‘Tis the season for the savory food and delicious drinks, as our city’s purveyors of such items are working hard to impress customers. And we’re happy to report some new players — starting with Scene, the new fast-casual operation at the Kentucky Center for the Arts, which opens its doors this week. Across the Ohio, Jeffersonville’s Pearl Street Taphouse makes its long-awaited debut Saturday. We’re also hearing that the Mile Wide Brewing Co., the much anticipated brewery off Baxter, is already making beer and is just a week or two away from opening to the public.

We’re also recommending a web site to foodies. Creation Gardens is re-introducing its home delivery service for fresh steaks, chops and select pantry items, the same items purchased by area restaurants. Just go to butcheryfresh.com, make some selections and wait for the delivery. For you high-end whiskey drinkers, our friends at The Pearl of Germantown have obtained a package license so they can sell private barrel picks right on Goss Avenue, where you’re unlikely to have to wait in line for these special bottles. Down in Woodford County, word is that Marianne Barnes and her crew at the Castle & Key distillery are producing bourbon — that one’s been a long time coming.

Steve’s guest Patrick Roney is the extraordinary chef at Harvest in NuLu, which is offering a special Three-Course Thursday special for just $30. Roney also talks about the launch of a private chef’s table at Harvest coming Dec. 15. Rick talks with Doug Petry, beverage director at Rye, also in NuLu, which is one of just 30 bars in the U.S. participating in the Miracle Pop-Up Bar celebration of the season, an idea that originated in New York. Stop in and make a list of goodies from a special drink menu (Muletide, anyone?) and drink it in some kitschy glassware.

In our Favorites segment, Rick chooses items from last week’s media reception at Lola’s at Butchertown Grocery. Portobello Fries with a tasty wasabi sambal aioli sauce, plus a drink called Happiness Does Not Wait. Steve chose the BBC American Pale Ale he enjoyed at BBC, and selected a delicious-sounding smoked brisket over cauliflower grits at the Gospel Bird in New Albany.

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Doug Petry at Rye
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Patrick Roney at Harvest