The annual Academy Awards party at Night & Day Global goes a little like this: Mr. Night makes a grand entrance on the red carpet (actually colored Saran Wrap left over from the Valentine's Day party) wearing his signature black pants, a Pig Destroyer T-shirt and a feather boa. Ms. Day mixes delightful drinks and provides spot-on fashion commentary. Attendees gather 'round the N&DGI tee-vee and yell inappropriate things at the parading stars. By the end of the night, everyone is wearing tiaras made from purloined office supplies. That's just how we roll. But you, gentle reader, are much classier. You deserve a truly upscale evening, and for that, we suggest you make haste to St. Louis' only Academy-sanctioned Oscar Night Party (from 6:30 p.m. until the end of the broadcast) at the gorgeous new Moolah Theatre and Lounge (3821 Lindell Boulevard). Step onto a real red carpet in your glitziest party garb (the recommended attire is "Hollywood glam," which probably doesn't include grindcore T-shirts), and sip in style during the cocktail hour (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; a cash bar is open all night). Enjoy commentary by celebrity emcees JC Corcoran and Laurie Mac, then settle into a comfy seat with a copy of the exact program provided to guests at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Your $60 ticket ($80 for VIP sofa seats) benefits Cinema St. Louis; the free hors d'oeuvres, popcorn, coffee and desserts benefit your tummy. Plus, you can put your big-screen knowledge to the test with film-related trivia questions and partake in the silent auction (a bunch of cool Hollywood collectibles are up for bids). Call 314-454-0012, extension 14, for reservations or more information. -- Brooke Foster
The Now Art
OK, this gets tricky, so stay with us: The pictured image is a painting by local artist Alan Brunettin. You can see it now, in the paper, but you can't see it at the 6 p.m. opening reception for his show New Works at Left Bank Books (399 North Euclid Avenue; 314-367-6731 or www.left-bank.com) on Friday, February 25. That's because this is an older example of Brunettin's urban-St. Louis-inspired art, and, as the name implies, this show is all about his new work. He's still inspired by the city, so the art on display is also of our town, but the exhibit reflects fresher insights and observations. Brunettin's most recent art remains up through April 3, so you can visit periodically and observe its graceful maturation. -- Paul Friswold
Kaffeeklass
THUR 2/24
Despite its somewhat unfortunate name, a cupping class is something you should attend. Come on, think about how little you know about coffee -- and how much coffee knows about you. It knows what kind of pie you like (peach), it knows what kind of after-dinner conversations you have (contented), and you don't know how to roast the little beans that help you make it though mornings, meetings and life. Worse yet, you don't even know where the beans are from! Shame on you! Go to Lafayette Square's Perc on the Park (1919 Park Avenue; call 314-621-4020 for space availability) at 7 p.m. to learn about your friend coffee from a professional roaster. The cupping class is free, yet coffee's appreciation is priceless. -- Alison Sieloff
What's Italian for Sofa?
We once bought a new foam couch at Venture (remember Venture?). It was cheap and absurdly light -- so light, in fact, that we drove it home and hoisted it easily up the stairs. Back then it seemed kicky to own a portable foam sofa, but kicks change. If you prefer the rarefied buzz high-end furniture (such as the "Mezzadro" stool) provides, be at Centro Modern Furnishings (4727 McPherson Avenue; 314-454-0111) Thursday, February 24. From 5 to 8 p.m., Martino Zanotta, CEO of Italian furniture company Zanotta, signs copies of the book Zanotta: Design for Passion, which covers his family's business and its high-flying 50-year history. The signing and an exhibit (up through March 31) of selected Zanotta designs are free. -- Alex Weir
