Author: HughE Dillon

Now that I am doing my blog and event photography full time I snuck away to the Phila Zoo on Wednesday to photograph the animals in what I hope will be the last snowfall of the year.

According to UWISHUNU:
National Geographic Entertainment and the Philadelphia Zoo have joined forces to focus on seriously declining international lion populations. (I realize this is a tiger, but I didn’t see any lions when I was there on Wed)The famous lion statues at the entrance to the zoo will “disappear” temporarily when they’re covered in a bright yellow tarp starting today, February 22. The lions will then be re-introduced in a ceremony on February 28 at 10 a.m., when the zoo’s curator of carnivores will share some of the alarming facts about this decline and what the Philadelphia Zoo is doing to aid in this cause. For more information on what you can do, and to see the “Last Lions” film, check out UWISHNU But first check out a few photos of some of the animals that I photographed on Wednesday when I spontaneously went to the Zoo.
It was great to get out of the house, and or obsess about “What’s going on in Philly”, “What Stories I should be writing next?”, reading my endless emails and press releases etc
I don’t go to the Zoo enough, and I really have no excuse it’s only about 3 miles from my house within walking distance. I love animals and they are fun to shoot. There were about 3 dozen people there when I arrived about 1:30PM. Winter rates $14; Trolley $2; I walked home.They don’t mind if I shoot them candidly or if their mouths are open,
tongue hanging out and drooling.
Remember making those shadow kangaroo ears or was it rabbit ears on the wall?
This is a panther, and these scary beasts can be found along the Western States, and Mexico.
Duck, duck, penguin (ok there’s only one duck in this picture)
Here’s the other duck (The zoo has a big bird cage, which is open air between two doors and a roof. The Docent told me that she has only been crapped on 5 times since August. Consider herself luck.
Cat nip. I swear a minute before this the kid was running up and down passed the glass enclosure and that panther was following his every move. The family thought it was funny, I’m sure the panther thought it as it’s food was teasing her. I had my video camera rolling just in case the pather could break through the netting.
The squirrel monkeys were fascinated by their tails. This one is playing hide and seek.
The other polar bear was lying in the grass. She didn’t want anything to do with the snow.
Kiss me once, kiss me twice, kiss me once again. Tomorrow night Valentine Comes to the Reading Terminal. We have a winner for the ticket. Next up the Flower Show tickets. I have about 10 people who guessed Bette Midler was from Hawaii. Do you know what next year’s theme for the Flower show is? That drawing will be decided Monday. Then we have The Bellevue gets Engaged contest. Ck on the link for info and tickets. It’s a fun event.
nice
Parrot
Don King inspired no doubt

Adorable!! Friday touch up at the salon.
Last night while I was eating a Kokopelli Restaurant and Tequila Bar (They’re a new PhillyChitChat.com advertiser so note the live link cause it’s a benefit when you’re an advertiser.) Any who I had too much delicious coffee there and am rambling. But last night while I was at dinner, tennis great Andre Agassi was speaking at The Wharton School of Business and then had dinner at Pod.
I have 5 fingers. Yep we originated from apes I believe. Of course god created those apes, so please no letters or emails.
I spoke to Thom Cardwell last night. He tells me that the Prince Theater’s Oscar Viewing Party was canceled because the guys from Comcast couldn’t run a cable to broadcast the show on the large screen in the theater. I don’t know of any Oscar Viewing Parties this year, and that’s a shame.
Person on cell phone nature is occurring right under your nose and you are missing it
Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks to my sponsors & advertisers: PIFA, The Corner, Del Frisco’s, Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars(43 more days til competition!!), CTO Band who was just voted best wedding band 2011 by The Knot, and The Sporting Club.

In the Shadow of City Hall there is a Church where all of God’s people can come and celebrate his life: Arch Street United Methodist Church is a community of faith-keeping and faith-seeking people who embrace diversity in our congregation and community, and affirm the dignity and worth of every person as created in the image of God. We celebrate and give thanks for all of the gifts of God among us. Our welcome knows no boundaries, whether of age, racial or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, economic or marital status, or physical or mental ability. We welcome all to share in the ministry, fellowship, and blessings of full participation as members of Christ’s body.
And every Sunday Grace Cafe* operates in the basement of the Church from 5:30PM to 7:30PM featuring local musicians, a simple meal and shared stories. All of the congregation’s neighbors, especially center city’s most vulnerable citizens, those currently experiencing homelessness, are welcome to attend, volunteer and share their talent.
A few weeks back I visited Grace’s Cafe when my friend Andrew Heckenberger came to prepare his monthly meal for the homeless and hungry a volunteer job that he had taken on a year earlier. Each week Grace’s Cafe has church groups, students from area colleges, and other volunteers come in and make dinner for the 100 – 140 guests that come for Dinner.
Rev. Reinhard Kruse and his wife Sue review material with Annie Heckenberger, Andrews sister. Rev Kruse told me that Grace’s Cafe used to be a homeless shelter, but years ago the City limited it’s use because of certain rules and regulations, then finally because of funding. He and others decided to hold holiday meals for some of societies outcasts, and then it grew into every Sunday. He said the men and women who come for dinner aren’t looking for anything fancy and are just grateful to have a home cooked meal and some sense of normalcy. Andrew made their favorite meatloaf, scalloped potatoes and then cookies for dessert.

It takes a village to feed 100 to 150 homeless and hungry people every Sunday. On this particular Sunday we had Annie Heckenberger and Andrew Heckenberger; every Sunday you will find Rev. Reinhard Kruse his wife Sue Seated:Ken Dorsey in the middle and Raymond Wilson on the right. Next week it can be you helping out. Send them an email and volunteer, it will be rewarding.

There are several volunteer opportunities that will support the Grace Cafe ministry:

1. Volunteers arrive at 5:00PM to set up the room; prep and set out the food.

2. Volunteers provide a hot meal for about 100 guests. Coffee, tea and other beverages are provided by ASUMC.

3. Volunteers provide musical or other entertainment for at least a 1/2 hour.

4. Volunteers collect and deliver blankets and toiletries for distribution.

5. Volunteers meet, greet and share with Grace Cafe guests during the Sunday Evening program.

6. Volunteers assist with distributing flyers announcing the program on Sunday Evenings from 5PM to 6PM.

7. Volunteers with graphic arts skills are needed to develop posters, flyers and other materials that promote the program.

Parking is available on Broad Street during Sunday Evenings and by arrangement at other times through the church office (215) 568 6250. Volunteering at Grace Cafe is a great way to gain first-hand knowledge of homelessness – its root causes and sustainable solutions.

Contact the church office at secretary@archstreetumc.org to schedule your volunteer adventure!

Last night, dozens of chefs from 40-some restaurants competed in the Philly Magazine sponsored benefit for the Ronald McDonald House at the Crystal Tea Room in Center City.I had been across town covering another event which I will write about next week. Also I wanna thank all the people I ran into at PhillyCooks that 1) tell me they read me 2) wished me luck in my new venture. I’m definitely more busy now than I ever was when I worked a full time job. Last night I wrote about a contest where I am giving away 2 tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show. I think my question was too hard. It’s Drew Becher worked for Bette Midler at the NY Restoration Project. What state was Bette born; then you will know the theme for next year’s show. Send me your name & email and I will enter you in a contest for the pair of tickets, which I will draw next Tuesday.
Racing in to catch the last hour I ran into my good friends Dan and Hadas Kuznits, the newly engage, butterfly in the belly couple. Everyone should be in love as much as those two, especially when you are about to do the “I Do’s” months away. With them is Waylon Nelson, GM of G Lounge. Saturday night is the THIRD ANNIVERSARY. You know what that means, it’s the unofficial beginning of PhillyChitChat cause it was at their opening I met Nicole Cashman who introduced me and invited me to all the right parties, and well here I am doing PhillyChitChat full time and averaging 7,000 readers a day. Mind blowing to me cause I feel like I’m just writing HughE’s Curiosity Blog.
Toby and Ken Mallin are flanked by my friends Roberta and Rob Kitchenoff. Rob and I used to work at Kohn, Swift & Graf years ago when I first became a paralegal. Now he has his own firm Weinstein Kitchenoff & Asher LLC.
Following a sold-out event in 2010, Philly Cooks! 2011 will takes on a fresh new look, showcase the talents of some fresh new chefs, and promise a fresh new experience! Decorations were done by the fabulous Brian Kappra’s Evantine and the lighting by Eventions Light and Sound.

As in previous years, the area’s top chefs will competed for Dish of the Year, Best Appetizer, Best Entree and Best Dessert–and guests snacked on their award-winning dishes during the event as judges such as Marilyn Russell, BenFM, Collin Keefe, Grubstreet, Marc Summers, Tom McGrath, Philadelphia Magazine Editor, Top Chef Kevin Sbraga, Katie Cavuto, Heathly Bites, and Arthur Etchells, Foobooz judge the many dishes on plating and taste in the Judging Room. Bummer I completely missed saying hi to some of my friends.
But I did run into a few new ones out on the main dining room. I’ve eaten at Ladder 15 a handful of times and enjoyed Chef David Ansill many delicious dishes, but I never tried the Squid “en su tento” which he had last night. It was good, the plating was superb, but I do prefer my squid fried with ketchup. Jennifer Brown and Miranda Paullin complete this picture.Davis Langhorne and Patrick English of Flemings Steakhouse. You know the folks who helped me raise $6000 in my sisters name for Gilda’s Club. Love them, please support them, plus their food is yummy.
Don’t take my word for it, Sister Mary Paula, IHM told me that her favorite dish came from Fleming’s Steak House and that’s no lie. She also liked the Chocolate Cake from Moshulu, as did her friends Anne and Judy Wilson.
Heather Flemke and Karen Forster from the Restaurant School
In love, but not with each other Barry Garozzo and Amanda Shoffel (they’re BF’s) but they love PhillyChitChat.com and read it everyday; they told me they were excited to try all the dishes from the various restaurants at Philly Cooks, but were more excited to meet the guys from PhillyChitChat since “they always shoot the PhillyMag parties,” and they’re right I do. Thanks you made my day.
Love Connection: I hope these two exchanged numbers the sparks were flying and why not? Chef Jason Cichonski and Tracy Seng, Marketing Director of Philadelphia Magazine. Jason tells me that he is excited for “Mica”, which he is working on with Blackfish’s Chip Roman. (& No matter how many drinks I plied the duo with neither could give me the specific opening date, but I did hear them mutter something about 3 weeks, but not from yesterday, a Wednesday.) Jason then told me to look for his near Center City restaurant to open sometime late summer or Fall. He has the place, but he’s committed to the Mica restaurant and is learning a lot from Chip.
Sandra Va and Chuck Peruto. Chuck was out the door as he had to get back to the office to do some work. But don’t feel sorry for him, he lives the life jetting off to Miami at least twice a month to enjoy the summer sun.
Chrissy Bunting, Mike Recchivta, Sean Albright, Carly Subashi, Kate Coffman and Chris Samaras (No doubt I butcherd this names as I couldn’t read their writing.)
Tobi Russeck and Tom Schaffling. They both enjoyed the Finley Catering for the Crystal Tea Room Risotto Ball with Red Bell Pepper and the Dining Car’s Apple Walnut Pie.
Imogen Pierce, Meghan Delaney and Jenn Condo. Jenn’s going to Ireland in less than 14days and is ecstatic.
Marian Conicella, Publisher of Philadelphia Magazine announces the judges winners of Philly Cooks
El Rey – Best Appetizer, Blackfish – Dish of the Year, Moshulu – Best Dessert, Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar won for Best Entree
Dish of the Year – Blackfish – Chip Roman – Hiramasa Sashimi Style
Best Entree – Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar – Pan Seared West Coast Halibut with Soba Noodles and Asian Vegtables with Miso Broth.
Best Appetizer – El Rey’s – Ravioles Aquacate y Cangrejo (advacado with crab meat.)
Best Dessert – Moshulu – Michael Cluizel Chocolate Espresso Torte (Last year they won Best Dish for a scallop dish.)
Tracy Mitchell, Jamie Gordon (Realtor not the PR girl), Barbara Mulckhouse and Brigit Brish
Colleen McGovern, Advertising Sales Assistant at Philadelphia Magazine, Alana Tosti (A true beauty junkie with a flair for dramatically high heels or at least that’s what her Twitter account says.) and Jennifer Lubas
Michelle Slicer, Catherine Wilkins and Kim Cox lounging in the Mercedes Lounge
with spouses Gary Cox, Mike Wilkins and Dave Slicer. Gary’s currently the Sales Operations Manager at Mercedes Benz USA. I think I know what his wife wants for her birthday.
The Winner’s Circle: Tammy Nixon, Nestle Waters, Chef Jason Cichonski, Chef Chip Roman, and Julie Hixon, Pharma
If you want to find out which dishes the guests of last night’s parties thought were the best check out www.Foobooz.com today for the results.

Celebrity Sipping: Rasheed Wallace enjoying a drink in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton Friday night. Unlike Russell Simmons the week before, he wasn’t making out with his girlfriend.

Bunking at the Ritz-Carlton ahead of his concert at the Academy Music was Little Pink Houses John Mellencamp. No word on whether his new squeeze Meg Ryan was with him, but I did hear no press was allowed to shoot his concert.

Congrats: To Miss Philadelphia Andrea Helfrich for landing a job at Fox 29 as a producer. Perfect for her as she is as sweet as can be.

Also super news: Phillies pitcher Kyle Kenderick and wife Survivor Stephenie are expecting their first child in September.

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Where Magazine, The Shops at Liberty Place and The Pennsylvania Horticultural co-host kick-off party for SPRINGTIME IN PARIS
The 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show will transport visitors to the City of Light with this year’s theme: “Springtime in Paris” from March 6-13. (The City and many of it’s cultural events have been inspired by the upcoming Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts which kicks off April 8th. The Kimmel Center is the epicenter of events as well as another EIFFEL TOWER which will put on a LIGHT SHOW. Twice nightly spectacle with 6,000 light bulbs brings the 81 foot Eiffel Tower and Plaza to life in a dazzling light and sound show. Kimmel Center Plaza April 8 – May 1, 7 PM and 10 PM)
Last night Laura Burkhardt, Publisher Where Magazine, and Drew Becher, President, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society greet their guests and concierge to their preview party at the Shops of Liberty Place. The concierge represent many of the hotels in Philadelphia. They are the front line to the visitors who come to our City, many who during the first week in March will be attending the Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Therese Farrow and Leslie Adam both of Swarovski crystal at The Shops of Liberty Place. I was just at the Walnut Street Theater Monday night, and it was pointed out to me that the scounces in the theater are Swarovski crystal beads. They are really beautiful.
Britt Hansen, Joelle Gordon, Jenna Coleman, Janice Waitkus from Lagos. This year Steven Lagos has created a one-of-a-kind pendant for the Phila Flower Show.
Tanya Teece and Carol Tamburino stop by on their way to dinner.

Janet Lynn, Nick Pytel and Lisa Willis are from the PHS and looking forward to a very busy week. On Friday they literally pack up their offices and move to the convention center for the next two week to be on site for all things flower show.

During the Flower Show there will be special themed nights:
VIP and Special Events at the Show Preview Dinner Cocktails – Black Tie Gala, March 5
Monday Night OUT – LGBT night, March 7th
Young Professionals Night – networking, cocktails and Flower Show ticket, March 8
Happy Hour & Restaraunt Discount Night – March 9
Girls Night Out – goodie bag, food, drink and free samples, March 10
QVC at the Flower Show – March 10th
Family Nights – March 11th and 12th
Girl Scouts Day – March 13th
Daniel Minnucci, Bryan Hoffman, Jill Scarlett, Marketing Director at Cushman & Wakefield and Patrick Neiland. The guys are all from Hoffman Designs.
Anna Schneider and Caitlin Challender from 1682 restaurant in the Palomar Hotel
The economic impact of the Philadelphia International Flower Show extends much longer than the eight-day event and far beyond the walls of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year, a new study conducted by the audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG LLP found that the Flower Show provides an economic benefit to the Greater Philadelphia region of more than $61 million.
The ladies of Style of Men Left to Right: Frannie Giordano, Alaina Riccardi, Therese Farrow and Leslie Adam, the later two both of Swarovski Crystals at The Shops of Liberty Place
Bruno Pouget and Noble American Cookery at 2025 Sansom served up a delicious spread
Which Matthew Connelly gave it a thumbs up. With him is Mr Philadelphia, Al Lee from the Visitor Center on the left.Molly Doran and Maria Hatzivaslis. QVC will be doing a live broadcast from the Flower Show this year. Did you know that QVC was the third highest plant seller after Home Depot and Loews? (hmm that could have been a good contest trivia question.)
Daniel Minnucci, GPTMC’s Jim Werner, Mike Sheridan and Lisa Willis, PHS Marketing
Glen Pappa’s Teresita Lutiz, Club Quarters, Scott Persuhn, Linda
Bruce Shannon, FMP Media and Michelle Shannon, Michelle Shannon, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of the Center City District, which celebrates it’s 20th year this year. Don’t they do a fantastic job?
Speaking of which my bud Greta Greenberger, Tour Director of City Hall. I think I mentioned to you that I would be giving tours at lunch time beginning in March. I will tell you whether the magic day is Tuesday or Wednesday and right Kristin Jenkins, Editor of Where Magazine.
Rick Mollineaux, DM Where Magazine, with the Palomar’s Nick Gregory and Sean Flannigan. I just saw the trailer for Limitless while watching the 11 O’Clock news on NBC10 (of course). A couple scenes were filmed at the Palomar. I chatted about it once on The Scene, it was a pillow fight. Can’t wait to see it. Comes out March 18. Thanks to Fathom, Chik-Fil-A, Rick’s Steaks, Brown Betty for the snacks too.
Kelly Waters, Carlene Pochette, and Jenna Coleman;
Flower Show Preview Party
Saturday, March 5, 2011
6:00 pm
Advance registration required ■ Open to the public and members
Pennsylvania Convention Center | 12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA Click here to purchase tickets! Michelle Waters, Director of corporate travel for the Sofitel Hotel and Vincent Vienne, Manager, Sofitel Philadelphia. It was back on 11/22/10 that the PHS announced the theme of the 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show ”Springtime in Paris” at the Sofitel Hotel. (Another Contest: Send your name to buzz at PhillyChitChat.com with the name of Drew Becher’s last boss and the state in which she was born in (Psst which is the theme for next year’s flower show, don’t tell anyone.) From all the correct answers I will draw a name on Monday. You have to be able to pick up the gift bag at my location across from the Art Museum. The gift bag includes discounts to some of the Shops at Liberty Place, a couple of interesting things, as well a PAIR OF TICKETS to the Flower Show to be used any day. If this is too hard, and I don’t receive any responses, I will give a hint tomorrow.)
(This post is sponsored by Where Magazine, The Shops of Liberty Place, Phila Flower Show and PIFA; please support them as they support us.)

CoverPuppy, a New iPhone Application, Gives Your Puppy 15 Minutes of Fame.

Take a picture of your pooch, choose a magazine cover and share through social media

PHILADELPHIA, PA– ChatterBlast Labs, the Philadelphia-based mobile application division of ChatterBlast Media, is pleased to announce the release of their first iPhone application: CoverPuppy. Priced at $1.99 on iTunes, CoverPuppy showcases proud pet-owners’ darlings doing something precious! You’ve already been showing off your furry friends online, here is the chance to really make them shine.

“Everyone loves pictures of dogs doing something cute,” said ChatterBlast Labs founder and principal Evan Urbania. “CoverPuppy is another avenue to give pooches some caché and to share it with your friends via social media.”

How does CoverPuppy work? It’s incredibly simple! Capture a memorable moment of your pup or select an existing photo from your phone’s camera roll. Next, input your dog’s name. Choose from 6 different mock-magazine covers, which include titles like Vanity Fur and Bone Appétit, complete with funny headlines and articles. Then save your new CoverPuppy and share it via email, Facebook or Twitter!

Along with all this furry fun, CoverPuppy is a small way for you and your pooch can give back to the canine community. A portion of the proceeds from each purchase will go to the ASPCA to help fight animal cruelty in the United States.

“We want dog lovers to have fun with their companions and show them off to their friends,” explained Urbania. “But we also want to help all dogs by supporting efforts that protect their well being.”

CoverPuppy can be found in the iTunes App Store in the Entertainment category.

For more information go to www.coverpuppy.com. – Makes me want to buy a dog, if only my condo allowed it. I don’t want to end up in court like Brent & Susie Celek.