[baking news]
Celebrated baker and cookbook author Nick Malgieri returns to St. Louis Dec. 9 to present his latest, Pastry: Foolproof Recipes for the Home Cook. James Beard-winning baker and Cravings owner Tim Brennan hosts the 6:30 p.m. event, which for $35 includes Malgieri’s demonstration, munchies and a copy of the book for signing. 
Randy McArthur has passed ownership of his legendary eponymous bakery to Scott and Sheila Rinaberger’s company, Live to Venture Holdings. The couple are committed to preserving and continuing the McArthur Bakery legacy. Rinaberger calmed the fearful McArthur faithful, reporting that “while plans are to enhance the café menu, all employees, bakers and recipes will remain.”
[new cocina in clayton]
Executive chef Sean Scott is the new hombre in town overseeing Cantina Laredo at Centene Plaza, whose menu offers an upscale contemporary twist on Mexican fare. “We’ve taken the standard cuisine and elevated it,” Scott says. Going beyond the basic burrito are such casa especialidades as Pollo Mango Mole and Carnitas with Chipotle Wine Sauce. How do you say ‘yum’ in Spanish?
[gingerbread fix]
If Hansel and Gretel could visit the life-sized gingerbread houses at River City Casino or its sister operation Ameristar Casino-St. Charles, they wouldn’t have to nibble the walls. They could dine inside and order off the menu during the ‘Not So Silent Night’ holiday event to benefit The Center for Hearing & Speech. Gingerbread House dining is offered through Christmas Eve and requires a $25 seating reservation (fully tax deductible).
[brunch with a view]
Panorama Restaurant at the Saint Louis Art Museum is now serving its art-on-a plate brunch all weekend long, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef Ivy’s brunch masterpieces include Champagne Benedict, Pear and Dried Fig Blintzes, and Apple-Cinnamon Stuffed French Toast.
[milestones]
For 30 years Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee has kept your favorite Santa jived. To celebrate, Starbucks has rolled out a premium gift pack featuring a pound of Christmas Blend paired with a double-walled travel mug studded with Swarovski crystals. That’s one way to make the season sparkle! Congratulations to the Chesterfield location of The Original Pancake House, which recently lit seven candles on a short stack. Happy anniversary, and cheers on seven years in the Valley.
