dsmWeekly: January 14, 2014

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January 14, 2014

N E W & N O T A B L E

Welcome to the first issue of dsmWeekly! Every Tuesday, we'll let you in on what's happening on the local arts, cultural and style scenes as well as share philanthropic news. We'll also cover dining, food and wine. I'm confident you won't want to miss a single issue. If you have news that could be a fit for dsmWeekly, please send the information to dsmnews@bpcdm.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

--Christine Riccelli, dsm editor

Time-Tested Craft

Rehabilitating an older home requires an understanding of historic materials and time-tested craft... plus the ability to integrate both into...

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A R T S & C U L T U R E

Masked Mystery

Consider "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Phantom of the Opera"--or even "Gossip Girl" and "The Vampire Diaries": Nothing sets the stage for secrets, seduction and shenanigans like a glamorous masked ball. In 1966, Truman Capote raised eyebrows by requiring guests to conceal their famous faces at his "Black and White Ball" in New York City. Inspired by Capote's lavish, lauded affair, Ballet Des Moines hosts its first "Black and White Masquerade" Jan. 18 at 9 p.m. at the Whiteline Lofts penthouse.

A Ballet Des Moines performance headlines the festivities, which include dancing, cocktails, a raw seafood bar and other food, and a midnight champagne breakfast (modeled after Capote's, of course) amid glittering panoramic city views. If you show up naked-faced, be prepared to receive a mask at the door. Black and/or white formalwear is recommended, but masks (the more festive, the better) are de rigueur for entrance. Tickets, $125 per person or $75 for young professionals, are available here.

--Kellye Crocker

S T Y L E & D E S I G N

Fashion Resolve

You've popped the champagne. Now, why not add a pop of freshness to your wardrobe for 2014? We asked three "retail therapists" to recommend one item in their boutiques to boost a woman's style quotient right now. Their ideas:

Gerard jacket by Rachel Zoe ($425 at K. Renee). "An instant update on a classic: the trench," says Megan Aronson, director of operations. "We love the three-quarter sleeves and tencel fabric. It has personality, yet is also timeless."

Color block zip cardigan by Basler Cruise Collection ($540 at Sahar's Fashion Gallery). "This cardigan has me thinking of a cruise vacation," says owner Sahar Alshash. "The cobalt blue provides a punch of color that is essential to a wardrobe's vitality. It will go with just about anything and easily transitions into spring."

Tunic-length tank by Clara S. ($42 at Fashion by the HallTree). "With a bra-friendly U neckline and an A-line fit for more hip room, it's perfect with leggings or skinny jeans," says Jill Lange, store manager. "It's an awesome, all-year layering piece. I have two myself." Made in the U.S., the tank is available in red, white and--black.

--K.C.

G I V I N G & S E R V I N G

Legislative To-Do List

Preparing children for school success and adults for good jobs are among United Ways of Iowa's priorities for the 2014 legislative session, which began Monday. Highlights include helping students learn English, prepare for kindergarten and improve reading proficiency; adult education and job training; child care and transportation for low-income families; pediatric mental health; ensuring access for all to healthful food; and services for inmates soon to be released from prison.

United Way of Central Iowa supporters are invited to join in United Way's "Day on the Hill" Jan. 28 at the state Capitol.

Before then, though--on Jan. 16--the organization will announce the results of its 2013 campaign at the Des Moines Embassy Club. The 2012 campaign raised a record $26.5 million.

--K.C.

F O O D & D I N I N G

By Wini Moranville

Peacetree Dinners Land in Des Moines

Some of Peacetree's signature brews.

In the past few years, Knoxville's Peacetree Brewing Co. and chef Tag Grandgeorge have teamed up on occasion for buzzworthy food-and-beer-pairing dinners. Trouble was (for us Des Moines-dwellers, anyway), the events were always held in Knoxville.

Now that Grandgeorge has opened Le Jardin restaurant in Beaverdale, he and the Peacetree pros are bringing the act to Des Moines. The next dinner will be Jan. 28. According to Tag's wife, Megan Grandgeorge, diners should expect a convivial evening, with guests seated at long communal tables alongside Peacetree staff members, including head brewmaster Joe Kesteloot. Tag Grandgeorge will introduce each of the four courses; all are made--and paired--with Peacetree's signature brews, which Kesteloot will discuss.

The evening kicks off with mingling and appetizers at 6 p.m. Dinner begins at 6:30, and includes Sidekick Kolsch-braised chicken tostada with chipotle- and cheddar-broiled avocado; spinach salad with almonds, roasted turnips, goat cheese and sweet onions; and Red Rambler-braised short ribs with sour cream whipped potatoes and roasted baby carrots. A New York style cheesecake with warm Black River Gumbo Stout-raspberry sauce will finish the feast.

Dinner costs $60 per person (includes tax and gratuity). Le Jardin is at 2815 Beaver Ave., #101. For reservations or more information, contact Megan Grandgeorge at 255-5787 or megan@lejardindsm.com.

Kellye Crocker

Kellye Crocker lives in Clive and writes fiction for teens and nonfiction for adults. A former Des Moines Register senior reporter and current dsm contributing writer, she's also written for Parents, Better Homes and Gardens and Glamour, among other national publications. Connect with her on Twitter: @kelcrocker.

Wini Moranville

Wini Moranville, author of "The Bonne Femme Cookbook: Simple, Splendid Food That French Women Cook Every Day," is a food, wine and travel writer who covers the dining scene for dsm magazine. Follow her at All Things Food DSM - Wini Moranville and catch her food segment on Fridays at 6:40 a.m. on KCWI-23's "Great Day" morning show.