With a loyal local following and rave reviews from The Wall Street Journal to The New York Times, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis continues to draw adoring audiences from throughout the world. And its new season is set to be no exception. General director Tim O’Leary recently filled us in on the company’s worldwide impact and its four new shows, to feature classic and modern opera, jazz, romance and comedy.

Cini is now open in Ladue’s Colonial Marketplace. The ‘fast-casual’ Italian restaurant concept was created by DAVID JONES and DOUG TIEBER (developers of Buffalo Wild Wings in the St. Louis area), along with FRANK and CARMELO GABRIELE of Il Bel Lago. Short for ‘arancinis,’ the name comes from a traditional fried Italian street food staple made with rice and vegetables, which will be handmade daily at Cini. Also open at Colonial Marketplace is The Original Pancake House, known for its mouth-watering breakfast treats like the Dutch Baby and Apple Pancakes. 

Here in Missouri, we are lucky to have one of the most sought-after mushrooms in the world. I decided to add sautéed mushrooms to my pasta and red sauce, replacing meatballs for morels.

As vibrant as Seattle days are, after-dark activities are equally as spirited with untold clubs and bars ranging from the Old World elegance of Oliver’s Lounge to great jazz at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley.

Farotto's Italian Restaurant has long provided a little bit of The Hill in the county. A recent trip back after a long absence was a reminder of just why we used to keep their number at the ready.

We recently made a return trip to the newly reconfigured Cheshire Inn to try out another of its eateries: Basso.

Colonial Marketplace, LN’s longtime digs, is continuing to see new tenants sign on amid the homestretch of renovation on the dining, retail  and office plaza.

We have more national recognition for our local culinary scene to report:

Q: While eating out with my husband a few weeks ago, we had a wonderful, thick slice of prime rib at one of our favorite restaurants. My husband, as usual, smothered it in horseradish cream. It made me think that other than cocktail sauce, what else is horseradish used for? I’ve seen the fresh roots at the store, but never had the courage to try and cook with it. Can you give me some ideas?

Across

Feeling a little green-eyed towards someone else’s green thumb? MoBot horticulturists explain how can homeowners achieve formal gardens in St. Louis backyards.

John Mineo's Italian Restaurant has been a fixture in Town & Country for 40-plus years, emphasizing traditional Italian dishes and upscale service. Tucked away in a small shopping area on Clayton Road, the eatery had escaped our attention for far too long, and we were happy to remedy that oversight recently.

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.

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. 

A penthouse condominium in Clayton with 9 rooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 full- and 1 half-bath is listed for $2.725 million.

Q: Dear Chef, I’d like to do something different for our next get-together. When we invite friends over, we have drinks and do the usual snacks like cheese boards and dried meats. I am tired of the same old thing. Is there something fun out there that will really pick up my next party?

When British Royal Navy officer Captain George Vancouver arrived in this slice of Canadian heaven in 1792, he was transfixed by what he saw.

The restaurant takes its name from the house-made olive bread used for bread service, which came to the table warm and fresh, with plenty of accompanying olive oil on the side. The Pan D'Olive website describes the overall cuisine as "Mediterranean with a California twist," with an emphasis on Greek and Turkish flavors.

Story: Bernard is an architect, and a very successful one at that. When he’s not designing fancy buildings, he’s designing romantic conquests from his fabulous apartment in Paris. When his old chum Robert pays an unexpected visit, Bernard is delighted to welcome him and promptly introduces Robert to his fiancée, an American stewardess named Gloria.

I proudly admit it: I am a Downton Abbey fan. More important, I am a fan of English architecture and design, and what better example is there than Highclere Castle, the historic home of the eighth Earl of Carnarvon and the inspiration behind the hit series?

JDRF and its supporters will celebrate their commitment to a cure for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) with the annual Dream Gala, It's Black and White—A Cure is in Sight, on May 4 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.

Every last fixture, decorative panel and crown molding must be perfect for a remodel to look authentic, local contractors say. That’s why they go above and beyond—special-ordering pieces from around the country to be fit precisely into place by experienced local craftsmen. This attention to detail is what preserves each home’s architectural integrity, says Dave Dunlap, owner of Consolidated Design & Construction Group.

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:

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.