The Insider: 12.5.18

Congratulations are in order for U. City Loop developer Joe Edwards (center), who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the St. Louis International Film Festival. He was fêted with a program featuring some of his favorite flicks, testimonials from notable natives, a reception and a special on-stage interview conducted by KMOX radio personality Charlie Brennan. Actor John Goodman also received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Wall Street Journal recently released its ranking of ‘The 10 Most Intriguing Travel Destinations for 2019,’ and our state came in at No. 6, joining locales like Seattle, Tel Aviv and Kyoto. “Here are our top destinations worth zeroing in on in 2019, from an Argentinian wine region to—wait for it—Missouri,” the Journal quipped on its website. Its reasons for spotlighting the Show-Me State include St. Louis’ tech hub growth, the Gateway Arch park renovation and Kansas City’s downtown revitalization efforts.

Want to be more of a pal to the planet? Log on to recycleresponsibility.org, a new web page from the OneSTL environmental initiative. The site includes helpful information on how to properly recycle a variety of items, and there’s a special emphasis on keeping plastic bags and films out of recycling bins so they don’t cause problems with processing equipment.

Author Ann Lemons Pollack dishes about some of the metro’s most wistful culinary memories in Lost Restaurants of St. Louis, recently published by History Press. From Dohack’s to The Parkmoor, these memorable establishments created a flavorful foundation for today’s dining scene. Left Bank Books in the Central West End held an official launch party and signing event for Pollack and her new volume. Available at Left Bank Books.

the main events
A million twinkling bulbs create holiday magic at U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Zoo, which runs through Dec. 30. There’s a special evening event Dec. 10 for guests with sensory issues. Tickets can be purchased at stlzoo.org/wildlights.

Enjoy the sounds of the season at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s 2018 performances of Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 7 through 9. Visit slso.org for the symphony’s complete holiday schedule.

Bring your gift list to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Women’s Leadership Circle Holiday Sip and Shop. The evening event takes place Dec. 13 at The Vault in Brentwood. RSVP to 314.335.8016 or janice@bgcstl.org.