laque’s new French-inflected menu at Spoke & Steele (123 Illinois St., 317-737-1616).
Verde Flavors of Mexico‘s tamale starter, featuring tender masa capsules of shredded pork with red sauce and chicken under a blanket of rich, complex mole.
