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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Kelley Lamm | kelley.lamm@lifestylepubs.com Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@lifestylepubs.com

Cheers!

Margo Cooper | margo.cooper@lifestylepubs.com

CHEERS

Miranda Read

ACCO UNT MANAGER

AD DESIGNER

L AYO UT DESIGNER

The Holiday season is here and we want this season to be filled with joy and

Emily Lisenbee

cheer! There’s a lot to do, and you want everything to be perfect so your family and

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

friends know how loved they are. But take a big breath—we are here to help spread

Maria Eilers, Kara Savio, Julie Brown Patton, Victoria Babu, Kathleen Kaiser

some joy and cheer to your home. This month’s issue you can dance the day away, enjoy a holiday book, plan a perfect date, decorate to your hearts desire and enjoy a delicious dining experience. Our

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Henry David

desire is your holiday season is filled with finding quality time for yourself, your loved ones and those in your community that may need some extra cheer. We are all about supporting each other and shopping local. This holiday season is a joyful time! Just remember to find time for yourself, your family and friends want you to be happy and healthy above all else. From our home to yours Happy holidays! Gordon & Kelley

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Join publishers Gordon and Kelley each Saturday morning, 10 a.m to noon on 590-

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

AM KFNS The Fan and through your phone app at 590 with the She SAID He SAID

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

show to have some laughs and hear from individuals, charities and businesses mak-

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

ing a difference in the community. "Inspired by Community".

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Publishers Photo: Photography by Henry David Photography / Hair and Make up by Kasey Lamm Stoudt 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER at home with Jim Edmonds, American former professional baseball center fielder and a broadcaster for Fox Sports Midwest

with girlfriend Kortnie O'Connor and

MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA

OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA

his children Sutton, Aspen, Landon and

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

twins Hart & Hayes.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HENRY DAVID PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAY DECOR BY ELEGANT EVENTS BY MJ 4

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

Proverbs 3:5-6 Clayton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Clayton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Clayton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 18 At Home With Jim Edmonds Former Cardinals' Great Embraces Next Chapter In Life

24 Private Chefs Full Throttle Flavor With High Octane Fun

18 12

28 Holiday Toy Drives Help Bring Joy to All St. Louis Children

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Culinary Creations

Page Turners

Healthy Lifestyle

24 Food & Wine 28 Giving Back 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Parting Thoughts

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GOOD TIMES

Clayton Participates In Mask Up STL A collaborative partnership between St. Louis Arts Chamber of Commerce staffers and numerous businesses, organizations, municipalities and artists was formed to install custom-made masks on statues and sculptures throughout St. Louis City and County to encourage mask-wearing to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. Here are statutes in Clayton that were part of the initiative. PHOTOS BY DAN KREWSON/CITY OF CLAYTON.

Women Of Achievement Recipients Include Local Volunteers Ladue resident Debbie Caplin provides transformative connections between humans and her Touch Therapy dogs who've impacted 20,000-plus patients and families during visits to cancer centers and children’s hospitals. Jennifer Hillman, a Clayton resident, is passionate about making a difference in lives of youth and young adults. Debbie and Jennifer were two of 10 volunteers named as 2020 Women of Achievement.

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

AROUND TOWN

ANYTHING GRANTS NAME 2020 RECIPIENTS

members of the 2020-2021 Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis student board of directors. Those stu-

More than $58,000 was granted in the 2020

dents included Josephine Gillette, Clayton High

regional round of Anything Grants funding, which

School; Prateek Gautam, Marquette High; Pooja

supports projects, infrastructure and programs of

Hukeri, Lafayette High; and Andrew Gray, Parkway

local Jewish organizations. Recipient organizations

West High.

included Temple Israel, Temple Emanuel, Hillel at

Students currently are meeting monthly through

Maryville University, B'nai Amoona Congregation

online means to gain a thorough understanding of

and BBYO St. Louis.

the Federal Reserve's role in the U.S. economy and

Most of this year's recipients indicate they will

experience the Reserve's partnership with banks,

use the funds to address impacts of the COVID-19

businesses and communities regarding money sup-

pandemic on their entities and associated constit-

ply and credit; regulating and supervising financial

uents. Each grant is equal to 50 percent of project

institutions; serving as a banking and fiscal agent for

budgets within the various recipients.

the U.S. government; and supplying payments ser-

Anything Grants are awarded by the Staenberg Family Foundation, which is a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

vices to the public through depository institutions. "For the first time, we'll be working with the students virtually,” says Mary Suiter, assistant vice president and economic education officer at the St. Louis Fed. “In addition to learning about the Federal Reserve System and the types of careers available at the Fed, student board members will develop soft skills that will help them prepare for college and careers."

NEW MRH ACTING SUPERINTENDENT DISCUSSES HER NEW ROLE, STRONG COMMUNITY Roxanna

Mechem,

acting

superintendent

of the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District, says she is humbled to be called to lead the school district during the challenges of the COVID19 pandemic.

ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL RECEIVES 2020 BEST MATERNITY DESIGNATION

The MRH story is one of hard work, against incred-

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond

ible odds, to build a world-class school district. I

Heights was one of fewer than 250 hospitals

know this community values its schools. It has

nationally to receive Newsweek’s prestigious “Best

shown its support over and over again. For that, I

Maternity Hospital” accolade this year; it was the

am truly thankful," says Roxanna.

only hospital in the St. Louis area. “This designation

During the last 10 years as the district's assistant

reflects our commitment to provide a safe, com-

superintendent, she worked on bond issues, tax

passionate and personalized birthing experience,”

levies, curriculum projects, community-building

says Travis Capers, SSM Heath St. Mary’s Hospital

events, school improvement initiatives and task

president. Facilities included in the list include those

forces. "Collaborative voices have shaped the fab-

with low rates of C-section, episiotomy and early

ric of MRH, and we're better for it,” she adds.

elective deliveries, as well as those that follow crucial, best-practice protocols to protect mother and babies.

LOCAL STUDENTS CHOSEN FOR FEDERAL BANK BOARD Twenty high school seniors from across the St. Louis metropolitan area were selected to serve as 10

"The strength of the school district is a direct result of the relationship with the MRH community.

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

"COVID-19 has proven to be the greatest challenge schools have faced in my 30-year educational career. MRH staff remain wholly committed to children despite the difficulties. It's a time when all of us are called to serve, in whatever capacity, for the benefit of our children," she says.

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CULINARY CREATIONS

DESSE RT & A MOVIE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY KATHLEEN KAISER

Hank, Owner of Hank's Cheesecakes in Clayton, MO

= HOLIDAY NIGHT ENJOY DREAMY DESSERTS WHILE CATCHING TONY AWARD NOMINATED MUSICAL IN SELECT THEATERS AND NETFLIX

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

WITH

THE

HOLIDAYS

UPON

US,

HANK’S CHEESECAKES

DINNER & A MOVIE = DATE NIGHT

1063 S. Big Bend Blvd.

DECIDED TO SWITCH THINGS UP THIS

St. Louis 63117

MONTH TO HIGHLIGHT A FABULOUS

314.781.0300

PLACE AT WHICH TO INDULGE YOUR

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SWEET TOOTH, WHILE WATCHING A FABULOUS,

AWARD-WINNING

This locally owned shop has been creat-

AND

ing the most scrumptious cheesecakes and

TONY NOMINATED BROADWAY PLAY

other desserts since 1987, when Hank first

BROUGHT TO THE BIG AND SMALL

opened his doors in October of that year.

SCREENS BY NETFLIX.

Since then, Hank’s Cheesecakes has brought

Let’s start by ordering a cheesecake, or

smiles to the faces of families throughout St.

one of other delectable desserts to enjoy

Louis, offering 35-plus different cheesecake

from this St. Louis gem of a place, located

options, along with carrot cake, an indulgent

just one block south of the intersection of

rich chocolate cake, and a few other creations

Clayton Road and S. Big Bend Blvd.

that will satisfy even the most finicky palates.

Hank’s also features sugar-free and gluten-free options, along with appetizer size portions. Hank’s is known for their most exquisite, up to six-tier wedding cakes, allowing for family and friends to partake of their incredible cheesecakes, too. They also make fabulous corporate gifts. Hank, and his team of super-talented bakers, have been focusing on creating “the best cheesecakes created this side of heaven” for a very long time now, so order one or more of their fabulous creations by phone, or visit their website at HanksCheesecakes.com, and get ready to experience a little slice of heaven of your very own! Now that you’ve ordered dessert, picked up or had your scrumptious delectables delivered to enjoy before or after the movie, get ready to experience an incredible straight from Broadway musical, directed by Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, Ratched), and feaFinishing touches on a signature Cheesecake at Hank's Cheesecakes

Meryl Streep & James Corden in THE PROM © NETFLIX

turing an all-star cast, including Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman and Keegan-Michael Key, just to name a few.

THE PROM, Rated PG-13 - 2 hours, 10 minutes - in-select theaters in December and available on Netflix Dec. 11 As Broadway stars Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (James Corden) head back to the stage, it seems their latest expensive show on Broadway is a big ol’ flop, threatening to flatline both of their careers. Meanwhile, in a small town in Indiana, high school student Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman) is about to experience her first broken heart. As head of the PTA (Kerry Washington) has decided to ban Emma from attending her prom, as she isn’t allowing her to attend with her girlfriend Alyssa (Arianna DeBose), if she can help it. But when Dee Dee and Barry get wind of the predicament Emma’s in, they decide this is the perfect cause to get behind, as it could help to resurrect both of their careers. So they hit the road with fellow stage actors, Angie (Nicole Kidman) and Trent (Andrew Rannells) in tow, as they both also need a little lift for their careers, too. But when all this flagrant, self-absorbed activism begins to backfire, they find themselves still wanting to rally behind Emma, to give her the night she truly deserves, in celebrating who she really is. THE PROM also stars Tracey Ullman, Kevin Chamberlin, Mary Kay Place, Nico Greetham Logan Riley, Nathaniel J. Potvin and Sofia Deler. CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

PAGE TURNERS

For me, it’s like reconnecting with a long-lost friend. For this Christmas, I’m revisiting a trilogy of inspirational stories penned by New York Times best-selling author, Richard Paul Evans, who the Times references as “the king of Christmas fiction.” I interviewed the former advertising executive turned writer years ago for television when he made a stop in St. Louis to promote his first book, The Author, Richard Paul Evans

Christmas Box. Since that first meeting, Richard has written more than 40 novels. His latest, The Noel Letters was released in October. But it’s his self-published, debut book that changed his life forever, selling millions of copies. It’s been made into a TV movie, along with six other novels. Richard explains: “When I wrote The Christmas Box, I never intended to publish the story—it was simply an expression of love for my (then) two young daughters. Though I often told them I loved them, I didn’t believe they could really understand the depth of those feelings until they had experienced the joy of rearing their own children. I hoped that at some future time they could read this book and know of their father’s love.” The Christmas Box is a heartwarming story of parental love, healing and Christmas and told in the first person of the main character, Richard. The young father, his wife, Keri, and their 4-yearold daughter, Jenna, are hired as caretakers and are welcomed into the Victorian home of Mary Parkins, a lonely, elderly widow. As the relationship between Mary and the family develops, we learn that Mary’s past sorrows are compelling her to share an important message with Richard. But does it come too late? The inspiration for The Christmas Box continues with Timepiece, followed by The Letter.

ARTICLE VICTORIA BABU

Victoria's Book Club

THE CHRISTMAS BOX BY RICHARD PAUL EVANS: AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE FROM A FATHER TO HIS DAUGHTERS 14

HAVE YOU READ A BOOK MORE THAN ONCE?

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

The Christmas Box is an inspiring holiday tale that tells the touching story of a widow and the young family who moves in with her, and the ways in which they discover together the first gift of Christmas and what the holiday is really all about.

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

ENJOY EVERY STEP

GOT TO KEEP ON DANCING

THERE

ARE

SOME

SHORTCUTS

HAPPINESS,

AND DANCING IS ONE OF THEM. The pre-pandemic slogan of one Chesterfield-based dance studio was: “Expand. Explore. Believe. There Are No Limits.”

“Because we’re offering these classes for free, we do ask participants to consider donating to keep BDASL alive and active for the post-COVID era when we can all get back together in-person,” says Patty Weisensee.

Leaning further into that inspiration, owner and instructor Kim

Convergence DBC at 8044 Manchester Road in

Revie Buchheit decided how to creatively work within new

Brentwood offers dance classes for adults of all levels. Prior to

limitations prompted by COVID-19 at her Miss Kim’s Dance

this year’s pandemic, they hosted classes in social ballroom,

Class studio at 14344 South Outer 40 Road.

salsa/Latin dancing, Argentine Tango, swing, competition

When public safety parameters were re-established, Miss

preparation and therapy dancing for movement disorders.

Kim’s classes resumed but were limited to 25%, then more

Convergence owner Carter Maier says while some of

recently 50%, occupancy so they could divide groups in

their group lessons have been temporarily suspended, his

half and flip-flop between in-studio and via Zoom. “We also

wife, Roxanne, has creatively updated certain types of dances

took extra COVID-19 precautions, like temperature checks

so participants do not change dance partners. This step

and mandating masks while going in and out of the studio,”

enables them to provide in-person, weekly group lessons for

says the instructor of 26 years who received her bachelor’s

tango and salsa classes for a maximum of 10, masked students.

degree in dance from Webster University. Kim says another adjustment was hosting an outdoors dance recital in a parking lot during June. Dial 314.542.0608 for class inquiries; they also host adult classes for ballet, tap and hip hop.

They also offer online private lessons and scheduled in-person classes. “We had one couple who learned a whole new dance, the West Coast Swing, completely online,” adds Carter. Email dance@convergencedbc.com or call 314.324.0887 for schedule options.

Formed in 2008, Ballroom Dance Academy of St. Louis

At St. Louis-based Consuming Kinetics Dance Company,

is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose supporters focus on sharing the

located at 465 North Taylor Ave., the motto is: “It’s never too

joy of ballroom dancing. Under typical times, they promote

late or too early to learn how to dance.”

partner or ballroom style dancing through lessons, per-

CKDC representatives claim to be the only school in the

formances and socials. During this pandemic year, they’ve

greater St. Louis area that offers a full schedule of adult dance

altered their teaching medium by providing virtual lessons

classes, including hip hop, modern, contemporary, jazz, tap

on Thursday evenings via Zoom. For an updated schedule for

and bodywork.

December, visit online BallroomDanceSTL.org or email ballroomdancestl@gmail.com.

Classes for adults run continuously, and there are no registration fees to join. In-person class participants must adhere

The links for joining BDASL classes are the same every

to the company’s mandatory, precautionary steps prompted

week: Meeting ID: 155 305 283; password: BDASL; Link for

by COVID-19 concerns, and classes have limited capacities.

6-6:45 p.m. classes: Zoom.us/j/155305283; Link for 7-7:45

Private lessons, done via in-person or virtual, and parties also

p.m. classes: Zoom.us/j/266683225.

can be booked by emailing info@ckdc.org. Online CKDC classes, such as Music Video Moves, are available through Patreon, ranging from $25 to $100 monthly membership fees: CKDC.org.

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON 16

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

Photo courtesy of Miss Kim's Dance Class studio.

Photo courtesy of Consuming Kinetics Dance Company.

Photo courtesy of Miss Kim's Dance Class studio.

CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

AT HOME WITH JIM EDMONDS FORMER CARDINALSâ€™ GREAT EMBRACES NEXT CHAPTER IN LIFE

ARTICLE KARA SAVIO | PHOTOGRAPHY HENRY DAVID 18

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

FORMER CARDINALS CENTER FIELDER, JIM EDMONDS,

“Right now, I’m just living for my family. I have seven great kids,

HAS WORN SEVERAL HATS THROUGHOUT HIS 17-YEAR

the two oldest are in their late twenties and living in California. Then

CAREER IN THE BIG LEAGUES. The 50-year-old former pro

I have five younger kids, all here in St. Louis,” he says.

baseball player, known by some as one of best center fielders

St. Louis and the Redbirds always held a special place in his heart,

of his generation, celebrated many great moments in his Major

so when St. Louis property that he’d been keeping an eye on came

League Baseball career. Besides being a Silver Slugger Award

up for sale, he snatched it up and began building his dream home.

winner and a Gold Glove Award winner, in 2006, Jim helped the

“I got lucky enough to buy 3 acres, so I moved in and I'm still

St. Louis Cardinals win their first World Series title since 1982.

trying to finish the house,“ he says. “I've been here now off and on for

But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

almost 21 years and always kept a home here. My kids are here going

“I think sometimes when you get a little older, you just have to let it go. I had a long career and you know you can't play forever. I’m pretty satisfied with the way my career ended,” says Jim.

to school, and I'm now anchored down completely.” The home, located in Frontenac, is approximately 20,000 square feet with plenty of room for all the kids. There are seven bedrooms,

In 2013, he began a new career when Fox Sports Midwest

and an apartment above the garage for when his parents come into

hired him as an analyst on their St. Louis Cardinals broadcast-

town. And, to say “it is kid friendly” would be an understatement.

ing crew. He is now in his fifth year of doing both the pregame

There’s a batting cage, bowling alley, pool, work out gym, and a

and the postgame, and broadcasting the games.

basketball court in the garage so the kids can continue playing in

“It was a little hard to get used to, but I'm really starting to enjoy it a lot more each time I do it. I also just really enjoy being

the winter. Besides putting down permanent roots and finishing his dream home, Jim also has a new love in his life.

in the organization. I was assistant to the president the last two

“I'm in a really good place right now. Kortnie is an amazing woman.

years and liked that because it gave me access to the players to

We’re really good together and the kids love her. She is so great with

help with coaching,” Jim explains.

them, and is doing an amazing job. I give her a lot of credit for how

Now the man affectionately known by Cardinals fans as,

she's handling it," says Jim.

"Jimmy Baseball" and "Jimmy Ballgame," is entering a new

Kortnie O'Connor is a 35-year-old model and real estate agent from

chapter in his life and he’s especially looking forward to the new

Los Angeles. She and Jim met in the past but had not kept in touch.

hat he’ll be wearing, as a great St. Louis father, and new St.

After his separation, they ran into each other. He asked her to be his

Louis homeowner.

date for Albert Pujol’s birthday party and she accepted.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

AT HOME WITH JIM EDMONDS (CONTINUED)

“Right now, I’m just living for my family. I have seven great kids, the two oldest are in their late twenties and living in California. Then I have five younger kids, all here in St. Louis.” “She’s definitely changed me for the better, as far as my eating habits and the way I address certain things. It's obviously early in the dating phase at 9 or 10 months, but she’s probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She lets me be myself and that’s really important to me,” he adds. In March of this year, Jim unfortunately found out he’d contracted COVID-19. ”It wasn't bad at first, then all of a sudden I started feeling terrible. I finally went to the ER and they told me I was positive and had pneumonia. I went home and just rode it out until it slowly went away. A few of us got it, but thank God not the little ones. No one else had the pneumonia, but everyone had the sweats and the loss of taste and some of the other symptoms,” Jim explains. The Edmonds' home is a joyous place filled with love and laughter. Jim's oldest daughter is pregnant, and he soon will become a grandfather for the first time. “We had an amusing mishap when my daughter and Kortnie planned to shoot the announcement of the baby’s gender out of a cannon. My second daughter had the cannon backwards so it shot out that she was having a boy when it’s really a girl. It was pretty funny,” Jim chuckles. The home is decorated exquisitely for the holidays, as every one of his homes have always been. “I’ve always wanted to really decorate because I grew up with not a whole lot. My house was never decorated, never very festive as a kid, so I wanted to make sure that I went a little bit overboard with it from time to time,” he says. Elegant Events by MJ has turned the Edmonds' home into a magical holiday vision as they have done with his other homes every year. “They’re incredible. They’ve always done an amazing job. I just love it, and my kids love it. It really brings the holidays back home, and that's how I wanted it to be for my kids because I didn't have it for myself," Jim confides. Jim teases about having enough kids to almost create his own baseball team. He’s not there yet, but all in all, this Major Leaguer seems to have everything else for which he’s looking.“I've been very blessed. I have amazing friends and children and an amazing lifestyle that I’ve worked hard for, and I'm just going to enjoy it and be thankful for what I have.” For more decorating info, visit ElegantEventsByMJ.com 20

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

WHILE WE MAY BE CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS A BIT DIFFERENTLY THIS YEAR, GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT THAT WILL REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

THIS YEAR, HEAR THE SOUNDS OF THE

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FOOD & WINE

P r i vat e

CHEFS ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM SCHAFER

Chefs Ryan Hansen and Reid Webster

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

FULL THROTTLE FLAVOR WITH HIGH OCTANE FUN

PRIVATE CHEFS REID WEBSTER AND RYAN

dishes cooked with fire and high heat. Our style

HANSEN ANCHOR MEALS, COCKTAIL PARTIES

is casual and rustic. It’s a vibe, and we keep it cool

AND OTHER EVENTS THAT REVOLVE AROUND

and calm,” says Reid.

GREAT CONVERSATION AND GREAT FOOD. And,

“We’re health focused and flavor driven,” adds Ryan.

by ‘anchor,’ it means they shop, chop, pack, clean and

Reid says he’s been comfortable with food for

host these gatherings -- absorbing all the fuss so

as long as he can remember. He first got inter-

their clients can lean into the having fun part.

ested in food preparation from being with his

They provide event catering, private at-home

father, a classically trained chef. When he was

meals, meal preparation, restaurant/menu con-

18 years old, he completed an apprenticeship

sulting, as well as fitness and nutrition counseling.

with his uncle, a pastry chef from Central Italy.

They also offer take-home meal sets for those who’d

His other culinary experiences were gathered

prefer to do the final cooking themselves.

by working at Seattle and Chicago high-end and

These two young chefs met in culinary school, and now operate together a blossoming service they call Full Tank, Empty Stomach.

tasting-only menu restaurants. “My passion is high heat, wood fired oven cooking, because that technique requires finesse and

“We love food, motorcycles and good com-

basically forming a working relationship with the

pany. Riding from gig to gig, we create memorable

oven to cover the natural ebbs and flows of the

flavors, focusing on primitive, vegetable-centric

process,” reveals Reid.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

IT’S TIME TO Design Your Life with Thompson Price.

For those seeking a full fare experience in an intimate setting, these two chefs will prepare a three- to five-course meal at their downtown AirBnB with guests staying there afterward. The space -- originally a Ford Model-T dealership built in 1905 -- can accommodate up to six guests. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Ryan, who previously owned and operated the lifestyle fitness center Prymal, now brings his business and a degree in entrepreneurship from Fordham University in the Bronx to Full Tank, Empty Stomach endeavors. He says he enjoys coaching and guiding clients to better lifestyles using food as the foundation for their goals. Regarding safety precautions in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan says they get the rental loft professionally cleaned after each guest stay. He says they also wipe down surfaces with bleach, and they take all their own coolers and equipment to any on-site, private meal preparation appointments. Both Ryan and Reid get tested for the coronavirus, and they wear gloves and masks during their caterings, to pro-

Happy Holidays from All of Us at Thom omppson P rice

vide extra peace of mind to clients. “Our goal is to limit contact and stay as self-contained as possible,” explains Reid. They first work with clients to identify their food preferences, particularly their likes and dislikes or allergies. They offer three sample menus based on different price ranges. “But, we love it when clients give us full creative range to decide the menus within whatever budget they give us. I like to balance what people like with seasonal food ingredients, as well as what looks best at the grocery stores when we go shopping for each meal,” says Reid, who is known for his scrumptious squash dishes. With so many exciting menu options to explore, this duo says they hope to find their true groove and signature food style during 2021. They also plan to provide cooking videos and online cooking demonstrations, in addition to collaborating with nutritionists and sommeliers to keep identifying fresh combinations. FullTankEmptyStomach.com Airbnb Listing: 3212 Locust St., St. Louis MO 63103,

Monday - Friday | 9 am – 4 pm Saturdays | 10 am – 2 pm 639 Spirit Valley Central Drive Chesterfield, Missouri (314) 966-8234 | thompsonprice.com

ABnBbnb.me/10JzHUS2fab CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

GIVING BACK

H O L I D AY TOY DRIVES

HELP BRING JOY TO ALL ST. LOUIS CHILDREN

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

CLEARLY, THE 2020 HOLIDAY SEASON USHERS IN FINANCIAL CHALLENGES FOR MANY FAMILIES WHO DESPERATELY WANT TO PROVIDE PRESENTS TO THEIR CHILDREN. Following are entities and ways to put smiles on more children’s faces by donating toys or funding to make positive differences. [Due to fluctuating pandemic conditions, double-check with the organizing groups for updates regarding collection points.] Mission St. Louis conducts an annual program entitled Affordable Christmas. The initiative allows under-resourced families to shop for children’s gifts at drastically reduced prices. This year’s shopping will be held via their virtual store during Dec. 10-12. They are hoping to serve 1,000 children from 300 local families. Organizers encourage employer and church groups to host toy drives. For questions, contact rachel@missionstl.org. Mission STL Toy Drop Off Locations: + Destiny Church of St. Louis, 1809 Des Peres Road, St. Louis, 63131 + Moneta Group Investment Advisors, 100 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, 63105 + Gardaworld, 1699 S. Hanley Road, Ste. 350, St. Louis, 63144 + Stanford Dental, 663 Big Bend Blvd., Manchester, 63021 + Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School, 801 S. Spoede Road, Frontenac, 63131 + 1904Labs, 20 S. Sarah St., St. Louis, 63108 + Purina, 1205 S. 6th St., St. Louis, 63104 + Cortex Innovation Community, 20 S. Sarah St., St. Louis, 63108 + Mitch STL Salon, 4301 Arco Ave., St. Louis, 63110 + Big River Running Company, (three locations) 5352 Devonshire Ave., St. Louis, 63109; 606 North and South Road, University City, 63130; 13969 Manchester Road, Manchester, 63011 + The Journey Tower Grove, 2833 S Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 63139 The annual Marine Toys For Tots program has delivered hope to children since 1947. For St. Louis County, Marines of 3d Battalion 23d Marines Regiment will host this year’s toy drive. Toys for Tots Coordinator Sgt. Andrew Burdsal expresses gratitude for all of the people in the community that make this program so successful. “You are all truly the beacon of hope for families in need, and with your help, the children of this region are able to experience the joy of Christmas,” he says. During 2019, this Toys For Tots program distributed 81,105 toys to support 41,726 children. They break age groups for donations accordingly: 1-2; 3-5; 6-7; 8-10; 11-12. Final pickups are slated for Dec. 12.

served by 13 AIDS Service Organizations in both St. Louis and Southern Illinois. For a list of their donation needs, visit ProjectArk.wustl.edu/Support-Us/Annual-Toy-Drive. Santa’s Helpers, Inc., 1401 Pierce Ave., is a 100% vol-

To receive toys, individual families are required to go through nonprofit

unteer-based nonprofit organization serving St. Louis’s

organizations, such as social service agencies, department of family ser-

under-resourced and seriously ill children and their families

vices, churches, The Salvation Army, local food pantries, community ser-

since 1968. Santa’s Helpers touches the lives of 2,200-plus

vice centers, United Way and other local philanthropic organizations.

children and their families every holiday season by pur-

For questions, email bridgeton.mo@toysfortots.org, or call 650.201.0261 or 650.537.2313.

chasing, wrapping and delivering gifts for Christmas and Hanukkah to deserving children whose names are pro-

Help make the holidays special for a child in need through Washington

vided by local schools and social service agencies. Phone

University’s Project ARK’s Toy Drive — serving 800 to 1,000 children each

314.647.1800 or go online at SantasHelpersSTL.com

year who are infected or affected by HIV. The Toy Drive supports clients

regarding making donations. CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

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CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

However, for pandemic safety reasons,

GINGERBREAD HOUSE CREATION

PUBLIC TOUR: HUMAN FORMS

from home. To purchase subscrip-

this event also will be live streamed so

those

interested

can

watch

ChamberChorus.org/

Zoom: Online Via Kemper Art Museum

tions, visit

Join a live, interactive tour on Zoom

Subscriptions or call 636.458.4343.

celebration of Gingerbread House

with student educators featuring a

Day! Participants will construct and

Kemper Art Museum collection or

take home their own Gingerbread

special exhibition, showing images of

House. Preregistration and parent

the artworks through screen sharing

participation

Brentwood Community Center

Create

Gingerbread

21 HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATION

required;

price

and answering participant questions.

$24/nonresident

$27)

Nina Huang considers several works

is for families of five or less. This

from a collection in which the human

Grab a friend and make your very

program is for kids of all ages.

form plays a prominent role. This

own designed cookies. Each partici-

Email zfiebig@brentwoodmo.org or

hour-long tour is free, but registration

pant will create, bake and take home

call 314.963.8689.

is required at KemperArtMuseum.

a batch of cookies just in time for the

wustl.edu/events/tours/14158.

holiday season. Space is limited. Call

(resident

houses

IPHF VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: PHOTOSHOP II

International Photography Hall of

Brentwood Community Center

314.963.8689 to register in advance.

This program is for youths aged 6-12

STUFF N'FLUFF

Brentwood Community Center

years old.

Fame and Museum

Kids ages 3-8 years old can make

In this Advanced Photoshop class

and stuff their own toy animal. Space

with Michael Swoboda, he'll demon-

is limited. Register in advance by call-

strate various creative and profes-

ing 314.963.8689. This program ends

Have young ones who struggle to

sional methodologies for editing

at 7 p.m. Cost for resident is $24 each

stay up until midnight on New Year’s

images in Photoshop. Step-by-step

and $27 for nonresidents.

Eve? Come to a special daytime cel-

occur at the end of the talk where participants can share their images to gain insights and potential solutions for expressive image improvements. Fee is $25 to $35.

Brentwood Community Center

ebration to play games, make crafts

lessons will be presented and a question and answer session will

TODDLER NEW YEAR'S EVE

and have a countdown until the clock

CARNIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA

required for children only. Space

strikes 12. Bring the whole family for this fun-filled event. Registration

Brentwood Community Center

is limited. Call 314.963.8689 to

Have the whole family join the sec-

ond annual Carnival Extravaganza.

Nonresident: $10.

Play traditional carnival games, com-

SKATE WITH SANTA

is resident $8 each and nonresident

plete crafts and have the opportunity to win prizes. Space is limited. Cost

Brentwood Community Center

is $10 each. Register in advance by

Enjoy a special opportunity to

calling 314.963.8689.

take to the ice with Santa Claus. Bring a camera to capture these memories. This event concludes at 6:15 p.m. Contact 314.963.8689 for more details.

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

20 ST. LOUIS CHAMBER CHORUS

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Music is brought to life in performance

Clayton using the Get In Touch link

through this group's 65th season.

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PARTING THOUGHTS

ARTICLE KARA SAVIO

Think Heart H e a lt h F o r H o l i d ays MODERATION AND PREVENTION IS IMPORTANT Dr. Paul Larsen

Dr. Andrew Kirchura

WITH HOLIDAYS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, MANY ALREADY

Dr. Andrew Kichura is a cardiovascular disease specialist with more

ARE STRESSING ABOUT GAINING EXTRA HOLIDAY POUNDS.

than 8 years of experience in cardiovascular disease, as a hospitalist,

Extra weight can make clothes fit tighter, and it is detrimental to health.

and in internal medicine. He and his wife are both from St. Louis, and

Two SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital cardiologists discuss the causes

just welcomed their first child.

and preventative measures associated with heart health. IS HEART DISEASE PREVENTABLE? Dr. Paul Larsen is an interventional cardiologist with a certification in

Not all cases of heart disease can be prevented, but a significant

nuclear cardiology. He and his wife are raising their family in St. Louis.

amount of it can be prevented, delayed or managed effectively to prevent it from getting worse.

IS HEART DISEASE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE U.S.?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for most racial and

ISN’T IT ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS FOR

ethnic groups, and is tied to many health risks, including high

SOMEONE WITH HEART ISSUES TO GET COVID-19?

blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and a number

Patients with heart disease are at increased risk of having com-

of other factors.

plications from COVID-19, however, they are not at increased risk of becoming infected.

WHAT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES DO YOU TREAT? We treat a variety of cardiovascular diseases at SSM Health St.

ANY SUGGESTIONS TO STAY HEART HEALTHY

Mary’s Hospital, ranging from peripheral artery disease, heart artery

DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems and heart valve issues.

Moderation is key. Do your best to maintain a healthy diet by minimizing extra salt, over-eating or over-drinking. It’s also important to

WHAT MEDICAL TESTS ARE PERFORMED FOR A CARDIOVAS-

try and find a way to remain physically active.

CULAR CONDITION? There are a number of different tests ranging from a simple electrocar-

WHY CHOOSE A CAREER IN CARDIOLOGY?

diogram, to a heart ultrasound, all the way to a heart catheterization or

One of the main drivers for me to pursue a career in cardiology was

cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, all offered at St. Mary’s.

the prevalence of heart disease -- I wanted to contribute to understanding why. I find this work to be very rewarding.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING? When I’m able to open a blocked artery in the heart or leg, or plug

To learn more, or to make an appointment with Dr. Larsen or Dr. Kich-

a hole in the heart, it can have a big difference in a patient’s symp-

ura, call 314.645.6450 or visit SSMHealth.com/StMarysHeart. SSM

toms. Hearing how much better they feel is a really rewarding part

Health Heart & Vascular Care-St. Mary’s Hospital is located at 1027

of this profession.

Bellevue Ave., Suite 200, in St. Louis.

Clayton Lifestyle | December 2020

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