If Northside had a Mini-Me, surely it would be The Grove. Terry and Amanda Vincent opened The Grove in the space I used to call “Kay’s-Ray’s-that Mexican place that was supposed to open” on Dec. 1, 2010. Like Northside in general, The Grove could use a little sprucing up. But isn’t that part of the community’s (and restaurant’s) charm?  

Does the nationwide “Starbucks on every corner” phenomenon invading the area make Starbucks less special? I don’t think it’s been special for a while. It’s become the place I stop for coffee on long highway drives, but if I have the option, I prefer a neighborhood coffeeshop every time. For instance, how about Mammoth Coffee.  

Along with George, Ryan Gosling, Marisa Tomei and the other stars, the movie shoot has brought to town a huge crew — an army, really. So who’s feeding them? I was cutting through the Carew Tower arcade when I thought I saw the answer to that question — a redhead wearing a black chef’s jacket and a baseball cap with a skull-and-crossed-cutlery logo. “Hey, catering guy!” I hollered. That’s how I met Dan Gearig, co-founder of Chow Catering out of Detroit.  

Former President Clinton is a vegan. Does that surprise you? I mean, this is a guy who used to stop during jogs to get a Big Mac. Now he’s given up meat and dairy products and has reportedly lost 24 pounds. So clearly this vegan thing is gaining some momentum. It’s super healthy, animal friendly and makes you skinny. What’s not to like?  

Family-owned businesses are few and far between. A family-owned restaurant that has not only survived but also flourished for over 30 years is even more difficult to find. The Wong family makes the recipe for success look effortless: involve the family in all aspects of the business, produce excellent food, staff each restaurant with knowledgeable and dedicated people and build a large clientele.  

When I first heard that a new Irish restaurant was opening up downtown, I was happy but skeptical. Happy because it’s great that the corner space at Seventh and Race streets is once again occupied, but skeptical because I’ve never found Irish cuisine to be inspiring. Luckily, BagPipes Irish Pub is making a strong case to prove me wrong.  

Zach Weprin, his brother Josh and their friend Stephan Harman — three twentysomethings who grew up together — are business guys. When they started Soho Sushi (28 W. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-421-7646) last year, it wasn’t on a whim. They were hoping to be the next big thing and it looks like they’re headed that way.  

On my grocery store excursions to find subject matter for this column, I’ve always had a safety net in the event I’m unable to find something suitably peculiar or gross to taste-test. This month, Plan B was finally enacted, but not out of desperation. At long last, I felt compelled to take on pigs’ feet to support an industry facing a real crisis.  

I’m usually skeptical of catch-all “Asian” restaurants that offer the cuisines of many countries under one roof. If I want good sushi, I go to a Japanese restaurant run by Japanese people. Good massaman curry? Thai Express, of course. I’m not saying that catch-all places can’t do a good job; they’re just usually not my first choice. But I kept an open mind when my girlfriend Casey and I headed to Mason’s Dao Modern Asian Cuisine on a recent Saturday evening.  

There are two spots you’ve got to try downtown, especially if you’re a macaroni and cheese person. Don’t laugh! There are people who count macaroni and cheese as one of the holy sacraments, because when it’s done right, it’s heaven.  

When Sierra Laumer’s sister, Jenna, was battling cancer in 2009, the sisters dreamed of opening a restaurant once Jenna was back on her feet. Jenna lost the war in 2010, and Sierra knew she had to make the dream a reality because, all too clearly, life is too short to play it safe. Sierra and her good friend, Leah Heisel, opened ForkHeartKnife  

Banana Leaf Modern Thai restaurant has so much going for it. The restaurant is located in a well-preserved historic building in downtown Mason. It is visually beautiful with boldly painted walls, stunning lighting fixtures and a gold-painted ceiling. Everything is in place for this to be a great dining experience. Everything, that is, except the food.  

It is definitely soup weather. Cold weather compels me to bundle up in thick, cozy blankets with bowls (or mugs) of hot, comforting soup. That’s just what I did (minus the thick, cozy blankets, sadly) when I visited Soup du Jour (6064 West Chester Road, West Chester, 513-874-7687) on a wintry, drizzly day last week.  

Summer Genetti — the pastry chef at the Palace Restaurant at the Cincinnatian Hotel (601 Vine Street, Downtown; 513-381-6006) — is an incredibly talented woman who loves her work. When I spoke to her at Christmastime, she’d just put together a series of playful “Teddy Bear Teas” for little guests to discover the magic of fancy tea parties. She attributes her creativity and enthusiasm to her “ADD,” but I think it’s a lot more than that. It’s a gift.  

CityBeat’s kicking off a new mid-month series of breakfast and brunch reviews with today’s look at the super-popular brunch at Take the Cake (4035 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-421-2772). Sunday is the only day that brunch is served (9 a.m.-2 p.m.), and it’s apparent that the customers build up lots of anticipation. There’s a real mix in the crowd — families, singles, couples — and it’s not all Northside neighbors.