Pick Five in Ladue and Frontenac

 Spring is officially here. Jonquil and tulip stems are peeping through the mulch – and doesn’t the aroma of freshly spread mulch start the heart beating faster? It almost causes a Pavlovian response to head to the nearest garden shop. But, before you do that, check out these activities happening nearby.    

Monday, March 21. It’s National Ravioli Day and Brio Tuscan Grille at Plaza Frontenac, 1601 S. Lindbergh Blvd., will celebrate by offering their ravioli for 50 percent off. These include the lobster ravioli with crab salad, lemon vinaigrette, lemoncello butter sauce, tomato capote and arugula, and Mushroom ravioli Al Forno, baked in a creamy Alfredo sauce topped with toasted parmesan bread crumbs and tomatoes. 314-432-4410. www.briositalian.com.  Brio’s Sister Restaurant, Bravo! at West County Center will also be recognizing this day of days.

Monday, March 21.  Ladue City Council will meet at 4 p.m. at City Hall, 9345 Clayton Rd. The meeting will be preceded by two public hearings. One, a request by Michael Lauren Development to subdivide the property at 1035 Price School Lane (Churchill School) and the second, a request by David and Angie Porter, 1705 N. Woodlawn, for an amendment to their special use permit for a waste management plan to stable 20 horses.314-993-3439. www.cityofladue-mo.gov.

Wednesday, March 23, Thursday, March 24. Got a new Nook? The Ladue Crossing Barnes and Noble, 8871 Ladue Rd., will help new Nook owners unravel the mysteries of their new eBook Reader. Staff will answer questions and provide demonstrations. The Wednesday class covers the classic (Wi-Fi and 3G + Wi-Fi) and the Thursday class demystifies Nook Color. The class also helps those contemplating buying a Nook. Both begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday March 23, 2011 7:00 PM. 314-862-6280. www.barnesandnoble.com

Saturday, March 26. The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society will present the Athens Guitar Trio at 8 p.m. at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd. The group, recognized as one of the most dynamic new guitar chamber ensembles, has an eclectic musical background which allows them to perform music from a wide-ranging repertoire. Using a rare 11-string guitar, they include genres such as Klezmer, African spiritual, Spanish and American folk music, as well as traditional classical works.  For ticket information, visit www.guitarstlouis.net or call (314) 567-5566. www.ethicalstl.org.

Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27. Make your Easter Basket stand out by taking a class at the Pottery Barn in Plaza Frontenac on Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on how to put together the perfect Easter basket. Make an Easter basket hostess gift, centerpiece or any number of presentations. In-store demos will guide participants through the process. Class starts at 10 a.m. On Sunday, the decorating class will show how to throw the perfect party.  This one will be geared toward bridal, engagements, and birthdays. Participants will learn how to set up a buffet, type of dinnerware to place, and which centerpiece to use. Registration for this class is required. Call 314-966-2630.  262 Plaza Frontenac. www.potterybarn.com