Most people I know fully support “buy local/eat local” values. But as we start the new year, let’s take a minute to give respect to the bedrock of that idea: “mom and pop” businesses.   

I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I entered Turquoise (628 Vine St., Downtown). This Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant, which opened in October, is owned by Levant Kurucay, who previously owned Cafe Istanbul at Newport on the Levee.  

It’s hard to believe that Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub (625 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-564-9111; nicholsonspub.com) has been around for more than 14 years. One of the reasons they’ve lasted so long is that the owners are not afraid to evolve. They are always looking for new ways to increase business and promote excitement about the restaurant.    

I’m not sure when it happened, but somewhere along the way I think that it became a rule that bookstores must provide food and beverage, in addition to literature. Almost all modern bookstores have cafés offering coffee, sweets and sandwiches. However, Joseph-Beth Booksellers at Rookwood Pavilion really goes the extra mile. Not only do they have specialty coffee drinks and desserts, they make substantial, healthy full meals and have a complete bar.   

I have an absolute passion for Chinese food. I have worked at or been involved with several Chinese restaurants for many years, so I have an educated palate for Chinese cuisine. Blue Gibbon Chinese Restaurant has been operated by the same family for over 30 years, so they obviously understand how to keep their customers coming back.   

The Banks district is finally starting to take shape with the Grand Opening Wednesday of Johnny Rockets. Franchise owner Rick Thompson has brought a unique version of Johnny Rockets to his new location across from Great American Ball Park, as the restaurant is decked out in baseball memorabilia and offers new menu items keeping with the theme.  

In recent years, thanks to a couple of national chains, burritos have become a basic in the American diet. Given that popularity, Chef Gina Puopolo abandoned her fine dining pedigree and opened up Lime Taqueria (522 Main St., 859-360-7420) in Covington’s popular MainStrasse district. Lime lives on the cutting edge of Mexican cuisine, and it’s a fine place to be.   

I was truly excited to try Enoteca Emilia. After all, I used to live in Bologna, which is the capital city of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, and I have always lamented the lack of Northern Italian restaurants in our area. Enoteca Emilia’s concept was enticing in that the owners were going to focus on small plates to encourage sharing, and feature cured meats and cheeses with sophisticated snacks, pizza, salads and pasta.    

It‘s time for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, so who better to check in with than Cincinnati’s premier brewmaster, Greg Hardman. Hardman, since purchasing the historic Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. in 2004, has reinstated Cincinnati’s great brewing tradition by restoring many classic brands and crafting new beers, like my favorite, the Moerlein OTR Ale.   

I’m pretty sure that Gov. John Kasich has more important things to think about than his favorite restaurant. But it is clear that Kasich thinks that Bob Evans is pretty damned cool. During his campaign last year, it was reported that Kasich staffers had to set all Bob Evans locations into the GPS devices in campaign cars, although one staffer noted that it really wasn’t necessary since Kasich knew where they all were located anyway.