Lots of events on the books now that the weather has (hopefully) come around:

It’s been announced that after 30 years, Dierdorf & Hart’s Steakhouse will be closing its doors in Westport Plaza. Since opening in 1983, the establishment has served as a go-to meeting place for many a business deal and countless special occasions for local families. The restaurant was locally owned and operated by former football greats DAN DIERDORF and JIM HART, and managing partner LOU GARESCHE. Lunch service ended last week, and dinner service will continue until Saturday, May 18.

When we first heard about chef/owner Ben Poremba's innovative vision of turning an old South City house into a fine-dining restaurant (Elaia), and the retired service station next door to it into a wine bar (Olio), we were a bit unsure of just how it would work out. Since the dual concepts have been up and running for a while now, we finally stopped in for dinner at Elaia and are pleased to report the project is quite the success.

Known by some as the St. Louis spring event, Friends of St. Louis Children’s Hospital recently held its 10th annual Table Tops event at The Ritz-Carlton. 

In recent months, Home Wine Kitchen in Maplewood has found its way onto a slew of best-of lists and chef/co-owner Cassy Vires has been getting national attention for her skills in the kitchen.

This year is the 20th anniversary of Dining Out For Life, the national fundraiser for AIDS service organizations. This year's event on Thursday, April 25, involves a variety of local eateries that will donate 25 percent or more of your bill to Saint Louis Effort For AIDS (SLEFA). More than 100 area restaurants are participating. For the full list, visit diningoutforlife.com/stlouis/restaurants. Since 1990, Dining Out For Life has raised more than $4.3 million for SLEFA.

Eau Bistro could easily be overlooked by prospective diners, but that would be a shame because the atmosphere and food are well worth a look--and a taste.

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. 

No matter the reason for celebrating, springtime offers a variety of festive, on-trend entertaining options—all of which are completed by their scrumptious menus. We asked area professionals to discuss what dining ideas will make a party stand out this season.

Spring is coming, a perfect time for a party to celebrate a holiday, special occasion or simply the arrival of warmer weather! These local party planners share ideas and tips for the perfect spring soiree.

Next stop, Clayton! STL Culinary Tours has added Clayton to its growing list of neighborhood-centric foodie excursions. On Saturday, March 9, the company will conduct a tour of some of Clayton's finest eateries. The tour will start at Bar Les Freres and will traverse the neighborhood, stopping at Extra Virgin, Oceano Bistro, Little Country Gentlemen and end up at I Fratellini. For more info and to purchase tickets, go online at StlCulinaryTours.com.

When I was in elementary school, I distinctly remember earning ‘letter’ grades. In fact, I also remember the occasional—OK, frequent—parental lecture that went along with my C-quality work. To mom and dad, my ‘average’ marks signified that I was “not working to my fullest potential.”

We applaud this year’s GRAND CENTER INC. Visionary Awards honorees, who are being recognized for their commitment to the arts in St. Louis. They are: CAROL VOSS (Major Contributor to the Arts), ANDREA PURNELL (Emerging Artist), LYNN RUBRIGHT (Outstanding Arts Educator), LYDIA RUFFIN (Successful Working Artist), AGNES WILCOX (Outstanding Arts Professional) and JOANNE KOHN (Lifetime Achievement). The awards ceremony will be held Monday, May 13, from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. at The Sheldon. Tickets, which include admission, pre-event cocktails and a dessert reception, will go on sale April 5. Visit grandcenter.org for more information.

We may not think of them as life-threatening illnesses, but eating disorders are just that. Millions of people are affected by eating disorders, and they can cause permanent health problems—even death. That’s why recognizing the signs and symptoms early can save lives.

Valentine's Day may have passed, but who says you can only have a romantic evening out on Feb. 14? St. Louis has plenty of places where you and your significant other can have a fine meal and pitch some woo all year long. Here are a few of our favorites:

Edgewild Restaurant & Winery opened in the fall of 2011 in Chesterfield, and soon developed quite a following in West County and beyond.

Wine has been an integral part of cocktails since that first brilliant person decided to mix two spirits together to see what would happen. Many familiar cocktails contain types of wines as components, from fortified wines to apertif wines to sweet dessert varietals.

Whether it’s a romantic date, business meeting or wedding rehearsal dinner, Cielo offers a high-end dining experience amid stunning panoramic views of the Arch and downtown St. Louis.

Stephanie Barton Mitchell & Con Curran Coulter II

A couple of years ago, we reviewed The Tavern Kitchen & Bar, which at the time had just opened in Valley Park, and came away suitably impressed. We'd heard talk of some menu revisions of late, so it was decided a return trip was in order.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and I want to cook a romantic dinner at home. I am a pretty good cook, but I usually end up buying dessert and try to pass it off as my own. Is there something easy that I can do?

When Amanda and Jeffrey Mullen were preparing for their wedding in 2010, Amanda Mullen knew that she wanted her pets to play a big part. After all, she is the director of the Humane Society’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

Across

The Tenderloin Room was the latest stop on our tour of local steakhouses. Ensconced in the elegance of The Chase Park Plaza, the restaurant has long been a destination for visiting celebrities like Frank Sinatra and George Clooney, as well as dignitaries of all types. Though it's been around a good long while, this classy eatery has lost none of its luster.