5th Annual Chefs Dinner for PAWS – Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing

It’s time for the 5th Annual Chefs Dinner for PAWS , the singular event of the year that brings chefs and patrons together for an interactive evening of food, fun and fundraising. On Monday, June 29th, over 35 of the nation’s best chefs will create an extraordinary gastronomic experience at The Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. The dress was gala chic, but not black tie. The list was the who’s who, of the Philadelphia area, as well as pet lovers everywhere.

Hostess Dana Spain with friends Fox 29′ s Kerri–Lee Halkett and Dawn Stensland. This is Dana’s baby and the love shines through with many wonderful chefs on hand to make delicious dinner’s for guests who have purchased tickets or tables for this worthy cause.

Including Robert Ambrosi (partner in the development company, ARCWheeler, the company that built 10 Rittenhouse) and Andi Pesacov, a realtor that makes it happen. Check out a photo I took of Andi in the current Philly Style Magazine with Bradley Cooper on the cover. (BTW I hear Bradley has moved on from Jen Aniston and is already in the arms of Renee Zellweger)

The Philadelphia Tribune’s Mariska Bogle and Ron Day

Mission Grill’s girl Jamie Reibenbach and “Girls Night Out” Hacina Saadi. What: Chefs creating 4-course food and wine pairings tableside for 12 guests in decorated pods

When: Monday, June 29, 2009, 6 PM

Where: Hyatt Regency Penn’s Landing

Why: All proceeds benefit PAWS lifesaving initiatives, including adoption and foster care programs, spay and neuter surgeries, low-cost vaccinations, and more.

Anthony Chila, Dana Spain, Table 31’s Chef Chris Scarduzio and Steve Rockman

About PAWS:

PAWS, Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving Philadelphia�s homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. PAWS is Philadelphia�s largest rescue and is working to make it a place in which every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home. From 2005 through 2008, PAWS raised the �save rate� at the city shelter � which took in approximately 30,000 animals each year � from 11% to 60%. PAWS rescues animals that are in the greatest danger of being euthanized at the city�s animal control shelter and places them either up for adoption or into temporary foster homes.

Smith’s Restaurant – www.smithsnyc.com I ate at the Smith’s table and dinner was incredible. It was fun watching them prepare the food at the table. The memu was perfect of me since I am on a diet, seafood, scallops and salmon. PAWs Board Member Holly Maher with husband The Mighty Dan Gross and Tara Derby

Table 31’s Lauren D’Orsio and John Colabelli, Publisher of Philadelphia Style Magazine



Sean & Sharyn McTaggart

Jeanine Hervath and Matthew Alemi. The 5 of us all sat at the Smith’s table. Matthew and Sean, who sat right next to each other, discovered they have the same exact birthday all the way down to the year.

Kate Egan, Egan Day jewelery and PR giant Kelly Boyd, KB Consultants

The Raw table settings

Renee and Don Freeman, Freeman Interiors Renee is a big fan of PhillyChitChat and I appreciate it, even though I couldn’t get the lighting correct.THANK YOU TO THE: 2009 Participating Chefs / Restaurants

Philadelphia and Atlantic City

*Matthew Levin � Masano

*Michael Salomonov / Zahav, Marigold Kitchen, Xochitl

*Chris Scarduzio / Table 31

*Jose Garces & Tim Spinner / Amada, Tinto, Chifa, Distrito, Mercat de la Planxa (Chicago)

*Douglas Rodriguez / Alma de Cuba

*Luke Palladino / Specchio, Ombra, Risi Bisi, Bragozzo (Biloxi, MI and Pompano, FL)

*Georges Perrier / Le Bec Fin

*Matt Zagorski / Rouge

*Quincy Jones / Union Trust

*Guillermo Pernot / Cuba Libre

>*Terence Feury / Fork

*Sam Yoon / 1225 Raw

*Artt Ward / Roy�s

>*Robert Fratticioli / Keating�s

*Robert D�Abreau / Sabrina�s Caf�

*Terrance Clark / Lucky Strike�s

*Molly Hayes / Triumph Brewing

*Shawn Sollenberger / Capital Grille

*Hiroyuki Tanaka / Zama

ont>*Martin Hamann & Michael McFadden / The Union League of Philadelphia

*Luciana Spurio / Le Virtu

*Edward W. Hancock / Valley Green Inn

*Rosario Romano / Panorama

*Gordon Walker / Field House

*Stephen Regosch / Public House

*Nicholas Cassidy / Saut�

*Hugo Martinez / Mission Grill

Roberta Adamo / Penne The Union League place setting is my favorite.

Paul and Chenita Brooks. Met at the Philadelphia Zoo over 20 yrs ago, and now live among the wildlife in the Poconos celebrating 19 yrs of marriage this year. They have 4 pets and are big animal lovers, coming into town to support this wonderful organization. They were a delight to talk to, and stylish to boot.

Erin Elmore thanks Chef Georges Perrier for dinner. (I didn’t hear about the fight that the Chef had with Lipson. Plus if you read my blog you know I would never report on something like that, I have the anti-Perez blog.)Vera from Union Trust chatting with the guests

Thank you to the Food and Liquor Sponsors:

*Nestle Waters (Panna and San Pellegrino)

*Brave Spirits Liquor

*Korbel Champagne

*DiBruno Brothers

*Saxbys Coffee

>*Pinot

>*Fruit Flowers

*Penncora Productions

*Dol Cice� Gelato Co.

Chef Scarduzio, Carol Tamburino, Michael D Smith, Sabrina Tamburino and this time next week Jill Braunstein will be married. ; I’m so excited I get to go to a traditional pre-wedding ceremony this Thursday with Jill, her future husband Tal Jacobson and friends. Photos for Philly Chit Chat on Friday.

Wendy Trow-Fox, Joan Spain, Tamar and Stephen Olitsky enjoy the fine deserts that were presented in the foyer between the two banquet rooms.

Scott Webster and Jessica Hawkes, Philadelphia Magazine, make the scene. Jessica is going to London this week, but will be in town by next Thursday cause we’re going on a double date.

So long single life…Tal’s brother Uri is in the foreground.

My food of choice tonight

Support for PAWS funds lifesaving initiatives including adoption and foster care programs, spay/neuter surgeries, low-cost vaccinations, and other efforts, all of which help reduce and will ultimately eliminate the unnecessary killing of Philadelphia’s animals. Donations to PAWS are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.