Funny to think that an ice cream shop would be a great place to grab a cocktail, let alone a meatless version of the cheesesteak, a renowned Philly classic, but that’s what Earnest Drinks just north of Kendall Square is all about.

The closing of Harvard Square’s last Starbucks on Nov. 21 took many by surprise but gives visitors a chance to discover or rediscover the square’s many other locations for coffee, snacks, first dates, late-night check-ins and study binges.

What’s happening in Cambridge’s kitchens? There’s a new Kimpton chef, Adam Resnick, and a return of the hotel’s Miracle holiday pop-up; Mamaleh’s is baking with Flourish Flour; and Ben Abercrombie Day is back at ElJefe’s Taqueria on Dec. 7.

News of an executive chef position with Clover may worry fans of Jason Bond’s tasting-menu restaurant Bondir that he either won’t reopen or has sworn off cooking with meat. He took time while prepping holiday meals to speak to each concern.

The Dirty Bird is a half-chicken that’s dry brined for three days and spice-rubbed with a blend that comes from Christina’s down the block, then served with a spicy aji chili au jus. The long preparation cycle and care shows.

Struggling families face an extreme benefit “cliff”: Federal waivers enabling schools to serve meals to all students dissolve at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

Just in time for Thanksgiving – when owners say doors will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. – North Point Restaurant & Bar has replaced the Weltkuche Bistro in Cambridge Crossing.

The nonprofit Food for Free fundraised Saturday at Viale, an Italian restaurant with a New England flair in Central Square. The restaurant, run by chef Greg Reeves, donated 100 percent of food sales from the sold-out brunch; staff donated their time.

Barcelona Wine Bar expects to open in late February or early March at in the former Temple Bar space, managers told license commissioners.

This grilled chicken with whiskey barbecue sauce, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar and a dousing of spicy ranch on a toasted telera roll is just right – emblematic of the restaurant that serves it.