{Forget the pumpkin spice latte. Yeah, I said it. When the temperatures drop, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram explode with #pumpkinspice lattes, cookies, cupcakes, ice cream…. I’m burnt out on pumpkin-flavored anything after Oct. 5. Jump off the bandwagon and get your fix for fall flavors from a Maple Walnut Cannoli at Piccione Pastry instead. Light, airy ricotta filling is studded with crunchy walnuts and tinged with sweet maple that makes me think of falling leaves and sweaters, not pancakes. That’s a taste of autumn I can savor all month long.}
{Drinking Buddies is set in Chicago, but it should be in St. Louis. This little indie film focuses on the friendship between head brewer Luke and brewery marketing guru Kate and their relationships with their significant others. It’s a perfect little romance in my mind: plenty of honest, heartwarming moments fueled by ever-present brews. So grab your favorite drinking buddy and a mutually agreed upon six-pack and check it out. You can watch it now on Amazon Instant; the DVD hits Redbox Dec. 3.}
{Some nights, nothing comforts like a big bowl of cheesy noodles. You could go for some plain ol’ mac and cheese. Or you can go for the ultimate comfort, the Canestri Cacio e Pepe at Pastaria. Perfectly al-dente house-made noodles are coated in a silky sauce of pecorino and Grana Pandano, then liberally sprinkled with black pepper. And since I just found out that today is National Pasta Day (thanks, Twitter), I may just celebrate with last night’s leftovers.}
This article appears in October 2013.