Q: I would love the recipe for the bacon-wrapped pineapple from the Art of Entertaining. It sounds like an odd combination but is delicious.

— Barb George, Valley Park

A: Drive through Webster Groves along Big Bend Boulevard and there's no missing the building housing The Art of Entertaining, with its hot-pink paint and black-and-white striped awnings. Owner Ann Marie Lemcke says that pink is her signature color. "It's a happy color. It makes people feel good, and I want my food to make people feel good too."

The Art of Entertaining isn't easily categorized, fitting in somewhere between a carry-out-only restaurant and a catering company.

Customers pick up meals for themselves but also for friends with a new baby or someone who's ill. For corporate meetings, Lemcke has box and bag lunches. For entertaining, she offers appetizers and desserts by the piece, party platters and more. The bacon-wrapped pineapple bits are as addictive as good candy and take just minutes to assemble.

The building is expanding, she says. When work is done next month, she plans to expand her business's hours and add breakfast options.

Special Request is written by Kirkwood resident Alanna Kellogg, author of the online recipe column KitchenParade.com and "veggie evangelist" at the food blog about vegetables, A Veggie Venture.