Month: June 2011

The Summer Solstice ushered in summer on Tuesday as well as the long anticipated opening of Serafina, the NYC based Italian restaurant is now a stones throw from the Rittenhouse Square restaurant row.
The prime location, located at the 10 Rittenhouse Square Residential building right off the Square, has two floors of seating as well as an array of outdoor seating and window’s that open wide on warm days. Yesterday and today it was hot and the windows were closed.
Strike a pose: KB Consultants & Associates Kelly Boyd looking fabulous as she chats with Society photographer Susan Scovil; Kelly put together a remarkable list of people who came out to sample the wares of Serafina (I hear they have 17 different kinds of pizza’s) and imbibe on the spirits that flowed freely event past the original end time of 9PM.
Erin Tideman and SouthPhilly Fashionista Michelle Boyles. I had arrived a tad late as I was busy working on the Kimmel’s Solstice shoot I did the previous Saturday. It was so packed inside I decided that I would just catch people hanging out on the sidewalk. It turned out that a lot of people thought that was a great idea too. I could only stay 30 minutes as I had a job shooting a Parkinson Fundraiser at Table 31 at 7PM and I wanted to get as many peeps in front of my lens before I had to run off. (I’ll be writing about that on Monday. BTW tonight is the very popular Thursday’s It’s Ladies Night party.)
Del Frisco‘s Gm Rich Furino, Jessica Kiefer and manager Carmen Tedesco. Corie Moskow, Ilana Waber, (Gloss PR) Amy W and Brian Lipstein (Henry A. Davidsen)
Jennifer Lea Cohan, Tom Jordan and Carol Serena, Starr Restaurants
Fox29’s Mike Jerrick and John Bolaris
Aly and Wendy Rosen. Behind them are two KB Consultant employees Joan Kessler and Jack Schell, who manned the door and kept the 7 people who weren’t on the list out. Only kidding, but there weren’t that many people not invited, I think everyone who ever appeared in PhillyChitChat.com, Philly Style Magazine, Philly Magazine and walked through Rittenhouse Square was at this party. It was packed. Including many surprises…
Linda Sandler, Lenny Kahn with Arnie and Sonia Silverstiein in the 2nd row.
Brett Rosenbloom, Courtney Grant and John Westrum.
Carol and Nino Tinari and guest.
WMMR’s Preston & Steve’s Marisa Magnatta, David Grasso and Aly Green (Silencia PR)
The ladies who lunch will definitely be choosing Serafina Philadelphia. Some of the ladies spotted were Kristin Foote, Danya Henniger, Sabrina Tamburino, Liza Tedeschi, Jill Rizen, Tiffany McElroy, spinning at the gig Inga D’Angelo, Julia Morley, Stacey Kracher, Aida Sparta, Elaine Graber, Stacey Margo (Tonight she’ll be at the Philadelphia Eagles Todd Herremans Anti-Bullying event at Sugarhouse 7PM $35) and Friends of Rittenhouse Square president Betsy Hummel
Eric Cahill and Dana Spain. Dana’s big PAWS event is this Monday at the Union League.
Hilary and Harry Platt. A few men spotted in the crowd, Mayor Nutter, Former Gov Rendell, Bill Sasso, Robert Abrosi (who I later saw around 9:30PM at 18th and Market in one of those taxi bike contraptions), Philly Style Mag’s John Colabelli, Philly Daily News’ Larry Platt, John Stanley, Chris Widell, and Carl Dranoff
New couple alert: Tom Coyne and Andi Pescov. Andi had a hand in getting Serafina at this location. She works for Michael Salove. I later did a “drive by” of the restaurant and still found it to be buzzing around 10PM so I grabbed a few shots. (Just a note – I wrote last week that a Dunkin Donuts is planning to open across the street below the Nail Bar. Last week I ran into a few folks involved in the Rittenhouse Square Residents Association, and they say it’s not gonna happen. They are going to fight it. So we’ll wait and see. What are your thoughts about a DD within sight of the Square?)
Serafina owners Fabio Granato, and Vittorio Assaf with Hacina Saadi. Hacina is fresh off the plane from supporting her friend Amber-Joi at the Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas. These days you’ll find Hacina at the Serafina hostess desk happy to greet and seat you. (Arthur Kade was also in Sin City to lend support and you can check out his blog with the details, HERE, but after you finish reading my blog.)
Dennice Anderson, Cayleigh Ashmin, G-N Kang (Hamels Foundation – The Diamond & Denin event is coming up 8/11/11 or click on the advertisement in the side bar of PhillyChitChat.com), guest and Steve Gartner
Mia Colona, Caitlyn Joyce, Vittorio Assaf, Co-owner of Serafina. Mia tells me tonight is the grand reopening of the Manayunk Nicole Miller shop after some 14 year old kid decided to drive his car through the shop window almost hitting two sales girls. Tonight’s Party is called: CRASH NICOLE MILLER MANAYUNK’S GRAND RE-OPENING PARTY”Beck and friends after finishing a delicious meal on the second floor of the restaurant.Carol Tamburino and her girls run in for a night cap about 10PM.
As I was heading out I ran into Kelly Boyd, who 5 hours after the event began, was still beaming with the knowledge that the grand opening was a success and the boys had made a big splash in our little town of Philly.

PS I walked by last night (Wednesday) and the place was packed with a line out the door. Maybe it was because it’s the new kid in town, but most likely because of the raves I heard about the food and the hospitality. Bon Appétit!!

Singer Chris Brown was in town to performed at the Susquehanna Bank on Father’s Day Sunday 6/19/11, and the After Party was held at Whisper (1712 Walnut Street) at 10PM. I heard he stayed at the Loews. He ate at Sole Food, and after his concert Sunday night munched in the lounge on burgers, fries and chicken wings about 11:30PM (While I cooled my heels at Whisper waiting for him. He and his posse hung out in the lobby Monday for a bit before heading back to NYC.) But on with Sunday night’s story…
Sam Trasatti and Drew Coblitz came by to hang with Chris Brown at the after party. Sam was on the cover of a Delaware Magazine after being voted Best Beach Body a few years ago. I bet now that she lives in Philly she could win that spot here too.
While waiting for Chris Brown a bunch of walking billboards showed up. Hmm hey guys wanna advertise on PhillyChitChat.com, write me buzz @phillychitchat.com I’m sure I will be able to reach a lot more folks than the walking billboards at midnight on Walnut Street
The Chris Brown After Party was not a “Whisper” Party. Brown rented out the place and brought in his own gigantic body male and female door people. Everyone got searched. At one point I tweeted that the TSA would blush with the pat downs these folks got. I usually have a cigarette after being man handled like that.
Although some girls clothes left little to the imagination that a dangerous weapon could be hidden on the love machine.
After waiting 3 hrs for Chris Brown, he arrived. We were told he was going in the back door, yes there is a back door on Chancellor Street, usually reserved for throwing out the trash. It is also the shortest distance to the VIP cube that over looks the dance floor so I can understand why he would want to go in through there. We were then positioned on the opposite VIP cube to get shots of Brown partying.
Here comes the bottle service. Chris Brown’s posse told us not to shoot Brown at all and to exit the club at this point or they would break our cameras. One even threatened the TMZ videographer. (I refrained from spouting off to twitter my acerbic thoughts at that moment, although later the cool kids said they were waiting for it. I thought my blog would be a better venue.)
That wasn’t going to happen, I found a nice little spot across from where he was and shot a few for you guys. These aren’t very marketable, but I felt I needed something to show for my night as you can imagine my disappointment.
Here he gives a little love to his fans in the house, which were 75% women. Forgot to mention, when he arrived at his VIP cube, he had his people go through the crowd picking out the hottest booties to fill the space.
These girls work at Whisper and are preparing the bottle service
Promoter for the night was Caesar Carter, who tells me this is called raining the crowd. See the money that was thrown up. I love the new dance floor VIP lounge near the DJ booth. They have put in banquette seating; looks great and comfy.
Eventually security found me and I had to exit the club. I could have waited by the trash for Brown to exit, but knowing his past anger management issues, and the fact that his bodyguards were bigger than Godzilla, I decided to save myself a medical deductible and call it a night.

Wawa Welcome America!’s Taste of Philadelphia is bigger & better than before Taste of Philadelphia kicks off Wawa Welcome America!, Philadelphia’s free 11-day July 4th Festival, with a weekend of culinary favorites and all-star entertainment starting June 24-26 at Penn’s Landing, Chestnut Street and Columbus Boulevard. This year’s Taste of Philadelphia is even bigger and better than ever before, as the Festival footprint is expanded two blocks over the Chestnut Street bridge to Front Street. Philly’s famous Food Trucks, a new and innovative addition to the event, will set up shop along the bridge, including favorites La Marqueza, Insomnia and Dapper Dog and treats Call Me Cupcakes and Sweet Box. Also, a second stage for entertainment, in addition to the RiverStage, will be introduced this year on the corner of Chestnut and Front Streets. Throughout the weekend, this Old City Stage will feature a DJ playing world music, and notable Philadelphia chefs from Cuba Libre, Sampan and Feast Your Eyes will showcase cooking demonstrations. “We are thrilled to expand Taste of Philadelphia in all categories – entertainment, food and location,” said Melanie Johnson, city representative and executive director of Wawa Welcome America!. “We anticipate people will be very impressed with the wide variety of top-notch artists and delicious dishes set to delight people of all ages throughout the entire weekend.” New participants this year include Chenango, Tiffin, Stella Jeannes, Kuzina by Sophia, Feast Your Eyes, Marabella Meatball Company, Gigi Restaurant and Innovative Catering Concepts. Additional restaurants include Jamaican Jerk Hut, Keatings River Grill, Darlings Diner, Hard Rock Café, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Irish Ice. Another new twist this year is the enhancement of music genres, with jazz, blues, Latin jazz, gospel and world music now in the mix. Friday night’s line-up includes Philadelphia’s own Gerald Veasley; he will round out opening night at 7:30 p.m. with jazz favorites performed under the stars after a performance by the Philadelphia Freedom Jazz Orchestra. During the day on Saturday, find a seat along the waterfront and enjoy performances by acclaimed and local musicians such as the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz, Odean Pope Saxophone Choir, Toy Soldier, Deb Callahan, Brass Heaven featuring Jeff Bradshaw and Venissa Santi with special guest Eva Cortes. Also, at 3 p.m., the finalists of the Wawa Welcome America! Singer/songwriter Competition will showcase their talents and compete to impress the judges on the RiverStage. Then, on Saturday, June 25 at 8 p.m., singer and songwriter Somi will open the evening’s concert with her acoustic, culture-merging elegance. She has recorded songs in English and three East African languages. Headliner and hitmaker Aaron Neville then rocks the stage with his famous combination of rhythm and blues, followed by a fireworks extravaganza over the Delaware River — the first of three fireworks displays during Wawa Welcome America!. Taste of Philadelphia concludes on Sunday, June 26, dishing out more savory flavors and sounds Philadelphia is known for. Local gospel choirs, jazz musicians and blues bands will perform including Frank Bey and the Swing City Blues Band, Delton Walker, the Sounds of Life Choir and Zak Williams and One Akord. Ending on a high note, James “JJ” Hairston and Youthful Praise, the inspired pen and iconic sound that introduced such gospel hits as “Awesome God” and “Incredible God, Incredible Praise,” will headline the concert at 6 p.m. on the RiverStage.*********************
Stay tuned as I cover the WAWA Welcome America! events. This post is brought to you with the support of Wawa Welcome America. Connect with WAWA Welcome America on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @July4thPhilly.

If you weren’t at the Kimmel Center on Saturday then you missed a whole bunch of fun entertainment under one roof. The Kimmel Center kicked off it’s annual Summer Solstice extravaganza in style with a drum roll at noon. It was followed by an afternoon of kid-friendly activities, classical, jazz and dance performances.

When the sun set, the party heated up with indie bands, singer-songwriters, club dancing, and even a drag show—an audience favorite every year with Bob & Barbara’s!Hosting the event was Kimmel Center President and CEO Anne Ewers
The first event I hit up was Sarah van Aken’s SAVA Fashion Show in the Perelman Theater. Above I met Sol and Barbara Vetri. Guess who’s parents they are?
sisters Kat Swift and Regina Swift were excited for the show
as were sisters Connie Conyers and Erin Conyers. It sounds like it was a great day to hang out with family. SA VA Boutique Fashion Show- Sarah tells me that she created this line especially for the showing during the Summer Solstice.
Sarah Van Aken thanks the audience for coming. She tells me she recently went out to Seattle and fell in love with the City and country side. She grew up on a farm and it reminded her of home.
Then it was over to the SaVa Pop-up shop where people could buy the fashions they just saw on stage. Harriette Mishkin and Ron Friedman
Sammy Shrestha and Jeffrey Weathers
Vincent and Frances Ballassano were checking the schedule to see what they should see next. The cost was only $10 to get through the doors and then there were 14rs of entertainment to see. It was a bargain. I wish they had it twice a year.
Shows were also going on in the Commonwealth Plaza. Wolfgang Puck catering was serving up the vittles. I had a delicious rib eye sandwich.

Then at 8PM I went over to Verizon Hall to check out Phil Roy with Marc Vetri in concert. “Singer-songwriter Phil Roy and acclaimed chef Marc Vetri met five years ago and immediately recognized that each had more than a passing interest in the other’s art form. Phil had been expressing his culinary talents by cooking 4-course meals served during private concerts in his home.

Marc had long been a serious guitar student and was eager to share his unique and growing talents. Together they created an instantly popular, intimate series of “dinner concerts” at Marc’s Philadelphia restaurant Osteria. Now the two bring their music to the Verizon Hall stage for this special Solstice performance. ” (source)

Then it was downstairs to check out Urban Celebrity Magazine Showcase with Young Savage, Chill Moody, R6 Cypher at 10PM
Back upstairs at 10:15PM to see The notorious Bob & Barbara’s Drag Show crowd. They were rowdy and were really enjoying the show and comedy by the MC.
Lady GagaDiana Ross, Patti LaBelle and a whole bunch of original divas all on one stage
Late into the night the third tier at the Citibank Kimmel Center Solstice was buzzing with folks getting downhenna tattoo’s, tarot card readings and
hanging out on the terrace. This shot was taken about 1AM when I decided to call it quits. See you next year at the Kimmel Center’s Solstice celebration.

Brandywine Polo Club’s season runs Monday, May 30th through Sunday, September 25th and offers weekly matches and a lively social scene. Kick off your weekend with evening chukkas at Friday Nights Under the Stars hosted by the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail and Rolling Barrel Events. Our perennial favorite is Sunday Polo; tailgaters come out in style while social members and sponsors enjoy the members area, canopied tables, and our covered pavillion. Have a glorious end to your weekend at our post-polo parties complete with music and dancing.
Mike and I went out there on Opening Day to enjoy the game and see the sights.
The ride from Philly takes about 45 minutes, but the Brandywine countryside in Kennett Square is beautiful so it was a breeze
As you enter the grounds the field is on your left and the tail gate parties to the immediate right. This particular day was hot as heck and many people brought tents.almost everyone had a hat. But the dress code really ranges from shorts, jeans to garden party attire.
But the main event are the ponies and the challenging game played with mallets and skilled jockeys. It’s a great afternoon spent with friends and I highly recommend it.

HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA GETS READY FOR JULY 4th CIVIL WAR WEEKEND
Traveling Civil War Road Show is the Centerpiece of Holiday Weekend

While Historic Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of American
Independence, July 4th celebrations can include other periods of the nation’s past as well. As part of the summer-long commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. will produce a “Civil War Weekend” July 1-4, 2011, featuring a variety of in- depth, interactive, and family-friendly experiences to delight and engage everyone from the serious Civil War buff to the youngest visitor, much of it free to the public. The highlight of the weekend will be a four-day stop at Franklin Square by the state’s traveling Civil War Road Show, in the only opportunity to see the Road Show in Philadelphia. In addition to the many offerings from the Colonial era ofThere are also events all summer long regarding the Civil War story:

• Rally ‘Round the Flag, a Civil War exhibit – All summer, 10am-5pm at the Betsy Ross House, 3rd & Arch Streets
• Liberty 360, a 3-D show starring Ben Franklin – All summer, 10am-7pm (until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays) at the Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th & Chestnut Streets
• Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches – All summer, 11am-4pm throughout Historic Philadelphia
• Once Upon A Nation History Makers – Meet lesser-known Civil War heroes like Octavius Catto, a civil rights pioneer, 11am-4pm throughout Historic Philadelphia. See the Gazette for details.

Also remember to pick up a Square Burger and Cake Shake from the Starr eatery in the park, of course that’s after you play a round of miniature golf and go for a spin on the carousel. It’s a great place to bring kids.
*********************
Stay tuned as I cover the WAWA Welcome America! events. This post is brought to you with the support of Wawa Welcome America. Connect with WAWA Welcome America on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @July4thPhilly.

Yesterday was Father’s Day, but it was also the 9th Annual Gary Papa Father’s Day 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk to benefit Prostate Cancer Research and Awareness.
The annual gathering raises money to help fund prostate cancer research, and also spreads awareness to let men know there is a simple blood test that can help detect the disease that kills 28,000 men a year in the US.
More than 4,000 people came out to participate in the event originally called the Relay For Life but later renamed the Gary Papa Run for Prostate Cancer. Gary was a beloved sportscaster with 6ABC in Philadelphia from April 1981 to June 2009. In 2004, he announced he had prostate cancer, although it went into remission for awhile he later died if the disease at age 54 in 2009.
Some with remembrances of loved ones pin to their back. On the right it says “In Loving Memory of my Grandfather Ed Hanson 9/3/26 – 6/12/08” and the guys message “In Honor of my dad Robert Ellis Prostate Survivor 8 Years!!”
For the past three years the Run For Your Life First Place Fundraiser was James Lafferty. James died of prostate cancer at the end of last year. His wife Jen, accepted trophies marking the feat from Shelley Schwartz, Founding Chairman and President of the The Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health
Co-Chair this year was Jamie Apody, who was in a battle with Adam Joseph’s to raise the most money. Jamie raised over $3,300, but was bested by Adam who raised $6,310.00 and was actually the number 1 fundraiser of the event this year. Cecily Tynan came in second at $6,025.00. Total raised for the day was over $226,000
Vince Papale was on hand stressing the awareness of early detection. He told us that he is a survivor of Colon Cancer because his wife Janet urged him to take the test where yes you have to drink the awful stuff, but guess what it saved my life because they caught it early.
Ross Donolaw is a prostate cancer survivor
As is this entire group who posed at the end of the day in front of the stage.
Jamie Reibenbach and friends participated in the days event.

Steve Kwasnik and Laura Folajtar with adorable Samson a rescue from Philly Paws (BTW Philly Paws big event is coming up on June 27th at the Union League.) Steve produces “On Canvas” a weekly performance and interview program featuring nationally and internationally known musicians/artists appearing at local venues. Thursdays @ 10pm & Sundays @ 2pm
Zach, Mackenzie and Brad Waxman. Mom Sharon Waxman’s (2nd from right) company SPW Productions, LLC produced the event. Denise, Bonnie Grant, and Victoria Lupica round out the rest of this photo.
Ashley Shaffer of Cashman & Associates was also on hand as were other C&A peeps who volunteered, assisted in the execution of the event including bringing the press in to cover the event.
The even participants and I hope that next year we don’t have to have another walk to fight prostate cancer or have to spread the news on it’s awareness and detecting it early, instead we look forward to success in beating this disease. Until then get tested and support this great cause.

But it is a lot of fun, involves beer and other spirits and raises money for a good cause – funds for The Friends of Schuylkill River Park. Above Cianel Palmer and Kristin Parente doling out Moore Brothers spirits
There was a silent auction. I thought this roller skate door stopper was pretty cool
Friends of Schuylkill River Park is a non-profit, charitable corporation. It was formed in 1988 by concerned neighbors to foster and sits at the end of Spruce Street between Lombard and Locust Streets. Fairmount Park Executive Director Mark Focht, Schuylkill River Park President Lynne Hopper, and Derek Freres, Schuylkill River Park board memberAttorneys Ted Milstein and Susan Halpern (board member of Schuylkill River Park). Ted secured the band for the night, the very popular Screaming Broccolli again. They were great, covers that sound just like the original artists.
Anne Levine and Bob Bosco sit in the Bo Concepts lounge.
Pat Gedrich, Mark Kancher, Juhwon Lee, Joseph and Maria Queenan and Hillary Krain
Miz Fisher, John Fischer, Kate Crous, Kevin Slattery and Lisa Malgren
Judy Wicks and Craig Johnson
Terry Paris, Peter Fordunski, Jim Blake, JT Christensen and Dawn Joslin
Currently the park is looking forward to building a pedestrian bridge that will link the park to the Schuylkill River Trail.

The eleven-day Wawa Welcome America! kicks off on June 25 with a free waterfront concert and fireworks show and continues through July 4 with a flag-waving parade through Historic Philadelphia followed by the nation’s largest free outdoor Fourth of July concert by The Roots and fireworks spectacular on the Ben Franklin Parkway.I love fireworks it’s one of the reasons I bought a condo on the Parkway. I can literally watch the Penns Landing fireworks show and see the Philadelphia Art Museum July 4th concert and fireworks from my building. Since there are usually two fireworks displays on the Delaware for both New Year’s Even and July 4th I try and watch one of them on the river and will tell you my favorite places to see them.

Penns Landing Fireworks:

Saturday, June 25 and July 2 The Great Plaza @ Penn’s Landing 100 S. Columbus Boulevard Fireworks begin at 9:30PMOn Saturday, June 25 all day long the Taste of Philly will be going on at Penns Landing and at 8 p.m., Aaron Neville will rock the stage with his famous combination of rhythm and blues, followed by brilliant fireworks over the Delaware River— the first of three fireworks displays during Wawa Welcome America!. (Photo G. Widman for GPTMC)Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy the concert inside the Great Plaza. Or find a spot on the grass between the Hyatt Hotel all the way down to the The Dockside Condo’s at 717 South Columbus Boulevard. The concert can also be heard there and the view is spectacular for the fireworks as long as there are no trees in the way.
Another great place to watch the fireworks is from the Camden side of the Delaware River at Wiggins Waterfront Park. On Saturday, July 2, 7:30- 10PM p.m., at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing and Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden there will be Military-themed concerts: United States Army Band and Air National Guard Band. To get to the Camden side take the Riverlink Ferry.Penns Landing Great Plaza and Camden Wiggins Park. The fireworks can be seen from any of the above locations, as long as there are no trees or buildings in the way. The view is spectacular especially with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background.
On July 4th the grandest fireworks display and concert will be held on the Parkway. Fourth of July Jam: Monday, July 4, 7-10 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The best place to see the show is along the Parkway, in the street, in front of the Art Museum all the way down Logan Circle. There aren’t too many obstructions. Many people also like to set up a picnic on the Fairmount Fields, which are located at 22nd and Fairmount. (Photo G. Widman for GPTMC)Another great spot is Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River along MLK Drive or Kelly Drive. Here you and your family can have a picnic too.
This is the view from my condo of the fireworks. They are so spectacular. For two years in a row I’ve had friends down from NYC as they believe our celebration is much grander than the Big Apple. So if you’re going to visit from NYC or beyond, check out Philly Overnight – There are still rooms available for the July 4th weekend, I just check.

**************
For more info on the upcomfing Fourth of July schedule check out www.welcomeamerica.com and stay connected on Facebook or Twitter @July4thPhilly

For more ideas and trip-planning tips on all the great happenings around July 4, visit VisitPhilly.com.