Wonders of the season come to life in the Christmas ballet "The Nutcracker," Dec. 13-15 at Hoyt Sherman Place.

NUTCRACKER SPINS ENDURING HOLIDAY MAGIC

No, it isn't part of the Christmas story in the Gospels, but "The Nutcracker" is certainly part of the Christmas story in Des Moines. Ballet Des Moines' 18th annual production dances across the Hoyt Sherman stage Friday through Sunday, Dec. 13-15. Evening shows are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; early matinees are at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; a final performance begins at 5 p.m. Sunday.

It's a whimsical, magical holiday tradition beloved by generations. Join Clara, her magical prince, and toys that come to life as a mysterious gift sparks a wondrous adventure—and captures the excited anticipation of Christmas Eve. Tickets are $28-$73 at the Hoyt Sherman Place box office or online through Ticketmaster.

Josh Buchsbaum has learned much since the accomplished restaurateur left Des Moines. He's back, on a fresh mission.

FROM PROOF TO PRAGUE TO THE POKE COMPANY

By Wini Moranville

The last time the Des Moines food cognoscenti saw Josh Buchsbaum, he was a manager and beverage director at Proof as well as the 2016 winner of Winefest’s 2016 Iron Somm Competition. Since then, he’s been "exploring culinary options" in places far and wide; he’s lived in Prague, the southwest of France, Paris and Chile, where he’s cooked, bartended and washed dishes through a series of venues. These experiences allowed him, he says, "to look at restaurants from different perspectives."

He recently returned to Des Moines, and the question is: Which lucky eatery snagged this pro’s talents? Turns out, he’s a managing partner at the Poké Company, Des Moines’ first restaurant devoted entirely to the Hawaiian specialty of diced raw, marinated fish. This fast-casual restaurant is a link in a very small chain (the Des Moines location, which opened last spring, is one of five). The company originated in Florida.

While poke has made inroads as an appetizer on some local menus, it hasn’t quite taken off in our burg as much as it has elsewhere.

"In New York City, poke is like Starbuck’s," says Buchsbaum. "Throw a stone, and you’ll hit a venue that serves it."

Located on the second floor of the historic 300 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway building, the gleaming restaurant affords (almost) floor-to-ceiling views of downtown Des Moines. Poke bowls and burritos anchor the menu, and the pros behind the counter help you choose from the dozens of ingredients, starting with the base (white or brown rice, cauliflower rice or mixed greens) followed by a protein (raw tuna or salmon, steamed shrimp or tofu). Next comes the really fun part: the mix-ins, toppings, sauces and extras, such as edamame, seaweed, wasabi peas, Thai coconut cream, tempura flakes, and much, much more.

Buchsbaum treated me to a bowl that included velvety fish cubes amid an explosion of flavors and textures: a savory tangle of sesame-tinged seaweed salad here, a burst of spicy-bright pickled ginger there, plus sprinkles of green onions and edamame everywhere. The double dollop of briny and indulgent fish roe provided a sparkling-orange jewel in the crown.

Find the Poké Company at 300 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Suite 210; (515) 288-7653; eatthepokecompany.com.

Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm magazine and dsmWeekly. Follow her on Facebook at All Things Food–DSM.

Panelists discuss mental health issues at the Science Center of Iowa early this morning.

'LIFTING THE VEIL' ON MENTAL HEALTH

An interested and engaged crowd this morning attended dsm's panel discussion on children's mental health and the unveiling of this year's edition of Lifting the Veil. Gov. Kim Reynolds gave the opening remarks, which were followed by an informative and enlightening discussion of how our community can and should address the issue. Our panelists included Andrew Allen, YSS; Anne Starr, Orchard Place; Nina Richtman, NAMI-Iowa; Dr. Lisa Streyffeler, Des Moines University; and Officer Lorna Garcia, Des Moines Police Department. Thank you to all who attended and to the event and magazine sponsors. To read the new issue of Lifting the Veil, click here.

Anybody with Tiny Tim on his shoulder is bound to attract attention, especially in "A Christmas Carol," opening Friday.

HOW SCROOGE COMES TO 'HONOUR CHRISTMAS'

Go time traveling with Ebenezer Scrooge and a nightful of lesson-teaching spirits. It's "A Christmas Carol," the timeless tale of reckoning and rebirth that may be the most popular work of Charles Dickens. It's funny, sweet and still capable of prompting a Christmas tear or two. And it's an annual holiday gift from Iowa Stage Theatre Company, including actor Richard Maynard in his seasonal tour de force in the role of Scrooge.

If you haven't seen it before, don't deny yourself this Christmas delight. Performances are Dec. 13-22 at the Des Moines Civic Center's intimate Stoner Theater. Tickets are $25-$39, available along with more info online here.

If you're going to review the "Permanent Record" of your life, it's going to involve some props, especially for Pat Hazell.

A COMIC BREAK FROM HOLIDAY SWEETNESS

Looking for some comic relief from the frenzy of the holidays? This may be just the ticket: Pat Hazell, best known as a writer for the "Seinfeld" TV classic, produces engaging, nostalgic one-man shows. His latest, "Permanent Record," guides his audience through a comic retrospective of his life, from the embarrassing to the heartwarming, an always-amusing journey that anyone with a bit of personal history can relate to.

Hazell's show continues nightly through Dec. 22 at the Temple Theater. Tickets are $20-$45, available online from Des Moines Performing Arts, dmpa.org.

The network Showtime declared Hazell one of the five funniest people in America. In addition to "Seinfeld," Hazell is a "Tonight Show" veteran, a critically acclaimed playwright and a contributing commentator to National Public Radio.

Sax in the city: Smooth jazz standout Kenny G performs Dec. 18 at Hoyt Sherman Place.

OF ALL THE POPULAR G's, KENNY IS OUR FAVORITE

Maybe it's his slightly sidesaddle embouchure, but smooth jazz legend Kenny G delivers melodies in a soul-stirring way that has us eager for his Dec.18 performance at Hoyt Sherman Place. Mr. G (born Kenneth Bruce Gorelick in 1956) will perform a holiday program plus popular hits at 8 p.m. Seats are still available, for $49-$99. More information and tickets are available here. 

COMMUNITY VOICES RISE WITH HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Two local choral groups have a common goal this weekend: to celebrate the season in song.

Now in the midst of its 40th season, the Des Moines Choral Society will present its annual Christmas concert Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Ambrose Cathedral. Together with a chamber orchestra, piano and soloists, the choir will fill the cathedral with seasonal favorites and other great works. Tickets ($15-$30) are available here.

We never miss Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble’s Christmas concert; always an inspiration, it knocks us out of whatever Grinch-like mood we may be harboring. This year’s concert will be Sunday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. at St. Augustin Catholic Church. The ensemble, directed by Timothy McMillin, will perform choral treasures from throughout history. Tickets are $18 in advance, available through dmvae.org/tickets, and $20 at the door (a reduced rate is available for students).

With or without snow, the Hall of Laureates offers a memorable open house for Christmas.

FOOD PRIZE HALL OPEN TO HOLIDAY VISITORS

The World Food Prize invites you to the annual Holiday Open House at the Hall of Laureates. Visitors will be treated to the majestic sound of singers and musicians presenting traditional and popular Christmas music in this distinctive environment. You will also be able to view elegant holiday decor, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy fruit punch and holiday cookies, and explore the World Food Prize's collection of artwork and exhibits.

It's all free, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. We've attended this open house previously, and we can recommend it as a genuine holiday mood-setter. Have fun.