RACANELLI ROCKS: Chef Vito Racanelli unveiled a new winter menu to special guests last night at his Mad Tomato restaurant at 8000 Carondelet Avenue in Clayton.

Also on the menu was Racanelli's news that he is no longer doing business with Onesto Pizza & Trattoria, after splitting with Craig Stenson, his business partner in the pizza operation; and that he has added Brendon Maciarello -- formerly with Bar Louie -- as general manager of Mad Tomato.

Among the guests was KMOV (Channel 4) meteorologist Kristen Cornett, who is newly engaged to Steve Knapp, a firefighter and paramedic with the Kirkwood Fire Department; Vital Voice restaurant critic Drew Colvin; STL TV host and communications consultant Gilberto Pinela; blogger extraordinaire Melody Meiners of St. Louis Family Life; and Pamela Raymond of The Raymond Experience.

At the feast, Racanelli also talked about his commitment to give away $10,000 this year to local charities. The effort will involve monthly charity undertakings at the restaurant.

"Mad Tomato is dedicated to giving back to the community," Racanelli said. "I have always wanted to do something like this, something that directly helps those in need. I feel a responsibility to share my good fortune of doing what I love to support local non-profit organizations."