Neighborhood farmers markets are re-opening and welcoming back local producers—a very exciting time for those of us who enjoy the bounty of our bi-state area!

Throw a full-time job on top of being a mother, and women these days are busy. We spotlighted three working moms who balance high-profile jobs and motherhood with ease and style.

You voted, we listened! Ladue News readers know what they like; and with this year's Platinum List, you've made your voices heard. This list compiles the best of St. Louis. 

Following an engagement at Busch Stadium, a local couple welcomed guests to their wedding weekend with a Cardinals’ galvanized pail of game-day treats at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark Hotel.

In today’s economy, the success of a business is far from guaranteed. We honor local companies and institutions who are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2012.

Deep within the coastal lowlands of Ecuador, Dave Owens recently discovered just the right beans for his next unique Bissinger’s confection. As chief chocolatier, Owens helps keep the renowned St. Louis-based company's roots in the past, with an eye toward the future.

We have lots of options to help you get on your boss’s good side this holiday season! 

For those just not up to the chore of making a Turkey Day feast for the whole fam, Cielo Restaurant in the Four Seasons downtown has the answer: Chef FABRIZIO SCHENARDI and his crew are whipping up Thanksgiving dinner to-go. The dinners include delectable items like roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potato puree and a take on a holiday favorites, green bean casserole, as well as a whole roasted free-range turkey (brined for a full 48 hours before baking), and a choice of two pies from pastry chef PETER WHITLEY. The cost per dinner is $295 (excluding tax) and it feeds 10. Orders have to be received by Monday, Nov. 19, and can be made by calling 881-2105.

They’re still swinging at the ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY over a successful Red Velvet Ball Swings! gala that featured WYNTON MARSALIS and the JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA.

Story: Young Frederic has been raised by pirates who roam the Caribbean Sea in the 19th century. There’s a stipulation, though, that he is to be freed upon his 21st birthday. Honorable fellow that he is, Frederic reluctantly vows to track down the band of brigands who raised him because they are outlaws. This doesn’t set well with the Pirate King, who informs Frederic that if he were to marry a virgin he can reverse a curse on his pirate pals and free all of them. As it is, they’re destined for a life of loneliness at sea.

Maryville Talks Books, the signature author series from MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY, kicks off this month with actress/ singer VANESSA WILLIAMS and her mother, HELEN WILLIAMS. The pair will appear on May 10 at Christ Church Cathedral for a discussion and signing of their book, You Have No Idea. The rest of the lineup includes former Democratic presidential candidate BILL BRADLEY (May 11), sportswriter FRANK DEFORD (May 30), author and historian DOUGLAS BRINKLEY (June 4) and Friday Night Lights and Three Nights in August author BUZZ BISSINGER (June 11). Except for the Williams event, all other appearances take place at Maryville University Auditorium and are free and open to the public. Ticket packages for the Williams event are $30, and include seating for two, as well as a copy of the book (brownpapertickets.com).

Once again, Ladue News readers have proven that they’re in the know about our town’s most exciting hot spots! This year’s Platinum List features iconic St. Louis institutions, as well as some new spots you’ll be wanting to check out.

Spring is definitely in the air—the perfect time to wash out those linens, open up the windows and bring in some gorgeous cuttings from your blooming garden! Local designers told us their favorite ways to spruce up for the season.

> STEVEN CARAVELLI, executive chef at Araka in Clayton, has moved on. According to Caravelli, the split was a friendly one, and he’s currently searching for his next kitchen gig. Sous chef MICHAEL BURNAU has stepped up to helm the Araka kitchen.

BEST COFFEE HOUSE

> Provisions Gourmet Market in Creve Coeur will soon be closing its doors. We’re told that while the company is shuttering that store, it will be opening up a fourth location of The Wine & Cheese Place June 1, at 457 N. New Ballas Road.

Valentine’s Day brings with it special issues that require some forethought. If you’re married you know what works for/against you—knowledge often gained with some pain. While it is usually considered a day for fostering romance, it has also been known as a day in which many promising relationships have ended. If you wish to preserve the relationship, read on. If you prefer to use the occasion to end it, take the ideas in reverse. This guidance is for single guys. Heck, women don’t need advice. They have it down to a science. But ladies, if the need is there, extrapolate as you see fit.

>  Mark your calendars, because the second annual Clayton Restaurant Week is coming up fast. From Monday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 30, 19 of Clayton’s finest restaurants are offering a special three-course dinner for a fixed price of $25 per person. Diners also have the option of adding ‘extra credit’ donations to their bills to support KidSmart, which provides area students in need with school supplies. More info at claytonrestaurantweek.net.

Snack Central: Everybody loves snacks, and what’s better than freshly made popcorn from locally owned Poptions? Two and 3.5 gallon tins available, customized with three flavors, including chocolate varieties made exclusively using Bissinger’s chocolate! $30 to $70