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Philadelphia

East Passyunk Bistro – Goes in Front of the Zoning Board Today w/New Plans & The Design

Today the partners (Chris Scarduzio & The Olitsky’s plus) for the East Passyunk Bistro go in front of Rezoning again today

1646-8 S 12th St (East Passyunk Bistro / old Artisan Boulanger building): Variance
for rear yard and open area space for by-right restaurant and three
apartments; liquor license transfer; and council ordinance for outdoor
sidewalk seating.

 
 Earlier this year their engineer found structural issues with the
building, instead of refurbishing the building, they’re going in front of the zoning commission to demolish the building.

 The zoning notice says the entire building will be demo’d and the two
lots 1646 and 1648 S 12th Street will become zoned one lot. The three
story building will have a restaurant on the first floor, and three
apartments in the rest of the building, which will include a roof deck.
Sounds great. The zoning hearing is scheduled for 8/14 at 1515 Arch
Streets. – Good luck, the new building looks beautiful.

 

Categories
Philadelphia

Party People: Rittenhouse Row Meet The Street Mixer at Marathon Grill (I forgot ask exactly what this title meant.)

Last night at Marathon Grill Rittenhouse Row had a happy hour mixer for members. It was a gorgeous night after a deluge of a day, and many of the members came out to mingle about.

 Including: Janice Waitkus’s Store Director and Community Relations at Lagos; Liza Dixon, Lagos and Raquelle, Lagos and all wearing Lago’s

 On the scene were Where Magazine’s Bev Arum and Austin Lichtman
 Hayley Broder (left), regional manager, Flywheel Philadelphia with Emily Rothrock, Flywheel Philadelphia. I’ll be trying out my first class next week. Won’t you join me?
 Kurt Souder, of Juicy Couture, Michael Flaco, Stuart Weitzman (Flaco was also the asst mgr of the former Anne Klein store at this location), Tina Marie, Blue Mercury and Kerry Collins. BTW Stuart Weitzman is open right now as we speak. They did a soft opening on Aug 1. Check the back wall rack, those shoes, although they’re not marked, they are 50% off, Corie Moskow (Gloss PR) tells me. (Here’s pixs of the new Stuart Weitzman store.)
 Lex Wainwright, Office Mgr, Spectrum, A Herman Miller Dealer with Marybeth Mojzak, Herman Miller sales
 Hildegard Kent, Jenn Harringan, Jaime Bojko, Renee Miller, Gina Lees all from Adolf Biecker and looking forward to their move on Sept 3 to the new Sansom Steet Apartments. (Check out article on Phila real Estate about their new place.)
Irene Sosrowski and Paul Hawks, Nail Bar. They were eating at Ela the same day I was there two weeks ago, when I shot the famous Jason Cichonski’s tattoo.
Categories
Philadelphia

FREE LIQUOR, SHOW US YOUR SHOES, Joan Shepp on the Move, Real Ice Cream Served in Rittenhouse, Mission Complete, So Long Sisters

 Shoe designer, Wharton grad Stuart Weitzman is just about to open his new shoe boutique at
1711 Walnut Street. I like the purple awning.

Check out the inside, gone is the gauche wallpaper when the space held the Anne Klein store. I love the exposed brick, and modern white furniture. Rumors have the store opening by the weekend.
The last time the former AAA Mid-Atlantic headquarters was chatted about in the news, Bradley Cooper‘s character had used it for his political office in the movie “Limitless”. Shortly after the filming stop the building underwent a complete renovation to become a first class, luxurious apartment building, by PMC Property Group. (During the construction of the new 280 one- and two-bedroom apartments building, the designers saw the potential of enclosing the excess space in front of the building, which at one time was gardens, but in this shot contains stones.) The new name 2040 Market Street
The results added crucial retail space which now holds a  National Penn Bank branch, on the right and

on the left, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is opening a premium state store concept on August 14.

a new retail tenant, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
(PLCB) at 2040 Market Street. PLCB will open a premium state store
concept at the location in late Spring 2013. The store will occupy the
nearly 10,000 square foot Market Street space adjacent to a new National Penn Bank
branch on the ground floor of the recently refurbished and expanded
building.  – See more at:
http://corporate.pmcpropertygroup.com/news/2040-market-retail-tenants-PLCB#sthash.rnuERXVW.dpuf
 The store will occupy the nearly 10,000 square foot Market Street

August Hehemann, Director of Finance for PLCB, feels that this property in Philadelphia’s central business district is an ideal location for the new premier Fine Wine & Good Spirits store. The store will offer an extensive selection of premium wine and spirits in a consumer-friendly atmosphere featuring new, high-end displays and finishes. The centerpiece of the design will feature a communal table where shoppers can find a wine specialist, who will be on hand to answer questions about the products, assist with selections, and advise on food pairings (Source)
Stop by tomorrow for the ribbon cutting at 11AM, and stay all day for complimentary wine and spirit tastings all day.
My favorite: Parking $13 for the entire day. Clubbing in the Rittenhouse Sq area, this is a bargain.
Philly Flavors is finally opened in Rittenhouse Square at 44 S. 19th Street.. Colin Flatt at Eater Philly recommends getting a bowl of Birthday Cake ice cream.
Joan Shepp has signed. The new space is on Walnut Street in the only building that has awesome windows, besides Urban Outfitters. It’s a sweet spot to be Trading Places. Can you guess where?
After 17 years, Sisters the lesbian club on Chancellor Street closed abruptly yesterday. It’s a darn shame. This town has only been able to sustain one lesbian bar for decades. Before Sisters some of you may remember Hepburns & Sneakers.  The good news, these day’s with attitudes changing, we in the GLBTQ community can hang out in almost any bar we choose, although nothing can replace the safety, and comfort of a bar we call our own. (Check out this great article by Natalie Hope McDonald: The end of an era, saying goodbye to one of ‘s famous nightclubs:  )

 As I instagramed 2 weeks ago:

Mission Grill – Philadelphia is closed

” After six great years we are sad to say we are officially closed for business. We welcome all patrons at out sister restaurant, Public House, located right around the corner at 18th and Cherry. We thank all of you for your time spent here, and hope to see all of you soon at Public House – Thank you! Mission Management”

Categories
Philadelphia

What did Jason Cichonski bring back from Top Chef New Orleans?

 2 weeks ago

 Katie, Christie and I headed to Ela to enjoy Jason Cichonski’s one-night-only, 5-course pig dinner

 hmm delicious first course. it was two weeks ago I can’t remember what it was
 egg on pork
 dessert
OMG I wish I could remember what this was, but it was delicious.
  I knew he was away for about 8 weeks and I asked him what was the highlight of his trip.  He showed us his new tattoo; said it took 7 hours to do. Then he was
tight lipped to anything else, although Foobooz says Both Jason Cichonski and Nick Elmi will be competing on this year’s Top Chef (set in New Orleans – OMG MUST SEE TV), premiering Oct. 2 on Bravo. Check out Eater Philly today for a clip from the show featuring Philly’s hottest chefs (It was Eater Philly that hinted that these two would be on the show, and why I was armed with loaded questions for Jason when I had dinner. He was tight lipped.)
Categories
Philadelphia

HughE & Mike’s Excellent Adventure – Day One – Virginia Safari Park

Last week Mike and I headed to Tennesee to visit our friend Erin Como who works for Fox 17 as a reporter.
On our way we had a few adventures. I kept a lot of the details secret
from Mike, so everyday was a little surprise. This was one of the
highlights.

About 5 hours from Philadelphia is the Virginia Safari Park, and it is by far one of the most enjoyable outings a family could have. Just like Great Adventure’s Safari Park the animals roam the grounds freely as cars drive thru their “habitat”, but the difference is you, me, us can feed and pet the animals.

 Each vehicle has the option of buying feed in a bucket.($17 admission per adult, and $4 bucket of feed)
 Thankfully we bought 4 buckets as we discovered the animals were pigs.
 Mike’s ready for his close up
 but his new friend
 was ready for dinner. Boy was the car a mess after this.
I think the animals objective was to see how many buckets they could snatch from the visitors.

I lost one to this guy
 There were a lot of butterflies around too.

It takes between 2 and 3 hrs to drive through the Safari

 

 
At the end of the Safari, you can get out and walk through the petting zoo, but we didn’t.

Go visit Virginia Safari Park, you won’t be disappointed. It’s near Lexington, Va and Natural Bridge, Va. Both towns have lots of attractions including cavern’s, historical outings, and a Natural Bridge you can hike to.

Categories
Philadelphia

Jack Daniels Unaged Rye Product Shoot – I love the end result of my first product shoot.

A few weeks ago I shot a new ad campaign for Jack Daniels Unaged Rye at Pennsylvania 6, a new and delicious restaurant. I was so excited to take part in this project. Now only did I shoot the project, but I prepared processed the photos in the sepia tone.

 The layout was done by
Chris Chamberlain
Pioneer Team Sales Representative
& Charmer Sunbelt Mixologist
 I was so excited & nervous as this was one of my first product shoots.
 You’ll recognize these notable mixologist from the Philly area.
 The theme was “Prohibition”
 each bartender was given the ingredient list a few days before
 and they created new drinks based on the ingredients and Unaged Rye from Jack Daniels

 The end results were perfect.
 
This was sent out to our team after the project was done.
“On behalf of the brand team, I want to
thank you for a job superbly done.  This is by far the best execution
we’ve seen with JDUR and exactly what we had in mind when it was
launched.  We appreciate all of your support on our brand’s and keep up
the awesome work.” Brown Forman
Categories
Philadelphia

THROWBACK THURSDAY : THINGS THAT AREN’T THERE ANYMORE

I’m on vacation this week.
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Just a few things I shot over the years where today the landscape has changed

 Can you see the guy on the clock tower
 Wish they would do this again, it was so cool
 These trees
This Best Western wing
Stone Harbor

 skyline
 I miss this one

 Where is he now?
 Calder
 King Tut
 
  These lights
 now a rock garden
 Thanks to Joanne Calabria from CBS3 for coming up with the idea to light the buildings for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 20 years ago, something they do around the world now.
Categories
Philadelphia

THE LOST ENTRIES – Party Pixs: PARAMOUR KENTUCKY DERBY DAY

I’m on vacation this week, and am filling this week up with entries that should have posted earlier.
*************

The social season was banging this past spring, and sadly I was over run with great events that didn’t end up anywhere, but I remembered that I liked it and it was fun.

Also I love the Mainline, tradition, fancy hats and smart outfits. I found that the previous year I covered this event, and again on May 4. Earlier in the day I had covered Le Dame’s seminar at the Restaurant School, then that evening I was going to the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra Burt Bacharach dinner.

 
Kathy and Steve Bajus (right), owners of the Wayne Hotel
Paramour Restaurant at the Wayne Hotel hosted its second annual
Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 4, 2013. The event kicked off the
spring and summer al fresco dining season on the Veranda. Proceeds from the event benefited the Wayne Senior Center.

Party guests gathering on the Veranda and in the Lobby Lounge were
treated to Mint Juleps and select wines by the glass from the bar.
Executive Chef Kyle paid tribute to the infield and served an array of
hors d’oeuvres like Potato Croquettes with Caviar and Creme Fraiche,
Lobster Bisque Shooters with Benedictine Whipped Cream and Shrimp and
Grit Cakes with Remoulade. Pastry Chef Amelia Dietrich satisfied
everyone’s sweet tooth with classic Kentucky Derby treats such as Red
Velvet Cupcakes and her deathly sweet Derby Bars.

Ginny Brookins, Bd of Wayne Senior Center, Susan Shapiro, Executive Director of the Wayne Senior Center, and Florence Agogli, Wayne Senior Center
Debbie Williams and Patty Collins
Gloria Mangini , Diane McKinley, Diana Malloy and Diane McKinley
The twins were celebrating their bday’s but mum’s the wo
 Kate Schweiger and Pattie Cooney
Marisa Yangello (who folks say looks like Kate Middleton) with Prince William
Happy Birthday Becca Pryce Hoff with sisters Allison Boughton and Melinda Pryce
Marilyn von Feele and Dennis Benyola

Linda Carrick, Rich Lonngmore, Mike Jaconelli and Carol Pearson

 John Harkins and Diane Jiorle


Categories
Philadelphia

EAGLES CHEERLEADERS CALENDAR & New Pro Shop Opens in Cherry Hill

I’m on vacation this week, so here’s a little Eagles Eye Candy. I will not have any access to my blog until after Sunday.  Follow me on twitter for pics & stories of my vacation
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The Philadelphia Eagles hosted the grand opening of its official retail store, Eagles Pro Shop,
in Cherry Hill, NJ on Saturday, July 27.

Eagles alumnus RB Brian Westbrook, SWOOP and officials opened the new Eagles Pro Shop at 

  Located in the Market Place at
Garden State Park, this anticipated event will feature numerous
activities for the public such as special appearances,

  in-store
promotions, exclusive giveaways, entertainment and the traditional
ribbon cutting.

Brent Celek in the team meeting

 Amanda Grace- Cape May
 Amanda Rose Seaside Heights – Miss December
 Chelsey, Margate – Miss April 2014
 Ivelisse, Ventnor NJ, Miss October
 Katrina, Cape May – Miss September
Michaelannn, Margate City -Miss July

Alicia- Cape May, NJ

Philadelphia Eagles

Dom Savini

Categories
Philadelphia

Party Pixs: The Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce Summer Cocktail Party

The Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce said “this is how to grow
international business” and 300 people showed up in agreement. So on
one of the steamiest days of the summer, the region’s business leaders
were not at the beach. They made sure to be seen and heard at the
International Business Networking Reception, sponsored by the Chilean
& American Chamber, featuring Philadelphia’s Mayor Michael Nutter.

 

Ricardo Maldonado, Executive Director of the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce (CACCGP), Ita Harmelin, Telemundo, Dey DeShayes,, DD Promotions, Natalia Gamarra and Terrence Gatsby

Obviously impressed by the sizable gathering, the mayor regaled the
crowd with his impeccably timed sense of humor, which he doesn’t get
enough credit for. In addition to the wry wit and laughter,
Philadelphia’s serious status as an international city on the cutting
edge of business development was the evening’s main topic. Nutter said
encouraging new investment and commercial trade between Philadelphia and
the rest of the world is a top priority. He outlined his plans to keep
Philadelphia in the highest echelons of U-S destinations for foreign
investments.

“Philadelphia has seven sister cities around the world,” said Nutter. (He’s the been to two of them and hopes to visit the others soon. ) 
Philadelphia is officially linked with 7 Sister Cities and 3 Partnership Cities in 9 countries.  Areas of cooperation include:
– Economic development & trade
– Youth and education
– Municipal and technological cooperation
– Arts
– Sports & culture
Also in the photo is NANCY J. GILBOY, President & CEO
IVC – International Visitors Council of Philadelphia
U.S. Department of State | City of Philadelphia Sister Cities Program (pink sweater)
Asked about the Chamber’s highly effective ‘Chilean model’ Nutter said,
“Part of the key to the great success of the Chilean & American
Chamber is a great focus on the business side of things. They know how
to keep people active within the Chamber, look at this tremendous
turnout, and there’s an increasing amount of activity from Chilean
companies. They also have the vision to understand there are great
business opportunities in Philly and the region. Our commerce department
has a great working relationship with the Chamber.” Asked about the
exceptionally close relations between Chile and CACCGP, the mayor said,
“We are very fortunate in Philadelphia that we are a great port-of-call
for the Chilean fruits and other goods, many of which come through the
port of Philadelphia bound for the rest of the United States. We
recognize that Chile is a country that is part of the economic vitality
of Philadelphia and we want that to grow. It’s my job to make sure those
relationships are strong and consistent and as mayor, I have to do a
fair amount of outreach. The great thing about the Chilean and American
Chamber is that they reach out as well and it is a great partnership.”
Val Kogan, President, Mid-Atlantic – Russia Business Council; Eileen Stilwell, Ship PhillyFirst; Bob Carullo, SMART
Susan Gay, Baltimore Business Wire
Diana Jones, Drexel and Charlotta Thunander, Associate Director at Drexel, Executive MBA Programs
Maggie Leyden and Lyra McGrath, both from WHYY
Julia Djurfeldt,Marketing Manager på Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce – Philadelphia and Matthias Lundin, Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce
Ricardo Maldonado and Sheryl Rothberg
Nikki Brooks, British Consulate, Karen Lewis, Executive Director of the Avenue of the Arts, and Shari Williams, Community Outreach Manager at Marcellus Shale Coalition
Rong Lai,  ‎Intern at Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce and Kira Greenlee,British American Business Council Intern (Very impressed that these two young ladies had their linkin updated. That is a very important business tool. So many people don’t realize it.)
One of the duties of an intern is to get the spelling of all the name tags, print them out and put them in alphabetical order. No easy task, but a lesson in patience and perseverance.(I would not make a good intern)

Ruth Cohen, and  Shinjoo Cho, Director of International Business Investment at City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce (The mayor announced that this was a newly created position in the City)
James Gulnick, McCrory Glass and Lisette Guevara, McCrory Glass
A history-making agreement was signed on Tuesday, July 16, between the Chilean & American Chamber
of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia (CACCGP), the Chilean-American
Chamber of Commerce of Chile (AMCHAM) and the Pennsylvania Chamber of
Business and Industry. The
Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce will sign a Sister Chambers
Agreement to establish a formal partnership between the Greater
Philadelphia region and Chile

Dave Collins, 721 Logistics LLC and John Antonucci, Vice President Corporate Accounts at 721 Logistics LLC (Fresh Fruit & Perishable Import Specialists [from Chile] and other services)

Former Congressman Patrick Murphy, now with Fox Rothschild,  and Michelle Holder


James Wujcik, Market Executive Sovereign/Santander

Luke Butler, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development at City of Philadelphia and Patricia Dickey, President at Ytellis Global Consultancy LLC

The guest list and sponsors were a veritable Who’s Who of international
business in Philadelphia. Members of the French, Swedish, Irish, Israel,
Italy,

German and Chilean-American Chambers joined with the Japan
American Society and the British Business Council of Philadelphia,
listening intently as Mayor Nutter extolled the very real virtues of
Philadelphia’s cultural and economic advantages.

Ulla Britt-Apell and Erwin Apell, Chairman of the SACC-Philadelphia, which was founded in 1999 as a
non-profit member organization serving the Pennsylvania, southern New
Jersey, and Delaware region. Our mission is to encourage and promote an
exchange of technology, trade and culture between Sweden and the Greater
Philadelphia regions, while providing members with a spectrum of
services and social events. (Great style.)

Michael A. Bartels, Citrin Cooperman, Randyl Case, Citrin Cooperman and Jake Dawson, Regional Account Executive at Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce