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Philadelphia

Philadelphia Magazine Published Two Covers for March 2013

This month Philadelphia Magazine has two covers, both with the
same content. One with the controversial story “Being White In Philly” on the cover, which you can get on your news
stand, and in the mail if you’re a subscriber (r).

The other “Fashion” which is only available in hotel rooms. Note there’s no bar-code or price on the cover featuring M. Night Shyamalan’s beautiful wife Bhavna Vaswani on the cover.

Check out my column of the Philadelphia Flower Show’s Gala Preview event on The Scene at 
The Philly Post HERE Like it and share it if you’d like. 

Here’s a link to the story on the right.

(P.S. I got permission to write about the two covers after I noticed them at my office.)

PSS I appreciate PhillyMag allowing me to make a statement.
“I love Philly Mag, but am very sad about the cover story. The article doesn’t represent my views. I’m sad it hurt many of my friends feelings. One of my friends wrote me to say she’s moving, she can’t believe that a City like Philly, which wants to be progressive, would publish an article like this. She wants to raise her family in a more tolerant community.”

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Philadelphia

Now This Is Something Different: American Idol at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

American Idol at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show
American
Idol, Fox television’s phenomenal singing competition, will visit the
2013 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show on Sunday, March 3.
The
TV program has begun “Idol Across America,” a cross-country relay of
the Idol microphone – like the carrying of the Olympic Torch – starting
in New York City on March 1, traveling through Boston on March 2, and
reaching Philadelphia on March 3.
The
microphone will arrive at the Flower Show, which opened today (March 2)
and continues through March 10 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center,
at about 10:30 a.m
. It will be carried around the show floor by PHS
President Drew Becher and Abington High School student Erinmarie Byrnes,
whose school garden club is competing in the Flower Show.
Local
Idol fans, inspirational heroes, local officials and former Idol
performers will take the mic to other iconic American landmarks in
Philadelphia, including the Museum of Art and Rittenhouse Square.

The
mic will also travel  to Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Nashville, Detroit,
Chicago, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and finish in
Hollywood, just in time for the Top 10 Live performance of American Idol
on March 13. The mic will travel a total of 5,000 miles, hitting 13
cities in 13 days.

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Philadelphia

The 2nd Best Event I Ever Went To

I mistitled yesterday’s entry. I should have stressed in the heading how awesome the event was. I loved that the balloons still had the strings on them, and at the begining of the dance party a few were blown up electronically and showered the guests with confetti.

 Read more about it by clicking the link below…

http://www.phillychitchat.com/2013/03/umami-evening-of-sensory-indulgence-and.html

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Philadelphia

UMAMI: An Evening of Sensory Indulgence and FUN

Last week I went to the most fantastical event. The Theatre Confetti Party. But it wasn’t just a party, it was a celebration, an event, a happening. It really was one of the most memorable events I had attended in the past five years. Let’s meet some of the people who were there…

Coartistic directors of Theatre Confetti Bi Jean Ngo and Nicole Paloux celebrate during the event with Where Magazine’s Kristina Jenkins (r), who is now part of the artistic team

 Guests began to arrive at the Power Plant, which lies in the shadow of the Ben Franklin Bridge in Old City, at around 7PM. Actors Noah Berger and Alexa Darrow were one of the first to arrive, looking smartly dressed, and looking forward to what lie ahead and was promoted as a lite fare, show, drinking and dancing.

 Michael Clarke and Vincent Vienne, GM Sofitel Hotel Philadelphia
 Justin Fine, Clarina Portnorth, Mariana Seltzer and Larry Reese, tell me that they’re looking forward to the Philadelphia Flower Show starting tonight. They need a little spring, and they need it right now. I don’t blame them, it was cold that night, but warm inside.
Model Joe Gorgol and designer Lele Tran.(she designed the white dress Nicole Paloux is wearing.)

Ahsa Sahijwani, Kristina Jenkins and Sara Moix

 Fusion II dance Troupe was in the house and performed a lively dance for the guests after dinner.. These ladies are all in high school, and are already supremely talented. Check them out on 4/7/13 at the Painted Bride.

 Abby Raymond, Anna Schneider and Kelly Colum
 Neil Shah, President and Chief Operating Officer Hersha Hospitality Trust and Juhi Shah
 Renee Millett, Dustin Resnick and Jon Gosier

 I entered the room where the dinner party was to be held and it was simply spectacular. It was dark, with just ambient light so that you could see who you were talking to, as well as to safely walk around the basement theatrical space. There were blue balloons lining the ceiling, with strings attached, most of them long closest to the perimeter of the room, but shorter in the center of the room. It really lent itself to a festive atmosphere, and built the excitement for the night for what was to come.
Surinder Aggarwal and James Healy

 Let the dinner begin. Umami: An Evening of Sensory Indulgence by Theatre Confetti. Bites by & Wild Theatrical Performances.

The narrator for the evening guided us through our meal, through the entertainment to the finale

The night was like a mystery novel unfolding with each chapter
There was dance
The dance was choreographed by Nancy Berman Kantra and that Rolling Barrel Events did the bar.
Lovesick Inc. (the DJ’s) and Kuf Knotz
the band played: West Philly Orchestra
 Charles and Nicole Paloux open the dance floor
Love was in the air

Set design by Creme Design. During the first number when folks were on the dance floor, a button was pushed and several of the balloons exploded covering the guests in confetti

And before I knew it the night was over. But it doesn’t end there…

Coming up next for Theater Confetti is the debut of Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them at Old City’s the Power Plant beginning March 7

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Philadelphia

Kacie McDonnell , Marisa Magnatta, Laura Burkhardt, Brian Sims and Maria Papadakis: Cheer for Prohibition

In the “spirit” of the National Constitution Center’s world-premiere exhibition,
American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, Philadelphia’s top
bartenders will compete to create the “Best ’20s-inspired cocktail” using Blue Coat Gin,
hand crafted by Philadelphia Distilling, as their primary ingredient.

Their creations were judged by popular Philadelphia personalities including
Laura Burkhardt, WHERE Magazine Publisher; Marisa Magnatta, Associate Producer of WMMR’s Preston and Steve Morning Show;
Brian Sims, Pennsylvania State Representative. Maria Papadakis, Emmy award-winning media personality
and host of “Out and About” on Philly.com; and   FOX 29 traffic reporter
Kacie McDonnell serves as emcee. 

 Maria Farricielli, Fox 29’s Business Development Account Manager. and Margaret Cronan, Chief Communications Officer at National Constitution Center
About American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition – Now
through April 28, 2013, the era of flappers and suffragists,
bootleggers and temperance lobbyists, and real-life legends like Al
Capone and Carry Nation vividly
come to life in the National Constitution Center’s world-premiere exhibition
American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition
(I saw it, it was fascinating.)
Mixologist Nate Churchill, XIX restaurant and bar, tells me he created his prohibition drink in about a minute.
He’s a big fan of Bluecoat and knew which ingredients would work well with the gin, lemon juice, fresh OJ, dashes bitters, and honey. He then poured it in a mason jar, as this was the prohibition era and that was what people might drink cocktails in back them.

 Then there was Stephen Diaz’s “The Red Fizz Charleston”, made with 2oz Bluecoat, 1oz Germain, his own reciepe of fresh raspberry syrup topped off with a dry Brut champagnes and a twist of lemon and fresh raspberries on a skewer.

 

 A recent addition to Palomar Hotel’s Square 1682, Chaucey Scates’ created the popular “Powder Room Punch” with gin, cointreau, jasmine tea, lemon grenadine, peychaunds bitters and angostura bitters.

 Finally house bartender, Bess Gulliver created “The Jazz Baby”, gin, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth with Pierre Reeand and Dry Orange Curacao, Averna Amaro garnished with a flamed orange peel.

 South Philly Fashionista blogger Michelle Boyles, Julie Shannon, Editorial Events Coordinator for Metro US, Delsea football beat writer, foodie, fitness guru and Philly sports and Anna Aagenes, Greater Philadelphia Area – District Office Director, Office of Representative Brian Sims

Lisa Bass, Bourse Building (Who tells me she loves the Blue Coat as it’s not real ginny) and Lisa Breen

 It was good to catch up with Karen Gross, a former Where Magazine editor that works at the Constitution Center, but is also pursuing a cabaret singing career divides her time between Philly and Manhattan in pursuit of that goal, with Laura Burkhart, Where Magazine publisher.

 Rudy Fleisher, Here’s My Chance (PS I didn’t notice his flawless finger nails til late, I would have asked him if he were a typist?)

Michelle Boyles and Brett Copol both of Metro Philly Newspaper

Alison Young, Vice President of External Affairs at the National Constitution Center and Brian Sims, Pennsylvania State Representative.


Laurel Fairworth,  President at Cachet Communications and Kathy Zapp, Of Montgomery Media

 Kacie McDonnell, Fox 29 Traffic and Maria Papadakis, Philly.com plus has become a regular contributor to Fox 29 Good Day Philly. Prizes were awarded in two categories—Judge Favorite and Guest Favorite.  

The Guest Favorite will win an annual membership to the National Constitution
Center. And the winner is The Ritz Carlton Fizz!!

 Happy February Birthday to Matt Vlahos, Vlahos PR (2/28), Sarah Cooper Bobersky (2/8) and Big Rube Harley (2/23)

 Adam Judeh, GM XIX restaurant, winning bartender Nate Churchill thanking the organizers, Maria Papadakis, Marisa Magnatt and Brian Sims. Adam Judeh tells me that Orange Blossom will now be served at the XIX bar. (The Judge’s Favorite will receive
an annual membership to the National Constitution Center; a one night’s stay at the Hotel Monaco; a
With Love gift bag, courtesy of VisitPhilly.com and the Greater
Philadelphia Marketing and Tourism Corporation; and a feature on the
National Constitution Center’s website.)

Sunset from the Stratus Lounge. Can’t wait until summer, this place is going to be kickin it

 Then Laura and I headed to Red Owl Tavern for a bite to eat. OMG the Chicken Pot Pie keeps getting better and better. I highly recommend it, as I do the

The curry mussels.
Categories
Philadelphia

Fashion Friday Night Out – Kembrel’s Replica is Brillant and US U.S. Parties PLUS A RAW Deal

It seemed like it was Fashion Friday Night Out last week as the FBH Philadelphia Fashion Week hosted their 2nd night of runway delectable’s in Northern Liberties and I found myself  running to a few spots in town.

I knew it would be a fun night of fashion as I ran into Sabir Peele as I exited the bus. Sabir is the founder and creative director of the popular Men’s Style Pro blog, where
he models the latest in men’s fashion and doles out advice. It’s a family affair as his wife takes all the photos for the site. Recently he came out with his own shoe line, which he tells me is doing well.

Mike and I hit Kembrel first for their one year anniversary.

Kembrel has two stores in the City, the other is near 12th and Locust. They sell men’s and women’s clothes and accessories. I saw a lot of great shirts, for Mike, cause you know I only wear black.

Chad Boonswang and Ron Hansen

Katie English and Christie Honigman arrive to go party hopping with us.  These two gals could have their own blog with the styles they wear every day.

Fashion Forward
The gift bag is coming back. During the height of the recession, gift bags seemed to have disappeared, now they’re back. That’s a good sign.

Then we headed over to Replica Creative for the PHS Flower Show with  PHS President, Drew Becher, Keith Leaphart, brand manager at Replica Creative and The Philadelphia Flower Show 2013 chair Steven Bessellieu  with an
hourly light and sound show.

PHS officials, Sam Lemheney, Lisa Stefano and guest
Brilliant!

The largest indoor flower show in the nation, the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is going to be “Brilliant!” in its 184th year.
Capturing the majestic beauty and creative inspiration of Great
Britain, displays at this year’s Flower Show will pay tribute to
centuries of inspiring, influential design sense of London.
Visitors will be greeted by the scent of thousands of English roses
at the Royal palace gates, which open to the show’s grand centerpiece: a
sculptural, digitally enhanced rendition of Big Ben, complete

Then we headed over to the US*U.S One Year Anniversary Party.
Jeffrey Bussmann and designer Lobo Mau Designer Nicole Haddad 
Donna Mitchell wearing designer Lele Tran

@ Us U. S. ONE YEAR Anniversary party in old city w/@chonigman @kerryE @kristynmarie22  and KatieEnglish and designer Lele Tran showing the girls all the different ways you can wear her custom mad scarf. There’s at least 4 ways. Here’s a fun article on Philly.com about Lele and her unique showroom.

Ian Michael Crumm, Mr John and Donna Cristino
Christie Honigman, Katie English, Kristyn Aldrich and Kerry English
Ross Ericsson, Laura Galindo, and Brent Ericsson

Frederick Calalang is the City Director for RAW: natural born artists Philadelphia and designer Mariel Rojo. THE RUMORS ARE TRUE! BOYD TINSLEY OF DAVE
MATTHEWS BAND is playing a show at RAW, and they are screening his
new film Faces In The Mirror.
As usual RAW is pullin’ out all the stops for our live show; with 4 bands, fashion designers showcasing
on the runway, body painters, visual artists, painters, photographers,
and more. So come see Philly’s version of America’s Got Talent tomorrow
at LIT

 Then we headed over to Ela for dinner. Kristyn, Kerry, Christie, Kory, Teresa, Katie and Mike


Categories
Philadelphia

Kendra Wilkinson Baskett (& maybe Julie Dorenbos) Swaps Lives With Kate Gosselin Tonight

Tonight is Kendra Wilkinson Baskett ‘s Celebrity Wife Swap with Kate Gosselin on ABC at 8pm. Julie Dorenbos, who has appeared on the E! Kendra show, traveled to Kate Gosselin’s home to visit Kendra while she was playing mommy to Kate’s kids.

 

It was exhausting, but Julie said the kids were adorable and loved Kendra. I can’t wait to see how easily Kate slides into Kendra’s Hollywood life, a life that Kate seems to desire a great deal. 

Word on the street is there is an epic blow up that would make Krystal and Alexis blush. “Celebrity Wife Swap” starts its second season Tuesday, 2/26 at 8 PM on ABC.

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Philadelphia

Ticket Giveaway: The Met: Live in HD at the Movies Saturday 3/2/13 NOON

Ticket Giveaway:
PhillyChtitChat invites you and a guest to experience the magic of The Met. For one night only,
Parsifal LIVE comes to life on the silver screen. Jonas Kaufmann
stars in the title role of the innocent who finds wisdom in François
Girard’s new vision for Wagner’s final masterpiece. His fellow Wagnerian
luminaries include Katarina Dalayman as the
mysterious Kundry, Peter Mattei as the ailing Amfortas, Evgeny Nikitin
as the wicked Klingsor, and René Pape as the noble knight Gurnemanz.
Daniele Gatti conducts.
Experience the seventh season of the Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series
The Met: Live in HD in movie theaters nationwide. The broadcast of Wagner’s
Parsifal will be presented live for only one day on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 12:00 PM ET in select movie theaters.
 To
enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see this original
cinematic event, email your full name, address and phone number to
PHILLY@43KIX.COM
subject line “PHILLY CHIT CHAT – Parsifal Live” all entries must be
placed by Thursday, February 31 to ensure winners can be notified by the
event date.
Additionally,
any members interested in purchasing tickets to this one-time event can
view information on Parsifal LIVE and purchase their tickets at:
Winners will be notified by Friday, March 1.
Theaters near Philadelphia (metro area) where The Met: LIVE in HD will be taking place at are listed below:
Burlington 20
Hamilton Commons 14
Warrington Crossing 22
Plymouth Meeting 12
Neshaminy 24
Town Center Plaza
Brandywine Town Center 16

Reading Movies 11

(Sponsored Post)

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Philadelphia

The Ritz Carlton Oscar Night and Valentine To the Reading Terminal Gala

This weekend, in fact every night since Thursday has been packed with a few amazing events. The spring social season has begun. Monday is always insane for me as I have three columns due in addition to my PhillyChitChat.com entry.  
Over one PhillyMag.com I covered the Valentine to the Market. Which is an annual event that the Reading Terminal puts on to raise funds near and dear to it’s heart. It’s a lot of fun, especially with the smorgosboard of food stands that participate in the night, the Philebrities participating in the pretzel twisting contest and the fashionable folks that turn out to support the good cause.
So go over to PhillyMag and read all about it HERE (PS remember to like the page if you LIKE The Pixs. Thanks!)
Then Sunday night I headed over to the Ritz Carlton and their 2nd Annual Oscar Night Celebration
 Co-hosted by Jimmy Contreras, PhillyStreetStyle.com, and Philadelphia Style magazine’s editor-in-chief Kristin Detterline and sponsored by the George Clooney & Rande Gerber (Mr Cindy Crawford) new line of liquor Casamigos Tequila and Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Check out the happening HERE and the very well dressed folks that came out to celebrate the night in style.
Categories
Philadelphia

2013 Fur Ball “All You Need Is Love” in Photos

Philadelphia’s Morris Animal Refuge held its 16th annual evening of fun, fundraising, and love for animals—the Fur Ball at the University of the Arts Hamilton Hall last week.

The theme of the 2013 Fur Ball was “All You Need Is Love,” and guests “celebrated the
era when flower power reigned and tie-dye was the trend.” This year’s event theme is especially
important, as it rings true in pet ownership—all you need is love to change an animal’s life. 

Jim DePaul who 
has been with the Morris Animal Refuge since 1991.  Started as a
volunteer, and then worked his way up from Kennel Attendant to the
position of General Manager, welcomes the guests and recognizes this years honorees.

 Including presenting the prestigious Elizabeth Morris Award to honored guest Anne Irwin, the Executive Director of the Bucks County SPCA. The Elizabeth Morris Award is presented annually to a person or organization that has made a significant impact upon animal welfare over the last calendar year. Irwin recently oversaw the development of a new facility for the Bucks County SPCA which doubled their capabilities to rescue animals. Irwin said that saving animals has come a long since she took the position. These days there are felony animal laws, provisions from judges that remove animals from abusive homes, respect from the community, it’s easier to save the lives of animals now.

 I love, love, love surprise awards. This young lady thought she was going to give an award to Jim DePaul but he turned the tables on her and said he was there to honor her. Catherine Scafidi, accompanied by her husband Ernest with Annemarie O’Donnell, Member and Chair, Volunteer Committee and Philadelphia’s Fox 29 weather anchor Sue Serio who was the evening’s emcee. Catherine Scafidi has volunteered at the Morris Animal Refuge for 28 years. Well deserved!!

 The Morris Animal Refuge Board of Directors recently announced an ambitious five year plan. The
purpose of this strategic plan is to dramatically increase adoptions, enhance the Refuge’s Center
City facilities, expand programs and refocus the direction of the Refuge’s mission and goals.

Donielle Powell and Wayne Humphrey. Wayne tells me he bought this shirt for his brothers bachelor party two years ago. The theme was Boogie Nights. He hasn’t worn it since. The duo love supporter the Morris Animal Refuge, and were excited to celebrate their love of beagles, I mean the Beatles.
 Ara Aurigian and Donna Ingling
 Cindy Deluca gets her fun face on

Laura DiFrancesco, Billy Vargus, Philadelphia’s Fox 29 weather anchor Sue Serio served as the evening’s emcee and Miss Pennsylvania USA Jessica Billings.

Did you know you can adopt a pet virtually. No animal brought to our door is ever turned away. Unfortunately not all
animals find new homes. It takes hard work, sometimes a little luck,
and always the generosity of our friends to feed, care for and find
homes for our abused, neglected and abandoned friends. Please help us in our mission and save a life today!

 Grace Labouchere and her son George Clothier
 Dr Jessica Owkun and Dr Ralph Guarneri
Christine Goetschius MS, OTR/L, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Drexel and James Miller
 Bruce Braverman and Ellen Seidman wearing original outfits from their days in the ’60s. Bruce was in the service, and Ellen wore her outfit to Woodstock. The duo met in the 70’s, finally were engaged in the 80’s. It didn’t work out and they married other people. Fast forward to the new century and they re-connected on Facebook and have taken up where they left off. Ellen tells me that these days they’re happier then ever, they’re enjoying ever moment of their lives and it’s smooth sailing.

 Jana and Dave Challenger
 Diane O’Mara, Jana Challenger and Maria Quattrone

 Amit Gabai, photographer extraordinaire as well as Massage Therapy for your home & workplace at RelaxPhilly
Sey Gillespie, Nyraie Ellison and Edith Arrington

To learn more about the Morris Animal Refuge, visit their website at www.MorrisAnimalRefuge.org.