Scuttlebutt: Peter Sclafani named restaurateur of the year … The Londoner plans royal wedding celebrations

Honor for Sclafani: Peter Sclafani, executive chef of Ruffino’s Restaurant, was named 2010 Restaurateur of the Year by the Greater Baton Rouge Restaurant Association. The award is voted on by members of the LRA, who represent many different aspects of the food service industry. Winners must meet certain criteria, including contributing unselfishly to the advancement of the hospitality industry, being a successful leader in the culinary field, and being active in civic, church and community groups. Previous winners include Jim Urdiales of Mestizo’s, Mike Anderson of Mike Anderson’s Seafood, and Michael Boudreaux of Juban’s Restaurant. Sclafani has been chef at Ruffino’s since 1998, when it opened as DiNardo’s, and has been serving up delectable Louisiana cuisine ever since. Check out 225’s review of it from last year by clicking here. Royally excited: If you’re as thrilled as the rest of the world by the upcoming British royal nuptials, then The Londoner Pub & Grill is the place to be. Starting next week, the local Anglophile hangout is hosting a series of events worthy of the Queen Mum herself, all leading up to the exciting day itself. Monday, April 18 kicks off the festivities with a Stag night for Prince William, with a Hen Night on Wednesday for Kate Middleton. On Saturday, April 23, you can celebrate St. George’s Day with a roast beef dinner and drink specials on all British ales and liquor. Monday, April 25 brings a Samuel Smith Beer Dinner—five courses paired with British beers from the oldest breweries. Then, on Friday, April 29, crowd into the restaurant for the event of the century, broadcasting live and starting at 5 a.m. There will be a breakfast buffet featuring a full British Breakfast, and a champagne toast after the ceremony. Food and drink specials will follow all day long until the “reception” at 9 p.m., with live music and a patio party. Call 292-9291 for more information and reservations. And for our take on this authentic English pub, click here.