Lisa Kagen is an artist, a chef, a parent and an entrepreneur — and all of those identities factor heavily into the operation of her two Northside businesses: Melt Eclectic Deli and Picnic and Pantry, a market that serves healthy, sustainable groceries and prepared foods.  

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?  

News for my sweeties — and you know who you are — includes updates from Skirtz & Johnson, AJ Creations, Sugar Cupcakery, Abby Girl Sweets, Three Tiers Contemporary Cakes and Cupcakes, Chocolats Latour, Melt's Picnic and Pantry, City Cellars and Chalk.  

Honor thy mother, dear readers, and that means you've got until Sunday to get your act together. Now here's the rub: Everyone wants to take their mom out to eat for Mother's Day, thus making it a classic overcrowding situation. Here are a few suggestions, with one caveat: Make reservations when possible.   

Our friends at Melt announced a new Sunday brunch menu that's vegetarian heaven: Sweet Potato Tempeh Hash, Bread Pudding French Toast, cage-free eggs and organic peas that were raised with respect. Really. Plus news on Washington Platform's Oyster Fest, Vivaldi at Via Vite, vegan food at Lucky John Market and new locations for Taqueria Mercado.  

As the weather cools and we enjoy a season of colds and threats of flu, we can at least be thankful that we have soup to get us through. Yes, it's soup season. That elixir that has nursed us through broken hearts, hangovers and mononucleosis. To celebrate, here's a list of some of the best soups in Cincinnati. (Of course, you'll let me know if I left any out.)