vinegar to cut grease?

Recently, I've seen it mentioned in a few places that vinegar cuts or dissolves grease, especially animal fats.

This is the opposite of what I was taught.  I was always taught we use a neutral or alkali on grease stains.  The alkali suposidly good for starting the transformation from grease to soap.  

has anyone heard anything about vinegar and cleaning grease?  How would the chemistry work?

I know nothing of the science involved, but I have used vinegar to clean grease from my stove top. Maybe 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water? I am not consistent in mixing it. Sometimes I use full strength vinegar, for no particular reason.

I also use vinegar on the stove top. Greasy spatter comes right off and it leaves no residue on stainless steel or glossy enamel surfaces. Works great!