National Cocoa Day: Dec. 12 or 13? Authorities on the matter, such as they are, differ, but Onesto Pizza & Trattoria’s going with the 12th. More specifically, tomorrow the South Side eatery will observe that quasi-holiday by treating guests to cocoa – and to Kris Kringle.

Yes, Santa Claus will grace Onesto with his (no pun intended) presence from 1 to 3 p.m. for photos and a story time, said the restaurant’s Michele Racanelli. “Hot cocoa will be complimentary during Santa hours,” she added, “but the rest [of the time] will range from $4 to $6.”

Onesto will serve both kid-friendly and adult cocoa drinks, the latter made with Meletti Cioccolato, Baileys and other yummies. Moreover, said Racanelli, the restaurant will continue to offer hot cocoa throughout the holiday season. And upcoming there on Saturday, Dec. 26: a celebration of National Candy Cane Day.

After collaborating with Four Seasons executive chef Karen Hoffman to turn out an amazing four-course meal at Saturday night’s fundraiser for St. Louis Community College’s culinary arts program, held at the swanky downtown hotel, über-celeb chef Hubert Keller brought a bit of his Vegas side to the fete by serving as the post-dinner DJ. Fresh.

Over the weekend, there was a celebrity sighting at Lubeley’s Bakery and Deli in Shrewsbury, grand prize winner of a General Mills makeover contest. “I’m standing here with the Pillsbury Doughboy,” said a gloating fan into her cell phone. As cameras flashed, the crowd took turns poking the most famous belly in the baking world. What keeps Poppin’ Fresh so adorably plump? According to General Mills territory manager Greg Labens, Doughboy sticks to a strict diet of devil’s food cake and strawberry cream cheese strudel bites.

– Photo courtesy of John Brooks