Category: Philadelphia

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Philadelphia

Now Listen to Who’s Doing Drive Time on Q102

Philly Native Casey Reed to Host Afternoon
Drive on Q102
LISTEN LIVE
Philadelphia radio
personality Casey Reed is hosting Q102’s Afternoon Drive weekdays from 4-8 pm
effective today, January 5, 2015. Reed will be the solo host. She is replacing
Rat & Puff. (Twitter & Instagram @CaseyOnQ)
Reed was also named
the Music Director for the station, under the Program Director, Jared
Fallon. Music Directors oversee the music content for a station and work with
other departments to enhance the overall sound of the station.
Reed began her career
at Q102 a decade ago interning for Chio in the Morning. “It’s such an
honor to be hosting Afternoon Drive on the legendary, Q102,” Reed said. “Philly’s
my hometown! So to be able to play great music and talk to listeners here every
day on their crazy drive home, it’s one of the most amazing outcomes of my
career so far. #TempleMade!”
Most notably Reed was
the Midday host at 96.5 FM for close to nine years and left that position in
2014 when her contract ended. From there she hosted New York City’s 95.5FM PLJ
before coming home to Q102 as Music Director and Afternoon Drive Host.
Backstory
South Philly native,
Casey attended Central High and graduated Temple in ’06 with a degree in
Broadcasting. First interning at Q102 during college, getting coffee for Chio in
the Morning, she later joined his show as a co-host. Twitter & Instagram @CaseyOnQ

Press Release: Garden Logan – gardenlogan@gmail.com

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Philadelphia

Carl Dranoff’s SLS International Hotel/Condo Hosts A Demolition Party

I ran into Carl Dranoff at the Philadelphia Style Magazine Party last month and he invited me to the demolition party he’s having for investors, friends and family at

(Curb Philly)

301-309 and 311 South Broad Street, the former home of the offices and studio of Philadelphia International Records. 
 It was big news last summer when it was announced that Dranoff was taking down the buildings to build the 47-story tower SLS International Hotel/Condo on the corner of Broad and Spruce Street. The new building will include a four or five star hotel with luxe condos and an entertainment/restaurant space. SLS Hotels is part of SBE founder Sam Nazarian’s growing global empire.
It has hotels open or under construction in Los Angeles, Miami, Las
Vegas, and New York, as well as in China. 
(Photo: Bradley Maule)
Update: The Demolition Party is late winter. The groundbreaking for the new building will be August 2015. See you there.
Categories
Philadelphia

Philly Chit Chat had a Banner Year – A 2014 Review

Happy New Year, I hope you had an awesome 2 weeks off, or in that slow work mode that happens during the holidays. PhillyChitChat was started as a hobby in 2007, and in 2011 it became my full time job when I was laid off from my Paralegal position after 20 years.

I had always been curious about everything, and that’s why I started blogging. In the beginning I would blog about very local things like why are there so many banks on corners, or wow those Clay Aiken fans are really fanatical, a smattering of charity events (because back then there was barely a party a week to cover) and the occasional photo of a celebrity that popped into town (My hobby before 2007, shooting celebrities in NYC.) Fast forward today and The PhillyChitChat brand has blown up into one of the most successful new media outlets and placement services.

We’re the leading social diarist in the City, we break stories (We were
the first to tell you about Walgreen’s in Borders, the Pearl Property
grab, the Gallery Upgrade, and The Four Seasons and NBC moving into the
new Comcast building), we tweet leads (We tweeted in August 2013 that
Comcast was going to build a new building, then in Jan 2014 the Inky
confirmed it, oh and so many other stories, celeb sightings and
speculation.) we place stories and photos in nearly every top media
outlet in the City (as you’ll see below.) 
We partnered with several people to have PhillyChitChat pop up parties, thanks to Square 1682 (James Zeleniak, Punch Media, GM Matt Rafferty, Michelle Miller,  The Nouveau Image) and the Christmas Village (Tiamo and Kory Aversa) for fun, spectacular parties. We had contests, ticket giveaways and meet and greets. Thanks to my intern and mentee Ian Michael Crum, business consultant Christie Honigman, The Honigman Group and my admins Janine DeFeo and Crista Bateman (also known as my sisters.) Thanks to all the PR companies that hire me, the business, and for the invitations to cover your events. Below are some of the placements I’ve gotten in 2014.
I regularly contribute to 4 media outlets with four distinct audiences. I have a column at Philly Mag called the Scene. It’s my baby and I love it. I’ve been contributing to Philly Mag for 3.5 years.
In August I celebrated 3 years as a contributor to Fox 29’s Good Day.
Now I am a semi-regular on the #Fox29Weekend show too. Usually on Sunday
mornings.
I’ve been with Philly.com for 2 years.

Liberty City Press is an independent weekly newspaper distributed by the
Philadelphia Multi-Cultural News Network whose members include
Philadelphia Sunday Sun, The Philadelphia Gay News, Al Dia, The Jewish
Exponent, The Metro Chinese Weekly and The Metro Viet News. I’ve been with them for 3 years. My advice to people starting out is to start with these smaller papers to get the experience and your foot in the door.
Philly Daily News Molly Eichel regularly publishes my photos. 
 
This is country singer Brett Eldredge feeding a giraffe at the Philly Zoo.
Also this year I began contributing my photos to NBC 10 Phila website
In November I started to contributing to A.D. Amorosi’s column in the Metro Newspaper.

Then various news organizations carry my photos if they’re going to run a story. Often they write me because they know I have the photo as it was published somewhere or I did a story on a party where that person was.




Sometimes a PR person places my photo. I heard they were putting up the Palladino sign, I got a photo mentioned it to my buddy Kory and he said oh wait The Insider is looking for that photo. I feed stories to all the various outlets, usually when it’s bigger than I can handle.

And the Philadelphia Business Journal

I tweeted/Instagramed out that Zavino’s had acquired this corner property. I knew it was to be a wine bar, but didn’t have all the info. I don’t always have the means/time to find out the rest of the story, but it was exclusive as no one knew about it at the time. Thanks to the Phila Inquirer Insider and Zagat for citing my instagram as breaking the story.

I consult with PR, and clients on how to get their stories placed in the various media outlets.

Celebrities, it’s always fun to shoot them. I wear many reporter hats in Philly. I don’t just cover one subject or contribute to one publication.

I saw this story a Florida paper and tweeted about it. Many outlets cited me on breaking it here.

Definitely my favorite story ever in Philly.

Katy Perry will now be known as the nicest celebrity I ever met.

I mean photographed, LOL

I contribute photos to Philly Mag’s various sections

Thanks to Danya Henninger and Zagat for highlighting some of my favorite dishes from local restaurants. I sense the excitement people must have to be in my column (as I had to be in this column), and hold that in the highest regard when I chose which photos to run. It’s a difficult process because I know I’m going to disappoint someone. (Also Danya really sums up my career in this paragraph.)

I like meeting my readers and viewers.

This year a lot of the TV news outlets have come to me to get quotes on celebrity doings, and misdoings. That’s fun.

Author Thom Nickels wrote a book on Center City Legends – people who are overlooked or were underlooked in history, and he put me in his book. I didn’t really talk about me being in the book before because it’s kinda mind blowing, even more than The Palm restaurant putting my face on their wall. Here’s Thom with someone I admire, Carol Saline, author of the Sister’s books, and once an editor for Philly Mag, also once contributor to Inside Edition on 6ABC. She was my celebrity when I was growing up so it’s so excited to call her my friend now.

Oh and the highlight of my year. Thanks so much for your support, and trust that allows me to bring the stories to you, covering the who, what, when and where of Philadelphia.

Check out last weeks PhillyChitChat columns for the best events, and fashion.

Categories
Philadelphia

Happy New Year’s – A few of My Fav Photos, Events, and Fashionable People.

Happy New Year’s, every time I go to write my year end message, I realize I’m going to need more time than I currently have. Here are a few of my favorite photos, events and fashionable people. I’ve also included a few of my fav “celeb” photos, many of which ran in Molly Eichel’s popular Philly Gossip column, some ran in national glossy fan mags.

 I am so privileged to live in the City I always dreamed to live in when I grew up in Cherry Hill. Sure it’s just over the bridge, but it was a lifetime away.
 I’m so glad to have gotten to know Atlantic City. It’s sad to see so many people lose their jobs. This is from Harrah’s looking towards Brigantine.
 I love this shot, it really tells the whole story about the newly restored chaplain’s murals at Eastern State Penitentiary. Here’s the restoration artist describing the process to one of the supporters.

 I instagramed this photo of a wedding at Rittenhouse Sq last January.
Ryan Gagnon and Katie English look fabulous.
 Friends Leah Kauffman and Lexie Norcross looking steller at the Academy Ball last January. I love their power red glam look, exuding confidence to take on the world. Leah is wearing the cutest gold bracelets, and Lexie is wearing the cutest gold shoes.

 Speaking of uniquely, this brother and sister duo Jim Magnatta and Marisa Magnatta at the Best of Philly Mag party held at the equally unique venue Citizen Bank Park in the concourse.
  “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” Gala at the National Museum of American Jewish History
to benefit the KIPP Philadelphia Schools (I think they were in character and that’s why they’re not smiling.)

 

 Sidney and Caroline Kimmel – glamorous, philanthropic and the nicest people. 

 A photo I took of Jill Scott appeared full page in Philly Style Magazine. She was the headliner at the Academy Ball last February.

 Wendy stopped by Fox 29

Jeremy Maclin invited me to his birthday party.

Thom Nickels included me in his Center City Philadelphia Legends book. Here he is with Carol Saline, author of the very popular book series on Sisters, plus long time editor of Philadelphia Magazine in the 1970s.

One of my favorite photos of the year, when Jon Bon Jovi greets Paul Anka at a private meet and greet at the Marian Anderson Gala in November. Looking on Caroline and Sidney Kimmel.

Country singer Brett Eldridge feeding a giraffe at the Philadelphia Zoo

Flyers practice for their turn on the Harlem Globetrotters game at Wells Fargo

I’ll miss Jimmy and Johari Rollins, here they are at the best event of 2014 –
The Rollins Foundation Bollywood Nights held at the Union League last May. It was here that Jen Utley said to me, HughE I’m not fat, I’m pregnant. I broke that story on twitter, and my blog and it made news all the way to the Daily Mail in the UK.

Viola Davis on the hugely popular hit “How To Get Away With Murder.” They filmed the pilot here in Philly, but she had it written in her contract that if the show was picked up they’d move the filming to LA. Blah girl.

Nicki Minaj leaving the Ritz Carlton and waving to the waiting fans. (If you do this right you can time just when the celebs will leave their hotel. I was there for 15 minutes before she left for rehearsal at 3PM at the Four Season’s (the July 4th rehearsal is always held the day before at that time for the past 5 years.) Now that that hotel is closing, it’s going to through off my timing.

 Daisy Day Luncheon for CHOP with Zac Posen. It was a fashionable event for the ladies that lunch.
 Fifth Annual JAM Party for Cancer Research – Nicole Rubin and Jennifer Brown.

adorable outfits

 Opera on the Square. What a great event. It happens annually and you should go. It’s free.

Opera Philadelphia

 Connor Barwin delivers Geno’s Cheesesteaks to Uber Philly Contest Winners.
 Project Runway Dom Streater and Cory Wade at InLiquid at Crane Arts. It’s happening again this year on February 7.
Dom’s outfit would be perfect for the Lemon Ball on 1/10/15
Terry Buckman and Amy Buckman at the Eighth Annual Lemon Ball. Every year I look forward to seeing them, and seeing what they would wear. It was always fashionable and classy.

 Chip Roman presents Chef Georges Perrier with the last known bottle of Perrier Champagne which the Chef had bottled when he owned Le Bec Fin. Avance carried the champagne and on the last night before they went out of business, Chip Roman and Kevin Sbraga bought the bottle, which sold for $275 (at the Chef Al Paris Organizes Six Chef Collaboration at Paris Bistro to Celebrate Chef Georges Perrier’s Illustrious Career and Benefit the James Beard Foundation.)

 Terrell Owens continues his comeback. First he gets roasted in Philly, then he gives an amazing behind the scenes chat at the Thuzio Dinner and now you can watch him on Celebrity Apprentice beginning on Monday.
Gloria Casarez

 The Hair of The Dog, is a decadent prom, new year’s eve that keeps the party going in the slow month of January. It’s always a lot over the top. 1/17/15 at the Crystal Tea Room – Party Like It’s 2015
 Katie Perry wears peperoni – She told the sold out crowd at the Wells Fargo Center she’d be running down the Rocky Steps, and she did. At the bottom she was greeted by hundreds of fans.

 Seriously the best dish, dessert in the City. Ice cream sushi at Sampan.
Mary Dougherty’s (2nd from right) Nicole Miller (L) stores celebrate 20 years in Philadelphia. She had a grand party and Philadelphia gave her the highest honor, The Philadelphia Bowl. First Lady Lisa Nutter and Melanie Johnson (r).
Thanks to you, my readers for your support. You’ve allowed me to chronicle Philadelphia for the past 4 years as my full time job. This year was the best year. I celebrated 3 years with Philadelphia Magazine, Fox 29 and 2 years with Philly.com; Nearly every media outlet has carried my photos or used story ideas either via the blog or that I’ve tweeted or instagramed, and they gave me credit linking the Social Media. All the major networks come to me for my expert opinion on celebrities and society and that’s been fun to participate in. This job is a dream come true. 
Thanks to my admins – Janine DeFeo and Crista Bateman, but most of all to my partner, husband Mike Toub who gives me unconditional love and support on this crazy ride. (Thanks to Kory Aversa for this photograph, and for his friendship.)
Categories
Philadelphia

Funny Tweets, Good News and OMG they Said That on SM?

I’ve said a thing or two on SM I regret or was helpful. Sometimes I capture what others say, for my own enjoyment or to send to friends to say Holy Cow look what this person said. I really didn’t have them organized in my folders, but I tried to find as many as I could. Maybe once a month I’ll publish my favorite cause people say the darndest things on SM. The worse was a guy who had been cheating on his wife for a couple years, he’s somewhat well known, but since it was on FB and I’m not sure of the settings I’ll just say, he apologized to hear in a long FB post, which I guess he felt was attrition. I felt like a nice Hallmark Card and a donation in her name to charity would have been fine. Here goes a few I could find that weren’t as dramatic:

 A photo I took of kids sledding on the Art Museum Steps went viral all over the world. For awhile I was the top trending name on Twitter. I woke up to it on Good Morning America.
 I tweeted that Jimmy Fallon was this generations Rosie O’Donnell on twitter and she began to follow me.

 That’s Steve Wynn 2nd from right. Nick Hisson graduated from U of P. While he was here I would get all these “Nick Hisson” sightings, they would just say budding singer yada yada was at , or seen blah blah. He never tried to trade on the Wynn name.
Cograts former City Paper’s Mary Patel.
Yeah for all of us.

One of the nicest gifts to wake up to

These guys always do a great job, check out their fashion week in February.
If you park there, this will happen.

 

Michael Schulson and Nina Tinari got engaged this year; Plus Independence Beer Garden is one of the best pop up’s ever, with Spruce Street close behind.
He broke the internet with his football #TBT, I broke it when I instagramed a photo of he and his new boyfriend. The story was picked up by at least 4 outlets.
seriously
Mike will want a dog after seeing this photo.
You can wear sneakers at Hop Sing on New Year’s Eve from 10PM to 2AM
Adam Joseph is a real daddy now. He’s going to have to make sure his yard is free of a lot of dangerous obstacles for his and Karl’s new baby. I love how he came out as gay and with a baby the same day.

He’ll drive you crazy, and make you think intelligently at the same time.

Bryan Boy had brunch at Parc.
We had our first PhillyChitChat pop up at Square 1682. I curated a list of tastemakers and tweeters, and we enjoyed the Spring menu with fun interactions with the chef and lead bartender. It was a great success.

Or these where I protect the names even though they were public tweets:
“disagreeing is not the same as saying you’re a fucking scumbag”
Why you shouldn’t have your mom on your FB page?
Is that my son in his underwear?

I took a photo of Katy Perry taking a selfie know it would pop up on Social Media.
It turned out that it was my buddy Ian (the biggest fan slayer in the world, he meets so many celebs)
The Queen will be walking in the Mummers Parade on Thursday and I look forward to seeing her.

Happy New Year on Social Media.
Categories
Philadelphia

Holiday Parties: Jen Sherlock and Invincible Pictures Re-Cap Photos

Right before Christmas I went to a few holiday parties, but ran out of time in posting (This year I had to skip the Klehr Harrison one and I hear it was a doozy.) On Thursday night I attended Jennifer Sherlock – Jenna Communications  party held at Spectrum Grill at Xfinity Live.

Casey Baynes, Casey Cares, Missy Bishop, Dawn Weissman and Jen Sherlock

 Marshall Harris, Comcast Sports and Kristen Johanson, CBS3
David Girgenti, Damon Feldman, Johnny Robertson, and Dr Joe Schweider,

 Anne Gutos, Bryan Toder and Eliana Raggio
 Julia Boccia, John Bolaris and Bruce Casella, formerly of NBC10 now president at Puchin A Rock Productions. (He and John Bolaris were on NBC at the same time.)
 Photographer Al For
 A nice crowd turned out for a little holiday cheer and delicious cheesesteak egg rolls, pizza, salad and desserts.
L Jenkins and Shelton Mercer
***************
Then on the following night (after shooting the Mitchell and Ness Holiday Party with Chill Moody,

actor Luis Da Silva Jr, Philadelphia Union players Sébastien Le Toux and Ford Gaitley) I headed to the Invincible Pictures
Tom Ashley and Robert Marcin hosted a fabulous party the other night for their friends, family and clients at Invincible Pictures.
 Steve Rockman (who has the craziest Instagram ) was glowing as he was only days away from heading to Paris with BFF Dana Spain. Drew Coblitz says “When the holidays have hit so hard that you’re wondering which wine
pairs the best with Doritos, your couch and not moving for 2 weeks.”
 Melissa Leonard is everywhere and everything this season.
Lindsay J. Furman and Christopher DiGeorge (Chris is back in the area working on a development project in Camden, which has a killer view of Philadelphia.)
 Sofa Kings packed the floor all night long.
 Those pants: Want
Samantha Styles and Caryn Kunkle
 Garrett Chin, Jen Sherlock and Harry Spivak (Is taking over the Arts Ballroom, which I love. Great space.)
 Rich Wolf, Breaking Glass Pictures (producer), Victoria Gates (actress) and Kenneth McGregor (actor)
 John Westrum, Ricki Lang, Will Parker, Lisa Catildi and Brett Rosenbloom
Just so you know….
Invincible Pictures is an established Production and Distribution
Company located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania that has been operating
within the Film and Video Industry for over 15 years.  Invincible
Pictures’ team of professionals has aided the company in becoming a
leader in production development, implementation, and distribution.
Categories
Philadelphia

Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Philadelphia

I did this in case some of you have last minute changes to your plans. You can also go to twitter and click on hash tag #OpenInPHL to see what eateries are open on the holidays
My fav restaurant Bank and Bourbon at the Loews Hotel is open Christmas Eve and Christmas day with a price  fix menu $50
Here’s a press release on eateries open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from Profile PR.
 
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT PHILADELPHIA’S

BEST BARS AND RESTAURANTS
WITH FESTIVE FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS
 
PHILADELPHIA, PA
– As the temperatures continue to plummet and the city prepares for
another joyous holiday season,
the best bars and restaurants all over town are arranging their own
celebrations to keep you warm, complete with festive cocktails, open bars, menu additions and parties with brass bands.  With that being said, here is an exhaustive list of all the great ways
to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year in Philadelphia:
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Celebrations

Who:  2ND STORY BREWING COMPANY

Where:  117 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

What:

2nd Story Brewing Company will be closed on
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call (267) 314-5770 or visit
www.2ndstorybrewing.com.  

***

Who:  A.KITCHEN

Where:  135 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA

What:

           
Both a.kitchen and a.bar will be open on
Christmas Eve: a.kitchen will serve breakfast and lunch during their normal hours, and will offer full dinner service, including
Chef Eli Kulp and Chef Jon Nodler’s version of the Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner, from
5 p.m. until 9 p.m.  The Seven Fishes Menu consists of five courses for
$75 per person, with an option to add a wine pairing.  The a la carte menu will also be available. 
Both a.kitchen and a.bar will be closed for business on
Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call (215) 825-7030 or visit
www.akitchenandbar.com.

 
***
 
Who:  BRAUHAUS SCHMITZ
Where: 
718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA

What:

Through
Sunday, December 21, Chef Jeremy Nolen will prepare and serve
his instant-classic Traditional German Christmas Dinner at Brauhaus Schmitz, the city’s only authentic
German bierhall.  This decadent and decidedly modern take on the
traditional meal features a show-stopping 10-pound whole roasted goose,
served family-style for eight or more guests, stuffed to the brim with
house-made pretzel, apple and sage stuffing. 
The three course dinner also features appetizers and dessert; guests
must order 48 hours in advance, and will enjoy a complimentary glass of
Gluhwein, a mulled red wine that is poured warm and accented with German
spices, as well as a sweet treat to take home
from Pastry Chef Jessica Nolen.
Brauhaus Schmitz will be closed on
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
How Much:
$60 per person, excluding tax and gratuity
More Info:
Please call (267) 909-8814 or visit www.brauhausschmitz.com.
 
***
 
Who:  CITY TAP HOUSE
Where:  University City
What:
On
Sunday, December 14 and 28, City Tap House will host its second and third
Rivalry Sundays, featuring the Eagles’ biggest games against their most hated rivals and a mini tap takeover from
Victory Brewing Company.  On December 14 (vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:30 p.m.) and December 28 (at New York Giants, 1 p.m.),
football fans and craft beer lovers will be entered for a chance to win
Victory swag and prizes with each Victory beer they
purchase; fans wearing Eagles’ jerseys will earn an extra entry for
showing their team spirit (and yes, “E-A-G-L-E-S” chants are
encouraged!)  Prizes will include swag and a private tour of the Victory
brewery, followed by a beer dinner with the Victory team;
winners will be selected at random at halftime on Sunday, December 28, and must be present at the time of the drawing to claim their prizes. 
On
Saturday, December 13, from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m., City Tap House will host its annual
Ugly Sweater Party, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting both the
Matthew Mullin Memorial Foundation
and Kyle Ambrogi Foundation.  Tickets,
priced at $40, will give guests access to select draughts,
holiday sangria, specialty cocktails and light appetizers, with prizes
and swag awarded to the person wearing the “ugliest” Christmas sweater.
City Tap House will be open for food service on
Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.; bar will be open until 11 p.m. (based on volume). They are closed on
Christmas Day.
More Info: 
Please visit www.citytaphouseucity.com.   
 
***
 
Who:  CITY TAP HOUSE
Where:  Logan Square
What:
On Saturday, December 20, from
7 p.m. until 10 p.m., City Tap House will host Cancer Is Ugly, an ugly sweater holiday party in support of the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Tickets,
priced at $50, will include a three hour open bar, plus light appetizers and live music.  Top prize, awarded to the person with the “ugliest” Christmas sweater, will receive a City Tap House employee discount for one full year.  
More Info: 
Please visit www.citytaphouselogan.com.
 
***
 
Who:  CUBA LIBRE
Where:  10 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
What:

Through
New Year’s Day, Cuba Libre will offer their house-made Coquito, a seasonal rum punch that islanders look forward to all year long, for
$8.  The holiday drink is made with coconut spiced rum, toasted
coconut, cinnamon, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk and coconut, and
will also be available paired with one of their signature desserts for
$14, a fittingly festive way to end a meal.

Cuba Libre will be open on
Christmas Eve for dinner until 8 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day.

More Info:
Please call (215) 627-0666 or visit
http://cubalibrerestaurant.com/i/philadelphia/.

***

Who:  DI BRUNO BROS.

Where:  five locations across greater Philadelphia, PA

What:

Through Monday, January 5, guests who share their own holiday traditions either via social media using the hashtag
#cheesytraditions, or online at DiBruno.com/Traditions,
will be entered for an opportunity to win one of several 75th Anniversary Prizes
totaling $1,939 in value (Di Bruno Bros. was founded in 1939). 
Prizes will be awarded throughout the season, including $25 gift cards,
gift baskets and “swag bags,” with the grand prize – a $1,000 Di Bruno
Bros. shopping spree – awarded on January 5. 
Contest rules can be found on the Di Bruno Bros. website.
Patient
pastry lovers wait all year long for the annual release of Di Bruno
Bros. Private Label Panettone, and the time has finally come again. 
Their
buttery, fluffy panettone is studded with savory raisins soaked in
premium orange liqueur, and makes for a tempting holiday treat on its
own – or sliced, egg-battered and pan-seared as a decadent French toast
for breakfast (or dessert).  The family-sized loaf
is $24.99, and only available during the holiday season while supplies last.  Other traditional holiday snacks, including
Stollen (German fruit cake), Torrone (toasted nougat candy baked with nuts),
Chestnuts (ideal for “roasting on an open fire”…), Marzipan (sugar, honey and almond paste), chocolate-dipped
Black Mission Figs, Christmas Pudding (steamed British fruit cake),
Panforte (Panettone’s denser, bolder cousin), contemporary American Fruit Cake and festive
Advent Calendars are also available in stores and online.
To purchase holiday gifts and other goodies, guests are encouraged to visit Di Bruno Bros. annual
Holiday Pop-Up Shop in the historic Italian Market. Open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on
December 13-14 and 19-24, the shop is located on the corner of 9th and Montrose Streets and will feature their entire line of gift baskets and other holiday bestsellers. 
Holiday hours vary by location; please contact Di Bruno Bros. directly to confirm their availability on
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call the location of your choice directly, or visit
www.dibruno.com.  

 
***

Who:  ESTIA

Where: 
three locations in PA and NJ

What:

Throughout
the holiday season, Estia Philadelphia and both Estia Tavernas will
feature several festive cocktails, including their
Merry Manhattan, Mulled Wine Sangria and a signature Gingerbread Martini. 
All three locations will also offer a holiday Roast Pig Special for $32 the 19th and 20th
of December perfect for splitting with
family or friends. A whole pig is stuffed and roasted with Greek
cheeses, onions, potatoes, and served with oven roasted potatoes.
Estia Philadelphia will be open for brunch on
Christmas Eve and both Estia Tavernas will be open for lunch and dinner.  All Estia locations will be closed on
Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call the location of your choice directly, or visit
www.estiarestaurant.com. 

***

Who:  FORK

Where: 
306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

What:

Fork will be open on
Christmas Eve, serving their full menu an addition to a special Seven Fishes Tasting Menu, a multi-course feast featuring
Chef Eli Kulp’s interpretations of lobster, oysters, scallops, stuffed Branzino and more, for
$85 per person.  The restaurant will serve from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Fork will be closed on
Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call (215) 625-9425 or visit
www.forkrestaurant.com.

***

Who:  HIGH STREET ON MARKET

Where: 
308 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

What:

High Street will be open on
Christmas Eve, serving their regular menu, and will be closed on Christmas Day.

More Info: 

Please call (215) 625-0988 or visit
www.highstreetonmarket.com.

***

Who:  IRON HILL BREWERY & RESTAURANT

Where: 
10 locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey

What:

This holiday season, smart gift-givers will flock to
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant to give friends and family the best gift of all: beer.  From
gift cards to bottled reserves (both
individually and in two themed gift packs) to membership in their King of the Hill rewards program,
the popular local craft beer powerhouse is a must for beer-related
giving – and this year, for the first time, they also have their famed
Bedotter Belgian-style ale available in cans ($18.25 for a pack of four), perfect for gifting or bringing along to holiday parties.  For more details on location-specific holiday happenings, guests
are encouraged to contact their local Iron Hill directly.
Iron Hill will be open until 5 p.m. on
Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call or visit the location of your choice directly, or visit
www.ironhillbrewery.com.

***

Who:  JAKE’S SANDWICH BOARD

Where:  two locations, in Midtown Village and University City

What:

Jake’s Sandwich Board will be open for business on
Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call the location of your choice directly, or visit
www.jakessandwichboard.com. 

***

Who:  LE VIRTÙ

Where: 
1927 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

What:

On
Christmas Eve, Le Virtù will offer their usual menu, a la carte, of fine fare from Abruzzo, adding in a special
Create Your Own Seven Fish option, where guests can choose from a variety of fish dishes.  Last seating is
10 p.m.

More Info:

Please call (215) 271-5626 or visit
www.levirtu.com.

***

Who:  LONDON GRILL

Where: 
2301-2303 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

What:

Beginning on
Tuesday, December 16, London Grill will celebrate Chanukah with Eight Days of Latkes, a trio of nightly-changing latkes prepared by
Chef Michael McNally to serve during their menorah lighting each evening at sundown.  In addition to
Traditional Latkes with potato, onion, matzah meal and egg, selections may include
Sweet Potato, Carrot-Ginger, Goat Cheese-Mushroom and more.   
London
Grill also specializes in hosting holiday gatherings of all sizes, from
intimate dinners for 15 to receptions for up to 60 guests. 
Smaller groups (of 10-30 guests) should also consider neighboring Paris
Wine Bar.  Customized menus are available for all parties; interested
guests should contact Nicole at (215) 978-4545 or email
parties@londongrill.com for more information.
London Grill will be open on
Christmas Eve, serving Chef McNally’s fun Seven Fishes Menu, composed of several
a la carte menu additions that celebrate his South Philadelphia
Italian cooking roots such as shrimp, oysters, calamari, sardines,
baccala, salmon and clams, in addition to their usual menu.  The
restaurant will be closed on
Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call (215) 978-4545 or visit
www.londongrill.com.

***

Who:  OYSTER HOUSE

Where:  1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA

What:

Oyster House will be open for lunch as usual on
Christmas Eve (until 3 p.m.) and closed for dinner; the restaurant will also be closed on
Christmas Day.  Large parties are encouraged to take Oyster House home for the holidays by ordering from their
Catering Menu, including legendary
Lobster Roll and items from the Raw Bar, such as Oysters on the Half Shell and
Shrimp Cocktail.

More Info:

Please call (215) 567-7683 or visit
www.oysterhousephilly.com.

 
***

Who:  PENNSYLVANIA 6 (PE6)

Where: 
114 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 

What:

Every
Saturday night this holiday season, Pennsylvania 6 (PE6) will offer
their [Not Your] Same Old Saturday Night specials (all named after famed
Sinatra
songs), including:  High Hopes, a dozen Malpeque oysters on the half shell with a bottle of Poema Cava Sparkling Brut ($48); 
Strangers in the Night, two Pineland Farms ribeye steaks, served
with duck fat marble potatoes, broccolini, gorgonzola dolce in red wine
beef sauce, accompanied by a bottle of Louis Martini Sonoma Cabernet
Sauvignon ($98);  and
All the Way, a dozen Malpeque oysters with ½ chilled lobster, two
Pineland Farms ribeye steaks, served with duck fat marble potatoes,
broccolini, gorgonzola dolce in red wine beef sauce, accompanied by a
choice of a bottle of Cava or Cabernet ($138).
PE6 will be open on
Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call
(267) 639-5606 or visit
www.pennsylvania6philly.com. 

***

Who:  PIETRO’S

Where: 
three locations in PA

What:

Pietro’s will be open on
Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

More Info:

Please call the location of your choice directly, or visit
www.pietrospizza.com

Categories
Philadelphia

What’s New on Walnut Street – Coffee Shop, Sneaker Store, Dress Store and Michael Kors Opens

Happy Christmas Eve, Eve. I finally got a chance to go Christmas Shopping on Monday as the Fall Social Season was off the hook.

The first place I checked out was Century 21 at 821 Market St. On the way I took this instagram photo.

 I bought a few things for myself at Century 21, one of which wasn’t this but I liked this. I think many ladies in my life would like this real life size chocolate shoe. It’s only $26.99 too. I bought an umbrella, ear muffs and something else I can’t remember at the moment that was ridiculously practical. Mike bought a nice Calvin Klein purse for his mom. It was $55. I found their prices to be very reasonable.
I ran into a few people there, Alan and Greta Greenberger, Kory Aversa, but that was planned, and Jen Carroll, which was not planned. So nice to see Jen. OK since I was out and about I took a walk up Walnut Street to see what was new, and I saw a lot of new.
Remember a few months ago I told you Sweet Ending Yogurt closed at 13th and Walnut Sts. That was a surprise since it was always busy.

It was empty for a bit but I noticed last night that it was in the process of becoming a Coffee shop.

There was no name on the coffee shop, but the hours are great. 10:30AM to 11PM, then midnight on the weekend.

The corner is hot as it is surrounded by Woody’s on all sides and above it. Also it has gigantic cruising windows. I think more than just brewing will be happening at that coffee shop.

 

I passed my advertisers Potito’s at Juniper and Walnut. Make sure you stop in and pick up some desserts for your holiday dinner. Tell them HughE – PhillyChitChat sent you. Thanks!

 Tatyana closed shop in early December and now

 Bradamant (bodysuits) has their first pop-up shop and it’s at 1605 Walnut St. It’s there until December 25.
Bradamant Bodysuits for women are fashion
forward tops with bodysuit bottoms that are perfect for looking put
together at the office, staying tucked in all day.

Then there’s the Rondeau pop up store at 1601 Walnut Street
In October I told you that Destination Maternity was leaving Walnut Street and heading to the Shops at Liberty. They are all set up and doing a brisk business already.

Guess what’s going in their old location at 1615 Walnut St 
A New Balance Sneaker Store. It will be called New Balance Philadelphia, joining other local sneaker shops like New Balance King of Prussia, and New Balance Cherry Hill.

Michael Kors finally opened to the delight of the fashionable folks of Rittenhouse and Ian M Crumm.
1705 Walnut Street.
 

 

 Cute window. Did I complain about the lack of holiday decorations adorning the Walnut Street windows this year.

 It’s abysmal, except for a few windows like Doc Martan’s.

At 1921 Walnut there’s a new dress shop. It’s called Atelier Rittenhouse. The new boutique and art gallery is owned by  Sharla Floyd, Tarren Mosley and Jamie Adjemian.

 


Today’s entry is dedicated to my Aunt Angie.
Angeline M. Ricciardi (1930 – 2014)
Merry Christmas and I’ll be back on Monday. BUT as always I will be posting like a fiend on twitter and on Instagram: PhillyChitChat 
 

Categories
Philadelphia

Photos: Cashman & Assocs Hosts A Holiday Party for their Media Friends at the Hard Rock

Cashman & Assocs hosted a holiday party for their media friends on Friday at the Hard Rock Cafe in Center City. I hadn’t been there since their renovation two years ago, and I was really impressed. The main restaurant which was always somewhat cavernous, has really been gutted and is now an open dining room with a stage. The party was held in an adjoining dining room in an area that is part way into the Reading Headhouse.

Robert Nonemacker, Jacklyn Rhoads and Scott Barnes-  Cashman & Assocs
Founded in 2001 by Nicole A. Cashman, Cashman & Associates has built
an expansive repertoire of experience and distinguished client
portfolio spanning multiple industries. With offices in Philadelphia and
New York, our expertise in strategic campaigns ranging in fashion,
retail, consumer goods, travel, hospitality, real estate, entertainment,
nightlife, philanthropic and corporate extend national exposure while
offering a hyperlocal understanding of key drive-markets in Atlantic
City, Delaware, DC, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles. (Cashman)
 Rebecca Dublin, Cashman & Assoc., Jade Barnes, Shops of Liberty (where it was just announced Liberty One will be the site of a new Philadelphia Observation Tower. The press conference was orchestrated by Cashman & Assoc.) and Scott Herman
 Jim Cohn, Midlantic Events and Julie Renninger, IMS Tech
 Michelle Conron and Amanda Hill – Cashman & Assocs
 The specialty drink of the evening. When you attend a Cashman & Assoc. clients event, launch or celebration, there’s always a specialty drink that reflects the theme.
Alexander Kacala, Karina Kacala and Ryan Dennis, Fox 29. Last week TV personality Maria Papadakis was on Fox 29’s Good Day show featuring a few of Cashman’s clients products with the hottest winter accessories and color samba red.
 Thom Nickels (author of “Legendary Locals of Center City
Philadelphia.” Legendary locals featured in the book include Nicole
Cashman, A.D. Amorosi, HughE Dillon, Richardson Dilworth, John
Wanamaker, and Grace Kelly,) Steve LaVerty and Steven Baranowski (Cashman Guy)
 The Hard Rock put out a nice spread, plus they have a nice new event space next to the newly renovated restaurant.
 Fox 29 weather anchor Sue Serio and husband Bill Vargus,
met at Fox 29 when they both worked there. This year the couple celebrates their 20th anniversary, and last year they co-star in “Love Letters” at the Media Theatre for the Performing Arts.
 Michelle Boyles and Brett Copol both of Region’s Business. Yes, Brett is back and the dynamic duo who had worked at Metro Philly together are now working at Region’s Business, which is now located at the Graham Building in the new co-worker office Pipeline Philadelphia

Kyra Nelson, CBS3, Cherri Gregg KYW Radio Community Affairs, Jessica Holva, Fashion Blogger (She had a great segment on Fox 29’s Good Day on bloggers favorite holiday gifts,) guest and Melony Roy, KYW Radio.

 Sue Serio, Kristen Johanson and Kyra Nelson
 Aaron Inver, #Fox29Weekend Producer and his sister. Check out the new weekend show. I usually appear on Sunday’s talking about the weeks best parties.
Jenice Armstrong, Philadelphia Daily News (How much fun was her contest on the 12 gifts of Christmas and Have you see Philly’s District Attorney lately? He dropped 45 pounds to fight ALS ) and Paula Marie Jackson
 Stu Bykofsky, Leigh Primavera, Chuck Darrow and  Jenice Armstrong – The Philadelphia Daily News crew.
 Rebecca Dublin, Rachel Petey and Crystal Hayes.
 Scott Barnes and Christina Zervanos, Cashman & Associates
 Marisa Wall, Michelle Conron and Ryan Dennis, Fox 29
 George Johnson, Ali Gormon, 6ABC, Phil Balderson, Ken Weller and Wendy Saltzman, 6ABC
  Stu Bykofsky, Phila Daily News (The first gossip/entertainment column I remember reading was Stu’s. I am so honored to know him.), Bill Vargus, Sue Serio, Fox 29 and Anzio Williams, NBC10.
You want to know who else has the scoop on the best upcoming events: Philly.com’s Timonthy Reardon and Allie Volpe
There in spirit was Nicole Cashman, who is taking some time off to spend with her family, Nigel Richards and baby Jett. She’s built a strong, well run company that allows her to take a little time off to enjoy her life.
This @CashmanAssoc email is pretty much the cutest thing ever: http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=9235cf5199b4f146356e6f09a&id=486231015b&e=9d74b50532 … Congrats on a VERY successful year!
Categories
Philadelphia

Photos: Gingerbread House Making Contest at the Christmas Village – NBC10’s Keith Jones, Fox 29’s Caitlin Roth and CBS3’s Syma Chowdhry

So many parties, and festive events this week puts PhillyChitChat so far behind in blog posts. Happy Sunday; enjoy this special entry as I try and catch up!!

NBC10’s Keith Jones, Fox 29’s Caitlin Roth and CBS3’s Syma Chowdhry went head-to-head at NRG’s Home Gingerbread House Decorating Contest last Friday in Christmas Village.
Each charity received $1,000 just for participating and another $1,000 went to the winning charity.
Keith Jones is working on the Red Cross Gingerbread House.
CBS3’s Syma Chowdhry was helping the Red Paw team. See that bone on the roof, that is a solar power bone, collecting energy to run the electricity for the whole house.
Fox 29’s Caitlin Roth with Heritage Conservancy
I was the honorary media person for  HopeWorks Camden, but wanted to take photos and neglected my duties too much.
Syma Chowdhry
When I shot this I though that Caitlin’s house was going to win.

And I thought this is a winning shot for Molly Eichel’s column the next day, but neither turned out to be winners. In this shot is Caitlin Roth, Keith Jones and the Frank Lewis from WOGL as the emcee .                   

Karlin Andres, India Thomas, Jose Figueroa and Chad Spaulding.
Keith Jones, Tessi Ruiz and Mary Anne Milner.
Mary Kury and Syma Chowdhry

Lori Albirght, Heather Farber of NRG Home, Sarah McGill, Mary Kury and Syma Chowdhry
Karlin Andres, India Thomas, Jose Figueroa and Chad Spaulding.
Lori Albirght,  Sarah McGill, Mary Kury (Red Paws) and Syma Chowdhry
Red Paws is the winner
Heather Farber of NRG Home hands Red Paw a check for $2,000
Heritage Conservancy accepts a $1,000 check for their work

The winning house by Red Paws
The Christmas Village is here until December 28, there’s still lots of fun things to do, and see there, as well as eat. I hear the Wisconsin cheese is delicious. I’ll be there on Monday, picking up last minute gifts. Hope to see you there.