pushing forward

Construction has begun and it is going well. I wanted to take time to introduce Gabe Jordan to the future Recess participants. Gabe has worked for me at Elements and H2O so many of you are already familiar with him. He understands as well as anyone what I want to accomplish at the new store. Gabe will be acting as the GM of both the restaurant and the take away food store. He brings a vast knowledge of food, wine and service, so I am thrilled to have him on board. He will be a huge part of the blogging process as well, which is going to be the main form of communication for what is available at Recess, both in take away food as well as the daily menu for each dinner service. Look for Gabe's thoughts in future posts.

For now, we will continue to build, paint, design, shop and develop Recess. I want Recess to be a constant, organic work in progress. This will ensure it always stays fresh and exciting to us all! In the coming weeks I am going to start posting typical menus, as I need to start getting my culinary pencil warmed up..............

Look, Up in the Sky..........

The chef is? :

a. spotting superman above

b. working on his latest dance move

c. reaching up to touch that dangerously live wire

d. ready to answer questions and have an e-dialogue about what Recess is all about

d...the purpose of this blog (as well as future recess blogs) is to keep everyone updated, informed and in the know. Things are going to change fast and often. I have a vision for this place, but it can only be realized with the help of great customers. So please comment, ask questions, give opinions, have a voice. This is going to be a unique restaurant adventure. I want to change the way a restaurant is "supposed" to be run.......

A Sneak Peak of Recess Demolition

Recess

4907 North College Avenue

it used to be a beauty salon.....

I doubt that we will keep this sign (or the philosophy).

.....which family member isn't quite sure about this whole "restaurant business"?

the future dining room

.....and one of these days I will get all the old tile adhesive up and this can will be replaced with a 10 burner range

The Commencement of Recess

Here's where we'll explain, explore, wonder, and sometimes maybe even rant as we work to open the doors of the restaurant I've always wanted. Welcome to the Commencement of Recess.      ~ Greg

Recess Takeaway

Recess Takeaway is about taking a break at home. Stop by this corner of our playground for “restaurant prepped” dishes and small plates that you can assemble when you’re ready to eat.

We’re not playing around with hot, finished meals ready to eat out of the container. Instead, we’re letting you in on the fun by offering hearty soups, entrée salads, braised meats, roasts, veggies, tacos, and more—all ready for you to pick up, assemble, and enjoy.

Look for ever-changing offerings online but always expect some surprise sundries at Recess Takeaway.

Recess the Restaurant

Recess is the restaurant that I have always wanted: a place where all the energy and expense are spent on the food and service, one where there are no culinary boundaries.

At Recess, I’m free to offer my interpretations of all great foods. This is my culinary playground.

~ Greg Hardesty

So when we invite you to our playground for dinner, we aren’t going to ask you to come to Recess and navigate an overwhelming menu. What we will do is cook a dinner that features the best local ingredients and reflects our mood in the kitchen. Whether its a seven course tasting menu, a Mexican taco fiesta , or somewhere in between, we’ll post the dinner menu online to get you hungry and ready for a break. That way, the minute you walk in our doors, your Recess begins. No more decisions, no more anxieties, just eating well. We’ve made the commitment to dedicate all of our energies and resources to making your meal enjoyable, memorable, and satisfying. Welcome to Recess.