Frost and Hale

UMSL has enlisted two big hitters for its "Wine & Dine Above Cloud Nine" fundraising event on Oct. 25 at the Chase Park Plaza. Newly-installed Executive Chef Brian Hale will quarterback the 5-course French dinner and noted sommelier Doug Frost will pair the wines (in a blind pairing, we are told) and provide wine commentary. Frost breathes truly rarified air…he’s one of only three sommeliers in the world to hold both Master Sommelier and Master of Wine certificates. The event will raise scholarship money for the College of Fine Arts and Communication at UMSL. Scholarships don't come cheap these days...tickets are $500 per person. Expect a hefty portion of foie gras. — George Mahe