On Wednesday, June 26 Rittenhouse Grill (1701 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA) unveils a new bar concept – the Leopard Lounge!!
If you’ve never been to the Rittenhouse Grill, you’ll find this award-winning restaurant nestled on the first floor of the Warwick Rittenhouse Square Hotel. In addition to serving amazing culinary experiences to diners for over 25 years, it has long been known as one of Philadelphia’s power restaurants for celebrities, politicians, athletes, and more.
The sprawling restaurant resembles a swanky supper club that accommodates upward of 220 guests across a multi-level dining room highlighted by a wall-to-wall leopard print rug. Garth Weldon – Restaurant Owner – Rittenhouse Grill
Each night, a performer uses the stunning glass-topped baby grand piano to entertain guests by playing early 20th-century American jazz standards, show tunes, classics from the ‘80s and ‘90s, and even the latest hits!
Brenda Hillegas, Rowhome Magazine and Genevieve XiongAlex Coxen, Lauren Meyer and Montana KashrianAlexander Perry and Maggie Munthali
Leopards are fast felines and can run at up to 58km/h! They’re super springy, too, and can leap 6m forward through the air – that’s the length of three adults lying head to toe!
Phuong Nguyen and Suzi Nash, PGN columnist. A legend in the field. I know I irritate her as I keep turning her down for an interview. I’m shy.
Scott Fisher, GM Warwick Rittenhouse Square Hotel and Carla Fisher
Melanie Highbloom @melmelllll and Laura Swartz, Deputy Editor Philly Mag, @pompomflipflop; With the summer heat coming on strong this season, I’d recomend strolling over to the new Leopard Lounge at the Rittenhouse Grill for a hot time with the air conditioning on blast in the swanky new bar.
You might have noticed a page change here at PhillyChitChat. I was so busy working and ignoring my emails from WordPress, my blog site. It seems my former custom page was out of date. Who knew that could happen. WP updated itself and now I have to create a new backdrop, although I am ok with this white background. But there are a few things missing from the page, like my subscriber link, which can be found under “Today’s Post”. I’ll figure it all out this summer when I have a lot of time. Also some photos from this event will be in one of my magazine partners in September. So if you don’t see you here, or on CBSPhilly….
I had my monthly dinner at my favorite steakhouse, The Pub in Pennsauken NJ, just over the Ben Franklin Bridge, a few weeks ago. I grew up in South Jersey, and it is a nostalgic staple in my life. A reasonable, and delicious spot to eat when you have 9 people in your family as well.
Stevie Logothetis, a co-owner and hostess, gave me a heart attack when she sat at the table and said I have to tell you something.
The Pub would be closing, (heart stops) for the summer to renovate, WHEW
Mainly they are focusing on the roof which hasn’t been replaced since the South Jersey landmark opened 73 years ago.
They’re going to take advantage of this time to also renovate the inside as well. Replacing the carpet, freshen up the space, repair lights, and update the kitchen appliances. Basically spruce up the place. (I can never get a good color balance when I shoot this room, hopefully that doesn’t change and the lights remain as rusty tinged as usual.)
She promises the decor is going to be the same in the cavernous dining hall.
They’ll still have the snowflakes from October til Spring, the Christmas Tree in the lobby decorated for every season, the fun “Mr Pub” signs scattered through out the property can still be enjoyed.
The food is going to be the same, if not better due to new equipment, and they’ll be a new rug, but the same color, not to worry says Stevie.
I’ll have to forgo my favorite meal for a few months. I always get the same thing. Managers Special $39.95 and it includes the salad bar. (Vegan Mike [my husband] doesn’t mind me bringing home the steak to eat the next day. You can’t eat this in one sitting, they are always sooo big.)
It’s one of my favorite restaurants to go with my friends, and they have to suffer with my reminiscing about growing up in South Jersey, and dinners with the family at The Pub, and so many tall tales of the folks who have eaten here over the years. (Note this is February 2024, and the snowflakes are still up.)
I can’t wait to visit the newly renovated Pub in September. I know they are so excited with the work to be done, and to see their friends again in the fall.
Co-chairs Peter Dean, Molly Shepard, Amy Goldman, Jim Gardner, and Mary Stengel Austen
Thursday evening June 13, Jim Gardner and Amy Goldman along with co-hosts, Molly Sheppard and Peter Dean, Mary and Peter Austen and the Honorable Michael and Lisa Nutter hosted friends and supporters of the No Name Pops at the Goldman’s home
Alyssa Pagano, Austin Berner, Keith and Lauren Obaza
Founded in 2023, the former and future musicians of the Philly Pops created the No Name Pops due to an absence of music in Philadelphia. Since then, they have performed over 40 times, 12 times at the Kimmel Center, and with over 20 of them being free programs to the public.
Nick Cobb and Barbara Cobb
Broadway’s Dee Roscioli and Hugh Panaro with Ardmore’s Kathy Hirsch-Pasek and Jeff Pasek, parents of composer Benj Pasek,Jim Gardner and Amy Goldman
The No Name Pops is committed to being a healthy, patron first organization, reflecting the City of Philadelphia and serving the community.
Jim Gardner, board member and host, with Connie and Sam Katz
Former Mayor Michael Nutter and Diane Semingson, Board President Avenue of The Arts
The No Name Pops recently announced it has entered into discussions with Peter Nero’s family to be able to perform under the Philly Pops trademark and carry on Peter Nero’s legacy. Both the orchestra and the Nero family look forward to the day that Philadelphia’s proud tradition can officially be reborn under the name that Peter Nero made famous
Patty and Bernie Prazenica (GM of 6abc), Valerie Gay, Phila’s Arts and Culture Leader, Fran Dunphy, America’s College Basketball Coach
Matthew Koveal, Exec Dir of the Non Name Pops, with 6abc legends – Dave Roberts and Jim Gardner
Senator Nikil Saval with sons shares support for No Name Pops
The No Name Pops performing at the garden party.
Broadway stars: Hugh Panaro and Dee Roscioli Perform
Thanks to Sharla Feldshur & Bachrach Photography for providing the photos from this event which I couldn’t attend as I was already booked. I always enjoy the No Name Pops concerts, and look forward to supporting them. If you’d like to support them. please consider a donation HERE>
Breakthrough’s Annual Spring Soirée 2024 took place last month, and was an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration at the University of the Arts: Dorrance Hamilton Hall.
Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia helps launch motivated, traditionally underserved middle school students on a path to top choice high schools, setting a critical foundation for college and career success. Breakthrough also provides pre-professional teacher training to inspire college students to pursue careers in education.
Lorne Hammond, President The Harvest Family Business Solution and Bill Anderson, Fox29 Philly
The event was emceed by Bill Anderson, Executive Producer, Fox29 and Weekend Co-Anchor, Good Day Philadelphia. Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia helps launch motivated, traditionally underserved middle school students on a path to top choice high schools, setting a critical foundation for college and career success.
Sasank Aleti, partner at private equity firm LLR Partners, and Michelle Reyes Aleti, Director, Corporate & Community Engeagement. Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia.
Breakthrough raised over $150,000 to enable over 200 Scholars and Teaching Fellows to attend Breakthrough’s tuition-free program.
Nick Araco Founder, AchieveNEXT and Stephen Klein, BTGP Supporter
Michelle Palmer, Executive Director of Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia and Edel Howlin, Founder and Owner of Untapped Communications
Michael Thompson, Director of DEI and Business Development, Montage Diversity Consultants Jon Addy, Partner, KPMG US and a BTGP Volunteer and Stephen Reeves, CEO Montage Companies
Phillip St James, Associate Director, & Community Relations Lead · Sanofi
Lily Dupuis, Assistant GFS Digital Content & Communication and Ilana Goldfus, Director, GFS Advancement Services
Breakthrough also provides pre-professional teacher training to inspire college students to pursue careers in education and has served over 1,500 Scholars and 467 Teaching Fellows since its founding in 1995. To learn more, visit us at breakthroughphilly.org
The Philadelphia Police Foundation (PPF) celebrated its 25th Anniversary with its annual gala on June 5th, 2024 at the Union League. A memorable and dynamic evening that allows PPF to continue to fund the vital, yet unbudgeted, needs of the Philadelphia Police Department. The Foundation has four support pillars which NFB revenue will allow the Foundation to fund:
Reducing the Gun Violence epidemic by Funding Unbudgeted Crime Reduction Initiatives.
Supporting Officer Wellness Programs and Police Accountability Initiatives
Providing Strategic and Advanced Training Opportunities at All Levels of the PPD
Providing Engagement Opportunities Between the Philadelphia Police and the Youth of the City
John Kitzinger, Chief at Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Michelle A. Henry, Attorney General of Pennsylvania and Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia’s police commissioner and Brian Stevenson, Stevenson Advocacy
DariumPoke Senior Manager at Baker Tilly US and Susan Slawson, a retired Lieutenant of the Philadelphia Police Department, Management Consultant, now Commissioner of Parks & Recreation.
Austin Fraser stepped into his new position as captain of Philadelphia’s 14th police district, which includes not only Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy, but also Germantown, Stenton and parts of West Oak Lane, back in mid-December. Right away he knew this job was “totally different.”
Fraser came to the district from the department’s Real Time Crime Center, a division of the police Intelligence Bureau. There, he worked to create a safer Philadelphia using data and other information.
Sergeant Richard Mendez was shot and killed at the Philadelphia International Airport’s Garage D at about 11:00 p.m. 22 years and 11 months serving on the Philadelphia Police Department.
Fallen Philadelphia Police Sergeant Richard Carrero Mendez widow Alex Carrero and daughter Mia Carrero were on hand as the Sergeant was honored. During the ceremony it was announced that Mia had attended college, while going to high school, and just graduated at age 19 with her bachelors degree from Temple University.
Sam Korman, Steve Korman, and Bradley Korman, Board of Directors
Last year was a record shattering Night for Blue which took place on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 and, for the first time in the history of the Philadelphia Police Foundation, $1,000,000 was raised. In addition, more than 575 people were on hand at the even as the 2023 Founders Award was presented to the Korman Family – Brad Korman, Steven Korman and Linda Richardson-Korman.
Widows of fallen officers: Judy Cassidy, Marissa Fitzgerald and Linda Lorenzo were also acknowledged during the ceremony.
Sharrie Williams, 6ABC, Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia’s police commissioner, Gregory E. Deavens President and Chief Executive Officer for Independence Health Group, Maureen Rush, Philadelphia Police Foundation President and Erin McKenna Zimmerman, Executive Director at Philadelphia Police Foundation
This year Independence Blue Cross was honored.
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is the region’s hometown health insurer. For more than 85 years, it has been at the heart of the Philadelphia community and committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities it serves.
Giving back to the community is a cornerstone value at IBX. Through its corporate giving and volunteer programs, IBX supports hundreds of diverse nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. This includes key initiatives of the Philadelphia Police Foundation, such as gun violence reduction programs, officer wellness, anti-bias training, highway patrol helmets, and N95 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania, IBX delivers innovative, competitively priced health care products and services; rewards coordinated, quality care; and promotes equitable, whole-person health.
–Gregory E. Deavens, CPA, CGMA,President and CEO, Independence Blue Cross
Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia’s police commissioner and Maureen S. Rush M.S., CPP who is holding a Philly police drone ready for service. Each one costs $25ks, and before the night was over three generous guests funded the first three to be put into service.
Another successful fundraising year for PPF as over a million dollars were raised this year.
Senator Vincent Hughes, Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Marian Anderson’s niece Ginette DePreist (who was married to Anderson’s nephew, noted muscian James DePreist) and Matias Tarnopolsky president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association at the dedication of the Marian Anderson Hall
The Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall was renamed Marian Anderson Hall at a re-dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon, which was declared Marian Anderson Day in the city and the commonwealth.
The announcement to change the name of the hall was made in February following a generous donation of $25 million to the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. by Leslie Anne Miller and her husband, Richard B. Worley, who are well-respected figures in the arts community. However, rather than retaining the naming rights, they decided to honor Anderson by renaming the hall after her.
In the evening the Great Stages Gala started with a black-tie donor reception on the Academy of Music stage at 6 PM prior to the 8 PM concert in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
This is the 2nd annual Great Stages Gala, a new celebration created last year which unites the traditions of the Academy of Music Anniversary Concert and Ball with the Kimmel Cultural Campus Gala (now known as Ensemble Arts Philly ).
Marian’s great great niece Isabella DePreist Sullivan and great niece Jennifer DePreist (her father was James DePreist)
Baird and Anne Standish
Vivian Rowe and Patsy Rowe
Albert Zuger, Alpha Zeta Metals and Sasha Suda, director and CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Damien and Suzanne Ghee
Sharonda Robinson, LaFawn Davis, Sherise Bright and Vicki Baker
The Schaeffers, Katie, Adele and Tony
Barbara Adams, Michelle Wherry, Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) and Karen Bachelor, DAR
Steph Humphries, Dani Rose, Anne Ewers, Isabel Lowrey Brouhard and Nicole Smith
Brittany Webb and Mari Shaw, who I just saw at the Wilma Theater the evening before on opening night of Hilma.
around 7:45pm, guests headed over to the newly named Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, accompanied by a drum line from Camden NJ.
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake is president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation standing in from of Marian Anderson outfits loaned to the Kimmel Center for the celebration.
The influence of the Philadelphia-born contraltoMarian Anderson, an extraordinarily talented singer and one of America’s most exceptional artists, cannot be emphasized enough, particularly considering the profound impact racial discrimination had on her career. Despite her undeniable abilities, Anderson’s path was significantly affected by racial prejudice.
At 8:00 PM that evening, GRAMMY®, Emmy®, and Golden Globe® award–winning and Academy Award®–nominated artist, actor, and producer Queen Latifah hosted the Great Stages Concert honoring Marian Anderson. The celebration will be the first concert to take place in the newly named hall.
The evening featured performances by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra
with soprano Angel Blue, actress and singer Audra McDonald (not pictured here), soprano Latonia Moore, and jazz pianist Marcus Roberts.
Richard Worley, Former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams and Leslie Anne Miller.
After the concert, there was a speakeasy after party held in the Perelman Theater
Musical artists Ramon Jones, Dani Allen, Aaron Lewis, Laurin Talese and Kourtney Johnson were on hand to close out the night of fun.
The Wilma Theater debut an avant-garde legacy of a 20th-century queer artist well ahead of her era through the debut of “HILMA,” running from June 4 to 23.
“HILMA” delves into the narrative of Hilma af Klint, a Swedish artist and spiritualist renowned as one of the pioneers of modern abstract art. Born in 1862, af Klint remained relatively obscure for much of her life, a fact forgivable given her involvement with “The Five,” a collective deeply immersed in theosophical ideologies. Her artistic inspiration stemmed from messages purportedly channeled from seances and otherworldly sources, adding a mystical dimension to her groundbreaking paintings.
The Wilma’s final production of the season officially opened on Friday June 7, where theatergoers enjoyed an after party with the cast.
Emma Gibson, Debbie Fluk, Zoe Goldberg and Marcie Bremurci
Darnelle Radford, Director of Operations @ Theatre Exile and Matthew Mastronardi, actor
Catherine Brokken, the fabulous Dito Van Reigersberg (Martha Graham Cracker) and Rachel Chavkin
Bryan Haydin, Associate Director, and Gerardo Ramirez
Vin Knight and Carlos Torres
Margery Amdur, Jackie Tileston and Sharon Hayes
Peter and Mari Shaw, theater and art patrons.
Edward Herring, Caitlin Ingham, and Colin Stokes
Along with the world premiere of its first-ever opera and the contemporary sound of ‘HILMA‘ — based on the life of LGBTQIA art heroine Hilma af Klint, running now through June 23 — the Wilma is busy celebrating a cherished Tony Award. On June 16, the Wilma’s cohort of artistic directors will head to New York City to pick up its 2024 Regional Theatre Tony, the first theater in Pennsylvania to ever receive this prestigious totem, reported by AD Amorosio at Metro Newspaper.
Carlotta Schiavio aka YaTii Talisman was born in Italy and raised in Ethiopia. Her background is a mixture of different cultures (Italian, Russian, Syrian, Austrian and Ethiopian). She started her creative career in the arts as a jewelry designer and then transitioned to painting in 1998.
Bugibatuki Beings from planet YaTii land with their spaceships in basins of water around planet Earth to bring peace and happiness.
1600 Spruce hosted a cocktail party last week to kick off a month long exhibit of Carlotta Schiavio new works.
Friends Karis Treadwell and Erica Fenton attended.
Sherry Kumar and Domenica Vinci
Mark and Sonya Weigle
Doug
Stephanie and Kirk Brandow, MD
Artist Gigi Lovond and Richard Eib, co owner of 1600 Spruce, which is a very stylish interior and lifestyle shop, they have great hostess gifts, as well as reasonable home store items. Plus they sell my greeting cards there.
Sophie Stasio and Olivia Juszcyk
View more Bugibatuki here but the best place to see them is at 1600 Spruce, Address: 1600 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: (267) 209-3350 Open Saturday and Sunday too. The weather is going to be perfect for shopping in Center City this weekend.
Rev. Bonnie Camarda, The Salvation Army, Evan Benn, Senior Director of Special Projects & Communications @phillyinquirer . Natalie Barndt, JEVS Chief of Staff, Heather Keafer, Chief of Communications and External Affairs at JEVS. and Cynthia Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS Human Services (JEVS),
JEVS Human Services organized its second annual Grow with JEVS fundraising event at the iconic Water Works Philadelphia on May 15th. The occasion united over 300 sponsors, volunteers, employees, and public figures for an evening filled with joy and motivation. The event successfully generated over $350,000 in funds to bolster JEVS programs. (Thanks Andre Flewellen for shooting this event)
Ari Borthakur, Ana Ramos Hernandez, and Darren A. Spielman
The presenting sponsor for the evening was Citizens. “Citizens has been a proud partner of JEVS for over 20 years,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, Mid-Atlantic President of Citizens. “We share in their vision to help communities thrive by equipping individuals with resources like job training and financial education to achieve economic success.”
Bill Bronson, Jacqueline Flynn, and Tom Hartmann
Casey and Cooper Kio
Patrick Clancy, President and CEO at Philadelphia Works, Inc., Sharmain Matlock-Turner is the CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition. and Dan Fitzpatrick, Citizens Bank President
Kai, Katie ,Rick and Trey Shinholster
The funds raised from Grow with JEVS will support nearly 40 programs across Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. Programming areas include workforce development, career & technical education, services to people with disabilities, and in-home care for older adults.
JEVS ambassador, Revena Washington, shared her inspiring testimony about how the nonprofit has transformed her life, as well as thousands of others. “I am here to say that we all have our struggles, but for me, the struggle is over. JEVS has given me the tools, and the resources to better my life. The opportunities at JEVS are abundant.
We come to work each day ready and willing to support our participants in their endeavors, while helping them to realize their vision and dreams,” said Washington who was met by applause and tears from the audience.
Nigel Bowe, JEVS and Antoinette Lee, JEVS
Gavin, Lisa, Brett and Austin Studner,with Phil Moran
Jeff and Laurie Franz, Kelly Mosteller, Jared Harris, Emerson Freer, Donna and Michael Harris
ABOUT JEVS
JEVS Human Services (JEVS) has an 80+ year history in working with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. JEVS’ vision is to help every person achieve personal independence and fulfillment. Our mission and vision reflect JEVS’ long-standing history of helping people connect to opportunity and cultivate independence.
Amanda Kaewvichien – Pastry Chef – Sofitel Philadelphia, Jon Kline, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clearview Hotel Capital, LLC, Gregg Caren, CEO PHLCVB, Maud Bailey, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems for Accor; and Pierre Jotterand, General Manager of Sofitel Philadelphia
On Monday, June 3, 2024, the Sofitel Philadelphia in Rittenhouse Square (120 S. 17th Street), commemorated its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary with a grand celebration. Among the attendees were city officials, Sofitel executives, loyal patrons, and esteemed guests, who gathered to mark the unveiling of the newly renovated lobby, Liberté lounge, and restaurant. The occasion also served as a festive tribute to the hotel’s impressive sixty-year history.
DeeJay Shelly (@soundsbyshelly) kept the party going on the red carpet
Lauren and Hunter Voight
More like grey carpet, aligning with the classy Sofitel brand.
Liberté’s fresh menu combines American culinary delights and beloved Philly favorites with classic French dishes. Spearheaded by the hotel’s new executive chef Seth Fannin (not pictured), a seasoned industry expert with extensive experience at esteemed establishments like Paris, Bally’s, and Wynn resorts in Las Vegas, as well as luxury and boutique hotels such as Intercontinental and Millennium Hotels, this innovative approach promises a delectable fusion of flavors.
Laura Swartz – Deputy Editor, Digital – Philadelphia magazine, Gregg Caren , CEP PHLCVB and Joan Deneberg, Manayunk Development Corporation
Jessica Henneman, Dee Durgin, Dayna Leaventon and Caroline Foley
Jimmy and Rich Eib,1600 Spruce Street Recently had a beautiful exhibition of work by artist Yatil Talisman, which I attended and will be showcasing soon.
Nina Castillo, Brenda Hillegas,Jennifer Lynn Robinson
Lauren Smith, Gionana Surhui, Sara Chiaravolloto, and Jamie Gialloreto
Regina Foley and her sister, Angela Bauer, former GM of Sofitel Philadelphia was recognized at the event for her longtime service, which ended when she transferred to sister hotel Swissotel Chicago.
Stepping out: Denethia Durgin, AGM Vernick Fish at the Comcast Center.
Scott Barnes, Director, Events & Hospitality at Comcast, Karen Dougherty Buchholz serves as Executive Vice President of Administration for Comcast Corporation, Janet Binswanger, and Kevin Israel
The OG’s of Cater Waiters, these two have been serving guests for decades: Joyce Sambuca and Dash Merpier
Patty Jackson, WDAS and Ernest Owens, Ernest Owens Media
Paris Fit Philly, Alisia Amor,Kimberley Murray and Melissa Long
Sheila Hess, former City Rep under Mayor Jim Kenney (Who btw married his long time love LettySantarelli, at the W last week, in a very intimate ceremony), Jasmine Armstrong, Visit Philadelphia and Pierre Jotterand, GM Sofitel Philadelphia
Kevin Lessard, PIDC, Laura Burkhardt, executive director of the Avenue of the Arts and Michael Newmuis,2026 Director for Philly
Liberté’s is open Mondays to Thursdays at 12 pm to 11 pm (happy hour 4 pm to 6 pm every day except Saturdays and Sunday), Fridays and Saturdays at 12 pm to 12 am, Sundays at 12 pm to 10 pm. Reservations can now be made on OpenTable.
