A reader send me this:
HughE
This is a new restaurant opening on 1207 Walnut street and the posting for “Now Hiring” is only in Spanish on both windows and it seems like they are only looking for Hispanic dishwashers and food prep. 
This is so discriminating against other races. We were pissed when we saw it.
The Bellevue Gets Engaged is one of my favorite bridal gathering. It’s always had just the right elements of notable peeps in the first row, eager brides looking for their dream wedding elements and a beautiful Nicole Miller bridal fashion show on the 19th floor of the historic Hyatt at the Bellevue hotel on Broad Street.
This year there were a few changes, all for the good. Change of ballrooms, the shin dig has moved down 18 1/2 floors to the Grand Ballroom. Grand is not an understatement, some of the City’s grandest weddings have occurred in this space, as well as many prestigious events including the annual Flyers Wives Fashion Show in January, which also featured Nicole Miller designs. The event was chock full of Philebrities and A Listers. Not only did the new venue also hold more people, but it was roomier and the runway didn’t affect the flow of the crowd in the room by overwhelming it. Finally there were less notables filling the room, which was a good thing as it freed up front row seats for the brides to be (BFF of Mary K. Dougherty , First Lady Lisa Nutter, was over at the Flower Show reading the Lorax to the kids). Although a few seemed to be on the runway, and a handful of fashionistas and tastemakers were spotted in the seats. I didn’t see Linda and Ian Swain like I normally do, but Lianda Swain was there and she is the demographic of who you want in your audience at a bridal show.
Alexa Gutter and Alana Tosti, Philadelphia Wedding Magazine. Alana loves the new space. I love that the vendors were in the same room, with the cake vendors located on the balcony. Meaning when you went up the stairs and down the stairs you burned, I burned some calories. (I really didn’t eat any cake, I’m on the caveman diet. They didn’t have cake in their world. Although Fred Flintstone does look like he’s never walked by a piece of cake he didn’t like.)
Gary Kraus & Liz Scarlett own one of my favorite stores, Scarlett Alley. Even before I was PCC I used to stop in and buy things there. Think of a cross between Foster’s and The Home Store. Now they are doing stationary for weddings etc.
Tina Lamsback and her dad Robert Lamsback of Lamsback floral displays, one is behind them and others lined the runway for the highly anticipated Nicole Miller 2012 Bridal Fashion Show. (Tina’s the Chair of the upcoming Donors Are Heroes‘ 10th annual “THE Party” taking place April 27, 2012 at the Four Seasons. It really is the hippest party in town.)
Author/Editor of Philadelphia Wedding, Carrie Denny signs her book “The Bride’s Instruction Manual”
Laurie Gold, Director of Catering, Monet Imperato, Sales Assistant and Judy Ellis Taylor, Director of Sales and Marketing all at the Hyatt at the Bellevue.
Awesome Shane Victorino cake made especially for the dedication of the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys School, created by Potito’s Bakery.
Mary Beth and Liv Sheridan love Teuschers Chocolates of Switzerland, which you can buy in the Bellevue Lobby from Bruce or Rachel at their store.
Oh wait did I mention City of Hope’s “Let Them Eat Cake” 4/2/12 is coming up. Another great event, this time all about Wedding Cakes, cakes in general, and it’s a competition. (I keep stressing, bring doggie containers. At the end of the night they are giving away the cake.) – This Cake is from Bredenbeck’s Bakery in Chestnut Hill. It’s a groom’s cake. He met his betrothed at a pizza shop so she had this cake made for him.
Julia Greenberger and Greta Greenberger look for ideas as Julia is getting married in November.
Guests were also entertained by the fancy foot work of dance instructors from Society Hill Dance Academy! Check them out at Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars on April 22 to benefit Sickle Cell Anemia. 
Amanda Giddings, Capital Grille and Carol Drumstas, Brown Forman. These two are just about to head out on a tour of the Wine Country. I wish I could be a fly on the wall for that trip, cause Carol is such a trip. Laughs a minute no doubt.
The Sporting Club. Upcoming is Fight Night III 3/30/12 at The Sporting Club at The Bellevue is pleased to announce Fight Night 3. Doors Open @ 6:30 PM Proceeds benefit Students Run Philly Style
DJ Bizz of CTOMusic Artist created a nice buzz as the brides roamed around looking at their future memries, and then CTO TriBeCa warmed the crowd up for the fashion show which concluded when Romona of belted out Etta James’ “At Last” as the show stopping finale. (CTO has 5 different bands, with 5 different sounds, plus DJ’s to meet all your wedding reception needs.)
Front Row Action – Inga D’Angelo, DJ 10 Arts Thursday nights, Renee Patrone, Event Manager at Root Strategies & Weddings by Renee. Renee is also involved with a Black Tie Bowling event at Wynnewood Lanes on March 31, 2012 This fabulous event brings a new twist to the term “Black Tie Event”, Kristin Palmer and Jay Michael, Jay Michael Salon & Spa
Casey Friedman and Adam Cohen are tying the note in 2013 after 10 years of dating. They were so cute while watching the show, obviously in love and looking forward to the big day.
Melissa Bizzak, Philadelphia Magazine Marketing pro takes a turn on the catwalk with the lens of the paparazzi looking her way as she struts her bad self in a Nicole Miller wedding dress.
Ryann Richardson, former Miss Philadelphia and now Director of Public Relations and Promotions – Spirits RESERVE Steakouse. Bar. Lounge, looking fab in this bridesmaids dress.
Men’s attire by Hugo Boss and jewelry selections by Tiffany & Co. completed the bridal party’s needs.
Rakia Reynolds, can she just go by Rakia, I think I’m just gonna refer her by one name. She is a brand, is it too late for her to rename her PR firm Skai Blue Media to Rakia, I think not, think about that Rakia. Unique, beautiful, a true Philly Phasionista, sweet, a mother, a wife, and entrepreneur. Rakia in a unique Nicole Miller wedding gown, as unique and beautiful as she is.
The fashion show event was executed by Mary K. Dougherty and Associates
On a rainy Thursday afternoon I headed out to the ‘burbs, the Mainline to be exact to join Thorncroft’s annual Victory Gallop committee members in addressing invitations to 27th annual event set for Saturday, March 31 (It was so much fun chatting with the ladies. Our hostess Andee Shapiro and I discovered we lived 2 blocks away from each other in Cherry Hill NJ, and I might have gone to school with her children.) “Harnessing Magic” will take place at the Hyatt at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia and will feature a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing, and silent and live auctions.
A few of the committee members who gathered to
Jacque Gallagher, event co-chair Sallie Dixon and Vicki McCue, Jean Ladenheim, Andee Shapiro, Kathy Grentzenberg, and Terry Martino.
Thorncroft’s mission is to help build the physical, emotional and mental well-being of all people, particularly those with special needs, through establishing an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and love in an equestrian environment. They are committed to a mainstreaming approach for teaching horseback riding and to promoting the development of new and independent therapeutic riding programs. Ticket Info Here.
Nearly 1,000 notables, dignitaries and socialites enjoyed the tropical paradise that is the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at a preview party on Saturday. 
The theme of the 185th flower show—“Hawaii: Islands of Aloha”. This entry is the Young Friends Party, at the end I will link you to my Philly Mag column and the main party and dinner shots.
Saturday night was beautiful, beautiful flowers, exhibits, people and for the most part fashion.
I’m not going to show many of the exhibits here as you should really go and enjoy it yourself.
Michelle Nicoletto co-chair of the Young Friends of the Philadelphia International Flower Show with Kat Humphries. Last year Drew Becher mentioned that he would like to try out a Young Friends party honoring the flower show. They held it at the Loews Hotel, and it was a smashing success. This year they held at the show, and it was another sell out and no doubt the best party in town. For $40 guests received two drink tickets, passed hors d’oeuvres, dessert, dancing under the orchids and full access to the beautiful exhibits.
I do love this one, and am showing just an abbreviated shot. Kojola Eino Armas, Moda botanica and life partner Alan Spooner in front of the Hawaiian shirt. After last year’s exhibit, the partners at Moda discovered that the audience loves to interact with the exhibit.
Floral designs were out and about
Lisa and Charles Willis looking festive
I came upon Anna Wik (2nd from left), Landscape Architect at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society licking the lettuce wall. At first I thought she was hungry, but it turned out to be an affectionate lick as she helped create it. She’s with friends Greta Hough, Annukka Bloedon, Elizabeth Pugh and April Pedrick
Yum Fruit Flowers my favorite. Erica Steinberg and Susan Ellman man create the magic.
Canadian army soldier Gilles Frenette and Lauren O’Brien enjoy their second visit to the Philly Flower Show. Congrats on their engagement and upcoming wedding in 2013. Maybe they’ll stop by on Wednesday, March 7: Wedding Wednesday sponsored by Sponsored by Philadelphia Wedding magazine. There’s other events happening this week too, find them here
Furry Diane Gronendahl and Susan Rosen
Is it getting hot in here: Jeff Liebreich, Jonathan Maldonado and Joan Rivera
Jim and Lora Constantine, looking stylish, but wait til you see what they wear on St Patrick’s Day she told me. You might have seen them on a reality TV show too.
Dr. Bob Kreb and Leslie Miller. This year the show is trying to attract more men with a “man cave” room. The room includes video screens and SugarHouse Casino will sponsor table games—poker and blackjack with professional dealers. All of the buy-in for the games will go toward the PHS City Harvest program, which provides fresh produce for families in need. Players also will be eligible for prizes, women are allowed to relax in the “Man Cave” too.
I love the miniatures, but what do you think of this Forever 21 outfit for this event?
International designer hailing from the Main Line on the cover of the Spring issue of PSM, Tory Burch made an appearance at the Philly Style Magazine party, which was held in the Kula restaurant in the center of the show. Very 40’s vintage esq
Editor Kristin Munroe with her equally beautiful mom
Glamorosi and A.D. Amorosi. Glamorosi is wearing jewelery she created called Crystal Cascade Earrings and will be part of her Fall 2012 collection – they’ll be on Glamorosi.com in September. Always rocking the style, wearing a 50s vintage dress given to her by her mother, and stylish 50s shoes were an anniversary gift from A.D. A.D. is wearing a brand spanking new Gucci tux.
The Philly Style Magazine friends Nadia and Jimmy Maransky, Lauren O’Dorisio, Sabrina and Steve Thorne, Maria Papadakis, John Colabelli, Nicole Cashman and Nigel Richards
Larissa Dentamaro finds something funny, as her boyfriend Dave Twaddle looks on.
cowabunga
oh my
The dance party was in full swing by 10PM just as the dinner was ending upstairs and the afterparty to that event was to begin. We exited stage left My Philly Mag Column Today.
The third A Date with a Plate event will take place May 8 and 9, 2012 at Peche
Sherman Mills in East Falls Philadelphia. This two-day event embraces the art of the table. Not just silverware and plates, it’s the creative interpretation of the details that not only brings us to the table, but makes us want to stay.More than two dozen table displays created by professional decorators and interior designers, florists and retailers, as well as those set by private collectors and table décor enthusiasts will be featured. 
Special guest presenters to date will include: Allium Design, Cotswold Home, Evantine Design, Joseph A. Berkowitz Interiors, Michael Shannon Designs, Neiman Marcus, Palladio, Penncora Events, Primrose
of Stone Harbor, Robertson’s Flowers, Sullivan Owen, The Hill Company, The Illustrated Gallery, and Williams Sonoma.Monies raised from the two-day event will be devoted to the design and construction of a Serenity Garden at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center to be located at The Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. This garden will offer a tranquil space for patients, families, doctors and nurses alike.
The following day entitled “Second Helping,” offers continued viewing, as well as a series of lectures,
great raffles and much more from 10a.m. to 3p.m., ticket prices are $50 per person.
The 2008 and 2010 A Date with a Plate events raised in excess of $500,000 to help fund melanoma research. The IMAJNZ foundation was created in 2009 by Sharyn Berman of Lower Gwynedd and Judi Goodman of Ambler, as the non-profit organization to host the A Date with a Plate event. The organization is comprised of a group of women who wish to devote their time and creative energy to raise funds that will benefit specific causes.
Committee members include Barbara Azarik of Hilltown, Bonnie Benson of Wynnewood, Bryna Berman of Gwynedd Valley, Debbie Dickson Biamon of Lower Gwynedd, Linnie Cook of Haverford, Robin Lassin of Gwynedd Valley, Terry Levy of Lansdale, Sue McGinnis of Eagleville and Debbie Bedrosian Vozzo of North Wales.
For More information about A Date with A Plate 2012, log onto adatewithaplate.org or call 215.641.9757. You can also Like Us on Facebook.
XFINITY Live!, the new entertainment destination in Philadelphia being built near the Wells Fargo Center.
The Linc is on the left, Xfinity Live on the right
The front door
Last night XFINITY Live!, Philadelphia hosted a Korbel Champagne and Hard Hat VIP party last night for a handful of people
a few peeps on the tour.
As you can see the venue is coming together nicely. This is the Philly Marketplace, which will serve as the heart of the venue and act as a central gathering place for group. It’s here you’ll find the Original Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co., Chickie’s & Pete’s, and Nick’s Roast Beef.
It will also feature a VIP lounge, custom draft tables, a raw bar, and world class sports viewing.
on the right will be the the Broad Street Bullies Pub. The Broad Street Bullies, a “timeless neighborhood pub featuring authentic memorabilia from the legendary Broad Street Bullies team of the 1970’s.” The space is a classic tavern-meets-gastro pub, specializing in gourmet burgers and classic pub fare as well as an expansive variety of beer including 48 drafts on tap.
love the wall covering like the Flyers wall paper.
people in the stands
The Victory Beer Hall. It’s going to feature beer hall-style tables, a stage for live indoor entertainment …
I’m gonna guess this is the private VIP area as it overlooks the complex and there’s
an unobstructed view of the 32-foot diagonal, 6-mm, $1-million Sony LED High-Def screen. Cordish Company is the developer on the project, slated to open in March 2012. It includes the NBC Sports Arena. XFINITY Live will also include the NBC Sports Fantasy Board to provide up-to-the-minute stats for fantasy sports leagues; the Comcast SportsNet Ticker, over 100 feet of LED ribbon in the Philly MarketPlace showing live sports scores and top news; and the Comcast SportsNet Interactive Zone, featuring fan camera, photo green screen, and interactive games.
XFINITY Live!, Philadelphia: It’s a destination you’re gonna wanna visit often. There’s free parking on nights when there are no games. Check out my Philly Mag column for more info and a few pixs of peeps that came to the party. http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2012/03/02/hughe-dillon-sneak-peek-xfinity-live-complex/
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Thanks to my sponsors who keep me clothed in those nice black outfits you see me sporting. Make this weekend special, pick up some new threads & new shoes at the Shops of Liberty Place, rent a limo to take you to dinner at Del Frisco’s while enjoying a glass of Korbel. nibble on the best chocolates from Teuchsers Philadelphia at the Bellevue. Then head over to Philly’s favorite playground Recess for some late night dancing. For your next party think about hiring a band or DJ from CTO Entertainment be sure to stop by the Cool Pix Photo Booth. Stop off at your full service attorney’s office Zarwin Baum before you take the plunge. On Monday hit the gym, The Sporting Club, and call The Lab for marketing advice. Pick up your tickets for Philly’s most outrageously fun cake decorating contest, where you get to eat as much wedding cake as possible & bring some home. Let Them Eat Cake. on April 2nd. I suggest you bring your own container cause there is only so much cake you can eat, really, I learned that the first year I went. Have a great weekend.
Let the App be Your GuideDownload the NEW Flower Show Mobile App Before you Visit the Show March 4 Science and technology have come a long way since 1829, when the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society held the first American flower show. For the 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show, “Hawaii: Islands of Aloha,” technological components will play an exciting new role in exhibits and in the way visitors experience the Show. Before guests arrive at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, they will be able to prepare for their visit on a new mobile application. Experience the Flower Show as never before with the Flower Show App which is now available on smartphones, tablets and any device that has Internet connectivity. It also allow visitors to find out everything that is happening at the Show, from exhibitor information, to Marketplace shopping, to the schedule of lectures, demonstrations and performances, all in one easy-to-navigate interface. Guests will even be able to participate in the real-time voting on the design competitions at the Designer’s Studio. Download the App today so you can:
**Compatible with most mobile devices (including the iPhone, iPad, and Android), the Flower Show App will maximize your Flower Show experience. And it’s free! http://www.theflowershow.com/ShowInfo/mobile.html
Plus a lot of other Nights Out at the Flower ShowTo find out more Philadelphia Flower Show Attractions please visit http://www.theflowershow.com/Attractions/index.html Flower Show Hours:
Sunday, March 4; 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
Monday – Friday, March 5-9: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm
Saturday, March 10; 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
Sunday, March 11; 8:00 am – 6:00 pm For information and to purchase tickets for the Flower Show, visit theflowershow.com FYI – The most affordable parking near the Pennsylvania Convention Center is at the Gallery. (44 N. 10th Street ~ between Arch & Filbert Sts. on 10th Street)This post is brought to you with support of the Philadelphia International Flower show. Find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @PhilaFlowerShow
Author Maggie Anderson who wrote the book “Our Black Year: One Family’s Quest to Buy Black in America’s Racially Divided Economy”, which chronicled her family’s life for one year buying only black. Signing and Panel Discussion at the
African American Museum
Maggie and John Anderson were successful African American professionals raising two daughters in a tony suburb of Chicago. But they felt uneasy over their good fortune. Most African Americans live in economically starved neighborhoods. Black wealth is about one tenth of white wealth, and black businesses lag behind businesses of all other racial groups in every measure of success. One problem is that black consumers–unlike consumers of other ethnicities– choose not to support black-owned businesses. At the same time, most of the businesses in their communities are owned by outsiders.
On January 1, 2009 the Andersons embarked on a year-long public pledge to “buy black.” They thought that by taking a stand, the black community would be mobilized to exert its economic might. They thought that by exposing the issues, Americans of all races would see that economically empowering black neighborhoods benefits society as a whole. Instead, blacks refused to support their own, and others condemned their experiment. Drawing on economic research and social history as well as her personal story, Maggie Anderson shows why the black economy continues to suffer and issues a call to action to all of us to do our part to reverse this trend. (amazon)
After wards there was a very informative panel discussion with five black owned business people to discuss ways that the black community can support each other.
Above: moderated by A. Bruce Crawley, President and CEO of Millennium 3
Management, Inc., on the topic of supporting fellow African American businesses.
Along with Anderson, panelists include Steven Bradley, President & CEO of Bradley &
Bradley Associates, Inc. and Chairman of the African American Chamber of Commerce
PA, NJ & DE, Steve Davis, President & CEO of Omega Optical and Megan R. Smith, President of Brownstone PR and Patricia Coulter, President & CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia.
African Americans make up only 13 percent of the U.S. population but represent
anywhere from 25-40 percent of the consumer base for grocery stores, fast food
restaurants, athletic apparel, and toy stores. Anderson urges black America to move back to the neighborhoods, it’s your duty to help the community.
Patricia Coulter, (left) President & CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia. Did you know that in the Asian community a dollar circulates among local shop owners, banks, and business professionals for up to 28 days before it is spent with outsiders. In the Jewish community, a dollar circulates for 19 days. In the African
American community a dollar is gone within 6 hours. Maggie Anderson (right) invest in a black bank: United Bank. Education is the key to the children learning to buy from the community.
Steve Davis, President & CEO of Omega Optical (I bought my glasses from Omega Optical. They’re snazzy.) Steve discussed how many of his workers are people you see in the community, maybe you know them from church. He discussed his investments in the community and the charity work the store does.
Patricia Coulter, (left) President & CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia. You need to find out what kind of investment is a company making in your community. If I go to a dress shop I want to know where are the black designers, if they don’t have any walk out. If we use our dollars as power, as a statement, people will listen. Anderson (right) says she no longer buys Polo to wear, and she won’t drink Hennessy, a favorite of Busta Rhymes, P. Diddy and Kanye West. 
Kimberely Highsmith, B-Mor Technologies asked how do we get the word out. Most of her clients are not from the black community? The panel responded education of the kids, church, community groups and social media. Plus we need to encourage the black community to open stores, to start companies, to not be reliant to be the worker but to be the boss too.
Robert W. Bogle is president and chief executive officer of The Philadelphia Tribune (seated) and standing E. Steven Collins. Others spotted in the crowd Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown, Baba Taiye Renfrow, Tracy Davis, Dwight Evans, and many more notable peeps. 
Harold Epps, President and CEO at PRWT Services, Inc. put it best: Take $2,000 that you would normally spend, just spend it in the community. Invest in the community.
There was a cocktail hour beforehand and I photographed a few people.
Dr. Joi Spraggins and Chris Lewis
Carlton Langley, SocialHubris.com and Karla Trotman BellyButtonBoutique.com
Mariska Bogle looking stylish as usual. Megan Smith, Brownstone PR said that the event was a fantastic opportunity for the African American American Chamber of Commerce, PA,NJ,DE, PRWT Services, the Urban League of Philadelphia, NAMD and the African American Museum of Philadelphia to come together around an issue that is of great importance to our communities: the extreme need for African Americans to support and champion African American owned businesses and organizations. It goes beyond simply ‘buying Black’; rather, this conversation spoke to the need for a strategic effort to effectively recycle the dollars in our community.
Check out: Author Maggie Anderson of “Our Black Year” on @CNN w/@Soledad_OBrien on 2/27/12
The Kimmel Center is 10 Year’s Old this Year. 
They’ve already started celebrating with lots of free events, and reasonably priced events. A few weeks back they had an event with Kevin Bacon.. Philadelphia-born actor Kevin Bacon made an appearance at the Kimmel Center’s 10th Anniversary special event,”Clips and Conversation with Kevin Bacon,” Wednesday, February 15, 7:30-9 p.m. in the Perelman Theater.
Kevin Bacon and event host Inquirer Film Critic Carrie Rickey.
Kevin Bacon was on hand as speaker and guest of honor. He is pictured here with Kimmel Center Chairman Paul Tufano and President Anne Ewers.
Nick Mcilwain from the Preston and Steve show and Melissa Hilbert.
Kimmel Center PR Director Dafni Comerota with Kevin Bacon.
Christine Tufano, Kevin Bacon, Paul Tufano. William Shatner’s One Man Show SHATNER’S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT Beams into Philadelphia March 13
Joan Roebuck-Carter, Tim Reese, Sara Lomax Reese. Just in time for St Patrick’s Day:
Friends of the Kimmel Center Real Estate Magnate Ron Rubin, Judee Von Seldeneck, and Marcia Rubin.
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The Hamels Foundation partner-up with 
Krispy Kreme to give back to the Community
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I was double book this day (It was the opening of Bruce Springsteen exhibit), so my 2nd shooter Mike Hirata went on behalf of PhillyChitChat.com (Although I did stop in for the part of Kevin Bacon on stage for a shot for my Philly Mag.)