Category: Philadelphia

Adam Taliaferro Gala 10/16/10
10/16/2010 Hyatt Regency Penns Landing, Phila Pa 6PM

Helping athletes who suffer spinal cord injuriesThe foundation provides emotional, financial and educational support to student-athletes who suffer catastrophic head or spinal injuries in sanctioned team events in New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware. The foundation also provides educational and financial support related to the research, prevention and care of such injuries.http://www.taliaferrofoundation.org/#

On Friday, May 8, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Philadelphia, Pa held it’s 9th Annual Night of Champions fundraiser at the Sheet Metal Workers’ Union Hall in South Philly.

Enjoying the cocktail party is VP Clinical Operations at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Bob Kautzman, Mary Schmidt Read, Magee SCI Program Director and Magee Research Coordinator, Vickie Underwood, Karen Fried and Rick Read

It also brought out a few celebrities in Philadelphia, VIP’s included Adam Taliaferro, Jon Runyan, Mike Mamula, and Raheem BrockSean and Jamie Mulholland

Ken and Rhoda Fulginiti, with Eileen and Tom Duffy. Mr. Duffy is Magee’s 2009 Champions in the Community awards recipient. Tom is an attorney and is an avid supporter of wheelchair sports.
Many of you may recognize this fellow on the left, I did not as I don’t follow sports. But once he spelled out his last name the light came. Dallas Green with Comedian Joe Conklin or Sir Voicealot is the man of thousand Voices. He is most famous for his work impersonating the voices of local sports figures on the WIP morning show with Angelo Cataldi.
Adam Taliaferro, Erin Mulshenock and Kelli Ziomek. Taliaferro is a former American Football player whose recovery from a paralyzing spinal cord injury sustained while playing for the Penn State Nittany Lions gained national media attention. Given only a 3% chance to ever walk again, he began a well-publicized rehab at Magee Rehabilitation. After eight months of rehab, Taliaferro had learned to walk again. In 2001, an emotional crowd welcomed him back to Penn State where he became an student-assistant coach under Joe Paterno as well as playing in 5 more games. Today he is studying law at Rutgers Univ, and has created his own foundation to help support others with spinal cord injuries. The foundation was created in 2001, and continues to grow each year. The foundation has been said to raise over $80,000 per year for spinal cord injuries.

Indianapolis’s Colts Raheem Brock and Teela Spiller. Former Owl and current Indianapolis Colt Raheem Brock is giving back to his hometown through his new foundation http://www.raheembrock.com/ “Through my foundation, I plan to work with underprivileged children with an emphasis on education and giving back to the community,” Brock stated on his web site, http://www.raheembrock.com/. “I feel that both of these aspects are important to molding the leaders of tomorrow.” Vince “Invincible” Papale, wife Janet, daughter Gabriella and son Vince Jr. standing by a poster signed by him and Mark Wahlberg who played him in the movie about his life.
Magee Sports Teams Magee sponsors athletes in the sports listed below and works with several other sports organizations. These activities are coordinated through Magee’s Community Programs department. Magee supported athletes can compete in these sports:

• Wheelchair basketball
• Wheelchair rugby
• Wheelchair tennis
• Weight-lifting

The Night of Champions event included dinner, raffle prizes and live and silent auctions. Once again, WIP Radio host Howard Eskin served as the auctioneer, who offered to play golf at the Philadelphia Cricket Club with the person who won the outing, boosting the winning bid to $500.
Those in attendance bid on items such as a Phillies cap signed by the 2008 World Series Phillies ($850) and a B.B. King autographed guitar ($1850). La Salle University coach John Giannini had the winning bid on tickets to the Colbert Report. He got them for his wife for Mother’s Day. The amount of money raised for Magee’s wheelchair sports teams…well over $172,000.
To learn more about Magee or the wheelchair sports programs, visit MageeRehab.org.

Looking for a place in Philadelphia to hold your next party, event or even a wedding? The Historic Lippincott House, which when we last visited, had become a very popular Bed & Breakfast, is now partnering with Chef Brendan Smith to host events and special occasions to which he would provide the delish food.

The kickoff party for the B. Smith Catering Company was held at the Lippincott House which lies in the heart of Philadelphia, one block from Rittenhouse Square. For decades it was a private home, but in the last year the owners, Jack Eldridge and Mary Beth Hallman,
who have been in the house for the last 12 years, decided to convert it into a Bed & Breakfast. Now they have decided to also open the house for the rental

The Lippincott House at 2023-2025 Locust Street was built in 1897 by publisher J.B. Lippincott for his daughter, Christina, who returned to Philadelphia after traveling through Italy.
Upon entering the Lippincott House, the foyer leads to a upgraded kitchen with pantry and dining room with beautiful hardwood flooring. It’s here where Chef Brendan Smith will prepare your meal. A staircase leading to the second floor is in the main foyer where you will find the living quarters. The mansion features three floors of event space, a screening room, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a four-room Bed & Breakfast, and grand Victorian decor – including the original Brazilian rosewood staircase and paneling, stained glass windows and an an antique billiards table.

Chef Smith, formerly of the Kimmel Center and the United Nations, is the chef and owner of b*smiths gourmet catering as well as Smith’s Restaurant | Lounge on 19th street in Philadelphia. He has extensive experience in fine dining and events, having spent a decade with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the United Nations, Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, the Academy of Music, the Kimmel Center, and, most recently, Smith & Wollensky. At the Kimmel Center, he was one of the first area chefs to commit to local, seasonal ingredients, a tradition he continues today.
Event menu items include seared diver scallops with English pea puree and Vidalia onion foam in spring; grilled Maine lobster with sweet corn hash and a chive buerre blanc in summer; and Bordeaux braised short ribs with roasted Yukon whipped potatoes and a Granny Smith apple reduction in winter. Chef Smith is also known for his versatility, offering event planners a wide range of cuisine and styles, including a la plancha, sous-vide and small plates. Chef Smith also is a certified sushi chef.
Patricia Jobling, Julia Somers-Morley, Photographer Susan Ryan
The house is full of treasures, including a 1660s Dutch wardrobe, antique pier mirrors, and an 1887 grand piano.
Stephanie Smith and Chef Brendan Smith

Dan and Tracey Yerkes
One of the beautifully appointed bedrooms of the Bed & Breakfast which may be available to rent in case you need it. Erin Jackson Director, Marketing & Multicultural chats with Tara Theune Davis
Choose from buffets, food stations or a seated dinner. Chef Brendan Smith will personally attend to your menu selection and catering ideas for the special event. Lippincott also offers a unique “chef’s table” event where guests can cook alongside Chef Brendan Smith in the home’s recently renovated kitchen (featuring an Aga stove). Event rentals are by the hour and begin at $250 per hour.
A carved wooden stair case with beautiful stained glass windows lead to the third floor Billiard Room. Guy Barbarulo and Tara Theune Davis admire the handiwork.
Whether you’ are celebrating life’s milestones or getting down to business, the Lippincott House offers a unique and elegant special event venue. Rooms available for rental include the dining room, parlor and conservatory and/or billiards room. We book only one event a time.

Michael DeBaecke and Joshua Valocchi (Thrillist)
Longtime friends Tara Theune Davis, Casey DeBaecke & Annie Heckenberger

Lippincott Owner Jack Eldridge and Chef Brendan Smith For information on Smith’s Catering, visit http://www.bsmithscatering.com or contact 888.399.1990 or more@bsmithscatering.com. For views of the Lippincott House, visit http://www.lippincotthouse.com.

The Lippencott House has the exclusive privilege of Chef Brendan Smith’s catering, but b*smiths can also travel to your location. Because of it’s Philadelphia base it gives them the flexibility to serve you anywhere in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware.
Event Coordinator Stephen Penwell 888-399-1990 more@bsmithscatering.com

I’m going to listen to one of my commentators and not comment on this, because he’s right I am a Social Diary (Please visit the charities/events I cover on my blog), but because I am getting a lot hits regarding this I just want to direct you to two sites that are discussing this issue.

Check Philly Blunt for Brian Hickey’s take on the piece. Also check out the great article in Philly Mag on Thursday regarding Brian Hickey and his battle to live after a drunk driver almost killed him last winter.

Also fan favorite Philebrity…
Arthur Kade Apparently Not Even Half The Man His Father Is: We were gonna hold off on writing about this until T.. http://tinyurl.com/qhgdgc

And www.ArthurKade.com

and the Philly Mag Article Here

I hear the issue will be out on the stands Thursday, and the link will go live again then. (Andy Kauffman still comes to mind when I think about Arthur Kade)

PCC wrote about two new dining choices in Philadelphia today. Be sure to check out the entry below too to read about the new Korean yogurt place at 18th & Chestnut with club hours.

On March 18, 2009 I wrote that the Ritz would add outside dining to the menu as soon as they were able to get permission. Today the smokers were kicked off the steps, and the diners were welcomed to dine 10 Arts alfresco with Chef Jennifer Carroll for the first time. Now you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and even just drinks
on any of the 6 tables are on the top landing of the steps at the Ritz.
There are 4 two tops and two 4 tops. Another item I wrote about was the new awnings and signage for the building. The Ritz is still waiting for these items to be approved by L&I. The new awnings will say the Ritz-Carlton, currently they are just blue. And at the corner of Broad and Chestnut, they hope to add a sign that says “10 Arts” restaurant.
Here’s the March 18th entry http://www.phillychitchat.com/2009/03/10-arts-ritz-carlton-add-people.html ***Have a safe Memorial Day weekend. On Tuesday look for the latest happening’s at Smith’s and what Chef Brendan Smith is doing about it.

18th & Chestnut final reveal. A few weeks ago I wrote about a Head Shop being opened behind this store, but with the brown paper still taped over the windows I could see what was going on inside what used to be the Amazon Juice store for many years.
I thought for sure it would be a nail salon

I couldn’t have been further from the truth, it is a frozen yogurt store.Although they were still working on the place, I went in with a few questions. They are only going to sell frozen yogurt. The yogurt will be based on recipes from Japan/Korea/Asia.
they will be organic, low fat, sugar free yogurt based on Japanese recipes. It seems to me that this place is going to be similar to a place called Pinkberry, which is a franchise of upscale frozen dessert restaurants headquartered in Los Angeles, California. There are currently 72 stores, mostly located in Southern California with thirteen in New York City. The first store opened in January 2005 by Korean Americans Shelly Hwang and Young Lee.[1] The tart, frozen dessert has a groupie-like following who sometimes refer to it as “Crackberry”[1] (not to be confused with the BlackBerry, which has also been nicknamed the Crackberry). The company acknowledges its cult-like following by maintaining a “groupie corner” on its website. (Wikepedia)
They only had vanilla yogurt on my visit, but he said he would have at least 6 flavors including the popular Green Tea. They will be open 7 days a week with amazing hours for all the club goers. S – Th 10 -11PM on Friday’s & Saturday 10AM – 2AM; One tiny problem, no one seemed to speak English, just a lot of pointing going on, so it’s a good thing it looks like it’s self serve.

So next time you are done with the Continental, cross the street and enjoy “Sweet Ending” before you end your night.I like the complimentary color scheme that they both share.
And there’s ample seating. I wouldn’t be surprised if eventually you could dine alfresco at “Sweet Ending”

I made a mistake it’s called Sweet Ending as they posted a For Help Sign http://www.phillychitchat.com/2009/05/sweet-ending-new-yogurt-store-hiring-at.html#comments

I had a great time last night photographing Philadelphia Style Magazine’s Opening Night Party at Barney’s. (Did I mention I was on the Hot List in this issue, the 10th Anniversary Issue, it’s true and I am honored. I took over 200 photos last night, and there were a lot of people I just couldn’t fit on PCC. I am going to start something new, in three days time after an entry is posted, I will upload photos to my Gallery [see tab above]. For the price of a large vanilla latte you can purchase your photo w/o the watermark. The photo can only be for personal use ie facebook, framed whatever, but not for mean spirited blogs, or media of any kind w/o permission. I would love it if you gave PCC credit, as I cover mostly charity events and I want people to get to know and support these charities. 2ndly if your photo doesn’t appear it means that it could show up in the media somewhere. For events where I am hired as an event photographer, those photos belong to the organization that hired me, but they could still appear on PhillyChitChat.)

Last night was the Opening Party at Barney’s New York Co-op. It’s about time we got a Barney’s in Philadelphia. The store is located on the first two floors of the legendary Rittenhouse Club.
If you haven’t experienced the new BARNEY’s Store on Rittenhouse Square, I would like to show it to you through Philadelphia Style Magazine’s eyes… We will be hosting a VIP Party in honor of Barney’s Grand opening and would like to invite you join me as we take a rare glimpse at Philadelphia’s new gem.
At this point in my career I am excited to cover a Phila Style Magazine event as it’s a reunion of many of the people I have photographed over the past two years and it’s become easier. Plus it’s fun too.
Although it’s not always easy to get the fun “candid” shots that I like to take, because people like a nice posed photo with their friends, where they can check out the shot to make sure they look picture perfect.

Marykay Raschella, Lindsay Kravitz, Val Daily and Kaci Mitz.
But there are those occassions where friends don’t mind if you get the “gotcha” shot, especially if it is funny, and I don’t know two funnier, fun lovin girls than Sabrina & Strickland Monique Crawford. Sabrina is putting her headband in. L-R Robert Ambrosi (partner in the development company, ARCWheeler, the company that built 10 Rittenhouse), Carol Tamburino, Julianne Glatz, John Mai, Sabrina Strickland and the newly single, out on the town, promoting a Larry Farnese event for June 2 ask her about it Lindsay Furman (I hope I get to cover it for PCC)
Andi Pesacov and Justin Fine. Andi is the broker that worked on the deal to get Barney’s here. A big thank you to you, as I may not be able to afford it, but I appreciate a store of that quality and magnitude anchoring Rittenhouse Row and dialing it up a bit as far as style and quality for Philadelphia.
Rittenhouse’s newest guilty pleasure will feature designers like Rag and Bone, Alexander Wang, A.L.C., Shipley & Halmos, Marc Jacobs, DVF (which btw I have a photo of Katherine McPhee is this weeks Life & Style mag wearing a DVF. I took it during fashion week), Band of Outsiders, and Raf by Raf Simons, just to name a few. The store will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday’s from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vittoria Woodill (a former Eagles cheerleader and LaSalle student, is now with the CW Philly 57 Crew), WOGL’s Jamyra Perry and KYW’s Melony Roy. I love spring colors.
Model Joey Elmo, Kerri Smith, guests, Jill Rizen and guest.
The lovely Toni Crawford (getting out there socially lately, twice on PCC this week) and NYC Celebrity and Socialite Stylist, Derek Warburton, single-handedly is changing the economy by showing the American people how to shop smarter. This week he is filming a few segments in Philadelphia. Look for him around Rittenhouse Row, checking out a few places including Joan Shepp. Speaking of Rittenhouse Row, look for a Nike Y3 shop to open soon, but since I haven’t been given the OK I don’t feel comfortable saying where it’s going to be located.
Tiffany T. Branch and Lisa Cohen are my new BFF’s. Lisa went to school at Widener University School of Law in DelawareWhich is where Mia Tinari is just finishing up her final year with exams wrapping up this week. With her is Real Estate agent Nigel Richards, Check out his page and blog and see if Nigel Knows Philly
Perhaps he’s looking for new digs for Mia’s intended Dave, who’s moving to town in just a few weeks. Dr. Harold Jaffe and Roberta Dranoff. Roberta says that “exciting thing are happening in Philly, it’s a snergy and all developers want to see their competition succeed because in the end it just helps Philly move forward.”
Noah Stein (Artie Lange, cast member of the Howard Stern Show, signs at Borders, Philadelphia 6/3 6PM), Feastivities Events announces the dynamic and innately talented Scott Barnes as Director of Marketing & Public Relations and Alla Kligman. Feastivities provided the food tonight and it was outstanding, and I’m not just saying that, it was unique and tasty. Tony Piazza and Aly Green (I work a lot with Aly and she is a joy, not only is she my “boss” but my friend too)
Speaking of friends, Jonathan Vendrick was my guest (VIP Concierge at Loews Hotel), the kind that I say Jonathan enjoy, meet people, network and I will be running around taking photos the whole time. Jonathan so enjoyed himself he bought a pair of sneakers and shirt to go along with his gift bag at the end of the night. With him is his long lost friend he ran into, Amy Branzuela. They used to work together at HMV on South Street. Those were wild times. Amy is the Marketing Support Associate at Starr Restaurants
Now this is the kinda photo I like, a whole bunch of beautiful women in one shot. Kaci Mitz (who I hadn’t seen since New Year’s Day and since that period she has gone on to meet a man and they live together. You go girl!), Kristin Foote, and would it be a party, especially a VIP party w/o my girl Sabrina Tamburino (the girl is disappearing, rumor has it she’s on that wedding diet’s potential brides do; and thanks to the lovely Brooke de Villanova, we know what kind of wedding Sabs is having. No botox that week for me, ’cause I’m gonna be wearing a mask.) Sabrina Strickland, Marrissa Rosen, Monique Crawford and Erin Elmore.
guest, G-N Kang (who tells me her body is sore from football practice. We will be joined in sore together as I was just picked to be on Philly’s version of the biggest loser by NBC10 and FusionCrossTraining, but I will write more on this later.) Ruben Harley, Meesha Miller Emoda.com and Erin Elmore (winner of this years Philly’s version of “Dancing with the Stars”, hmmm maybe someday I will title myself, winner of Philly’s version of Biggest Loser?)
On the far right, “The Mayor” Drew Carballo serves up as a celebrity bartender at 32 Degrees Luxe Lounge’s “Rise Up Thursday Local Celebrities” TONIGHT 10PM til Midnight. With him is Bobby Hiestand and Erin ChurchillArthur Kade and Steve Ward, the host of reality show “Tough Love” on VH1. These two have more in common than just living their lives on a reality show; if you were at Rouge last night around 10PM you may have been able to connect the dots.
The Mayor – Drew Carballo, Brooke Bugatti, Ruben Harley, and Lee Christy
Donna Coghlan and Amanda Hartung Lily Conner and John Giordano
Reggie Brown and John Colabelli and friends. John is Hampton’s bound this weekend.
Anthony DeMaio and model Brittany Ann Cormack who we last saw at the Ettore 10th Anniversary party. Ironically another big party going on last night was a party at Ettore Salon for Charles Cushing. I couldn’t make it, but heard it was very nice.
Nicole Bilcher, who just had a lovely wedding shower with friends and family. With her is her fiance Charles Paloux. Wedding is within the next 2 weeks.
Leonard and Raya Kadyshes
Guest, Peter Breslow, Dana Spain and Steve Rockman. Dana tells me she’s gonna spend the weekend with her new guy, enjoying Philadelphia. When people leave town for the weekends, she enjoys the town the best. She loves Philadelphia, don’t you?
Girls on the town Lauren Nelson, Alycia Lane and Lauren O’Dorisio. This trio will be with their media boyfriends in the Hampton’s this week celebrating lots of Bdays. Chris Booker (5/20), Alycia (5/10), and Lauren’s (5/28), Lauren O and John Colabelli both January babies, and John Bolaris Feb 12 ( Former Q102 guy Booker just landed a gig in L.A. He told Howard Stern [who he BBQ with over the Memorial day Weekend with the posse] that Lane is coming with him.)

A few weeks back we met Cort Day and Kate Egan, at Kelly Boyd’s (KB Consultants) house where she held the preview party for the Philadelphia Young Playwrights pre-event which is to Honor Governor Rendell, June 3 at their Annual Benefit (see PCC Calendar), owners of Egan Day fine jewelery and decorative objects in Rittenhouse Square. 260 S. 16th street philadelphia, pa 19102 267.773.8833 info@eganday.com mon-sat noon-6pm closed sundays. They told me the story of the origins of their store here in Rittenhouse Square which they just set up in the past year after arriving from LA. They mentioned that they were having a small get together to showcase a few newly arriving pieces and if I wanted to come by and see their store. I was intrigued as they were interesting to talk, as well as very laid back and relax, so I was curious to see what kind of jewelery they carried.
The shop which is adorable, quaint and intimate, is the exclusive representative of the nature-inspired works by renowned designer, Ted Muehling, and will feature his sterling silver and oxidized bronze candlesticks produced by E.R. Butler.
Egan Day also showcases the figurative and highly imaginative creations of Gabriella Kiss, exquisitely set semi-precious gems by Maria Beaulieu, and finely wrought enameled and carved rock crystal cameos by Jonathan Wahl.
Through her renowned jewelry, Gabriella Kiss gracefully honors her enduring fascination with nature, with life cycles, with birth and death and the universe in between. Gabriella Kiss has an eye for the small and is drawn to detail, deriving inspiration from the flora and fauna of nature, the life cycles of the natural world and art history.
Jeweler Maria Beaulieu has a keen eye for rock collecting. “For me, it’s all about the stones,” says the Maine native. “I find inspiration in everything from 123kt aquamarines to Argentinian agates to tumbled beach pebbles. I try to find the most exquisite specimens and then set them with just enough gold to highlight their natural beauty.” Prices range from a couple hundred to the early thousands.
Stephanie Lutzo and Kate Egan. Stephanie and husband Michael own Adresse a dress boutique located around the corner at 1706 Locust St. When I looked up on Yelp for a little info on the store, customer Lulu states the best thing about Adresse is the customer service. I once purchased a little cocktail dress and even though it was from one of the more modestly priced lines they carry, Michael and Jordan treated me as if I were buying the most expensive dress in the store fussing over me and helping me decide whether or not to have it tailored (I hear they have a fantastic tailor),etc. – It’s no wonder these two nice ladies found each other and are friends, they both exude a warm, friendly effervescence.
Cort Day is the author of one book of poems, The Chime, and is currently at work on a novel when he’s not at the store. He has taught writing at the New School and at Pratt Institute, in New York City, before moving to LA and then nesting in Philadelphia. At the end of the evening he entertained us with one of his works.
Perhaps you might want to pick up a memory at Egan Day’s for this special night “The Rittenhouse Square Ball” which is right around the corner; an elegant garden party under the stars. This year’s Ball on The Square takes place Thursday June 18, 2009, at 7 PM. The Ball is the Friends’ most important fundraiser of the year. For information, contact Alan Sandman, Ball Chair, at alnsndmn@comcast.net

One of early summer’s most eagerly anticipated restaurant and bar openings is Varga Bar, which is going into the former Azul Cantina space at 10th and Spruce. Why all the hype? Well, besides all the usual thrill over a new opening, it’s the latest restaurant from chef R. Evan Turney, of Valanni and Mercato [menupages]. The wait is over TOMORROW VARGA BAR OPENS IN CENTER CITY.
Monday night was their Friends & Family party. It’s here that invited guests try out various food on the menu, and enjoy free spirits.
Veteran reporters A.D. Amorosi, writer & music critic for – Philadelphia City Paper with Bobbie Booker longtime reporter for the Philadelphia Tribune. When these two get together some of the skeletons of Philadelphia come unearthed and stories are never ending.
Jennifer Karwoski, Chris and Dr. Krista Gabello. Is it me or does Chris Gabello look like Ashton Kutcher? The other night I was at Del Frisco’s for dinner and noticed that Chris shot the menu cover, and each menu had his name and info right there next to the bone in steak. Talk about great PR. In addition to a clever picture. I should have asked Chris who’s idea it was to make the cast iron gate the menu cover, as it was very clever.
Robert Johnson, Jess Matthews, Abby Robbins and Michael Cavacini
Ian is the bar manager and has an impressive education in Beer . Ian tells me that the Varga Bar has a 20-tap draft system pouring Russian River Damnation, Allagash Curieux Tripel Reserve, and a Founders duo: bourbon barrel-aged, 9.2% Backwoods Bastard, and the coffee-tinged Breakfast Stout.
From the time Esquire first introduced America to the Varga Girl, in 1940, the name Vargas has been synonymous with pin-up and glamour art. In fact, the word “vargas” has actually been applied to almost every kind of pin-up subject – a fitting tribute to the most famous and prolific glamour artist of all time. Owner George Anni tells me that he’s been an admirer of Alberto Vargas since childhood and it’s a dream to have

someone like artist John Aden Albright paint a mural on the ceiling of the Varga Bar with his conception of the Vargas Pin Up Girls. On the left is Leslie John Koeser, the designer of the restaurant. He said that John Anni was very specific in the design and color of the space so it was easy to capture his vision.
Foobooz also has great details on Varga Bar. Foobooz’s Kirsten Henri and Arthur Ectchis try out the food. Kirsten was doing her best Jennifer Aniston, my arch enemy. Who by the way is again on a magazine cover in which I am published this week, she is stalking me.

64oz takeout growlers also available. For about $25 you can purchase one of these. Another $25 bucks is take out of one of your favorite brews. Refillable for another $20 on your return visits.
I stopped by on Friday for the employee tasting and lesson on the various beers to be served and was able to shoot what is sure to be a hit on the menu, this cheeseburger with an abundance of fries. City Paper’s Meal Ticket has the menu for the Varga Bar listed here: http://tinyurl.com/qjcfgg
Diane Johnson and Christian DiCicco enjoy a bite to eat
Menu Pages has a good summary of what to eat at the Varga Bar as well as the alcohol Content for the beers
I look forward to seeing if Foobooz’s Arthur Ectchis and Kirsten Henri mark this as a favorite al fresco dining spot as it should fit about 26 outdoor seatings.
Something from Phoodie: There will be 20 taps and 2 pumps for beer. Selection will be a combination that includes craft, micro, local and Belgium beers
· There will still be tequilas and margaritas, a nod to its past as Azul Cantina
· Small wine list and cheeses
· Menu will be “good ole American bar food,” including Broiled Flounder, fish-and-chips and steak frites with Béarnaise
· The bar will seat 14; there will be 48 additional seats at tables inside; 32 outside seats”
(Seriously have you ever seen a bar/restaurant with this much pre publicity? I think the publicity did a great job at targeting all the right market’s, young beer loving connoisseurs who read Blogs and Michael Klein’s column.)

The new American bar from the team that has brought us Valanni and Mercato. The bar is aiming to open the week of May 18th. Matt & Melody Duffy (Which is so easy for the monogram towels) Nicholas Fritzhand (world traveler, dancer, trouble making specialist, bio-ethicist), Randi Edelmen (formerly a counseler at Camp Green Lane, currently Project Manager at Philadelphia magazine & Philadelphia Wedding), Marketing & Public Relations Manager at Park Hyatt Philadelphia Molly O’Shea and Ryan Polk (Clean as a whistle, nothing on the internet about him.)
Toni Crawford and Mariska Bogle, Director of Strategic Planning & Business Development for The Philadelphia Tribune

Troy Cassel and Zeke Stokes are both very involved in a wonderful organization : The Trevor Project
Not only will you enjoy the fabulous food, beer and service, but they have a jukebox!! A juke box can make or break a place for me, and I loved the selection and the cool look.
Bill Donahue and Patrick Mullen
Regina Mandell, Grasshopper, Jimmy “Style” Contreras (His store is just days away from opening) and Daily Candy’s Meredith Lindemon (who would like to meet Joshua from Philly Thrillist as he has the testosterone version of her site)

The Franklin’s Kat Stein, Chris Lehman (who has a blog for MENSA folks http://www.practicaltheory.org/) and PR wonder Matthew Vlahos, vlahospr.com

George and Valerie Anni (Valanni, get it?), back row Stephanie Altes, and Nancy PalumboI forgot to mention the ice cream. One patron said “WOW who expected that ice cream could be improved.” There were two flavors passed around, one was cookies & cream, the other Apple Jacks. Yummy. I liked them both, but Apple Jacks was delicious.

An article titled in 10/13/04 Philadelphia Weekly’s

“The Second Coming of Bart Blatstein: The legacy of one of Philadelphia’s most prominent and controversial developers will ultimately be determined by what happens in Northern Liberties.”Is upon us today, Friday in fact, when the vision of Bart Blatstein’s Piazza came to fruition. Bart Blatstein, best known for his development of Delaware Avenue in South Philadelphia, where he lured major tenants like Home Depot, Walmart, and a United Artists Theater to former industrial sites, was inspired by his many trips to Italy to building a “5 minute community” as he coined. A place where you can, work, play and shop all within 5 minutes of where you live. Or as I like to call it, living on Main Street USA.The Piazza at Schmidt’s is a massive complex which houses more than 500 residential apartments, four restaurants, 35 artists studios and boutique shops along with an 80,000-square-foot open-air plaza and performance space. The four new restaurants include: Darling’s Diner, a funky 1950’s style diner, Vino, an Italian wine bar with pizza and pasta, The Swift Half, a gastro-pub by the owners of Philly’s hotspot The Good Dog, and P.Y.T. bar and lounge run by popular party promoter Tommy Up. The Piazza is a destination not only for residents of No Libs, but for the City.Northern Liberties is sandwiched between Old City and Kensington and has become something of a center for local artists, musicians and hipsters. I went over on Sunday to take another look, and was still blown away by what he created out of the old Schmidt’s site, on an abandoned piece of property full of buildings that had looked like a bomb had hit them.

Large improvement and revitalization projects have occurred in the No Libs section of Philadelphia, long considered the next hot neighborhood, but slow to the starting line. Bart Blatstein’s first project Liberty Walk which runs perpendicular to The Piazza and incorporates the charcoal, industrial, brick element theme compliments The Piazza by it’s proximity.When I was invited to cover this event last week I jumped at the chance. With my head in the sand I had no idea it was even nearing completion until I started seeing all the amazing press last week, it seemed that the whole City was waiting in anticipation for the unveiling. Thanks to ProfilePr for keeping me in the loop, I would have been disappointed to miss such an amazing night…

The first folks I ran into at the party were Senator Bob Rovner and his wife, Sherri Savett (occassionally I have worked at her firm Berger & Montague on legal projects. I have many friends there and I appreciate their reading of PCC) Sherri & Bob are excellent dancers and I enjoy their performance every year at the B&M holiday party.
Could this be another It girl for me, Jill Rizen (sans Andrew tonight) with Michael Smith (MS) and Kerri Smith. Nice looking trio.
First Philebrity of the night – Lynn Abraham. I don’t think she supports Seth Williams for DA. I have narrowed it down to a Dan, and I’d better make up my mind by Primary Day TOMORROW. Tuesday is Elections Day! Philadelphia registered Democrats: Push button #34 for Judge Dan Anders! (I know Dan, he’s a really nice guy, he’s currently on the bench and has the experience, so that’s a no brainer for me)
Interior Designer Karen Daroff (Glasses) and Architect James Rappoport. You’ll recall that it was at their Holiday Party in December where I met Bart Blatstein. We chatted about this project, and he mentioned that he was almost finished.

Resident looking down on the Piazza at all the going on. The window frames remind me of an illustration by Roy Lichtenstein. Bart Blatstein greets his guests – Happy Birthday Bart Blatstein, what a gift to see you vision materialize. Then he introduces his daughters’ Jenna Leigh Autumn/Winter 2009 lingerie collection fashion show.
The Jenna Leigh website describes the lingerie as “satisfying both daily indulgence and special occasion looks for the girl who doesn’t want to keep her lingerie under wraps.”
Jenna infuses her collection with the perfect balance of retro and current fashion, capturing that timeless, enviable glamour that only “it girls” possess.
Inspired by the beautiful people and places captured by photographer Slim Aarons, cutting-edge runway trends, and the metropolitan allure of her New York/Philadelphia/Miami lifestyle,
Jenna’s designs flaunt ultra-chic style and stunning technical details fused with the contemporary need for comfort and practicality.
Jaslene Gonzalez winner from America’s Next Top Model closes out the show.
Great bar set up by Cescaphe Ballroom with the black shelves holding the supplies, the area was neat and it was impressive to see how they easily handled serving a mass crowd of thirsty guest. Cescaphe Ballroom also prepared the food which was delicious and included pasta with shrimp, couscous with lobster, and other choices which I didn’t take note of.
Lauren Tosti Independence Visitor Center Dir., Marketing & Communications, Where Magazine Publisher Laura Burkhardt and recruiter Jessica Matthews
The artist corner with Jennifer Bruce, Charles Burns (He is internationally renowned for his meticulous, high-contrast and creepy artwork and stories. In 2007 Burns contributed material for the French made animated horror anthology Peur(s) Du Noir. In addition to his work being used by Iggy Pop, Coca-Cola and has been exhibited at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts), another internationally known artist Hester Stinnett with painter Susan Moore (Married to Charles).
Sabrina Tamburino, Carol Tamburino and friends. A marching band interrupted us before I could get every one’s name.
Hadas Kuznits enjoys her night, and looks fabulous.
Brad Maule (of PhillySkyline.com fame; he has an awesome write up of the Piazza 3rd post down), with wife Rachel Breeden
These two lovely people are Bart’s in laws, Dr. Bernard Simmons and Lenore Simmons.
Andrew Pletcher, James Dugan, Matthew Ray and Thom Cardwell
Josh Spitz, Alexandra Wittman, Sherri & Alan Wittman and Mitchell Cramer
A few self made women Kelly Boyd, KB Consultants, Political writer, now movie producer Mary Patel and news anchor Monica Malpass make the scene. (Did you see my photo in Sunday’s Inquirer of Monica rocking a dress at a fashion show that benefited Project Home? (2nd pix, 1st pix mine too)
Philadelphia City Planner (I love saying that), and my friend Alan Greenberger, wife Greta and daughter Julia.
Andi Pesacov and Anthony Casey (Soulmates, but not heartmates)
Sara Rose, Lucy Burns, Sherri Jurgens, Jess Matthews, Marlo Polonsky
What a great place to throw a party, to live, to shop and hang out. http://www.atthepiazza.com/events.html

A few things I heard this week: Jennifer Love Hewitt with her new love, local boy Jamie Kennedy from Upper Darby. He’s in a movie called “Cafe” that was filming at a cafe in West Philly today. The set was barraged by paparazzi, I wasn’t one of them darn it, I had no idea they were filming. i still can’t figure out who was there as the photos haven’t surfaced yet. Photos of him, not valuable, photos of her, a little value, photos of them together = VALUE.

She seems to be the Anne Heche, Jennifer Garner of late falling in love with her co-stars. I hear the two J’s left town tonight as he has a gig at Comix in the Village tomorrow night, so if you are in NYC look for Love as JLH likes to be called. They return on Tuesday for a final 3 days of filming.

Last Tuesday, a tipster was kind enough to give me a heads up of Love’s whereabouts, but it was a no go at 11AM as I was deep into some paralegal work.

Tonight someone tipped me off to his whereabouts, but I was covering a sweet charity that I will be writing about next week, if she was there, I would have left that sweet charity. Someone else was nice enough to tip me to their resting place, I went by thought maybe I could catch them leaving, but they were gone by then.

According to Dan Gross’ column the two were going to the Phillies game Tuesday, and The700level.com has the pictures: Jennifer Love Hewitt was at the Phillies game last night. To steal Bill Simmons terminology, she is my kryptonite. Read: http://is.gd/zoS5

After the game, Dan Gross reported that they went to Rouge for dessert before heading home. Tuesday what was I doing Tuesday, after shooting two events I did by restaurant “hit and Run”, not seeing anyone I headed home. Hit and run you say, what’s that. Well from time to time I will check the restaurants, and clubs see who’s inside or what’s going on. Tuesday, nothing that I saw. Last night I saw a few Philebrities (Thanks Joey);

UPDATE: So jealous, guess the word from my insider who got a message to me that it was in Love’s contract not to be photographed must have caveats as Dan Gross got an interview and a photo yesterday: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/jennifer_love_hewitt.html

(Sometimes those riders are in contracts so the star doesn’t promote someone else’s project especially since they are probably doing a favor by appearing in the movie, ie Paul Dano in Explicit Ills.)

The week before I did a hit and run of the restaurants along the square and struck gold. OK it was after a tipster gave me the heads up, tipsters I appreciate it. About 9PM I came across Dev Patel eating at Stephen Starr’s PARC. He is the guy towards the left in the light colored shirt. Some of you may know I have a new camera, well this damn thing is so advance it doesn’t have one lens that covers the range, and you have to carry two lenses to do the job. Me I was shooting an event that night, I left the long one at home. So I couldn’t get the long shot and just leave. I had to wait if I wanted the photo, or of course I could have done something else.
So about 10:15PM Dev gets up from his seat with his friends. They all hug, but then cross the street together. I pull out the camera and ask him for a couple shots, he says fine. I get one shot off, and he turns as his friends walk into the park. I check the photo, which I guess I deleted later or I would show you, anyway it’s out of focus. BUMMER. I chase after him “Dev it was out of focus I need another shot”. He and his friends complain “What kind of paparazzi are you your photos are out of focus.” I say, “the kind that has waited for almost 90 minutes for you to finish dinner, then dessert, and then ask for a photo, now you know most of them would have just approached the table and photographed you.”

OK you’re right, but this time I want to check to make sure it’s in focus. I get off 3 shots. I don’t like the first two as he’s smiling, which is ok, butthis is the 3rd shot and it’s the best. He’s saying I thought you said a couple shots, this is the third one. Phillygrrrl just twittered that Dev is at the North Star rocking it out. I on the other hand will wait til the next sighting as the gods of thunder are rocking it out right now.

Saturday night at the G Lounge the VIP management team of The400PTM,
L-R Jason Thompson Power Forward (PF) for the Sacramento Kings, Reggie Berry (The400), Darrius Heyward-Bey #7 NFL Draft Pick he will play Wide Receiver(WR) for the Oakland Raiders,
Jackiem Wright (The400), Devard Darling (WR) for the Kansas City Chiefs; were celebrating Reggie and Devard’s Birthday as well as Darrius being drafted into the NFL. (Missing from pix Jared Poe)
Last Friday Joe Fraizer signed autographs and posed for photos on behalf of T-Mobile, outside the Liberty One shopping center. It was a beautiful day, and an estimated crowd of about 150 came out to greet Joe.
Reese Witherspoon, rumored to be here. No confirmation, but her people are here and scouting a location for her to live; Think high end, high security, not much street walking for Reese like Demi, Dev or Parker Posey. Hopefully she will enjoy her time in Philly, but it will be crazy as she’s the caliber of star that is going to bring the paparazzi in from LA & NYC. More really interesting stuff about Reese next week as I am holding back.

As you know my photos often appear in INQlings, and other media sources in the City, and so do some of the stories I come across. They all don’t make it in print, but I think they should be heard, and so every Friday I will do a column of what didn’t make it, or what I just wanted to write myself. I’ll still be doing Philly Chit Chatter Weekend Picks etc., but on Wednesday. Both columns could appear with an entry and I will note that at the top of the page. This one doesn’t.

REMEMBER check the PhillyChitChat calendar which is in the top right corner. I populate it with interesting events.

There’s a lot I didn’t put into this one, but the stories aren’t as timely. For those of you who’s events I covered and haven’t written about yet, I do hope to catch up this week.