On any given day, the faint honks of a Chilean flamingo flock echo from behind the historic Bird House at the Saint Louis Zoo. They chime like the opening notes of a parade, hinting that something special is on the way.
That sense of anticipation has been building across the Zoo as animals from around the world prepare to debut at Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery – the Zoo’s new experience for children and families opening later this year. White-nose coati, prairie dogs, river otters, babydoll sheep, and more were purposefully chosen for their compatibility with dynamic, engaging environments.
“Curating animals for Destination Discovery is about imagining how children see the world,” says Elena Appelt, zoological manager for Destination Discovery. “These curious and playful species inspire a sense of childlike wonder, which only deepens our empathy and passion for animal conservation.”
Over the past year, Destination Discovery staff have quietly and enthusiastically welcomed a medley of species behind the scenes at the Zoo. Bringing these animals to St. Louis is no small feat: Curators collaborate with accredited partners; veterinary teams review
medical records; and animal care staff ensure all documentation is in order. Throughout the process, animal welfare and safety are top priorities.
But why bring animals to the Zoo so many months before opening day? Appelt notes that the extra time is essential to build trust between the animals and their keepers. These bonds take real dedication.
This year alone, the Destination Discovery team hatched and raised eight Chilean flamingo chicks. Through supervised exploration across the Zoo, keepers slowly built
the birds’ confidence with new people and places, preparing them for enriching guest encounters at Destination Discovery.
“Our keepers truly are the glue,” Appelt explains. “They are deeply committed to animal welfare and equally energized by creating unique experiences for every child and family.”
Appelt hopes guests leave Destination Discovery knowing it was carefully organized with them in mind. She believes that connecting with animals and their stories is the most powerful pathway to conservation, inspiring impassioned stewards for species around the word.
for the Saint Louis Zoo | Photos by Ray Meibaum, courtesy of the Saint Louis Zoo
White-nose coati
Black vulture
Bobcat
Chilean flamingo
TO HEADLINE GREAT ARTISTS SERIES YUJA WANG
By Drew Gieseke | Photos supplied
Washington University in St. Louis announced its 2026-27 Great Artists Series in late March, which will honor its 10th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences tapped celebrated pianist Yuja Wang to headline the show. A visionary in her own right, Wang is the perfect choice for the heralded series.
“Yuja Wang is a global superstar whose influence goes far beyond the scope of the classical music world,” says Jennifer Gartley, director of programming for the Department of Music. “What makes Yuja Wang special is her undeniable creative spark. She takes everyone along on her musical journey. You have to experience it live.”
Founded in 2017, WashU’s Great Artists Series features contemporary stars giving intimate recitals at the historic E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall, located at the 560 Music Center in University City. This season opens on Nov. 9, 2026, with acclaimed pianist Igor Levit, followed by Grammy Award-winning ensemble Imani Winds on Jan. 31, 2027. The Viano Quartet, currently serving as quartet-in-residence at Lincoln Center, will perform on Feb. 21, 2027.
“As I approached the series this year, I was working with the idea of change-makers,” Gartley says. “All of these musicians are blazing new paths of artistry. In addition to Yuja Wang, the Imani Winds are driving lasting, positive change through the entire chamber music industry. Igor Levit is redefining the role of social responsibility for the classical artist.”
A hallmark of this series is that artists don’t just perform; they lead masterclasses. Gartley says these experiences can be magical, offering rare glimpses into artistry that can be so difficult to define – and helping attendees uncover a connection to their own creative passions.
Mezzo-soprano and St. Louis native Jennifer Johnson Cano will join violist Beth Guterman Chu and pianist Christopher Cano on March 7, 2027, with Benedicte Maurseth – a celebrated fiddler from Norway’s Hardanger region – joining cross-cultural ensemble Constantinople for “Northern Lights in a Persian Sky” on April 2, 2027. Finally, the 10th anniversary celebration will take place on April 6, 2027, featuring a performance by Wang, a five-time Grammy nominee and 2024 winner for Best Classical Instrumental Solo.
“All of these experiences can go beyond the concert stage to the real world,” Gartley continues. “We are so happy to often work with other colleges and nonprofits to bring students from the community to learn from these musicians.”
The series also offers affordable tickets for world-class talent. Single tickets for concerts are $35 to $40; $32 to $37 for WashU faculty and staff; and $15 for students and children. Admission to the 10th anniversary celebration ranges from $65 to $95. Gartley notes that the accessible price point is a “fundamental pillar” of community-building through music. The goal is for the experience to feel welcoming and open to people who’ve loved this music for years – as well as to those who might be trying it out for the first time.
“I think the role of the university is to ask questions and expand perspectives,” Gartley says. “I hope the breadth of concerts and events we are producing at the 560 Music Center reflects that. We want to build curiosity at all levels.”
560 Music Center at WashU, 560 Trinity Ave., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, music.wustl.edu/great-artists-series-26-27
Photo by Wel Lai for Beijing youth Weekly
Photo by Titilayo ayangade
Imani Winds
yuja Wang
Local Gif
FOR THE GRAD IN YOUR LIFE
By Carrson McDaniel | Photos supplied
Graduation is an important time in a person’s life, whether finishing high school, college, or any educational program. It is a rite of passage that marks the end of a significant chapter and the start of another. To commemorate the occasion, local shopkeepers share gift ideas to inspire, encourage, and prepare your student for what comes next after graduation.
Smells Like Graduation 12 oz. candle, $40, The Novel Neighbor (thenovelneighbor.com)
Book of Alchemy”
(seriessixcompany.com)
SOLE SURVIVOR Dana shoulder bag HCE, $185, Sole Survivor (solesurvivorleather.com)
Pauper hardbound journals, available in various sizes and designs, $10 to $15, Subterranean Books (subbooks.com)
“Will The Pigeon Graduate?” hardcover book by Mo Willems, $19, The Novel Neighbor
FOR MORE GIFT RECOMMENDATIONS, SCAN THE QR CODE.
Retro Classic Skyline short-sleeve T-shirt, $28, Series Six Company
Peter
SOLE SURVIVOR Pony HCE, $195, Sole Survivor
“The
hardcover book by Suleika Jaouad, $30, The Novel Neighbor
Saint Louis mock-neck sweatshirt, available in three colors (grey, blue, green), $70, Series Six Company
One for the Books canvas tote bag, $22.50, The Novel Neighbor
Healthy Eating Habits The Safe Way to Teach Your Teen
By Danielle Glesne, RDN, LD, CDCES | Photo supplied
Adolescence is hard in so many ways. What’s more, encouraging your teen to eat healthily can feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, you want to support their growth, energy, and long-term well-being; on the other, you don’t want to spark diet mentality or body image concerns. Adolescence is a time of increasing independence – strong opinions begin forming, which can make talking about food challenging. So, it’s important to create a supportive environment where healthy choices feel empowering rather than imposed.
Before focusing on your teen’s eating habits, start by examining your own attitudes about food. Your words and behaviors influence your teen more than advice. Avoid criticizing your own body, labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” or following diets. These actions can cause your teen to internalize those same beliefs, potentially leading to guilt around food choices or viewing one’s worth through the lens of weight. Instead, model balance and flexibility. Show them that enjoyment is part of healthy eating, and that moderation – not restriction – is what supports both physical and emotional well-being.
Another important step is maintaining clear parent-teen roles: Parents provide balanced meals; teens choose whether and how much to eat. This reduces pressure and power struggles while ensuring nutritious options. With an adolescent’s increased independence, busy schedule, and stronger pull toward friends, family meals may not happen as effortlessly as they once did. As an alternative, have an open conversation about expectations – how often you’ll eat together as a family and why it matters. Frame family meals as a chance to connect to keep the focus on relationship-building instead of control.
Finally, part of raising a healthy eater is teaching beneficial coping skills. If you notice your teen consistently reaching for a bag of chips or loading their plate with only carbs, get curious about the “why.” If they enjoy a
variety of nutritious foods, perhaps they are tired of green beans and grilled chicken. It’s also possible they are using food to manage stress, boredom, or difficult emotions.
If it’s about preferences and variety, focus on making nutritious foods delicious. Experiment with herbs, spices, and cooking methods that bring out flavor, and discover some fun and healthy recipes to try together.
If emotional coping seems to be the driver of unhealthy choices, open a supportive conversation about alternative strategies. Normalize that everyone needs healthy coping strategies for emotions, and that alternative approaches can be more effective than the temporary comfort food provides. Share strategies that work for you: going for a walk, calling a friend, journaling, or listening to music.
Although you may think your teen wants nothing more than to be different from you, when it comes to healthy eating, modeling is more powerful than trying to teach your teen about nutrition. Model moderation and balance in your food choices and healthy coping strategies for emotions. Remember that family meals are important for connection –providing one shared meal can offer the guidance teens need. Healthy habits are built over time through consistency and leading by example, not pressure. If these steps do not foster the change your teen needs to care for their body, seek guidance from a dietitian trained in working with children and teens.
Danielle Glesne, RDN, LD, CDCES, is a registered dietitian nutritionist on the care team with Mercy Kids Weight and Wellness. This new program brings together a multidisciplinary team, including a registered dietitian, physical therapist, psychologist, and bariatric surgeon, to offer families a comprehensive, supportive approach focused on the whole child. Learn more at mercy.net/practice/mercy-kids-weight-and-wellness-fenton-smizer-mill-road.
EASE Modern
By Nancy Robinson | Photos supplied
Modern function pairs with gentle silhouettes to create deeply relaxing interiors.
Century Furniture’s Kintsugi mirror is named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery, the practice of mending cracks with lacquer and powdered gold or silver. This mirror features gold leaf and cast concrete over clear mirror glass and is set in a brass-finished metal frame. It is 42.25 inches in diameter. (kdrshowrooms.com)
Noir Furniture’s mesmerizing Ray console features a sculpted, wave-like base with a softly contoured top. Crafted from mahogany solids and veneers, the 42-inchwide piece adds organically inspired texture and subtle drama to modern interiors. (designanddetailstl.com)
TOV Furniture introduces Spencer, an elongated ottoman ensconced within an undulating silhouette bridge table. The ottoman is upholstered in high-performance basketweave fabric and glides on hidden caster wheels. The bridge table also slides smoothly from side to side. (tovfurniture.com)
Inside a historic Clayton home, this Moroccan-inspired marvel by Ash Leonard Design LLC livens up the formerly basic beige powder room.
“The space had no color at all and a tiny mirror,” owner Aisling Leonard says. “My client wanted something fun that was a surprise when you walked in. After that, it was all up to me. They trusted me – [it’s] always super when a client gives you free rein.”
To start, Leonard used an ornate wallpaper featuring architecture reminiscent of grand Marrakech structures in the room. “My client instantly fell in love with it when I presented it,” she says. “From that point on, my focus was how I was going to make this wallpaper come to life in such a small space.”
Leonard accentuated the wallpaper by painting the trim and ceiling with a glossy navy blue pulled from the wallpaper. She also added an oversized, dark blue, jewel-like mirror and a red linen shade to the window. “I loved using a very historic, traditionally patterned wallpaper [and] taking it in a fresh, modern direction,” Leonard says. “The saturation of the saffron yellow color in the wallpaper, the high-gloss navy trim, the luscious red linen shade with subtle, soft, modern trim bouncing off the jewel-like mirror – they all come together in scale and
proportion to create a really stunning space.”
To finish off the powder room, Leonard added a slim, floating, modern sink with gold hardware and a gold ornate light fixture with delightful details. “It’s the cutest little slim sink,” she laughs. “It fits perfectly [in] the space without splash issues either. … The light fixture, which echoes the greenery and leaf
shapes throughout the wallpaper, is the icing on the cake.”
Leonard polished off the space with a few curated pieces on the powder room’s windowsill. “I absolutely love this project and how it came together,” she says.
Peters |Photoscourtesy of Chesterfield Valley Nursery
Dogtown, St. Louis, 314-422-2997, dogtownunited.org
FAVORITES: Webster Arts Fair Soulard Mardi Gras
1 Government Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, 314-781-0900, stlzoo.org
1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, 314-721-0072, slam.org
FAVORITES: Missouri History Museum Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
1 Government Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, 314-781-0900, stlzoo.org
FAVORITES: Missouri Botanical Garden Grant’s Farm
Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Art Museum
ARTS & CULTURE | PERFORMANCE ARTS
The Muny
1 Theatre Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, 314-361-1900, muny.org
FAVORITES: STAGES St. Louis Take 3 Christian Theater
ARTS & CULTURE | SPORTS
EXPERIENCES
St. Louis Cardinals
700 Clark Ave., Downtown, St. Louis, 314-345-9600, mlb.com/cardinals
FAVORITES:
St. Louis Blues Hockey St. Louis City SC
EVENTS & WEDDINGS
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | BAR SERVICES & MIXOLOGY
Butler’s Pantry
1414 Park Ave., Peabody-Darst-Webbe, St. Louis, 314-664-7680, butlerspantry.com
FAVORITES: Favazza’s on the Hill
The Royale Food & Spirits
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | CATERERS
Butler’s Pantry
1414 Park Ave., Peabody-Darst-Webbe, St. Louis, 314-664-7680, butlerspantry.com
FAVORITES: Catering St. Louis Events
Favazza’s on the Hill
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | EVENT PLANNER
Catering St. Louis Events
2141 59th St., The Hill, St. Louis, 314-961-7588, cateringstlouis.com
FAVORITES:
Favazza’s on the Hill Simcha’s Events
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | EVENT VENUE
Missouri
Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, 314-577-5100, missouribotanicalgarden.org
FAVORITES:
La Verona at The Marketplace World’s Fair Pavilion
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | FLORISTRY
Walter Knoll Florist
Multiple locations, 314-352-7575, wkf.com
FAVORITES: Bloomin’ Buckets Kirkwood Florist
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | FORMALWEAR
Multiple locations, savviformalwear.com
FAVORITES: Mia Grace Bridal Special Occasions by Paulette
Photo by Ken Burgess, courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden
Photo by Cary Klein Photo
AtListon,designisneverone-size-fits-all.Ourteamcollaboratescloselywith you touncoveryourstyle,determineyourpriorities,andunderstand thewayyou wantto liveathome.The result is a tailoredspace thatisnotonlybeautifully designed,butperfectlypersonalizedforyour lifetodayandforyearstocome.
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | HAIR STYLIST
Valerie Deeds at KINK Hair
41 N. Central Ave., Clayton, 314-721-5465, kinkhair.com
FAVORITES: Studio Branca Salon Two One Zero
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | MAKEUP ARTIST
Rebecca Lodes at Dominic
Michael Salon
Multiple locations, dmsalon.com
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Brad Prime
St. Louis, 314-229-1281, primephotostl.com
FAVORITES: Metrospect Media Chris Kennebeck
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | RENTAL SERVICES
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | UNIQUE VENDORS
Seeds of Happiness
St. Louis, seedsofhappiness.com
FAVORITE: Courtney Ethridge Lettering & Design
EVENTS & WEDDINGS | WEDDING DRESSES
Clarice’s Bridal
5714 S. Lindbergh Blvd., Green Park, 314-351-2499, claricesbridal.com
FAVORITES: Mia Grace Bridal Sincerely Yours Bridal
FOOD & BEVERAGE
FOOD & BEVERAGE | ALFRESCO DINING
Olive + Oak
216 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314-736-1370, oliveandoak.oohosp.com
FAVORITES: John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden Oliva on the Hill
11640 Lakeside Crossing Court, Maryland Heights, 314-785-1100, premierpartyrentals.com
If kids enjoy exciting, themed birthday parties every year, then why shouldn’t adults do so too? These trending themes and expert tips are sure to bring your next soirée to life.
TINI BIT OLDER
For Sineta Bailey’s 46th birthday, she designed her own “Tini Bit Older” photoshoot with Rae Marcel Photography (raemarcel.com) to illustrate just how elegant and delicious a birthday party can be. Her theme came together through detailed desserts by Cake House Design (cakehousedesign. net) and Krafty Kravings (facebook.com/kraftykravings4u), paired with espresso martinis and cocktail napkins. “To keep an event low-stress and fun without feeling overly cheesy, focus on intention over excess,” Bailey advises. “You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do the right things well. … Most importantly, trust your planner and vendor team so you can be fully present.”
Bailey owns Sineta Marie Events, a luxury event planning company based in St. Louis – she agrees that adult birthday parties are underrated: “We’ve been conditioned to wait for milestone birthdays to celebrate, but every year holds meaning,” she says.
Sineta Marie Events, sinetamarie.com
WILD WEST
If you’ve got a wild side, here’s an excuse to let it loose. Add a mechanical bull rental to your cart through STL Jumps (stljumps.com), and
your guests will be entertained for hours. The inflatable requires a 20-by20-foot setup area and includes safety features and two attendants. For those who want a more relaxing activity, tap Iconic Design Studio Co. to provide a Western-style hat design station (instagram.com/iconicdesignstudio. co). Bring in a full-service mobile bar from Tipsy Pony Party Bar (tipsyponypartybar.com) to serve beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, and more.
HOME RUN
Schedule around a baseball game and recreate Ballpark Village in your backyard with hot dogs, burgers, beer, and whatever else sets the mood of being in Busch Stadium. Alternatively, go for a “ballpark vintage” vibe with a color palette of cream, navy, oxblood, leather, and brass, suggests event curator Estefania Woosley, owner of The Party Co. STL. “An excellent option to add a unique touch to this theme is having a live cigar roller offering an interactive experience for guests,” she says. “This evokes the feel of historic stadium lounges and private clubs. We have hired Scott Biancardi with STL Cigars (stlcigars.com) for this experience.”
Iconic Design Studio Co. provides on-site embroidery to customize clothing and accessories, so consider a party favor that encourages team spirit. To further impress guests, keep the decor classy and cool with a Cardinals-inspired creation from Full Spectrum Ice Sculptures (fullspectrumice.com).
The Party Co. STL, thepartycostl.com
TIMELESS TEA PARTY
Fans of the hit “Bridgerton” series on Netflix will appreciate this excuse to wear Regency-inspired dresses and indulge in dainty pastries.
For an immersive, whimsical experience that anyone can enjoy, Woosley recommends treats from Liz McClure Macarons (lizmccluremacarons.com) and 3:14 Cakes (314cakes.com), plus a build-your-own-bouquet bar from Noon + Moon Bloom Co. (noonmoonbloom.com). “The perfect garden venue in the St. Louis area? Knotting Hills (knottinghills.com) in Pevely was made for a ‘Bridgerton’-inspired affair with its manicured gardens and elegant architectural details,” Woosley shares.
16825 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, 636-532-9307, chesterfieldvalleynursery.com
Get mom the perfect gift at Chesterfield Valley Nursery’s Garden Center! Whether it’s plants, colorful pottery or garden-inspired gifts, you’re sure to find something to brighten up her space. Gift cards are also available for the plantlover in your life! Enjoy 15 percent off hanging baskets and 30 percent off select red Japanese maples.
Diamond Bar
13360 Clayton Road, Suite 103, 314-548-5100, thediamondbarstl.com
Shop the Diamond Bar for Mother’s Day! Floating diamond necklaces are the perfect gift and a best seller for a reason. Fully customizable, you can add diamonds for individual children, pets and loved ones. a sparkling keepsake she’ll cherish forever, with love always close to her heart.
By Maggie Peters
Ditto Family Resale 314-394-2026, dittostl.com
Explore a wide selection of unique and affordable gifts for mom at Ditto! With a spacious 11,000-square-foot store, Ditto offers a diverse selection for the whole family, including clothing, shoes, accessories, home decor, furniture, books, toys, and more. Plus, every purchase directly supports local students.
This year, go beyond the ordinary for mom. From attainable artisanal treasures to luxurious grand gestures, Hearth and Soul’s curated collection offers soulful gifts at every price point. Whether it’s timeless home accents, something to add to her closet, or an exquisite piece of jewelry, find a gift as extraordinary as her love.
FLOWERSFOR MOTHER’SDAY LetusArrange
Speaking With JANE SMILEY
By Amanda Dahl
Among her accolades, author Jane Smiley – who grew up in St. Louis – received the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction for her best-selling novel “A Thousand Acres,” later adapted into a film. Smiley has penned numerous works, and now, we travel across the pond for “Lidie: The Further Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton,” the sequel to “The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton.“ The first book finds Lidie in “Bleeding Kansas,” a violent period in Kansas leading up to its statehood that is viewed as a catalyst for the Civil War. As Smiley returns to St. Louis, we catch up with the author.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Carmel Valley, Calif., is now your home, but you were raised here. What do you miss about St. Louis?
SLCL presents Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
Jane Smiley | May 5, 7 p.m. | Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindberg Blvd., Ladue | slcl.org/events/jane-smiley
One of the things I always loved about St. Louis was how different the neighborhoods are. You could walk around and see these incredible, beautiful houses. I’d never seen anything like them. … I remember walking along Forest Park and looking up at this house and seeing the bricks sparkle.
I felt that [as] I grew up, I was lucky in so many ways. One of them was to be living in Webster, to be living in St. Louis. To have access to the [Saint Louis] Zoo, the [Missouri] Botanical Garden, and the museums.
And John Burroughs [School]! … I thought my school was like this park that some buildings had been placed on.
Tell us about the timeline for this novel – with America nearing civil war and your characters at a crossroads.
[After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, while in D.C. with my youngest daughter], I called her dad, who was in Ames, Iowa, [where we were both teaching at Iowa State], to tell him, “Everything is quiet in Washington.” He was a professor of American history. I said, “I need to write about the history of violence in America.” The first thing he said was, “Kansas. 1850s.”
When I finished [the first Lidie book], I told myself, “Lidie has to get out of town, and she has to recover from this experience.”
Can you describe the personalities of the two women at the center of your story?
Annie is obedient and reserved but observant. … She’s always done what she’s told. … [Annie understands] what she wants to do but keeps her feelings to herself, so her mother and aunts will consider her a good girl.
Lidie doesn’t care. … She doesn’t want to act the way women have to act in their era. … Lidie is eager for adventure – to get away from what she remembers having happened to her and her husband. She doesn’t realize Annie has that same adventurous spirit.
Sean and Erica Park have been whipping up their take on casual Korean comfort food in St. Louis since 2021. With the latest evolution of their concept Cafe Ganadara, the Korean food mart offers a little bit of everything from the couple’s repertoire thus far, including a unique new amenity for the city – an instant ramen bar.
“Ramyeon is like soul food to Korean people,” says Erica, explaining that the convenient noodle stations are ubiquitous in South Korea. At the mom-and-pop shop, you can build your own bowl and cook it on site, or choose from a made-to-order menu of favorites like fried chicken, gimbap, rice bowls, and more.
The Parks, who are natives of Seoul, previously resided in New York and Texas before relocating to St. Louis to start their initial concept, Chicken Seven, in Carondelet. In 2023, they opened Cafe Ganadara – named for the first four consonants of hangul, or the Korean alphabet – in Lindenwood Park. In March, Cafe Ganadara relocated to the building that previously housed Mom’s Deli. After rebuilding the kitchen from the ground up and adding their personal flair to the interior, the Parks were ready to go.
The interior blends the building’s old-school feel with modern touches for a charming aesthetic accented by wood paneling, teal ceilings, and vibrant hand-painted orange and yellow designs. The Parks’ children, Olivia and Barron, created a colorful doodle wall equipped with Post-it Notes and markers for visitors to use.
Near the entrance, a kaleidoscopic ramen wall features dozens of instant noodle varieties displayed on hand-built shelving. The hands-on
process is simple: Choose a pack of noodles and toppings such as Spam, kimchi, and dumplings; then, pay for your selections at the counter and cook everything in a bowl on induction burners in about five minutes.
The restaurant’s Food Boxes offer a substantial meal option from the kitchen. Choose from four varieties: Ga Box (bulgogi, or grilled beef), Na Box (jeyuk, or stir-fried spicy pork), Da Box (dakgalbi, or stir-fried spicy chicken), or Ra Box (donkatsu, or fried pork cutlet). Each comes with rice, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), slaw with corn, and kimchi.
The Korean fried chicken comes in three options: whole wings, boneless chicken, and rice crispy chicken breast (also available glutenfree) – each with soy garlic, spicy soy, or yangyum (a sweet and spicy tangy glaze) sauce. Additional highlights include Korean hot dogs, vegan shiitake mushroom gimbap, and bibimbap. Coolers come stocked with popular Korean beverages in cans and pouches alongside cups of ice and popping boba.
The Parks continue to work diligently to establish a welcoming place for their neighbors to experience – all the way from Seoul to St. Louis.
Cafe Ganadara is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cafe Ganadara, 4412 Jamieson Ave., Lindenwood Park, St. Louis, instagram.com/cafe_ganadara
Stifel Theatre rolled out the red-carpet treatment honoring the Stifel U.S. Ski Team Gold Medalists in a unique VIP experience followed by a private, advanced screening of the final episode of ESPN’s original series, “On the Edge: World Cup Ski Racing.” Guests arrived in black-tie attire to an authentic paparazzi experience, making way for signature drinks served on bars of sculptured ice, while enjoying live music and light tapas ahead of curtain time. Athletes Mikaela Shiffrin, Breezy Johnson, Bella Wright, Jaelin Kauf, Alex Ferreira and Noah Elliott took to the stage, offering behind-the-scenes insights closing out the evening program.
“Tonight was an opportunity to celebrate these athletes, their accomplishments, and how they represented our country. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team didn’t just bring home medals; they brought home pride, and that’s something to celebrate.”
–
RONALD J.
KRUSZEWSKI.
STIFEL CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Nancy and David Wirth, Gary and Alicia Durchholz
Michelle Drury, Diane Anderson
Tim and Deb Shasserre
Steve and Nancy Eades
Crystal and Steve O’Loughlin
Story and photos by James J. Anderson
Daniel and Stephen Mudd, Samar and Ramis Gheith
Tess, Carman and Mike Bergom
Sam abbott, Will Carvelot, Dan Binning
Pat Dimon, Bella Wright, amanda Perkins, Ron Kruszewski, Mikaela Shiffrin, alex Ferreira, Breezy Johnson, Jaelin Kauf, Noah Elliott, Morgan Hertzan Maribeth Mees, Julie Cohen, Jenny Lang, Caitlin Nowicki
Steve Tilley, Rae Lynn
Olivia Wiselogel, Daryl Troy
Carson and Morgan Brandt
McKenzi Jacobson, Mike Cernuto, Shanna Welz
ST.
Razzle Dazzle Ball
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery hosted its Razzle Dazzle Ball on April 11 with a ruby celebration for 40 years of compassion, community and keeping kids safe. Guests were treated to a welcome reception that included bourbon tasting, hand rolled cigars, live music from Gateway Music String Ensemble and more, followed by dinner service and an awards celebration. The woman of the year was awarded to Laura Hettiger, Young Professional of the year went to Megan Jacobsmeyer, and Man of the year was Mark Niemeyer. Legacy of Hope Awards went to Nanci Bobrow, Eric and Linda Gerhardt, William Siedhoff and Christine Chadwick
“The ball marks a wonderful celebration of 40 years of Keeping Kids Safe and Building Strong Families! It was an honor to see our community come together for our kids to mark this special moment and celebrate our honorees who have made an incredible impact on our mission!”
– MOLLY BROWN, SAINT LOUIS CRISIS NURSERY CEO
Story and photos by Diane Anderson
LOUIS CRISIS NURSERY
Laura Hettiger, Mark Gdowski
Brian Durow, Michelle Jordan
Jayde Lucas, Devin Roberts, Victoria Roberts
Mark Niemeyer
Eric and Linda Gerhardt
Molly Brown, Megan Jacobsmeyer
Joe and Tammy Marbach, John and Jodi Lang, Jen Deveraux, Sabrina Wicker, Catherine Gjordano
Cecilia Alderks, Maggie Lipscomb
Adam and Danielle Jokisch
DGCKIDS
75th Anniversary Shining Light Gala
DGCKids recently held their annual Shining Light Gala at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles, celebrating 75 years of supporting children with visual impairments. Attendees enjoyed cocktail hour, complete with signature drinks and light bites, along with fundraising opportunities like the Chanel handbag champagne raffle, various silent auction items and volunteer-led educational displays. Once seated for dinner, guests enjoyed a gourmet three-course meal, hearing from executive leadership and listening to live musical performances featuring DGCKids. “I have watched DGCKids change lives, and what never ceases to amaze me is the way this organization shows up for families through every stage of a child’s journey. For 75 years, the Center has been turning uncertainty into confidence and isolation into community, for children with visual impairments, and the families who champion them every single day.”
– MARY BETH SOFFER GALA CO-CHAIR
Story and photos by James J. Anderson
Jennifer Rigdon, Marla Montabon, Phil Robinson
Brittany and Parker Stanton
Jessica Newstead, Rachel Rosen, Erin Tkach, Lesley Cornelius
