Sorry I was out late so I didn’t get to write up the blog entry I wanted to, so I just did this one quickly off the top of my head, and by quickly I mean 2 hrs. Now it’s 4:05AM and well yikes. I did do two posts though. Tonight I’m staying in (I think) so look for the two events I did over the weekend.

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Last night was the Annual Where Magazine Holiday Party at Macy’sAll the guests got to see the Macy’s Holiday Light Show, as well as sit on Santa’s lap, like Karen Spiro, Greta Greenberger and me
Smufs are making a comeback. Each of us got a gift bag. This is going in the Toys for Tots barrel at my job.
Ryan Derfler brought his girlfriend Whitney Miller
Jonathan, friend and Mandy
GPTMC’s Jeff Guaracino, Laura Burkhardt, Where Magazine Publisher and Drew Belcher, PHS
The Zeleniak Family – Then I saw a few shots displayed near Santa that weren’t at the party. Three kids under 10 and Alycia and James still look like newlyweds

Phillies Ryan Madson, wife Sarah and brood. OK they weren’t at the party, they cut the ribbon to Dicken’s Village after Thanksgiving

Yikes. OK this wasn’t taken at Macy’s
Monica Glass and Kristina


First up 1o Arts Pastry Chef Monica Glass, Kristina Jenkins , Where Magazine Editor, Laura and I headed over to Sampan. I had to try the Korean Chicken, which I had read about on Grub Street Philly as being delicious. I’ve noticed alot of the KFC’s have left the area, so now I have found my new favorite, and it comes with biscuits and gravy.
Next it was over to Barbuzzo for the pudding dessert with the sea salt. I had a tasting, because you know I’m trying to lose a few (hundred) pounds, and it was delicious. Chef Marcie Turney joined us, which was great since I am such a huge fan of hers.
We ended our night at Bar, who’s menu is hysterical. (Ornaments can be bought at Verde, we did a midnight run to the store for something.) Laura, Marcie, Sanpan Bartender Andrew and Jeremy Miller toast to a great night. So much fun, and I loved getting to chat with Marcie without her chef’s outfit on. I learned so much, like their (Val & Marcie’s) inspiration is more Martha Stewart, than anyone else; and they really treat their workers as family, mentors and nurture them into making their dreams come true. I would sum up them up as having a vision, working hard, respect for others and kindness as the measure of their success.
Today on Laura’s FB:Just because all the other kids are drinking pickle backs (shots of jameson with a pickle juice back) does not mean you have to drink them…. (LOL, pickle backs right I forgot what it was called. So funny)

The photo below wasn’t taken at Macy’s either
but someone on FB allowed me to publish it here cause it’s so whacked. The End. Happy Holiday’s

As Michael Klein reported 8/20/10 “If the Marabella name rings a bell, it’s probably because you remember the local Italian chain with locations scattered from the Jersey Shore to Blue Bell in the 1980s and 1990s. There was one in the Academy House (Sakeya is there now) and another in the Windsor Suites at 17th and the Parkway.” Marabella Meatball Co. 1211 Walnut St. Opens this Thursday. No more vendor meatball sandwiches for me.

Leaving the Jersey Boys show the other night, I noticed the new restaurant on Walnut Street, and decided to walk by on Tuesday to see it’s progress. The signs were in the windows that the opening was imminent. I thought I would shoot a couple shots thru the window, and
a man (I believe Gabe Marabell’s dad, Gabe?) behind the counter invited me in and began telling me about the place. Of course I remember Marabella’s at the Academy House. And I summered in Stone Harbor all through my childhood, so I am familiar with the Marabella name and delicious Italian food.
As luck would have it the architect was there too. Sergio Coscia, AIA, told me he was going for an open, comfortable, rustic look. The floor is porcelain tile to look like it was wood. The tables are reclaimed wood tables, a man in Philadelphia refinished them. The beams are also reclaimed wood and white washed. The brick wall was installed, but it looks as if it was part of the foundation of a 1800 century home instead of a 1970’s parking lot space, which once housed DeCarlo’s Salon. The place is gorgeous.
Nonni Sandwiches – Nonni = Nickname for Italian Grandmother

According to Meal ticket “The quick-serve concept will be opening at 1211 Walnut Street by mid-November, offering sandwiches with beef, chicken, pork and even vegetarian meatball sandwiches, plus a build-you-own option (we like the sound of the pork ball/olive tapenade “smashed,” ‘wich, on a round bun with Piave cheese). There’ll also be a “dinner for four” deal that’ll include a pound of pasta, eight balls, sauce and bread.”
Follow them on twitter: @themeatballco in case of an opening day special & any old day special

Nonni’s home town in Italy will hang in the dining room. Check out Arthur Etchell’s Foobooz’s Meaty article on Meatballs.

Last year you’ll remember that the Varga Bar debuted with the Varga Pin Up Girl calendar with photographer Chris Gabello. This year photographer Celeste Giuliano did the honors creating an eye catching, mouth watering selection of timeless pictures.

On Wednesday the 8th, she’ll be on hand to sign your copy of the calendar, as well as many of the girls at the official debut party for the calendar in the restaurant @ 9:00 pm located at 9th & Spruce Streets. There will be complimentary appetizers, an hour open bar.
Check out Amber-Joi Watkins Media Coordinator at phillyin.com, marketing and PR specialist for Vivant Professional Skincare, model and actress, was just crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA. Congratulations!!

Check out her moves in “Dance Club Diva’s” which could be found on Comcast Instant back in 2008

PhillyChitChatChatter: Hope you had a great weekend. If I covered your event in the past week, it will be showing up in the next few days. There are a couple events I am holding until closer to Christmas, they aren’t timely, but it will let me catch up and also write about events that are timely so I can stay current. TODAY I have 3 entries, so after reading this one click on Home to see the other two, I promise a few scatidly clad women will grace these pages. Thanks HughE

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Saturday night was more than alright at the historic Sigma Sound Studios in Center City where Karen and Jamie Moyer hosted the Happy Merry Happenings for the Moyer Foundation. The Foundation, founded by the Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher and his wife will benefit The Moyer Foundation’s Camp Erin™ program – the largest national bereavement camp in the country for grieving children and teens – in Philadelphia and nationwide.
The festive event brought out some of the couples famous friends including Jimmy and Johari Rollins,
Julie and Jon Dorenbos (They made a very generous donation that night, thanks!), GN Kang and Anthony Dillon (No relation to me, in fact he’s Canadian Dillon, not Irish Dillon like me, he says.) Did you know that the Moyer’s have a son named Dillon.

Magician shows Jon Dorenbos, Jamie Moyer and Jimmy Rollins a few magic tricks
Maria Medina and Ryann Richardson modeling clothing from Saks Fifth Avenue, who had a pop up store at the event. 10% of the proceeds went to the Moyer Foundation.
Plaything Josh DeMaroc and Ryann Richardson wearing SAKS Fifth Ave
Sigma Sound Studios is an American music recording studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania founded by recording engineer Joseph Tarsia in 1968.David Bowie recorded his album Young Americans in August 1974 at Sigma Sound.

Kate and John Nestel, Christy Barilotti and Robert Cappoli. John is with NY Life and a Major Sponsor of the event. Thanks!!
Jamie Moyer just celebrated his 48th birthday on November 17. A local boy born in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, he spent the bulk of his career playing for the Seattle Mariners 1996 – 2006, at which point he was traded to the Phillies. Currently the Moyers have an office for their Foundation in Seattle, but in 2011 hope to open an office on the East Coast, hopefully in Philadelphia they said. So if you are experienced in running a foundation, they are looking for a director. Above are two of their 8 children.
These two have something major in common, and it’s not their complementing outfits, it’s green. Ashley Bogia, Enterprise Planning Assistant at ING DIRECT and Justin Czerwinski, Financial Services Professional at New York Life Insurance Company
Abigail Suttton and Robert Kreider
Carmen Tedesco, and Bob Petrelli serve up some delicious vittles from DelFrisco’s. Also thanks to Tweed, Osteria, Raw Sushi, Swanky Bubbles, and Amis.

Jamie Moyer talks about surgery, and his future
new recording performers Studio E and Milessa Jay with Sigma Sounds co-owner Durrell Bottoms, and Dave

GN Kang and Recess owner Ryan Dorsey. I’m liking GN’s new do, something she picked up in Missouri where she just helped the Hamels with their fundraiser for the Hamels Foundation.

What’s the Moyer Foundation Do?

I had somewhere to go so and I missed the concert, but I hear that Vivian Green’s performance rocked the house

Holiday Lights throughout Philadelphia Franklin Square– 7th & RaceHeadhouse Square– 2nd Lombard

City Hall- Broad & Market Sts.

Love Park 16th & JFK Blvd

Rittenhouse Square 18th & Walnut

Avenue of the Arts Broad & Chestnut to Broad & Pine Sts.

A Christmas Carol– a retelling of Charles Dicken’s Classic 12/4-12/18 Walnut Street Theater 9th & Walnut Sts. walnutstreettheatre.org

Comcast Center Holiday Lights: The 15-minute show, full of stunning original holiday imagery, music and more was created using cutting-edge technology and will be shown on the 83’ x 25’ Comcast Experience video wall, which is the world’s largest four mm LED display with incredible resolution that’s five times that of an HDTV, in the Comcast Center lobby.

through New Year’s Weekend 2011 Shown daily; 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 15-minute shows at the top of each hour (Shows are not hosted on weekdays at 5:00 p.m.)

This year it’s not in 3D, but they added another element which was delightful and unexpected.

I think Rob Wasserman should use this for his 2011 Holiday Card

Happy Hanukkah

Fairmount Park Houses Holiday Tours– 6 Beautiful mansions will be open for your viewing pleasure both guided or on your own Jewels of the Season 12/1– 12/12 fairmountpark.org/tours.asp

Eastern State Penitentiary —”Winter Adventure Tours” Begin 12/1-3/4/11 Open Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 215-236-3300



Who doesn’t love animals? The Old United First Reformed Church of Christ has a live nativity scene every year. It starts Monday December 13th. I heard they might have a baby cow. That’d be fun.

Simeone Foundation Take a trip right off the airport to fuel your love of sports cars . Open Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sundays are

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 215–365-7233

Blue Cross RiverRink –Now open! Enjoy outdoor skating on the Delaware Waterfront. Open 7 days a week and open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays riverrink.com Fireworks on New Year’s Eve will take place at 6 p.m. and 12 midnight again this year. (Thanks to the Indep Visitor Center, and Mr Philadelphia Al Lee for this info.)

My Number One Favorite Attraction, especially to get you into the Holiday Spirit.

THE 2010 CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW runs hourly from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve day 10am to 8pm. The DICKENS VILLAGE (Floor 3) is open continuously during the same period from 10am to 7pm. The daily WANAMAKER ORGAN concert schedule is here. Organ concerts begin at the end of a Light Show.



For lots of historic info on the Macy’s Light Show click Here

Spend your New Years eve at the most beautiful event venue in Philadelphia. Tendenza is brand new, just opening December 1st. philadelphia.cities2night.com is throwing their New Year’s Eve Party at the newly opened rental hall located at 969 N 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19123. (Photo: Brownstone Philly)

By far the most amazing venue in Philadelphia, Tendenza just opened this week. Created by the team at Cescaphe Ballroom. everything will be top-shelf, all VIP, only 350 tix available. Tix are $150, but the first 100 tix will be discounted to $130 (FYI, I already sold 50 tix in the last hour). read the menu examples. (Photo: Facebook)

Brownstoner Philly has a good write up as well as great shots of the interior http://philly.brownstoner.com/2010/11/cescaphes_tendenza_is_booking.php?gallery4617Pic=1#gallery-4617
http://philadelphia.cities2night.com/events/details/151073/0/2k11-new-years-eve-event-tendenza-in-northern-liberties

(Photo: Facebook)

The Moyer Foundation now has tickets for “Young Friends of the Foundation” ticket prices for supporters under 35 that are 175 for general and 250 VIP on Saturday night.
The tickets can be bought at the door by credit card or cash. Valet parking is included.


Just in time for the colder weather a snuggling party has popped up: Hugging Holiday Cuddle Party: $40 per person or 2 cuddlers for $60
Ring in the holidays in grand style by celebrating with merry cuddlers.in Willow Grove, Pa
That’s a manhole cover either blown off or knocked off by a truck, in background near right curb. Was that the best PGA could do was put cone, yellow tape up and a US Post Office box to warn people at one of the busiest intersections Broad & Walnut? –

If you happen by King of Prussia Mall this week could you pick me up a watch as “The World’s Largest Watch Store Celebrates the Grand Opening of Rolex at The Plaza at King of Prussia on December 3rd “

The CW Philly (WPSG-TV) will broadcast ESPN’s coverage of the NCAA football championship playoff game between Villanova University and Stephen F. Austin State University live from Homer Bryce Stadium in Nacogdoches, Texas this Saturday, December 4th at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Barbuzzo for lunch with my friend Lynsie Solomon
#FAIL buck in the lobby of One South Broad Street. I suggest brown shoe polish where the antler broke off, or make it a doe

Dinner with my bestie Greta Greenberger at Tweed. I hadn’t seen her in a long time, nor had I been at Tweed since my sister’s charity fundraiser, which BTW today is one painful year since Judy died.

Changing Lives, Changing Hearts, Changing Minds Come join us at TOY – the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s annual holiday fundraising event – taking place this Saturday, December 4, at the Marketplace Design Center. Now in its 4th spectacular year, this year’s TOY gala – presented by Logan Capital Management, features DJ Carl Michaels, heavy hors d’ouevres by Diverse Catering & Bistro St. Tropez and an open bar – is just $40 per person plus one unwrapped toy. All toys collected go to the pediatric HIV/ AIDS unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance. Event Details:
Saturday, December 4, 7:00-11 p.m.
Marc Phillips Showroom, Marketplace Design Center
2400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
$40 per person plus one unwrapped toy To purchase tickets and for more information click, email, or call 215-563-6417 x117.
TONIGHT:

Evoluer House Annual Fundraiser’s 3rd Season of Philanthropy & High Fashion . Internationally renowned vocalist Sarah Dash of the legendary vocal group Labelle, Bermuda’s former Premier The Honorable Dame Jennifer Smith, DBE, JP, DHumL, MP, and internationally acclaimed designer Loris Diran return to co-chair our stellar Honorary Committee.7PM – 10PM

320 Broad Street Tickets at the door $80

TOMMI HAD IT’S GRAND OPENING last month, but as you know I am behind in my entries. I had seen the Tommi logo around in the last year, but wasn’t quite sure what it was. Turns out that it’s a whole lot of services, especially geared towards weddings.

It’s a beauty parlor, but not in much more modern glamorous style. “We are Philadelphia’s ultimate center city destination. Tommi Lifestyle Boutique is the first of its kind, full service photography studio, salon & spa; centering on you. Our mission is to exceed the customer’s need by providing an unparalleled experience through extraordinary service. TOMMI is proud to present a partnership with Dr. Mathew Cherian DDS, a well-respected and well-known cosmetic dentist. Together, TOMMI and associates will take beauty and comfort to a whole new level. From chemical peels to augmentation, let the Tommi team take you to a better place. Enhance, improve and rejuvenate your state of being. We provide for all of your needs in one building!
Plus Tommi’s does photo shoots, head shots, glamour shots, engagement snaps and wedding photography.
Model Shots

Dr Ganta, Heather Whartenby and Ping Xue

Sandy Pertuit, Frank Angel and Michelle Stillman
Join us for a Girls’ Day at the Spa! A day of luxurious treatments, champagne brunch and lots of fun! $20 General Admission includes a chance to win a full day of beauty and photoshoot.
Purchase tickets online at www.PhillyPAWS.org or book a service valued $50+ and admission is FREE! All admission fees and 15% of services directly benefit PAWS and their lifesaving initiatives. Call to book your salon and spa appointments 215-238-9922 Book now with Tommi Studio or buy tickets online at www.PhillyPAWS.org.

See you there! Dana Spain
11am-5pm: “Pamper �Til You�re Purrfect” Tommi�s Lifestyle Boutique Champagne brunch, professional headshots, door prizes, reduced-price spa packages. $20 ticket includes brunch, champagne, plus a chance to win a full day of beauty and photo shoot. Click here to purchase tickets. For a preview of spa services. 718 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia


Sharon Waxman, Nikki Wong and Nicole Douglass
Nikki, Tommi, Elena, Helen, Ethan, Sue Guan and Yvonne at your service

Chit Chat Chatter:

Wanda Sykes, who is currently appearing in the production of Annie in Media, was spotted at Norstrom’s earlier this week shopping for shoes. My source tells me she was super nice, and hysterical telling jokes to other shoppers around her.

Shops at Liberty Place: If you have lunch today at the Shops of Liberty Place you might run into the Heinz Ketchup people who are promoting a new ketchup packet. They’re giving away fries for you to put it on. Follow them on Twitter for contests and giveaways @DipandSqueeze “Hey Philly! We’re kicking off the #ketchuproadtrip today. Do you dip or do you squeeze? Head to 1600 Chestnut St. from 12-1:45 to find out!” #DidYouKnow H.J. Heinz attracted traffic to his 1893 World’s Fair booth by offering a small green pickle charm, which later became a pin.

SAFE is filming at the Westin. I tweeted Tuesday that they were filming outside the hotel, but today the action moves inside to the ballroom. The extra’s are being held in the old Border’s shop on the 2nd Floor of The Shops of Liberty Place until their close up on they’re are called up to the third floor. Don’t look for the Jason Statham to be cooling his heels there, he has a room in the hotel.

Soulja Boy in town to promote his new CD The DeAndre Way?, signed for fans last night at the Hard Rock Cafe. I completely forgot about it til I walked by last night, or I would have told you sooner. My bad.
I hear R&B singer Jill Scott is in discussions with Dobson Mills to open her own salon at the East Falls location.

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Last night popular, hot, sexy Top cheftestant Jennifer Carroll hosted a viewing party at Ten Arts for her return to the popular cooking competition on Bravo TV, capital of the “reality show” empire.

Stopping by to wish Jen well was current title holder of Top Chef, self-proclaimed “beast in the kitchen” Kevin Sbraga. Kevin tells me he hasn’t settled on a location for his new place yet, but is looking for an intimate space in Center City. We reviewed a couple locations together since I walk around town a lot, but most either needed work, were too big, or the block didn’t give him the vibe that he’s looking for. In the meantime Kevin’s keeping up with his skills by hosting various dinners around town, the next one is at the Omni on December 16, but it’s sold out. Congrats to he and his wife Jesmary who just welcomed a baby boy to the family, Kevin Angelo, who joins sister Jenae to complete the New Jersey family.

The Carroll family was on hand to support Jen again this year. As you may recall after last season, Joan Carroll had a bit of a health scare, but is now recovering beautifully and it was so wonderful to see her last night along with her kids Sunny and Jessica Carroll. Tom Lynch, Patty Lynch, Kristine Lynch, Debbie Lynch , Mr. Carroll

In the lounge I ran into, and spent most of my night with Philadelphia Style Magazine editor Kristin Detterline-Munro and her brother Domenic Gallelli who is the new president for the charity organization Sapphire Fund He is also the CEO-President of Prodigal Private Security, who’s company keeps a lot of the club going kids safe throughout Center City. Sorry for those I didn’t get to chat with, I rarely get to sit down and chat with Kristin and it was nice to get to know her brother too. Eligible ladies, he’s a catch.
Stylish, fun, cute Nell Hoving, Photographer extrodinare and contributor to Phila Style Magazine.
Jamie Coyle and Rosa Swinton serve “The Chef Takes Manhattan” with Crown Royal Black. I hear it was delicious, but don’t get up to quickly. #Fail Eric Ripert was a no show:(
It was great to see Philadelphia’s Grub Street’s Collin Keefe and Holly Drauglis Keefe

Jen spent most of her time where else but in the kitchen.
And her hard work paid off as we enjoyed the most delicious sliders, mussels, and other things delicious dishes she prepared during last years Top Chef show. Others in the house last night: my “co-worker” on the NBC “The Scene” show @PhoodieCollin, and @beerlass @yardsbrew @noddingheadbrew @philafoodie @wendogfish @WherePhilly
Laura Koster, PR for 10 Arts and Director of Consumer Accounts Boyd Tamney Cross and Katelyn Poole, 10 Arts by Eric Ripert Restaurant Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
Patty Lynch with a few revelers at last nights party. You can be a reveler on New Year’s: End 2010 in style and join 10 Arts on Friday, December 31 to ring in the New Year. At 7 p.m., a four-course tasting dinner by Chef Carroll kicks off the evening; diners can celebrate the night away with family and friends at their table, reserved for the entire evening. Or, revelers can head to the 10 Arts’ vibrant lounge to dance the night away. Everyone in attendance at the bistro and lounge is invited to enjoy a midnight balloon drop, live band, champagne toast and party favors. The 10 Arts dinner celebration is $155 per person. Reservations are required for dinner. The Lounge party is $25 per person (including in-house guests). No reservations will be accepted at The Lounge.
Monica Glass was also on hand last night presenting some delicious dishes including a pumpkin brownie and smores

Sucre: The Dessert Bar by Monica, a new experience offering guests the chance to fill their plate with a decadent variety of Pastry Chef Monica Glass’ creations. The Dessert Bar is available every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm,
During Top Chef Season Six, Carroll won several challenges and ultimately made it to the competition’s “Final Four.” During Top Chef All-Stars, she will face 17 other chefs from previous seasons of Bravo’s popular series. Joining host Padma Lakshmi, head judge chef Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons at the judging table this season, is best-selling author and chef, Anthony Bourdain. (SPOILER ALERT: Jen survives to see another spatula next week.)