Here we are the last Friday of the unofficial end of Summer. It really went by fast, right? Before I set out on our weekend trip, I thought I’d post a few events, and news on the sale of a local LGBTplus bar to a group of philanthropic gentlemen who own two of the most popular water holes in the City, popular piano sing a long, dance bar Tavern on Camac, and UBar, where the bartenders are good listeners.
One of the exciting additions to happen to the Philly skyline is the lighting of City Hall. Out of all the iterations over the last generation, this is definitely the best one. All 4 sides are lit, usually in white, but on special occasions like this one honor Philadelphia police.
There’s a lot of exciting news coming to the little screen in the fall.
How awesome Fox 29 is bringing back the weekend edition of “Good Day Philadelphia.” The show was a staple on the Saturday and Sunday before the pandemic, with Bill Anderson, who is concentrating on his Fox29 show “The Pulse” now.
Taking the helm is reporter Shaynah Ferreira “It’s a new day and a new era here @fox29philly. I’m happy to announce my promotion as the Anchor of the Weekend Morning Edition of Good Day Philadelphia. ☀️☕️” Shaynah wrote on her IG. Joining her will be reporter Marcus Espinoza and zany weather reporter Drew Anderson.
Begins Saturday starting September 14th at 8am, and Sunday September 15th.
Save The Date: You’re going to want to attend the STAND UP FOR FREEDOM fundraiser in support of Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta for Auditor General, not only because he’s the right guy for the job, but it’s going to be a laugh a minute with Wanda Sykes, Connor King, and Gov Shapiro. I kinda had a feeling he wasn’t going to be the VP contender as he committed to this event before the announcement of Walz.
I saw this nugget on Reddit, have the owners of Tavern on Camac, and UBar bought bad boy Tabu It would be great to have a redo on that place and bring it back to it’s Equus glory of the 1980s, when I frequented the place.
Thanks for the memories Summer of 2024. One of my favorite finds was Ike’s Famous Crabcakes on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Enjoyed a few meals there, this time with Michael Newmuis and Kevin Lessard.Mike Toub is in this photo but as a vegan he did not partake.
Speaking of the Mike Toub, we celebrated our 30th anniversary of our first date 7/10/94 (Married 5/24/2014). It’s been a blast. I never imagined the life I have, and can’t imagine a life without him. Lucky me.
It felt like an endless summer, one I thoroughly enjoyed spending about 6 weeks at the shore, mostly Margate & Longport. I spent every day with friends and family, really engaging in conversations and moments. I went bird watching, a lot. I ate too much. I spent at least a day in each of the beach towns from AC to Cape May – there are family exhibitions in both Sea Isle, where my mom grew up, and in Stone Harbor, where we summered as kids. Mike and I celebrated our birthdays in Wildwood Crest at Madison Resorts for a week in July, it was perfect despite the rain. I was so checked out I forgot to acknowledge the 17th anniversary of this blog, 07/07/07. I usually do a big fanfare here, but I was away.
I am ready to get back to work, covering Philly, shooting all kinds of events, and posting on a more regular basis on PhillyChitChat. I know, I promised before and broke that promise, but I’ve run into you, many readers telling me you missed my posts. (I will commit to 3 posts a week. And of course will be continuing with my three outlets Philly Mag, Philly Style and Main Line Today. The dailies CBSPhilly, Metro Philly and Philly Tribune. )
Speaking of Readers: I ran into a long time reader who mentioned he missed the blog, we were at The Happy Rooster , we were both supporting the iconic watering hole which suffered a lot of damage through a water main/steam break underground at 16th and Sansom. They need our support. Currently just the back bar is open, but they have tables set up on the sidewalk and street. There isn’t any food at this time, but I see people bring food while enjoying their favorite cocktail on the property. Hopefully the street construction will be done by December, in time for the new year and a newly renovated Happy Rooster. In the meantime please go out and support them.
Speaking of renovations: (I’ve been reporting on this story for the past 6 years.) Coming along beautifully is The Bellevue renovation. The hotel rooms are nearly complete, residents are moving in https://thebellevuephl.com/ and the new bridal suites on the second floor are currently under construction. The ballroom looks amazing on the 2nd floor.
I noticed the other day that the area where the Starbucks used to be housed has been returned to it’s 1912 splendor, and will now be part of of the entrance way to the new restaurant.
Mr. Edison coming soon. Couldn’t find any info on the internet, but it looks to be a restaurant and lounge located in the old Ralph Lauren store. (Definitely a swanky feel) A perfect location as it wraps around the NE corner of the building, and will have an entrance off of Walnut Street as well as a hotel lobby entrance.
The lobby is coming along nicely as well. (It’s beautiful) I am told that behind this wall is where the new hotel check in will be located. To the left is the old Palm restaurant, with some of Philly’s notable mugs still on the wall. I wonder if that will be the location of the hip, happening lounge the hotel is hoping to create when the renovations are complete. It’d be perfect, especially if they keep the caricatures of Jerry Blavat, Bradley Cooper, Mike Jerrick, Patti LaBelle, Nicole Miller, Geoff Gordon, Ron Rubin and moi overlooking the seating area.
Michelle Miller, of Ground Rittenhouse invited me to try out the NEW Sporting Club last week. We had joined about 15 years ago as well. I stopped working out when I came up with lots of excuses about time, but no more excuses. I signed as soon as I finished.
If you lease at The Residences at the Bellevue you receive a membership to the Sporting Club at the Bellevue. I’ll be there. I’m excited to be back. I really looked into a lot of the local gyms, and you can’t beat what the Sporting Club has to offer. I am not sponsored by the Sporting Club, I’m just excited to belong there. It’s a little pricey, but they have 190 classes, lots of weight training equipment, a pool and pickleball. Right now I am not in shape enough to play, but I hope by December. Also right now at the Sporting Club they’re having a special
Join this August and enjoy $280+ in new member savings!
$100 off Club OR $200 off Executive membership initiation fees
$50 Sporting Club Gift Card (Cannot apply to dues or guest passes)
One personal training Session OR one athletics lesson ($105 value)
One 30-minute golf simulator session ($25 value)
** Available August 1-31, 2024. Cannot be combined with other offers. This offer is not retroactive.**
I do have this partnership with them, if you use the code HughE, you will receive an additional $25 in Sporting Club Gift Card (see above) . That is ongoing and not tied to the monthly specials. I mean if I’m going to talk about my journey, why not.
I’ll also be returning to wishing locals well wishes for milestones I come across. Happy Birthday to Dee Durgin!! We feted her at Almyra tonight celebrate the milestone birthday ❤️
Congratulations EK & Anne Marie MacPherson, long time PCC readers and IG followers. 4 year old Lincoln is excited to be a big brother to Louisa.
Friday The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (“the Visitor Center”) and Independence Historical Trust (“the Trust”) will host the first “Movies On The Mall, event,” an outdoor movie series celebrating the themes and history of Independence National Historical Park.
On Friday, August 30, 2024, “National Treasure” will be screened at 7:30 p.m.
The beloved Disney classic features scenes set and filmed in Old City and throughout Philadelphia, including at Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, City Hall, Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, and the Franklin Institute. ;
On Wednesday, August 7 Philadelphia magazine hosted their annual Best of Philly Soirée at a new venue this year, the Philadelphia Art Museum.
In the past the popular event was held on Dilworth Park, and was subjected to unbearable heat waves, downpours and often both. Another winner the choice: This year there was a light mist for most of the evening.
Senzwa Ntshepe, The Connect stands in front of LED Marquee lights, and Charming Garlands balloon backdrop.
Guests were treated to delicious bites from partners and Best of Philly winning restaurants.
Danuta Mieloch and the team from Rescue Spa, celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year
Fred Stein , and Neil Stein of for The Creative Group, saved my night by providing me a pen and paper. I took too much summer off and forgot how to do my job, LOL
Greg Harm, Leisa De John Nappe, Jen Ellman, Emil de John and John Iuliano in the Wells Fargo VIP lounge.Chef/Founder, Kyle Cuffie–Scott (r) & Chef/Co-Owner Joe Lope (l) of Darnel’s Cake who served up delicious treats at the Soiree with Molly, of Bishop’s Collar in Fairmount dance to the beats of the night.
Roland Bui, Sandy Sanches-Bui, Tammy Veneza and Christy Nguyen;
One to watch: Roland Bui is the entrepreneur brainchild behind Com.unity, a marketing arm for Philly’s artists and culinary talent. Shining a light on talent, that might not always be in the spotlight, the unsung. I see him driving Philly’s restaurant scene back in the spotlight as it was a decade ago. One of the ways he highlights talent is through his collaborative dinners. The next one Monday August 26th at Bok Bar. INFO
Imani Johnson and Brianna Perrin, favorite restaurant is El Techo
Dominick Leonetti, III and his mom Maria Leonetti new owners of Bobby Chez Famous Crabcakes
It’s always fun to run into the Bobby Chez folks, when I was a kid my first job was washing dishes at Bobby Chez’ restaurant in Voorhees NJ, 40 years ago (inside the Flyers ice practice rink building). He later opened a spot in Westmont, that gained infamy.
The Fairmount Park Team, Best of Philly Playground, FDR’s Anna C. Verna Playground: Maura McCarthy, John Sigmund, Erin Quigley, Allison Schapker, and Meg Holscher
Looks like the burbs are looking good on Joe and Sarah Maiellano. A prolific writer and publicist, Sarah contributed to the 50th Anniversary issue of Philly Mag.
Will I ever see that photo Mainey Boy? LOL
Speaking of: Jermaine Jenkins, Design Philadelphia, Anthony Lehman, & Mason Snyder of Feast Your Eyes, Trina Saglimbene and Melissa Brannon, Uncommon Events
Great venue, spread out over four floors with plenty of bites and booze, live entertainment and art. People really enjoyed themselves.
The Fairmount Park Conservancy team, Best of Philly Playground, FDR’s Anna C. Verna Playground: Maura McCarthy, John Sigmund, Erin Quigley, Allison Schapker, and Meg Holscher
Imani Johnson and Brianna Perrin, favorite restaurant is El Techo
Tom McGrath, former editor of Philly Mag (and the guy who hired me over a decade ago. I can remember it as if it were yesterday. I was still a paralegal and met him on my lunch hour. I had never took a photo class or journalism class, and Philly Mag, a magazine I read all my life, my mom had a subscription, wanted to hire me for their Society/Party column, WOW!!) BTW Tom has a new book out. and Kate McGrath, Jan and Jamil Leary
New on the scene and to Philly Stephanie Lulls, of Remy Martin
Speaking of new: Popular NYC’s Levain Bakery is coming to 1518 Walnut Street, in the fall. John Farmer, Arlene DeLaCruz and Pam Levy. Looking forward to it, definitely a better spot than the now closed Carlos’ Bakery at 21st and Walnut!!
Adam Rotwit and Jen Su, on a break from covering the many celebrity red carpet events worldwide.
Then all the major mascots showed up to this years Soiree, and were excited to show off their magazine covers from over the years. It really was a special night for all in attendance. Social season is heating up, and I will be posting more on chitchat going forward. Socially yours, xoxo HughE
The Wardrobe, a mission-driven nonprofit organization focused on eliminating clothing insecurity, curbing fashion waste, and empowering people for success, hosted its largest annual fundraiser “The VIP Party,” on Monday, June 10, at Rivers Casino.
The event was emceed by Delaware County native Leah Cevoli, a multi-hyphenate creative best known for voicing characters on the Emmy award-winning cartoon Robot Chicken and her work on the HBO hit series Deadwood. Leah is currently in town producing the feature film, Delco: The Movie.
The Wardrobe is a mission-driven nonprofit organization focused on eliminating clothing insecurity, curbing fashion waste, and empowering people for success.
Elana Chasan, Paige Wolf and Nicole Martin
Laura Vaughn and Gianna Cettei
Many McClennen, Melissa Novak, Kate Carlie and Laura Reed
Guests arrived, and enjoyed an hour long cocktail party with a buffet before settling down for the program and an exciting game of bingo.
Sheri K. Cole. Executive Director, discussed how to support the Programs, as well as The Wardrobe locations in Philadelphia (413 N. 4th Street) and Delaware County (62 West Marshall Road, Upper Darby) are open Monday-Saturday from 11-6 p.m. for shopping and client appointments. In Chester County, we are open in Kennett Square (345 Scarlett Road) and at the Exton Square Mall (2nd floor near Boscov’s) Tuesday-Thursday from 11-6 p.m. Clothing donations are accepted during open hours. Visit www.wardrobepa.org to learn how to donate and shop to support your community.
Veronica McKee cheers to the 2 keys she bought for $100 each, in hopes of winning top prizes in one of the surprise boxes.
Kris Derewicz, Nina Markey, The Wardrobe Board President and Paul Sopher all of Littler
Riley Mock and Kade Deeton
Best Dressed: Rhonda Richardson, was noted for being one of the best dressed of the evenings. She got her outfit from The Wadrobe!! Great choice!!
If the key fits… The first winner of the $100 key reacts to the lock opening, as Sheri Cole cheers. Each box contained prizes worth more than $200 up to $1000. Another great event, see you next year!!
Receive Clothing: Although most participants are referred by our Community Partners, individuals in need are welcome to use our Open Access program to receive the clothing they need at no cost. Information on how to get clothing or sign up as a Community Partner is available at www.wardrobepa.org/services.
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
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.
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.
