Category: Philadelphia
Laura Burkhardt, Meg Rider, Alex Tewfik, Kevin Sbraga and a few other Make Moves
We’re a day early with our twice weekly Philly Gossip Column (Sunday & Thursday) but a lot of hot is happening:
2017 is turning out to be one of those years where people are making moves, whether it’s Arthur Etchells who left Foobooz last month and headed to Manatawny Still Works as Philadelphia Region Manager, as written by his former Foobooz intern at Alex Tewfik who later headed to Philly Eater , but has now left Philly Eater, and is rumored to be stepping into Art’s role at Foobooz, full circle complete.
Then there’s

Laura Burkhardt, longtime publisher at Where Magazine and now heading to Visit Philly at the end of the month to lead the department of Tourism Engagement with a title of VP Visitor Appeal. (Laura is pictured above with her former editor of Where Philadelphia, Kristina Jenkins, who is now editor of UWISHUNU at Visit Philly)

Also on the move is Visit Philly employee Jim Werner (c), who is being promoted to VP of Hotel Initiatives and Tourism Development at Visit Philly. I hear Laura and Jim will have offices next to each other and report directly to Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA. Let the creativity begin….

A hearty congratulations is in order to Meg Rider, who is the new co-chair of the Board of The William Way LGBT Center.
Meg’s day job is Guest Relations and Volunteer Services Manager at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, and she’s also on the board of Philly AIDS Thrift

Michael Klein broke the story yesterday that Kevin Sbraga has closed his namesake restaurant Sbraga at Broad and Lombard, and his other city eatery Fat Ham on Walnut Street (Chef-owner Kevin Sbraga will still run The Fat Ham at KOP Mall with it’s delicious chicken and waffles.) I just saw him on Saturday night at The Lemon Ball and he looked as happy as he always is. In fact he’s slim, slim he should have been included in the People Magazine article last week, which I told you about Monday, where Oprah featured chef’s who lost major LBS. He looks like a million bucks, probably could use a million bucks too as the Philly Mag article by Victor Fiorillo stated that he took a big hit when he closed Juniper Commons in 2015 after 6 months. The Inky’s Craig LaBan torpedoed it in a review, and as this town tends to go, one bell or less can shut a restaurant. Recently Aqimero by Richard Sandoval at The Ritz-Carlton received a bad review and the cleaned house. Of course you can’t get rid of Sandoval, but everyone else is gone including the GM, manager and chef. They have a new Chef de Cuisine and his name is

Paulo Mendoza who hails from San Diego and for the past two years was Chef de Cuisine at Sandoval ‘s Venga Venga Cantina & Tequila Bar. Anywho, last week LaBan skewered Scarpetta and they have already made some serious changes. A couple of my favorite restaurants have gotten one or less LaBan bells and they seem to still pack them in, Del Frisco’s (LaBan said in his review the only thing Del Frisco’s was missing was a stripper pole. So in his honor they installed one. It’s at the end of the bar near the staircase), Ocean Prime, even the former Haru in Old City hung in there for six years after its 2005 no-bell. The Little Lion occupies that spot now, with their one star, and they’re packed to the rafters. Get the chicken. OK Back to Kevin Sbraga , at The Lemon Ball Kevin told me that every year he donates a chef’s dinner prepared by him for 6 people. The item was a hot bid again Saturday night, and in the end the auctioneer sold two for $11,000 each. Very nice. I look forward to Kevin Sbraga’s next hot restaurant as well. I’m sure it’s going to be something special.

If you haven’t read Danya Henninger ‘s article on the food scene (What’s Behind The Sudden Slimming Down of the Food Bloggers), which is a story really about the bloggers who initially started covering food over the passed decade until this year when the last two major players left the field. I feel the beginning of the end started in 2012, which was when Drew Lazor left City Paper’s Meal Ticket. For me it was a great time, as I started my blog in 2007, just when the food scene started to take off, when celebrity chefs meant something, and food was just starting to move away from meat and potatoes. I didn’t set out to cover food, but I definitely wanted to cover the folks that did cover the food. On more than one occasion I was invited into their inner sanctuary to break bread; it was great. (One of my fav old school food blog events with some of the beginners)

PS Tomorrow I am heading to Florida for a few days. I have pre-posted for the rest of the week, but if I miss something current that I normally would cover, it won’t be here. I’ll have a lot of palm trees and sunshine on my social media though. Best wishes, HughE
Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Comes to Valley Forge Casino Resort
Howl at the Moon brings the dueling piano experience to Philadelphia’s suburbs starting this week and for every Saturday at Valley Forge Casino Resort (1160 First Avenue) and The Vault nightclub. Get ready to sing, dance and howl as the versatile and talented musicians perform live music from 80’s rock, 90’s pop and today’s dance hits on pianos. Doors open at 8:00pm and the live show from 9pm to 12:30am. The party continues at The Vault until 2am. Admission is free and open to those 21 and up only.

“Howl at the Moon dueling pianos at the Vault is the perfect complement to the entertainment experience we strive to provide every day at Valley Forge Casino Resort.” said VFCR Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Galle. “It’s the next evolution of nightlife to add to our diverse mix of dining, live concerts and comedy shows, hotel and all the action and excitement of the casino.”


Howl at the Moon is a high-energy, interactive music experience that’s been a nightlife staple in cities across the country, from Boston to Chicago, as well as on Norwegian Cruise Line ships Epic and Breakaway. Philadelphia is home to Howl at the Moon in Center City on 15th Street. “Instead of driving into the city, we’re bringing the same great interactive party to the Mainline,” added Galle. Or if you want to do something different head out of the City and enjoy Howl at the Moon at VFC.


As the musicians ‘tickle the ivories,’ look for a new food and drink menu to debut for Howl at the Moon at The Vault. Drinks will include six varieties of frozen margaritas, themed shots, signature cocktails and craft beer bottles/cans. Drinks will all be priced under $10.00. From the kitchen, look for a new menu of street bites and bar favorites, including carnitas street tacos, triple grilled cheese, braided soft pretzels and more. All food will be priced between $3.00 and $8.00. Happy Hour will take place every week from 8:00pm to 10:00pm and include $3.00 Bud and Bud Light, $4 Triple Olives Vodka and $5.00 House Wine. VIP booth and bottle service will also be available weekly.

Thank to PhillyChitChat’s Andre Flewellen for shooting this event. i was at the Lemon Ball. Check out Philly Mag today for those pixs.
Philly Gossip: Rick Astley, Someone Said Hi to Sarah Silverman at Airport, Chef Mike Stollenwerk, Maria Papadakis Gets Married
Good Monday MLK Day. Ugh staying up last night killed my getting out and covering events today.

I’m getting ready to go to Florida for my friend Maria Papadakis’ and Chris Konopka wedding, and planning sightseeing side trips and well I overslept. So bummed. Here’s a bit of fun that I saw this weekend and some things that are coming up you might enjoy.

Derek Heidel said hi to Sarah Silverman at the airport, and she looked none to happy despite what she told Molly Eichel.
She’s in town tonight to play at Keswick Theater with Todd Glass.


Our buddy Chef Mike Stollenwerk is in People Magazine this week. Oprah’s on the Cover.

It’s about Chef’s losing weight, and no one has been more successful than Chef Stollenwerk .
Check out the article in Philly Mag last year.

Even though Mayor Kenney has declared Friday night you’re allowed to sit where ever you want in Rittenhouse Square

I believe the Sittenhouse Lunch Time Sit-on is still happening cause who’d want to waste such a great title.
TShirts will definitely follow
“I took part in the Sittenhouse Lunch Time Sit-On”

You get a billboard, you get a billboard
and you get a billboard.
Alisa Martino Frederico and Ian Michael Crumm are your personal shoppers at King of Prussia Mall.

Clayton Christensen, who authored The Innovator’s Dilemma and more recently, How will You Measure Your Life? and Competing Against Luck: The Story of Innovation and Customer Choice, broke down his theory of disruptive innovation for dozens of Philadelphians during Competing Against Luck at the Prince Theater. (Biz Journal) – If you’re in biz, and are looking for networking opportunities, the Arts + Business thought leader breakfast is for you. The next one is

Register now for Own It with Sallie Krawcheck!

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down – Rick Astley is coming to the Electric Factory on Feb 11
I am such a fan, I’ll be there. Hope to see you there too.
TICKETS

Friday night Mike and I headed to The Merriam Theater to see Cirque Eloize Saloon,
which played in Philly for the first time. It was enjoyable. Mike loved it. It was 90 minutes of Gunsmoke, wasn’t sure of a plot but the singing
dancing and overall show was great. Next up at the Merriam is this weekends
Mo Willem’s Elephant and Piggie, on 1/21/17 which looks to be a lot of family fun.

Friday night I also stopped by the William Way LGBT Community Center to check out Hidden History Exposed by Tracy Buchholz and Jason Giordano (l) exhibit (The show runs through February 24th. Please stop in and take a look.)
Also pictured is the legendary Isaiah Zagar, Philadelphia glass mosaic artist and new on the scene, taking in the scene one person at a time – Rob Lawless, a 25-year-old Northern Liberties resident guy on a mission to meet 10,000 people. He’s up to 650 right now. Hit him up, meet him and he’ll write a piece about you. I told him I’d like to be #723 if possible cause that’s my favorite number. (Rob’s Facebook with lots of great stories of regular folks)

Welcome to my new advertiser LLS The 2017 Red & White Ball Mercedes-Benz
For $100 buy a raffle ticket for a chance at a new Mercedes-Benz, sounds good.

My sister Crista was in town over the weekend to attend her childhood besties wedding shower and bacherlorette party fun. They went to
Urban Axes in Kensington and had a blast. I highly recommend it. I gave it a try, and I must return for lots of practice. BTW they have
instructors that are on the court with you through out your session, giving you help, as well as keeping score for the tournaments that your
group will participate in.

The Octavius Catto memorial statue is ready for installation.
New York artist Branly Cadet unveiled his design for a memorial statue in honor of Octavius V. Catto, an African-American scholar, athlete and activist whose slaying occurred during a heated election. Check out this article at Philly Trib on the historic statue.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. – Martin Luther King
The Society Event of the Season – The Academy Ball
The Philadelphia Orchestra celebrates Academy of Music 160th Anniversary with Grand Concert and Ball on January 28, 2017 – As in 2016, the Philadelphia Orchestra welcomes Martin Short as the special guest for the Academy of Music 160th
Anniversary Concert and Ball on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Originally slated as the featured guest for the 2016 Concert, which was cancelled due to an emergency shutdown by Winter Storm Jonas in the Philadelphia area, the multi-talented Emmy and Tony Award-winning comedian, writer, singer, and actor will join The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin for an extraordinary evening of food, friends, music, dancing, and an exploration of the “Grand Old Lady of Locust Street.”

The dress for the event is white tails for the guys

And gorgeous ball gowns for the ladies. Many of the local stores have sales in January to attract the last minute buyers of the gowns including Nicole Miller, Sophy Curson, in Center City as well as Neiman Marcus and Touche Accessories (LL across from Macy’s) at the King of Prussia Mall. They often keep track of which lady buys which gown so there’s not an embarrassment of duplicity at the grand gala.

The academy gala has always been a high society, star studded event where song and dance man Danny Kaye, classical artists like singer Marian Anderson, Isaac Stern, Dinah Shore who attended in 1957. To Sting, Rod Stewart, The Bacon Brothers, Billy Joel, Jill Scott, more recently singer/actor Hugh Jackman and actor Al Pacino, who did a dramatic reading two years ago to the delight of the audience who wondered what was the famed Scarface going to do to entertain.

The 150th anniversary (2007) was further glamorized by royal visitors — Prince Charles and his wife Camilla — who attended at the invitation of Lee Annenberg, who was being honored for a major gift to restore the ballroom. Annenberg’s husband Walter Annenberg knew the prince from his time as British ambassador. Crowds lined the streets hoping for a glimpse. (Source) Unfortunately for me I had the flu that night and missed it. I was really unhappy.

After the concert, the crowd walks a block up Broad Street to the Hyatt at the Bellevue, where the guests take over the entire building, for dinner and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. It’s a long beautiful night.

Concert-only tickets, priced at $75, are currently on sale. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215.893.1999 or
by visiting Tickets
Academy of Music 159th Anniversary Concert and Ball
January 28, 2017, at 7:30 PM – Saturday evening – Academy of Music
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor
Martin Short Special Guest
The tickets to the Ball are $1,000
The event is an important part of keeping the academy, a National Historic Landmark, alive. It funds improvement and maintenance projects. Gala proceeds have funded a new main house curtain, conservation of the ceiling murals and wood sculptures, the chandelier, the HVAC system, and the restoration of the main lobby, Ballroom, the roof and grand staircase to their former splendor.
All week I’ve seen these exquisite photos pop up online of this beautiful party by Pat Nogar, from the TV show “Living Well with Pat Nogar”. Just as with my friend Bob’s most beautifully decorated interior for Christmas, I decided to run photos from a post Karen Toole-Ebbert did here at PhillyChitChat
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My dear friend Patricia Nogar has outdone herself again! I didn’t think it was possible. Her Annual 12th Day of Christmas Ladies Tea was a smashing success. The theme was The Nutcracker. Everyone showed up either dressed in character or in the attire of a lady attending the opera. So much fun, delicious food and amazing women! We were all truly Living Well with Pat Nogar yesterday and here are the pics to prove it! (photo credit Lee Cohen, Zoya Egan, Pat Nogar and others) – Karen Toole-Ebbert


Karen Toole-Ebbert




Hostess with the mostess Pat Nogar in velvety green


Nicole Kidman Comes to PhillyWood To Film in February
In October I told you that Philadelphia will be the primary filming location for The Weinstein Company’s The Untouchables, directed by Neil Burger, who also directed Limitless in Philadelphia, written by Jon Hartmere and executive produced by Bob and Harvey Weinstein.

Cranston was in town in October for meetings regarding the movie
The Untouchables will star Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston and Philadelphia native, powerhouse comedian Kevin Hart in the US remake of the French comedy, The Intouchables.

I just learned today Nicole Kidman has been added to the cast, along with Amara Karan ; I checked the IMDB status of the movie and it had been updated. Yeah, now this will get me out in the freezing cold (although I would have still headed out for Hart/Cranston, this just makes it that much better. It’ll be good to finally photograph another film set, and how wonderful it’ll be to have our film production crews back to work. Thanks definitely goes to the hard working Greater Philadelphia Film Office and Sharon Pinkenson.
Filming is to begin in February I’ve been told, with shooting to be done at Sun Center Studios as well as several scenes shot in Center City.
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I see PhillyVoice wrote about the title of the film being changed, and I hadn’t seen it before now (1030PM) . (Source)
Deadline Magazine had a story in yesterday’s post that Kidman was in talks to do the movie, but now that it’s been added to her official IMDB page, I’d say it was a done deal. Here’s a synopsis of the movie.
A fresh take on the original concept, The Intouchables script is by Jon Hartmere. The original French language film grossed $416 million overseas, and $10 million domestic. Pic told the true story of an aristocrat (Francois Cluzet) who, after being paralyzed in a hang-gliding accident, hires a young man (Omar Sy) from the projects to be his caretaker. The original film was directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. Kidman would play the role of Yvonne, played in the original by Anne Le Ny, while Karan will play Maggie, the role that Audrey Fleurot played in the original.
CAA and Media Talent rep Kidman, UTA, Principal Entertainment and United Agents rep Karan. (Deadline)
HOD Hot Fashions and Links
Hair O’ The Dog 2016 – Philly’s Most Glamorous Bash took place this past weekend, and despite the snow earlier in the day fashionable folks, headed to Philly’s newest musical venue – The Fillmore!

Baby it’s cold outside

But inside was some hot fashions, despite Kate Beaver skipping the event for the first time in years.



Check out more fashion and fun here at
and

This expansive and stylish new new 6,000 square foot restaurant, bar and lounge will be one of the largest openings of the new year – with seating capacity at over 225 people in five different dining and party spaces. The menu will focus on all-day, every-day (even late night) dim sum in two styles: Shanghai and Cantonese. Three chefs have been brought in – including two directly from China – to showcase their expertise in both styles, as well as in noodles, fried rice, chef specialties and familiar favorites. At the bar, look for 15 draft and bottle beers, specialty signature cocktails, and a full line of spirits and wine.


Grand opening festivities on Wednesday include free soup dumplings from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, plus a grand opening party at 7:00pm with the Lion dance, firecrackers, live music, DJ, food sampling and drink specials.

“Dim Sum House will focus on Shanghai and Cantonese dim sum every day, all day (even late night),” said Fu. “We aim to impress guests with our menu, size and design. We want to provide an A+ experience without the stuffiness of a super high-end restaurant. We also want to surprise guests with fair prices. Our focus will be to push for sharing, affordability, and of course, quality.”

Dim Sum House celebrates grand opening day on Wednesday, January 11, 2016 with festivities starting at Noon. From Noon to 2:00pm, enjoy free soup dumplings in the dining room (one order per person, dine-in only).

At 7:00pm, the grand opening party will kick-off with the Lion Dance and firecrackers outside at the main entrance. Inside look for free menu samplings throughout the night, discounted drinks ($3-5 for beer, wine and select cocktails), live music and a DJ. Admission is free. 21 and up to drink, with identification. Reservations for tables are available now by calling (215) 921-5377.
I ate there last Friday and it was delicious, plus very reasonable.
Good Sunday Morning, hope everyone is out and about enjoying this snow, sledding, capturing pixs with the last two remaining trees still up at Rittenhouse Sq and the Art Museum, so they can inscribe their Christmas cards next year as I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. I have a bit of Sunday Scoop for you to enjoy…

Congrats again to Laura Buscher and Connor Barwin on their engagement. College sweethearts make it official.

Congrats to fellow photographer Nell Hoving to her marriage yesterday to Paul Dixon at the Hotel Monaco.
What a beautiful bride she makes.

Congrats Val Neighbors and Bruce Gallagher.
What an amazing declaration of love she makes above.

Speaking of declarations – It’s David Bowie Week the Mayor Proclaims. Congrats DJ Robert Drake for such a great idea.


The NFL announced Wednesday the 32 team nominees for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Presented by Nationwide. Representing the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact, each of these players was selected as his team’s Man of the Year and is now eligible to win the national award. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes a player for his excellence on and off the field and is among the league’s most prestigious awards.
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Spotted at Stephen Starr’s Jones during the snow storm Saturday – Eagles player Malcolm Jenkins and his wife Moira.

Just days after Michael Vick got a loud ovation from Falcons fans in return to Georgia Dome (http://wpo.st/jdLQ2)
he got loud directions (from 2nd floor) from his wife on taking down their genourmous Christmas Tree.

Speaking of vibes, vybe urgent care is opening next to CVS on the 1300 block of Chestnut. Just up the street
Jefferson Urgent Care – Rittenhouse recently opened as well.

Congrats to you two, Kristen Herrmann and Matt Cord, who have teamed to host BenFM in the morning. The station seems to be moving to the light rock genre. It was announced this week that Marilyn Russell, formerly of this time slot at BenFM moves over to WOGL’s Breakfast Club; the oldies station is dropping the 60s and moving into the 80s. OMG THE EIGHTIES ARE OLDIES, Bye to my buddy DJ Mike Adams who has left AMP, which is no longer AMP as it’s now Today’s 96.5, The station promises “Better Variety, Fewer Commercials” featuring an adult-contemporary format serving fans in the Delaware Valley with today’s most popular hits from both new and established artists, including Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, P!NK, Taylor Swift, and more. (Wait wasn’t that just pop last year?)

Speaking of changes

Big Rube has left the Philly Daily News. This is insane, he put Street Fashion on the map in Philly. He dropped a note on his FB page to say his column will no longer run in the paper, but his one shot street fashions will run until the end of February. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS you can still find him at Toast (12th and Spruce) every Saturday and Sunday. I think I see his next career in the horizon.

Another departure at Philly.com media is Gab Bonghi; she was the content producer at the media giant, and my photo editor while my column ran there. Brilliant, bright, creative gal. She told me she’s excited for some chill time, and will be slinging coffee at Good Karma, so stop by.

Earlier this week I had the most delicious, rib eye and a side of collard greens at Square 1682. I highly recommend this dish, it was really fantastic. I only had a few fries cause I’m dieting. I literally am under 300lbs the first time since 2009. Lots of water, and definitely working out with a trainer helped.