Leah Joos and Jen Lile would like you to try new things. The chefs/owners of the newest lunch spot in East Walnut Hills, Kitchen 452, want to introduce people to things they may not have thought to cook at home and to taste things they think they dislike.  

The Art of Food is in its seventh year at The Carnegie in Covington, but it wasn’t until last year that I finally hit the opening night. It really made me regret that I’d missed the first five. What an amazing event! So I’m writing this now, while tickets are still available.   

One of the very first things I had to learn when I became British-by-marriage was how to brew tea properly. It was soon apparent that English tea with milk is one of those things you mess with at your peril.  

The build-out at Kaze is breathtaking. The old Cincinnati Color building on Vine Street is such a landmark that it would have been dreadful had it been torn down, and Kaze saved it.   

Eat Well Café and Takeaway (3009 O Bryon St., O’Bryonville) is now open. Chef/owner Renee Schuler’s newest endeavor is just what I expected — fresh, polished and yet simple and comforting.  

Drinking is tough to do well. No, I’m not talking about when you let your beer run down your chin. People, that is completely outside my area of expertise. I’m talking about having the confidence it takes to order a good cocktail.
  

As we wrap up 2012 in Cincinnati, we’ve got a helluva story to tell — and some bragging to do. I write about drinks and dining, and I can’t even get around to all the new places that are opening.  

Whether your favorite version of A Christmas Carol stars Alastair Sim or Donald Duck, there’s something endearing about Scrooge’s change of heart and Tiny Tim’s blessing. And how about that Christmas goose? The Golden Lamb has it!  

People love Dojo at Findlay Market for their gelato. I am hopeless in the face of their delicious affogato. This espresso/gelato float has gotten me through many a difficult day. On a recent visit, Dojo owner Michael Christner advised me that he was about to up the ante.  

Aren’t you glad you don’t live in the days when “sugarplums” were a big Christmas treat? What is a sugarplum, anyway? I’m looking forward to some old-fashioned goodies, but I’m making my list and checking to be sure it’s all local and all delicious. Pretty much everything included in this list can be found at Findlay Market, so that’s one-stop shopping you can feel good about.