Sometimes the goal of an evening at the bar isn’t to partake in a liquid diet — sometimes the drinks are simply a compliment to a fare one particular bar has become known for.  

Sunday is usually a day that you have to pry me off the couch, especially during football season. However, I had heard about the once-a-month New Orleans Jazz and Food lunch at Washington Platform (1000 Elm St., Downtown; 513-421-0110), and since whatever the Bengals did wouldn’t matter, I asked my friend Barbara to check it out with me.  

November already ... it doesn't seem possible. On the plus side, this is the month of my favorite holiday, National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. Ostensibly designed to make room for your turkey, it also serves the valuable function of making all those coagulated condiments and remaining bottles of raspberry beer you really didn’t like go away. Nov. 15, people. Celebrate!  

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.