I’ve never been a big fan of Leonardo DiCaprio. In films such as ‘Gangs of New York’ and ‘Titanic’, he seemed like a cute kid trying to act beyond his years.

But with ‘Blood Diamond’ and today’s release of ‘Body of Lies,’ he’s gained some screen cred with me. He’s scruffier, more worldly and more interesting.

Incidentally, I liked ‘Body of Lies’ more than our film critic, who says Russell Crowe “coasts through the most puzzling performance of his career.” I thought Crowe’s performance was understated but effective. But I agree with Joe Williams when he says “DiCaprio’s become adept at this sort of role.”

Later this year, Leo will star in the highly anticipated ‘Revolutionary Road.’ In 2010, he will appear in ‘The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt,’ which will be directed by Martin Scorsese and also star Mark Wahlberg and Mick Jagger. I never thought I’d say this, but I can hardly wait.

Bobo Noodle House. Photo by Charles Williams

Bobo Noodle House opened a couple of days ago at 278 Skinker Blvd. (314-863-7373). I’ve been looking forward to the restaurant’s opening for months because I’m a big fan of Zoe Robinson’s I Fratellini.

Bobo’s has a sleek interior, and the prices reflect the upscale ambiance. For lunch, two noodle entrees and one hot tea cost $25.24. That’s more than I usually pay at a noodle shop, although both entrees were very good. I sampled the beef and green bean with udon noodles and the grilled curried chicken with roasted chili peanut sauce and seared rice noodles.

This spot might set you back a few dollars more than others. But if you’re in search of a hip, intimate date spot, it’s worth a try.

Their web site, bobonoodle.com, isn’t active yet so I scanned the menu.

“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” opens today, and it stars the effervescent Piper Perabo. Yes, the same scantily clad Piper who once shuffled on bar tops to drive the boys wild. Only now, she puckers up for pooches. So today’s poll examines the career of one of the stars of ‘Coyote Ugly,’ a guilty pleasure for some and a nightmare for others. Hey, at least it had John Goodman in it.

I caught the last day of the St. Louis Pirate Festival in Wentzville. The crowds seemed small, but there were many other events happening — Taste of St. Louis, Rams, Cards.

Check out a few pictures in my photo gallery or share yours.

Photo by Charles Williams/P-D

Jilly’s Cupcake Bar
8509 Delmar Boulevard
314 993-5455

Hours:

Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., food served: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., food served: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., food served: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Photo by Charles Williams/P-D

Simply wave your hand above it and the mode and screen color changes. It wobbles so you don’t have to worry about breaking it, and it’s small enough to take on a trip.

Brookstone’s web site sells the clocks for $30, but I recently picked one up at the St. Louis Galleria for $12.95. At that price, it’s a steal.

Nice view, eh?

The weather is perfect for a weekend getaway to Chaumette Winery in Ste. Genevieve. If you’re not familiar with this idyllic spot, it’s about an hour’s drive south of St. Louis.

The winery’s restaurant, the Grapevine Grill, serves lunch and dinner. For lunch, I tried the Croque Monsieur ($10), which was good and served with delicious, Parmesan-sprinkled fries. We split a bottle of Estate Chardonel and admired the rolling countryside.

Belle Haven, the Spa at Chaumette, was recently added, just in case you break a nail while sipping wine.

There are a few other wineries in the area, including the unique Cave Vineyard.

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery
24345 State Route WW
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
573-747-1000

 Above photo by Charles Williams/P-D

In this video, Jeff Dunham’s ventriloquistic act skewers everything from big cities in America to suicide bombers. According to Jeff’s web site, he’ll be dropping by St. Louis on December 28 at the Family Arena in St. Charles

I was surfing around and noticed this video on YouTube. If you like cats, it’s worth a minute of your time.