Author Archive

David Brooks quips on the New York Times “College Dot Com” website: “Did you see today’s paper that Washington University in St. Louis is offering a U.S. law degree for foreign lawyers over the Web?  This could help solve the incredible U.S. lawyer shortage that so many have been complaining about”. . . In his National Catholic Reporter column, veteran Vatican correspondent John Allen handicaps possible candidates when Pope Benedict passes on.  Not surprisingly, an American is listed as one of four “long shots” – St. Louis native Cardinal Timothy Dolan.  One upside, Allen notes, is a leadership style “that’s relaxed rather than angst-ridden: confident rather than in retreat; able to speak the language of the street and to laugh at itself.” And one downside: “some cardinals may regard the boisterous, exuberant Dolan as just too much of a shock to the system – well suited in New York, perhaps, but not so much the papacy”. . .While there’s a momentum toward gay marriage, many churches still refuse to ordain women.  Ready for a chuckle on this subject?  Check out “Ten Reasons Why Men Should Not Be Ordained Ministers” by Dr. David M. Scholer in Sojourners magazine.  (“6.) Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors.  Their conduct at football and basketball games demonstrates this. . .”)

“TOMORROW OBAMA HAPPENS TO HAVE A FUNDRAISING DINNER AT GEORGE CLOONEY’S HOUSE. VERY INTERESTING.  I THINK THEY ARE GETTING MARRIED” – JIMMY KIMMEL

“THE WOMEN KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS.  NOW, ALL THE GOOD ONES WILL BE MARRIED AND GAY” – JAY LENO

Mary Hostetter holds up the 18-apple pie

The courageous and late Seven-Up heiress, Luciana Gladney Ross, left an indelible footprint on Kimmswick, which remains a scene of never-ending joy for so many. The magic lives on, particularly with the proprietors whom the columnist found to be pleasant, gracious and relaxed. Some are much too intelligent to say anything astounding.  Now watch some spoilsport come along and turn the town into high camp. That won’t happen as long as Mary Hostetter is there.

Mary Hostetter flanked by Michael Fischer and Kyle Klahs

Requisitely gentle and cool, never losing her poise, wearing the requisite powder blue uniform at her Blue Owl, she lamented Luciana’s death and mentioned that she had given a eulogy at the funeral service of the 96 year-old. Hostetter greeted us holding her bakery’s 18-apple pie “reminiscent of the levee in the ’93 flood,” she exclaimed. Oprah Winfrey’s“Favorite list of things” included Blue Owl’s caramel, pecan apple pie and gave it a lift on the OWN network.  Having run out of space, Blue Owl will have a grand opening on May 20 of its new production facility and later another sweet shop in Festus. . . Hostetter said, “I’m now writing a cookbook.”

Paul Manno, Jr. and Paul Manno, Sr.

Back in Chesterfield, Paul Manno’s Cafe is targeted for an expansion in the neighboring former drug store space. Good news for the crowds who’ve been hankering for more tables in the intimate dining room, where rack of lamb is its signature dish as prepared by either bossman Paul Manno, Sr. or Jr. Construction should be complete by July’s end.

Mike Sansone, Nicole and Joe Genevese

On hand for the victuals were Nicole and Joe Genevese, owners of Mike Genevesi Jewelry, with Joe’s assistant, Mike Sansone.

Neomi Neidorf, Michael Neidorf, Donna Wilkinson

Saturday scenes: “I’ll Have Another” strode through the winner’s circle at the Kentucky Derby, revelers shouted “Hola!” at the many Cinco de Mayo festivities including the one at the Pepper Lounge with deejay Basic Physics in residence, a supermoon appeared in the skies, Opera Theatre of St. Louis lured the swells to its gala at the Peabody.

Joe Dennehy and his assistants

There was native Londoner Richard Gaddes, who founded OTSL 40 years ago, telling friends he now lives in NYC (“On Park Avenue,” he sniffed) and admitted, “I’m now an unemployed dilettante. I lived in London for awhile, but America is my home.”

Miran and David Halen

Guests Immersed into the mix of all smiles and easy elegance and there was no need for a decoder ring to be inspired by the presence of St. Louis Symphony’s brilliant concertmaster and Missourian David Halen with his stunning wife Miran. Halen hails from Warrensburg, MO and became inspired by the Symph when he attended a concert at 8 years-old.

Richard Gaddes flanked by Elizabeth and Helene Sayad

Brendan Denehy is now screenwriter in Hollywood and working with writer and director Michael Mann (“Public Enemies” with Johnny Depp and Christian Bale ), boasted his proud pop Joe Denehy, food/bev chief at both the Peabody and Scottrade, who commandeered Danielle Whitehead and Denise Samuels . What a menacing chore Joe’s minions achieved by accommodating guests who earlier requested for dinner on the stage “no lactose,” “no nuts,” “no fish” and a request by Cindy and Sandy Peters to be seated at Dr. Mabel Purkenson’stable.

OTSL Groupies

Scottrade/Peabody g.m. Marty Brooks and house mgr. Tom Pitzer stood vigil, while Patti Battram, widow of  Richard Battram, beloved chief of May Dept. Stores, entertained her friends, Kathy and Jim Sherby . Yesteryear pufflicist for the old Stix, Baer & Fuller and Muny, Barbara Mahon , was there with Kina Shapleigh and interior designer Charles Mueller(sans Brit accent).

The young and restless OTSL groupies Kate Poss-Morency, Jo Faller, Jenny Ingraham and Caron House  worked the room in their “Carmen” threads and faux cigs.  Other opera lovers: OTSL devotee Donna Wilkinson ;  Helene and Elizabeth Sayad; art aficionados Peter Schank, Margaret McDonald and Philip Slein ; Lina and Ellis Young ; Dolph and Barbara Bridgewater and the event’s chairperson, Neomi Neidorf.

Lina and Ellis Young

Waiting for my car, several of the valets confided that owners of luxury cars usually “stiff us,” while others tip from $5-$20.

Charles Mueller surrounded by Barbara Mahon and Kina Shapleigh

Kathy and Jim Sherby and Patti Battram

Jim Reid, Susan Block, Judge Larry Mooney and Frieda Smith

At Chez Leon, judge-turned-barrister Susan Block , principal at Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, greeted the weekend with her partner, Frieda Smith , senior director of school and public programs at the Science Center, along with Court of Appeals Judge Larry Mooney and his partner, Jim Reid, of the psych dept. at WashU.  Nearby were RCGA director of gov. affairs, Christine Page, and her hub, Larry, a biochem grad student, celebrating their recent marriage at St. Xavier. . .At Herbie’s Vintage ’72 regulars Tim Metz and Sean Olsonwere backpatted on the five-year anniversary of their CWE Pickles’ Deli and the first year of their downtown spinoff.

Sal Falcone

Their eateries’ signature entree is a Cuban sandwich a la South Beach.  Bossman of Herbie’s Aaron Teitelbaum beamed as diners swooped down on newly-arrived morel pasta and soft shell crabs. . .What do Lester Miller, Tony Sansone, Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa, Mike Pulitzer and Cardinal Justin Rigali have in common? They have been customers at the work table of custom tailor Sal Falcone in Frontenac. The most popular trend, according to Falcone who imports cloth from his native Milan: “Purple,” as he held up a bolt of purple silk. . .Sixty-plus years have passed since the demise of the St. Louis Browns.  But singer Phil Coley and producer Joe Pickering, Jr.have written a new song, “First in Booze, First in Shoes.”  It’s available at website of King of the Road music and the lyrics begin with: “Our Browns were the Yankees of their day.

Marty Brooks and Tom Pitzer

Well, they could’ve been but they traded away.  All our star players though we did scream.  Down they went the opposite of a dream team”. . .NPR producer Alex Blumberg and host Ira Glass, in a segment of “This American Life” dealing with ethics, focused on Jeff Smith, the ex-Missouri State Senator who spent last year in prison for violating election laws during his bid to replace Dick Gephardt.  Smith now lives in NYC, where he writes for Politico.

Now that you’ve heard all the jokes about lawyers, here’s one more.  A man calls a law firm.  The voice answers, “Gunn, Gunn, Gunn and Gunn.”  The man says, “May I speak to Mr. Gunn?”  “He’s not in.”  “All right.  Let me speak to Mr. Gunn.”  “He’s away.”  “Then let me talk to Mr. Gunn.”  “He’s out of the office.”How about Mr. Gunn?”  “Speaking.” If that seems familiar, how about our town’s family of Gunn lawyers?  They were all assembled Saturday night at The Lawyers Association banquet to honor attorney Michael P. Gunn, who was presented the Award of Honor.  The event was held in the ballroom of the downtown Sheraton Center.  (By the way, there may be a class action suit of chlorine asphyxiation resulting  from the smell within the hotel’s tacky walls.) Mike Gunn’s dad, Judge Donald Gunn, served as probate judge and his mom, Loretta, was active in a number of charities.  Her family included such notables as St. Louis attorneys Mark Eagleton, Tom Eagleton and Mark Hennelly. *Mike’s four brothers are all law grads.  Long a prolific author and writer for the annual Gridiron show, he once wrote the Grammy-winning song, “Times Beach, Times Beach” to the music of “New York, New York” in which he told parents, “You can find your children at night – just look for the glow.”  The evening was presided over by Thomas Schwartz, prez of The Lawyers Assocation.  He diligently worked the room greeting the likes of: Nina and Richard Wuestling; Chief Judge of Madison County Ann Calis and her husband, Jim Hollloran; Court of Appeals Chief Richard Teitelman; Bob Ritter; Steve Meyerkord; Bar Association prez Lynn Ann Vogel; Lynn and Morry Cole; Tom Neill; County Circuit Judge Colleen Dolan; Judge Glenn Norton; and Judge Richard Webber.

Tina Niemann surrounded by her family

Then over to Kemoll’s to greet Tina Niemann, her husband, Jack, and their family.  Niemann, grand dame of realtors, enthused she has had her best year of sales ever.  Meantime, newlyweds Meghan and Robert Meurer 

Meghan and Robert Meurer

real estate development chief for the White Company, were still swooning over their honeymoon in Jamaica.  On Sunday, sister and brother, Elizabeth and Peter McLaughlin, were sharing with the columnist her classroom project at John Burroughs.  With photos and text by Elizabeth, the title is “How To Enjoy An Oreo.”  One noteworthy tip: ”Spread on an Oreo a good amount of peanut butter. . .Enjoy it while watching ‘The Parent Trap. . .when there’s nothing to do on a Friday night. . .when you hit the wall trying to finish an English project.”  Their parents are Stephen and Dr. Carol McLaughlin.

Elizabeth and Peter McLaughlin

Kurt Bahr of O’Fallon, Andrew Koenig of west county, Mark Parkinson of St. Charles, John Diehl of Town & Country and Majority Floor Leader  Tim Jones of Eureka are among the local Republicans backing a bone-headed, “fiddling while Rome burns” bill in Jeff City that would prohibit any discussion of sexual orientation in the classroom. (So if gay marriage or discrimination emerge as ‘hot button’ controversies during the upcoming election cycle, don’t worry: they’ll be ignored in government or current events courses.) Whatever happened to the notion that conservatives don’t like government interference?

John Eilermann, Jr., chairman and CEO of McBride & Son Homes, was one of about a dozen home builders who circled County Exec Charlie Dooley for the home builders monthly give ‘n take at Il Bel Lago on Thursday (and, perhaps support him for his re-election bid on the 2014 ballot).  Having just returned from visiting their son, Jake , who is studying in Paris, Eilermann enthused that his firm, the largest of its kind in Missouri, opened last week 10 homes in the New Towne community in St. Charles county and “10 were sold the first day.”  The master plan calls for 200 lots.  “Yesterday, we broke ground for 23 homes at the Arbors at Wild Horse on Wild Horse Creek Road,” he added.  McBride is currently involved in 50 projects in the metro area. . .The recently formed U.S. Association of Catholic Priests holds its inaugural St. Louis area meeting on April 18. They call themselves “wrecked and laid waste, devastated and destroyed,” but “still ‘hanging in’” despite being “more than mildly distressed by the ecclesial turn of events since Vatican II.” (Ironically, given recent conflict between bishops and the Obama administration, the organization borrows the president’s positive campaign message, saying it tries to “keep hope alive.”) The event will be at Christ the King Church in University City. . .The American Society of News Editors will move its HQ to the Reynolds Journalism Institute on the Mizzou campus from Reston, VA. . .The Center for Health Transformation, Newt Gingrich’s think tank, has filed for bankruptcy. The center, with offices here, D.C. and Atlanta has listed estimated liabilities of $1 million to $10 million and 50 and 90 creditors. . .The Mo. Senate gave first-round approval to a bill requiring a study of the beleaguered Missouri Employers Mutual to becoming a fully private company. . .While the MLB All-Star Game will be held in K.C. on July 10, there’ll be a number of shindigs leading up to it including:  ML All-Star Fan Fest at the city’s convention center; charity 5 k run; a legends/celebrity softball game and a red carpet show. . .Also in K.C., the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has joined the Google Art Project, putting more than 200 images of the institution’s 35k permanent collection online. . .Wonderful in the grandest sense. That would be the signature dishes at Zoe Robinson Pidgeon’s I Fratellini Caffe & Rosticceria on Wydown in Clayton. Unparallelled lobster risotto and pistachio-encrusted trout, turned out by its Italian chef, who happens to be Laotian – Ny Vongsaly.  On hand are Phil Reed and Alison Alton, who’ve followed Zoe from her earlier dineries, Zoe’s and Zoe’s Pan-Asian. Among those swooning over the food were famed interior designers Steve Toedebusch, Hilary Beyer and expatriate Andy Villasana.