September feels like a New Year. The Fall Social Season is in full bloom. I am booked through October, people are excited to be out. I haven’t seen any trees changing colors yet, but just as the door closed on summer, in a matter of moments the leaves will be falling, sweater season will be here, and Halloween. Which brings me to today’s event. The Loews Hotel 6th Annual Bourbon Bash in Center City, where I asked several guests if they’re in the fall mood yet…
Executive Chefs, Thomas Harkins and Joe Thomas (c) and their staff of Bank and Bourbon at the 6th Annual Bourbon Bash inside Loews Hotel Philadelphia, Wednesday, September 07, 2022.
Executive Chefs Thomas Harkins and Joe Thomas’ prepared some of his signature dishes including Corn Cakes with Tomato Marmalade, Beef Tartare on Crispy Fingerling Potato, west coast oysters; dry-aged steak; blackened Sixty South Salmon and Crab Fritters with Spicy Remoulade.
Proceeds from Bourbon Bash benefit DonorsChoose.org, an organization that supports educational needs and programs in the Tri-State area. Over the 5 years, Bank & Bourbon has donated over $50,000 in supplies to our local school teachers and students to improve the quality of education and touched over 15,000 students!
Jabari Cherry, Jasmine Armstrong and Sheryl Brown of Visit Philly
Alicia Dannibale, admitted that she is ready for the cooler weather and has put out pumpkin decor in the home as a first step, and Chris Angelis
Greg and Rachel Georges were looking forward to enjoying another Bank & Bourbon meal. Rachel told me she is ready for the autumn season and when September 1 arrived she put out her pumpkin candles.
Trinh and Troy
Welcome Andrew Kozak to Philly. He started this past week as the new meteorologist.
Ready for Pumpkin season!!
Featured bourbons will be from Beam-Suntory and include brands such as Bakers, Bookers, Old Overholt Bonded, Basil Hayden, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Maker’s Mark 46, and Knob Creek, among others.
Josh Moore (Josh East Philly )and Tom DeStefano. Not only have they had multiple pumpkin spice coffees, but the duo already have strung the holiday lights at their new home.
The Peanut and Butter Jelly Crunch Popsicle are ones I will be dreaming about….
Bank & Bourbon features an innovative barrel-aging program for house-aged liquors and creative cocktails under the guidance of our experienced Bourbon Masters, and an inherently American menu by Chef Joe Thomas that offers creative, seasonal interpretations of classic dishes – all in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
Jen Su featured in September’s Philly Style as the Dynamic Women headline, in the new issue with actress Natalie Portman on the cover. 34 Women of Style are featured in the issue. “I’m very honored to be one of the Dynamic Women in this month’s Philly Style,” exclaimed Su. “It’s been amazing to re-discover my city of birth after being away for the last three decades and I’ve met so many inspiring personalities through Philly Style’s fabulous events. The magazine photo shoot was held at the Guild House, and I’m thankful to the many people who came together for the shoot, including photographer Phil Kramer, my stylist Ayumi Perry and Philly designer Ahmad Essa, who designed my gown of silk, tulle, and crystal embellishments.”
Philly girl Jen Su celebrated her birthday month with a debut in September’s Philadelphia Style Magazine, a red carpet appearance at the MTV VMAs, and a party at The Capital Grille in King of Prussia organized by friends last week.
Jen Su in Ayumi Perry latex gown with Sue Moerder Chain Design and Jagged Halo X Ayumi Perry jewelry
Su, who was on the red carpet at last night’s 2022 MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, has been on the forefront of celebrity news and interviews, in her work as a style and entertainment reporter for the Sunday Times and SABC3 Expresso Morning Show in South Africa. At last night’s ceremony, hosted by LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow, Su wore a black patent latex dress by Ayumi Perry adorned with silver chain couture and oversized tassels by Philly designer Sue Moerder Skull Art. “What’s amazing is that these chains are crafted from recycled basketball hoops, dog leashes, and other materials. I loved the edginess of the outfit and it was perfect for the VMA red carpet.”
Last week at a party at The Capital Grille in King of Prussia Su celebrated her birthday, her feature in Philadelphia Style Magazine, and the return of “red carpet” events in our area as well as nationally.
Guests dressed in red for good luck, enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and sang happy birthday as a fabulous cake was brought out adorned with 5 candles.
Fabulous females celebrated Jen Su at The Capital Grille included newly-crowned Mrs. Classic Universe Jennifer Lynn Robinson; Philly Style reporter and philanthropist Allison Weiss Brady; CEO of Embellish Beauty Marcia Williams; TV host Nicolette Brycki; Philly Socialite Melissa Leonard and daughter Madison Leonard; CEO of The Judge Group Marty Judge; real estate personality Donna Coghlan; celebrity stylist Ayumi Perry; TV producer Antoine Johnson; and television host Paul Rimar, of The Ri Show debuting on September 11th on the CW in Philadelphia.
Melissa Leonard and her daughter Madison Leonard
Nicolette Brycki, Jen Su and Allison Brady
Born in the Philadelphia suburbs of Jenkintown as Jennifer Tsou, Su graduated from Abington Senior High School, the University of Pennsylvania, and was a Rotary Scholar and Paul Harris Fellow. After graduation, she embarked on a 30-year career abroad, as a professional singer in Taiwan, a television news anchor in Bangkok, Hong Kong, South Africa, and fashion news personality in Shanghai, China.
Philly actor and model Jalen Hoang with his mother Lynn, along with chairman and Founder of the Judge Group, Martin E. Judge, Jr.
In addition to her entertainment work with South Africa, Su has been a fashion and style commentator for Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia. She has also been on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Film Society, helping to promote education and outreach to diverse communities through film and the arts – with the upcoming Philadelphia Film Festival from October 20-30.
Reporter and media correspondent Afea Tucker captures the scene as Katie Kupstas looks on.
Jen Su’s son, Michael Levin (pictured center, holding sign) with fellow Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Parkway Run and Walk ambassadors as well as then-coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Doug Pederson, and his wife Jeannie, in August 2019. After two years held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CHOP Parkway Run and Walk will be held in-person for the first time again on September 25, 2022 in Philadelphia. Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2017 and had been in a wheelchair after suffering Avascular Necrosis.
On Halloween of 2017, Su’s then 13 year-old son Michael fell ill suddenly with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia T-Cell. “Michael became pale, started vomiting, and a terrible dark rash, known as petechiae, developed on his legs.” After the shocking cancer diagnosis, she airlifted her son to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“He was incredibly ill and he was rushed to the pediatric ICU when we got to CHOP,” she explained. “With the clock ticking down, I left with the clothes on my back and we departed with a medical team from International SOS overnight. I’m truly grateful to Dr. Stephen Hunger (Head of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) for saving my son’s life.”
Her son, who also spent eight months in a wheelchair due to Avascular Necrosis, has finally begun walking again and is in remission after years of chemotherapy and treatment. “September 25th is the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Parkway Run and Walk, and Michael has been an Ambassador for the hospital. I applaud all the kids who have organized teams to raise funds for CHOP.”
Congratulations Jen Su on all your accomplishments, philanthropy and future endeavors. Philadelphia is lucky to have you back!! Plus I love see all you do in the celebrity world and all the world red carpet.
Pictured left to right: Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony Watlington, President Lorina Marshall-Blake, and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney at the launch event for the 2022 Back to School Tour.
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) President Lorina Marshall-Blake joined Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony Watlington and Mayor Jim Kenney at the Northeast High School Sports Complex on August 5 to promote the District’s Back-to-School Tour.
Funded in part by the Foundation, the Tour will provide critical back-to-school information, free school supplies, and other student and family services, including free required childhood immunizations. The Foundation’s support underscores its focus on promoting greater health equity in our region, especially for youth in vulnerable parts in the city. The Foundation supported the first Tour in 2021.
Also onsite was the Eagles Eye Mobile, a long-time Foundation grant recipient, which has visited approximately 120 schools across the Greater Philadelphia area since 1996. The program provides free vision screenings, eye exams, and prescription glasses accessible to under-insured and uninsured children.
Thanks to everyone involved in this program, helping children and families get ready for a new school year. Thanks Independence Blue Cross Foundation for being a sponsor.
It was a sweet day for all those involved. Welcome Back to School, teachers start Wednesday and children on Monday. Also the Office of Children and Families (OCF) provided an update on Out-of-School Time (OST) and other programming in advance of the return to school.
Imagine yourself living in a gem of a house where every day lived is a “Resort Style Staycation” This unique house features 5 Open Spaces and 5 Large Bedrooms with 2.5 Bathrooms in South Philly, has breathtaking views of the neighborhood and the Center City skyline.
This newly built exquisitely designed home, crafted using only the finest materials with modern finishes, features open living spaces which flow nicely into each other.
Staging can really help you determine the kind of furnishings you’d want in your home
The open floor plan has the dining room looking towards the living room towards the front door
Not often seen in a South Philly home, a sun room.
The open kitchen design integrateswith the rest of the home. The layout has less walls and more open space that is dedicated to both function and showcase on the first floor.
The bedrooms several windows and have plenty of natural light.
The front bedrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor open into balconies, large enough to have a few chaise/ beach chairs to relax, unwind, sunbathe, or entertain a group of 10-12 guests on each balcony.
The owners suite
The home has 2 full baths, and a powder room on the first floor.
There’s a full finished basement with a large laundry room, giving you the flexibility to utilize the basement space as your personal Yoga Studio, Game Room, Home Office, or Guest entertainment.
Private backyard, large enough to host a party of 25+ guests.
The house also features a 100 Sq. Ft. of Pure Black Granite Accent Wall with a Gas Fireplace, and special imported LED Lights in the Dining room, Kitchen, and bathrooms. Ring Doorbell & Rear Camera with Sensor. Google Nest Thermostat. Hard Wood Floors in the entire house, Energy Efficient Samsung Stainless Steel Appliances.
Most importantly, a Full 10 Year Tax Abatement. Unlike most other houses in the market offering partial or prorated Tax abatement, this house offers a full 10 Year Tax Abatement.
1723 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA 19146 The FULL LISTING and information can be found HERE!!
Yesterday I got lots of questions about what was filming on Broad Street.
It’s @appletv movie about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after he assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. It is called Manhunt; (sometimes you’ll see signs that say PAX. That threw me off at First. But I walked around the block and peered into windows of vehicles. Cause that’s what we do here at Phillychitchat, we turn every stone over until we’re satisfied) filming through July 2 at the Miller theater formally known as the Marian theater @kimmelculturalcampus I went by last night around 10PM and saw a lot of extras mingling about outside in black period piece clothing.
“Manhunt” is a true crime series based on the events of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and the book “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer” by James Swanson. Menzies stars as Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s War Secretary and friend, who was driven nearly to madness by the need to catch Booth (Boyle) and to carry out Lincoln’s legacy. (source)
Naeemah Johnson a licensed cosmetologist known for setting trends and styling tresses since the tender age of 17 celebrated her first year in business with a cocktail reception at her Ardmore Salon and Spa , Nbeauty INC Hair Skin Body. Naeemah also has a place in Philly at 3933 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Karen Cox and Jen Su
Guests enjoyed lite bites and cocktails as technicians demonstrated the NBeauty brand signature hair and skin care product line.
Afea Tucker and Michelle Conron
Guests at opening of Nbeauty Inc
Jada Kent; Alexis Campbell; Naaemah Johnson; and Anisa Johnson
Johnson’s work has been published in numerous trade and hair magazines. She’s been interviewed for expert advice for national networks like BET.
The full-service salon and spa have expert cosmetologists and estheticians on staff that specialize in advanced skin treatments, extensions, hair and lash extensions, and hair coloring and styling.
Traci Hilton and Anitra Small
Nbeauty INC Hair Skin Body. Stop by and pay us a visit at, 3933 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132. or 6 Greenfield Ave. Ardmore , PA 19003 Thanks Talya Hailey for shooting this event.
Hollywood came to Philly last night at the Philadelphia Film Center on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 as Adam Sandler, Kenny Smith, Juancho Hernangomez walked the red carpet for the screening of Hustle, directed by Philly’s own Jeremiah Zagar (I saw his first film, it was about his dad mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar and mom Julia, about 12 years ago.)
Judy Sandler and son, actor Adam Sandler
Speaking of mom’s, Adam brought his mom Judy Sandler to the screening in Philly, which brought all the headline attention from around the globe to the Philly showing of Hustle, which had already screened in LA and NYC. Thanks Adam!!
Actor/basketball player Juancho Hernangómez hugs director of Hustle Jeremiah Zagar
Adam Sandler and Jeremiah Zagar, Director of Hustle
Billy King, former general manager of the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers
Hustle is streaming on Netflik’s now. I would definitely watch it again, if not for the story, which was fun, and funny, but the co-star PHILADELPHIA was beautiful!!! – movie review
Tierra Whack, a Philadelphia Rapper who makes a cameo in Hustle.
Tobias Harris and Jasmine Winton
Speaking for Tobias Harris, his BFF operates Crumbl Cookies in Wynnewood, earlier this week actor Rupert Grint stopped by for a few treats. (Last night he was spotted at Lola’s Garden. My friends tells me he posed for a few photos with fans, but mostly enjoyed his meal) He’s in the area finishing up M. Night Shyamalan movie “Knock at the Cabin”, which is filming mostly in the Philly burbs, although they have filmed a few times in South Philly. I haven’t done my normal sleuthing as I’ve been overwhelmed with the very hot, hot social season which is happening right now.
Speaking of hot, around town guy Kevin McKeown (l) ran into actors Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge near Rittenhouse Square yesterday. They’re also here for Night’s movie “Knock on the Cabin”, which had it’s wrap party Saturday night at Harper’s Garden sources tell me. The film wraps this upcoming Friday. Maybe Groff will stop by the Bike Stop again for a farewell drink?
Aldo Lamberti and family are proud to introduce and unveil the new Positano Coast in Old City, Philadelphia. The award-winning Italian and seafood restaurant, bar, lounge, event space and outdoor dining destination has been renovated inside from top to bottom.
I had a chance to go the other day, which was not a twist your arm kinda thing as it is one of my favorite restaurants, and the Lamberti family is like family. They make everyone feel that way. I love all their places, but the new space, the new menu wow so good. It’s like a new restaurant opening. I had never had the veal chop, it was delicious. Yes I ate this whole thing. Yes I know, I am mostly plant based, but as my friends will testify not out, usually. There were good vegetarian options as well but when I saw someone nearby order this beauty, it was all over.
Danielle Avarez, Sip on What and Toi Storr, Toi Time
Congrats to Danielle who recently got engaged. She met her beau at one of these Kory Aversa media/influencer events I’ve been told.
Nothing says spring like Lilly and a nice yellow sweater.
I thought I’d have fun tonight while covering this event. I asked guests “Do you sleep with your phone?” I am guilty. I know, radiation. No good reason except I’m too lazy to put it on the end table, plus I wake up and I am always curious of the time. Not much else. I also go to sleep with my ear pods in either listening to the news, Luther Vandross, or some scary podcast. Yes I have interesting dreams. Chelsea tells me she does not sleep with her phone in HER BED EVER!!! She stressed!! Penny sleeps with it right her head, in bed, to my relief. I see Penny and I have other things in common too. Love that Veal girl.
GNOCCHI 24 potato dumplings, cream of zucchini, lemon zest was Chelsea’s dish. A new menu item.
George Bank ,Laura Swartz, Kelly Meerbott and Ernest Owens
George, and Laura both sleep with their phones. Leadership and Team Development Coach Kelly doesn’t, and she probably recommends that to her clients I imagine. Congratulations to Ernest Owens who revealed his book cover “The Case for Cancel Culture” the other day, he says when he is asleep, the phone is in the other room. Now that is disconnecting.
Rachel Viggiano, @rach_ontheradio sleeps with her phone under her pillow. Mario LoVerde, @mano__loverde on the bedside, Dhruvi Shah @dhruvii__S under her pillow and Vybar Hiraesave @why_be_10 on the nightstand.
Davida Janae @vidafashionista is an under the pillow gal as her phone also acts as a baby monitor and she wants to know Cora is alright at all times.
Compatible: PHL Date Night Francesca Geonnotti with friend Anastasia Geomotti are definite no’s on sleeping with their phones.
Ray only lets Miguel sleep in the bed, but the phone is nearby to keep abreast of news on his Rebuild Philly projects. Happy Birthday Sunday to Alex Holley, who jetted off with friends to a tropical location for non-stop celebrations with the gals.
Josh Moore @josheatsphilly, Rebecca Neckritz @phillyfoodladies and Kaitlyn McLaughlin @phlmyplate
For more about the new menu and the history, visit https://www.positanocoast.net/. For reservations visit Open Table or call 215-238-0499.
Good Monday morning. I hope you had a fantastic weekend. It seems a bit cooler this spring, but the beautiful colors have inspired all of us to go out and enjoy the day. Folks have been writing me to ask what is currently being built on the Art Museum Steps, it’s The Philadelphia Show (4/29 – 5/1)
Guess who I just met todayyyy! Rupert Grint (aka Ron Weasley) from “Harry Potter”! He’s gonna be in town for a little while cuz he’s filming a new movie. So, I was at the zoo, checking out the red pandas and all of a sudden, him, his girlfriend, and their baby were right next to me, checking out the red pandas too! I saw Rupert and I thought to myself “No. freaking. way. Rupert Grint’s actually here! And he’s right next to me!” (Instagram)
Rupert Grint has been in town for a bit of time filming M Night’s popular Apple TV series Servant, which is filming it’s final season, season 4. I just finished watching season 3 on Apple and am shook, can’t wait for season 4. Night has stopped production on Servant at episode 6 to begin filming his new movie “Knock at the Cabin”, starring Grint, Dave Bautista and Nikki Amuka-Bird. He will resume filming Servant in mid summer I was told, where he will film at his custom studio in Garnett Valley as well as on location on the 2100 block of Spruce Street. As I wrote on my Instagram 3/16/22, filming for Knock at the Cabin will be done in the Philly area, as well as in South NJ my sources tell me.
Say it ain’t so. Shakespeare & Co. has lost it lease and is now looking for space? What a unique bookstore. Sad to see it has to move. With all the empty store fronts the landlord couldn’t work on keeping them here? Such nice owners and staff too. Hope they find a suitable location.
Carl Dranoff, CEO of Dranoff Properties, in one of the sample units at Arthaus, a luxury condo building in Center City is located along the famed Avenue of the Arts directly across the street from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Arthaus and Boyd‘s partnered together to accessorize the home with clothing and compliments to complete the look of a lived in home. A reception was held to showcase the newly finished units, accessories and the nearly finished luxurious residential apartment building.
The Arthaus building Model is located in one of the finished units
Designed by internationally acclaimed architect A. Eugene Kohn , the residential building contains 108 condominiums in the 47-story, 524-foot-high tower and will be the tallest building on Broad Street.
Nick Pytel and Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Avenue of the Arts
Josh Moore and Tom DeStefano
Missy Dietz and Steffani Bronstein of Boyds
Cindy Floyd, Paul Floyd, Janna Wolf and Bill Yang
Joseph Prim, Jeanne Prim and Dianne Semingson, Board President for the Avenue of the Arts
Michael Toub and Kristyn Aldrich
I saw this area at night, so a photo didn’t do it justice. What a beautiful outdoor space.
The Italian Mosaic behind the front desk was shipped over from Italy. It is gorgeous.
After harvesting your crops you can prepare them for dinner.
Arthaus is a beautiful addition to the residential scene in Philadelphia, and the capstone of the Avenue of the Arts.
