Month: April 2013

Categories
Philadelphia

Daisy Day Friends Committee hosted Party at Anthropologie in Wayne, Pa – The Luncheon is Coming up Too

Daisy Day Friends Committee hosted an event at Anthropologie in Wayne, Pa to benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation

Guests enjoyed a special 15% off all purchases
 Betsy Smith, Lori Friel and Sharon Swanick
 Kristin Leary, Jessica Bolton and this event was produced by Ashley Albrecht President, Albrecht Events, LLC
 Margaret Hino and Dana Honesty

2013 Daisy Day Luncheon


Thursday, May 2, 2013
Hyatt at The Bellevue
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Reception and Silent Auction
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Luncheon, LIVE Auction and Fashion Show 
featuring the
Stella McCartney Logo
Fall 2013 Collection
Fashion Show sponsored by

Saks Fifth Avenue

 Christian Golbreski & Manny Lecuona

 Amanda Douglas and Regina Klauder
 Robyn Menzel
Yesterday I was at the BenFM Women’s Luncheon and ran into Kristy Sevag, Sevag Public Relations, who was wearing the cutest dress from Anthropologie. 

Later today I will have a full column at Philly.com to see who went and who are Philly’s power women. Such a great event.

 Anthropologie staff

The Daisy Day Luncheon is one of the largest
daytime fundraising events in the region. This elegant affair attracts a
variety of individual and corporate benefactors who share a commitment
to advancing pediatric healthcare. The event includes a fashion show, a live auction, a silent auction and a sweepstakes, and the opportunity to learn about fascinating medical advancements that benefit children.
The 2013 Daisy Day Luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 2 in the
Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt at The Bellevue. Proceeds will benefit the
Pain Management Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
David D. Sherry, M.D., section chief, Division of Rheumatology, and
director, Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome Program will be our
featured speaker and Tina Snider and the Snider Family will serve as
Honorary Chairs of the event.
The fashion show sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue will feature the Stella McCartney Fall 2013 Collection.

(Thanks to Weld Photography for covering this event for my client Albrecht Events, LLC & PhillyChitChat as it was one of those days where Mike Hirata (my 2nd shooter) and I were both booked at the same time. )


Categories
Philadelphia

PIFA 2013 Gala, Insider Observations and the link to my Philly Mag Column

The other evening I attended the PIFA Gala 2013. It really was one of the top social events of the year. Many notable people were in attendance, including some of the most philanthropic people who fund many of the arts, culture and charities in our community. I’m honestly very honored to meet  people like that who touch our lives in ways we can’t imagine. Plus they are always so stylish, and cheery. This was an interesting event as it was dressy, but not in a black tie formal way. Even though everything was first class all the way, it was still laid back, artsy and a lot of fun.  For me it was one of those memorable nights which is right up there with the Barnes opening. Kudos to the organizers, Gala Chair Sandy Marshall and her committee.

The entertainment in Perelman and the Plaza was done by KARIN BACON, cityactivators inc., New York,NY. Just amazing. When you click on the link to my Philly Mag column (at the bottom I’ll have the link) you will be blown away by the “praying mantises”
 Catering was done by Jose Garces

 I did sneak a few bites, which I try not to do while I work. 1) I don’t want to miss a shot 2) I think it’s kinda rude to eat at the same time as the guests, who paid a couple hundred dollars to be at the event. I just feel uncomfortable doing it, but that’s me.

 It was a darn good looking crowd, packed and as you can see everyone had their best suits on, but it wasn’t a black tie. A few of the people spotted in the crowd included, Sidney and Caroline Kimmel, Sueyun Locks, director of the Locks Gallery, The geater Jerry Blavet, Kelly and Brad Helm, Laura Burkhart, Where Magazine, Rosemary Hankowsky, Andrew Greenblatt, Nicole Cashman and Nigel Richards, Senior Vice President of the Kimmel Center Ed Cambron, and Kim Balaschak, but to see who I photographed click on the Philly Mag link at the bottom

love, love, love this song by the evenings entertainment:  William Close and the Earth Harp Collective. The entertainment for the evening was William Close and the Earth Harp
Collective, which has a very ethereal sound especially with the Earth
Harp, which is the longest stringed instrument in the world, with
strings that extend up to 1,000 feet in length. The Earth Harp is played
using violin resin on cotton gloves and musical bows, it was created in
1999 by William Close, who is playing the wall drums in this clip.
Brian Kappra, Eventine Designs, Inc. did the magnificent decor/tableware for the evening.
 
  I am so blown away every time I attend an event he’s designed.

 PR for PIFA 2013 is: Nina
Zucker, Nina
Zucker Associates and Dafni D. Comerota  Public Relations, Kimmel Center

 Thanks to the Kimmel Center for provided the press with dinner. This doesn’t always happen, even when photo opportunities are on either side of the dinner hour. It’s a nice gesture.

The PIFA Time Machine comes to life twice at day, bringing an upbeat live show.  Diane Dalto Woosnam and Richard Woosnam are chairing the Mutter Museum Gala on Saturday night, which is always a fun event. Here they’re checking out a pachyderm which is part of the live show.  To read more about the PIFA Gala 2013, and who made my column, Click on the LINK HERE TO PULL UP PAGE.


Categories
Philadelphia

Susie Celek and Julie Dorenbos Roll Out A New Ad Campaign and it’s HOT!! PLUS a new Skin Palette Spot

Julie Dorenbos & Susie Celek sport their wild side in the Bellevue.
I’m premiering the photos here, even before skinpalette.com. .

Skin Palette partnered up with the Sporting Club in the Bellevue to open
its state-of-the-art Airbrush Tan Suite this week. Best of Philly owners,
Julie Dorenbos and Susie Celek bring both a strong force of branding and
sunless innovation.

Being that Julie is no stranger to witnessing her husband, Philadelphia
Eagle Jon Dorenbos, sign autographs for the fans, she realized that her
and Susie couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to ask for an autograph as
well. These girls are adventurous, have you seen their segments on The Great Sports Debate every Thursday On Comcast Sportsnet


Rhonda Clark Carlson of the RCC Design Group had this to say about her
exclusive design: “The girls of Skin Palette are sexy, ahead of the curve
with their craft and sophisticated, that’s what we wanted to bring out in the
room’s aesthetic. It’s about being comfortable and pampering oneself in an
upscale and inviting environment. We wanted the space to be as beautiful
as you feel after having a Skin Palette session.”
Here’s Susie with Amy Stratton presenting to the Sporting Club team at
their Annual Kickoff Meeting. Make sure you stop by and see the girls at
their new location!

The 2013
Skin Palette campaign counters the top 2 fears in sunless tanning; orange
and streaky. The duo stands behind their “Never-Orange, Streak-Free
Guarantee”
 
Tune in for a behind the scenes look of the shoot with Internationally
Published Photographer, Justin Price (www.justinprice.com) on an
upcoming episode of The Great Sports Debate airing on Comcast and
Comcast Sportsnet. As co-hosts of the show, Julie & Susie always leave
their audience laughing and the below picture is no different.
Check out my columns in Philly.com, Philly Mag and PhillyChitChat.com today here.
Categories
Philadelphia

UPDATE: WALGREEN’S TO OPEN IN THE OLD BORDER’S LOCATION Summer 2013 ++ New Photos

Over a year ago I broke the story about Walgreen’s taking over the old Borders space at Broad and Chestnut Streets. The City tried to fight it, and eventually when no one else seemed to show interest in this high profile corner they conceeded with a few exceptions. Walgreens is not allowed to put shelving in the front windows as the windows must remain unobstructed once the store opens.

Then last May I was able to get the floor plans for the new Walmart at this location HERE

 They started work on the building about a month ago
 Today they wrapped the windows as they are at the mid-way point. A worker tells me the big reveal will happen sometime in July. So until then the windows at the corner of Broad and Chestnut will be wrapped with colorful scenes and words. I know most people are not happy about the Walgreen’s, but no one wanted this property, mainly because of the mezzanine and the very steep escalator. So I’m happy about the corner being occupied with something, and they’re gonna sell sushi and beer. Sounds good.
More Tidbits I posted yesterday – Jose Garces new restaurant, The Corner is no longer serving lunch and
http://www.phillychitchat.com/2013/04/afternoon-quickie-jose-garces-builds.html

Categories
Philadelphia

AFTERNOON QUICKIE: Jose Garces Builds Out, Bru, Pumpkin, Miley Cyrus, The Corner and More fun tidbits

Hi, I have a few quickies to share with you today. Shot’s I haven’t tweeted as I either forgot, had more pressing shots to share or the stories needed more than 140 characters. Enjoy.

 At the end of Easter dinner on Sunday, no one wanted to cut into the lamb. I’ll have you know after I shot this, I de-headed him. Someone had to.
 Joe’s on Rittenhouse Square opened yesterday. I like that original name, the space is odd as it used to be an eyeglass place, but the location is to die for, ground floor right on the square and big windows.

 I noticed yesterday that the new Jose Garces restaurant at the Kimmel Center is beginning to take shape in the space where the old gift shop used to be. Originally this was to be a Wolfgang Restaurant, but Wolfgang was not happy that the kitchen was not going to be on the same floor as the restaurant, it’s upstairs.

 It really doesn’t matter how many people are in attendance, as long as you have lots and lots of press there to get the word out. I think having press conferences in the Shops of Liberty is a great place. It’s beautiful and after it’s done you can shop or get a Chick-fil-A meal from the food court on the remaining minutes before your boss calls and asks when your going to file the story. This is the kick off to the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival

 The Sports Cave (did you know I convinced them to change their name to this, it used to be called The Man Cave, they aren’t even a client, I just said basically I wasn’t a fan of The Man Cave as a name, it didn’t convey what they were about, anyway.) The Sports Cave is having Dave “The Hammer” Schultz in their store 4/5 12PM – 2PM. Tickets $20 for an autograph, and $5 for them to authenticate it, which is good for prints and stuff. (PS although taking a photo of him signing it is a good way too.) The Sports Cave is located in The Shops of Liberty Place (which by the way is my client)

 The Swann Fountain is usually turned on on Good Friday as the City
believes it’s after the last frost. When I went outside today it
felt like it might have been too soon.

 Miley Cyrus used to touch these buttons to go to her 24th floor apartment at the St James
 This was her view

 This was not her view, as she didn’t have the whole floor like the residents of the party I shot last night.

 Hello guest bedroom. Gorgeous. I was in heaven shooting this party, and everyone was so sweet.

 There’s public space outside of Pumpkin on South Street, located in the street.
 BRU put their sign up, kinda reminds me of Moulin Rouge (clever name BTW. It’s at 1318 Chestnut St.)

 The Scientologists, next door to Bru, left in a hurry. Looks like they dragged everything out through the main window

The Corner is no longer open for lunch, I guess because Chef John Taus is over at The Corner Foodery at 1710 Sansom Street


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Categories
Philadelphia

Stradley Ronon hosted “Hoops on the Cooper,” at the Camden County Boathouse

Stradley Ronon hosted “Hoops on the Cooper,” a March Madness event on March 21 at the Camden County Boathouse in Pennsauken, N.J. More than 150 guests attended the event. Guests enjoyed delicious appetizers, cocktails as well as scenic views of the Cooper River, and large screen TVs showing first-round action from the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

 Christopher Rosenbleeth (Stradley Ronon) and Joseph Chott (M&T Bank)
Stradley Ronon March Madness Ice Sculpture

 Elizabeth Alfonsi (Catholic School Development Program) and Becky Collins (Waste Management)

 Jim Mercer (Glenmede), Karl Murray (Glenmede), John Hook (Stradley Ronon) and Susan Mucciarone (Glenmede).
 Marissa Parker (Stradley Ronon) Fran Manning (Stradley Ronon,
Partner-in-Charge, Cherry Hill, NJ), Michael Forte (Cedarwood), Glenn
Newman (ParenteBeard) and Jim O’Brien (ParenteBeard).
John Rooney (Firstrust Bank) and John Slavek (Kroll)
Thomas O’Connell (Saldutti LLC), Robert Saldutti (Saldutti LLC) and Michael Joyce(Solicitor, Pennsauken Township).
 Joseph Robinson (Beneficial), Linda Galante (Stradley Ronon) and Christopher Unger (Susquehanna Bank). 

 R. Dennis Vogt (Alloy, Silverstein), Karen Macey (Delran Township Schools) and Mark Macey (Interstate Outdoor Advertising).
 Fran Manning, Eric Hurwitz, Catherine Ward, Mike Bonner, Stephanie
Sanderson-Braem, Josh Silverstein and Daniel Knox (Stradley Ronon Hosts)
 Tom Ennis (Veritas Financial) and Jerome Gregory (Sun National Bank).
 Lauren White (Ronald McDonald House) and Christine McDevitt (Stradley Ronon)
 Michael Ryan and Brian Klaus (Surety Title).

Catherine Ward (Stradley Ronon) and Jeanne Rentezelas (Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia).

 Brian McGrath and Ed Chorzelewski (Brown & Brown Consulting).
 Jeff Lutsky (Managing Partner-Stradley Ronon ), Bill Mandia (Stradley
Ronon) and Matt Gorman (Citizens Comprehensive Insurance) take a shot.
 Christine and John Murray (Greentree Food Management)

Kathleen Davis (Chamber Commerce Southern NJ) and Stephanie Sanderson-Braem (Stradley Ronon)
Thanks to Mike Hirata who photographed this event for PhillyChitChat.com

Categories
Philadelphia

Event: Young Friends ALSF Lemon Society 4/13/13 at the Pyramid Club from 8 to 11pm! LQQK Who’s Gonna Be There..

The Lemon Society of Philadelphia (LSP) the young professionals association of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

The 2nd Annual Lemon Society Speakeasy will be Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Pyramid Club from 8 to 11pm!This premier mixology event
with a prohibition theme raises funds to support ALSF’s Annual
Childhood Cancer Symposium benefiting families affected by childhood
cancer. 

 The event is hosted by theLemon Society of Philadelphia, young professionals supporting ALSF.  Connect with us: alexslemonade.org/speakeasy facebook.com/LemonSociety @LemonSociety

Mixologists:


– 1 Tippling Place’s Dave Tang and Anne Frey
– Emmanuelle’s Phoebe Esmon and Christian Gaal
– The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company’s Al Sotak
– Alla Spina’s Mike Falcey 

– Philadelphia Distilling’s Meredith Maciolek

– A mixologist from Vetri

Judges:
– Marisa Magnatta – Preston & Steve Show
– Danya Henninger – DrinkPhilly
– Philadelphia Union Players Chris Konopka and Michael Lahoud
– Liz and Jay Scott parents of Alexandra “Alex” Scott, founders of ALSF

Music is brought to us by DJ MSpin from Trulove Entertainment.

Categories
Philadelphia

Adam Joseph, Marisa Magnatta, Maria Papadakis, at PIFA’s Fly School Circus Trapeze on Broad Street

Defying Gravity from Wicked runs through my mind as I watch my friends on the trapeze.

Wicked is coming this summer to the Kimmel Center (presale secret word – GRAVITY). Go see it, I did 5 times.

The 2013 Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) is in town through April 27, 2013. There are many shows, exhibits and demonstrations to experience like Rufus Wainwright, Savion Glover and daily Free Plaza Performances. One of the most exhilarating activities to participate in is the Fly School Circus Arts or trapeze

PR extraordinaire, Kory Aversa, Aversa PR who always seems to be involved in the most out of the box interesting events like Dinner en Blanc, and Smokin’ Betty’s Puppy Love, is also doing the publicity for Fly Circus School and invited me to come out and cover it for a few days (Next up Flavors on the Avenue.).  It was great fun living vicariously through my friends who took the 2 hr lessons and experienced what it was like to fly with the greatest of ease through the air. First up 6ABC’s Adam Joseph who gets a lesson on the ground on how to hang upside down on the bar in the air.

Next we have Mary Kelly Rayel going over a few of the steps that happen on the high wire platform with Maria Papadakis, Philly.com, Brittiny Stewart, Fashion of Philly, Kristin Detterline, Editor in Chief, Philadelphia Style Magazine at Niche Media, and Michelle Boyles, South Philly Fashionista
One of the most daring things I saw all week was Adam Joseph give the weather report from 30 feet above the ground
reading the little-list of details on a sheet of cardboard, held by my friend David Pershica
 David’s a professional tap dancer here and in NYC and he’s depicted in a mural on the PHL airport’s parking garage. You might recall at the 2011 PIFA they had those photos on a slideshow against the Kimmel Center wall on Broad Street in the evening.  Check him out, take a tap dancing class you’ll love it
Tapography
Here we go, we have lift off with Kristin Detterline

9 year old Dillon

 Ian M Crumm
 Maria Papadakis, who BTW is up for Philly Scene  BENFM’s Philly Scene Queen
so give her a vote please. Plus Cori Moskow
 

 Kate Marlys, Philly PR Girl
https://vine.co/v/bIvDAjvddzw?fb_action_ids=4707187833401&fb_action_types=vine-app%3Apost&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

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 For folks who were able to get their legs up to the bar in a reasonable time, they were chosen to go onto the next step where you would be caught by another person swinging by another bar.  
 Marisa Magnatta, from WMMR’s Preston & Steve Show


 Here’s Marisa Magnatta’s entire performance
 The Catch
 Swing
 
The release
 

 Adam Joseph

 
 The release
Then after all that there’s navigating to get off the net, which is a whole nother post. Flying Trapeze classes are $55 for the 2 hour session. Free to watch. Either way was a blast. PS Last Saturday it sold out, so get your tickets early


9 year old Dillon (I kinda like that name)


Categories
Philadelphia

1st Annual Bourbon Battle at The Trestle Inn – Photos

On the outskirts of town is a dive bar that celebrates the

The Trestle Inn reminds me of the Hotel California

it’s off the beaten path atmosphere with dim lit rooms, cheap drinks, a back bar with a disco ball and guests who range from the down and out to the mainline socialites.

 There’s no better place to hold the 1st Annual Bourbon Battle at The Trestle Inn

When guests arrive, they were issued a bourbon battle passport entitling
them to have one complimentary drink at each of the four stations. 

 Tim Heuisler from Time Restaurant getting and assist from Chris “Biscuit” Edwards. Heuisler created Wake N’ Bake – a “hungover breakfast-inspired concoction” of Old Forester, egg white, fresh citrus, bacon and maple syrup

  Scott Coudriet from Lloyd with an assist by Taylor Coudriet
created pumoni cocktail made using Woodford Reserve, cherry heering, house-made pistachio orgeat, egg white and absinthe. He told me that it took 72hrs to make the pistachio orgeat.

Jonny Sherlock from The Industry created The Drunken Monk
combination of Old Forester, yellow chartreuse, fresh lemon, aperol and
an orange twist, and named the Benedictine Monks that know the secret ingredients that go into making the bourbon.

  Jake Goldberg from The Trestle Inn who was stationed behind the bar.

 Bartenders made sample cocktails and check off the participant’s
passport. At the end of the event, guests used their passport to cast their vote for their favorite drink.

Each cocktail created by the bartender included either Old Forester or Woodford Reserve (Did I mention that have go-go girls, and not the Delilah’s or Peek A Book ones, honestly to goodness fun gals you might see back in the Bettie Page era.)
  
 served “on the rocks” or “up” for each 5 oz. serving.
Matt Davis, Wendy Wilhelm and Steph Wehry enjoyed Tim Heuisler Wake N’ Bake, perfect for brunch

There’s a cool back room with a disco ball, and dance floor. Many of my friends tell me they love going here to get away.

Cheers Katie Loeb who can now be found at Sophia’s
on East Passyunk Ave 
Nate and Nicole

Chris and Colleen are big bourbon fans and were impressed by all the cocktails served at the event, but their choice of a winner was “Tears of the Bayou” created by the Trestle Inn’s Jake Goldberg. The drink was a concoction of Old Forester,
lazzaroni amaretto, fernet branca, black walnut bitters, absinthe and
bourbon soaked cherries.
Ed Jefferson, Ed Jackson and Andrew Ross

Another two votes for “Tears of the Bayou.” Anita and Devon said it was most similar to straight bourbon as it should be served.

Proceeds from the evening went to PAWS
Lorraine, Adam, Christina and Greg were all rooting for the Jake Goldberg’s Trestle Inn “Tears of the Bayou”
And the winner is
Jonny Sherlock from The Industry wins with his The Drunken Monk
Grand Prize – bragging rights and a basket of cheer. I guess I didn’t chat with enough people I thought it was going to be the Tears of the Bayou didn’t you?