I used to write a column for Philly Mag called One Shots—a single standout photo of the week. These days, I’m capturing one standout shot every day. So let’s switch it up: Five for Friday—the five hottest photos of the week.
Philadelphia250, a program of the Philadelphia Visitor Center in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, is taking America’s 250th birthday straight to the neighborhoods with the Block Party Bonanza.
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, this citywide initiative is designed to make sure every Philadelphian can take part in the semiquincentennial celebration. Running all summer, it blends Philly’s love of community gatherings with a focus on civic pride, bringing a fresh spin to one of the city’s most beloved traditions, the block party. Thanks to Jefferson Health, and Tiffany Tavares for supporting the efforts.
Tiffany Tavarez serves as Vice President, Community Impact and Strategic Partnerships for Jefferson Health.
Mayor Cherelle Parker reminded us “ain’t no party like a #Philly Block Party!” as she, and the amazing Kathryn Ott Lovell, kicked off the Block Party Bonanza! press conference with an incredibly #Philly themed celebration!
Tonight I will be covering the Red Cross Ball, I could only hope it will be as exciting as well I photographed Kate Gosselin there, who was not excited that I got the first photo of her boyfriend and former bodyguard, Steve Neild and she holding hands. I mean geez it was in public. I did go on Fox29’s Good Day and chit chat about the whole thing. Happy 30th Anniversary of Fox29’s Good Day… I’ve been with them for 15 years. See you on April 1 when we celebrate on air.
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Paradigm Award brought together Philadelphia’s business leaders for an afternoon celebrating innovation, impact, and leadership, with support from Independence Blue Cross, Exelon, and Jefferson Health
Congratulations to honoree Ellen G. Cooper, Chairman, President, and CEO of Lincoln Financial, whose leadership continues to shape both the industry and the region. At the luncheon several you women were recognized as outstanding scholarship honorees, highlighting the next generation of talent driving Philadelphia forward.
Nearly how I want the Five for Five to look like. I just realized I am pressed for time. Have an awesome weekend. See you at No Kings March, say Hi Lets get a Selfie
Mitchell Kaplan, partner at Zarwin Baum working there his entire career (wow) and Loree D. Jones – Brown. Chief Executive Officer of Philabundence
On Thursday, March 19, 2026, the Crystal Tea Room was once again transformed into Philadelphia’s ultimate “man cave” and networking hub. Hosted by Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy, P.C., the event brought together over 2,000 of the city’s top power players—from CEOs and politicians to media personalities—all for the benefit of Philabundance.
The energy was electric as the first round of the NCAA Tournament tipped off. Guests were surrounded by massive projection screens showing every buzzer-beater in real-time.
Alex Bottos, General Manager of the Sporting Club. Every year they donate a membership for the auction, which helps raise funds for Philabundence.
Between games, attendees hit the pop-a-shot machines or bid on high-end sports memorabilia in the silent auction.
Eric Shelmire, Rile Hamon, Dean Rothschild
Samantha Newell, Director of Firm Engagement at Zarwin and her team helped the annual event run smoothly, which is no easy feat with over 1200 guests stopping by.
Philadelphia’s culinary scene was on full display. The spread featured local favorites ranging from classic Philly cheesesteaks and soft pretzels to gourmet catering, keeping the crowd fueled through 7 hours of non-stop basketball.
Olivia Rae, Svetlana Burbige
Ted Schaer, Zarwin Baum and Councilperson Jeffrey Young
While the hoops were the draw, the heart of the event remained its charitable impact. This year’s fundraiser added significantly to the firm’s running total for Philabundance, helping to provide thousands of meals to families across the Delaware Valley.
With Philadelphia also serving as a host city for the 2026 tournament, the local excitement was at an all-time high.
Amir Khan, Dave Moody, Anthony J.
Tamika McPhal, Kim Hall Jackson (Philabundance)
Beyond the brackets and buzzer-beaters, Zarwin Baum’s March Madness party is where Philly shows its heart. What started as a premier networking night has become a serious force for good, turning all that game-day energy into real support for the community.
Through their ongoing commitment to Philabundance, Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy makes sure the wins don’t stop at the final score. While everyone’s cheering the tournament, they’re helping thousands of neighbors put meals on the table. In this town, the biggest victories don’t happen on the court… they happen right here at home..
Today’s the last day you’ll be able to get a Rocky selfie at this location as the statue is moving inside for an exhibition for 6 months. The one at the top of the steps will remain outside for your enjoyment.
Local chefs as well as visiting chefs participated in the evenings festivities, including Justin Shwetzer In Between Days St. Petersburg, FL Presented by Visit St.Pete-Clearwater
Taste Twenty Chef Alum and fan favorite on Top Chef season 21Michelle Wallace (above) b’tween sandwich co. Houston, TX
Iron Chef Jose Garce’s Team Linda Brown, Juliana Mikitish and Mike Carter
Evan Snyder, Chef Partner of Emmett, along with managing partner Julian van der Tak prepare Rye Tarlets for the guests. Evan’s tattos are on brand as he has a salt & pepper shaker, a bib with a turkey on it, spinach and a tribute to mom.
Nearly 400 guests dined on the elevated food choices
Chef Yun Fuentes
The walk-around tasting brought together a dynamic mix of chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers for an immersive culinary experience. At the heart of the event was TasteTwenty chef Yun Fuentes,
along with the impressive lineup of Philadelphia’s top culinary talent, each presenting dishes that reflected their signature style and the unique identity of their restaurants.
Geno Vento and husband Andre Gaspar
Although Geno Vento is best known for running the iconic South Philly cheese steak spot Geno’s Steaks, he’s also a formally trained chef, having graduated from culinary school just a few years ago. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing his cooking firsthand, and it’s nothing short of exceptional.
Jose Elser and Ashwin Gupta
Congrats to Dr. Ashwin Gupta honored by the City as one of the Prevention Pioneers 2025, recognized for excellence in HIV prevention.
George and Josh of Eats Philly were raving about Oddbird’s zero-proof “wine,” which was also just served at the Academy Awards on Sunday night.
Anna Moore picks up a monogramed bag from Callie Avelino, Callie Co Paints
Gary K loves River Twice with usband Eric , who is sporting his new Callie Co Paints bag says – Machine Shop is a favorite spot, and they’re excited it’s in their neighborhood.
The Edison Restaurant Team: Adrian hardy, The Bellevue Hotel, Mary Santiago, Core Hospitality, Jim Haney, MR. EDISON CG Bellevue LLC, Jeffrey Chodorow, China Grill Management, Anthony Santiago, Core Hospitality, Zach Seidman, Head of Marketing at The Bellevue and Firas Ghorab, General Manager I The Bellevue Hotel
It was a pleasure meeting the legendary Jeffrey Chodorow, CEO and founder of China Grill Management, which operates more than 22 restaurants worldwide. He is opening Mr. Edison at the iconic Bellevue Hotel, a story I first reported in 2024.
Mr. Edison is named in tribute to Thomas Edison, who designed the Bellevue’s lighting for its 1904 opening. There’s even an original lighting circuit box in the grand ballroom.
Open seven days a week, with late-night dining on weekends, the restaurant is designed to feel like a true destination, part dinner, part experience. The menu is international in scope, with select dishes inspired by Mr Chowdory’s time living in Philadelphia (he graduated magna cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1972) and the places he and his wife Linda, a Philadelphia native, loved most.
Expect subtle nods to iconic spots like Astral Plane, The Fish Market, Frog, The Commissary, Black Banana, Le Bec-Fin, and one of my personal favorites, Knave of Hearts, woven thoughtfully into a modern dining format.
At Mr Edison, it’s not just about the dinner club atmosphere, though that alone is a draw. It’s also about rediscovery: nostalgic dishes re-imagined and brought back to life in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new, the kind of menu that surprises you with flavors you didn’t realize you’d been missing.
Another fun event in Philadelphia. The James Beard Foundation mission is to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.
The Forgotten Freedom: American Assembly at 250 made a powerful debut at the National Liberty Museum with an exclusive preview that blended history, culture, and civic pride in a way that felt especially timely as Philadelphia looks toward 2026.
Costantino Spinosa, Director of Museum Experience of National Liberty Museum, Dr. Alaine Arnott, President and CEO of the National Liberty Museum and Wilbert Montgomery, American former professional football player who was a running back for nine years with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions of the National Football League
Guests were among the first to experience the museum’s ambitious new exhibition series exploring one of the nation’s most essential yet often overlooked rights, the freedom of assembly.
Created for America’s 250th anniversary, the immersive presentation unfolds across three interconnected exhibitions, tracing how collective moments, from the founding era to modern pop culture, have shaped the American story.
The preview offered a sweeping narrative through artifacts and storytelling that connected the nation’s earliest gatherings with iconic cultural flashpoints such as Woodstock and Live Aid, alongside influential figures including Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan, whose impact extended far beyond sports.
John Colabelli, Publisher. of Philadelphia Style Magazine, Brian Tierney, CEO of Brian Communications and Ron Jaworski known to the world as JAWS, is a former professional American football quarterback and a notable sports analyst, best known for his long career in the NFL, particularly as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
Beau McCall shows Dr Matt Kenyatta his art as Souleo looks on
Contemporary artworks added depth and immediacy, prompting reflection on how communities continue to assemble and advocate today.
Bill Carroll, ChiChit Carroll and Michael Milborn
Dr Nicholas L. DePace, MD, (Who operates the DePace Sports Museum) Honorable Judge Jacquelyn Frazier-Lyde and Joseph M. Marrone, Esquire
The Kelce Brothers Jerseys are on display
See a 1936 Olympic Torch, a Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour fan jacket, game-worn jerseys from Jason and Travis Kelce, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Jalen Hurts
Theresa and Derek Clark
Ken Goldin, Founder & CEO Goldin Auctions lent the preview party an original
Declaration of Independence document from New Hampshire. That was so cool to see in person, and was only displayed at the preview party.
Christy Adams, Joe Lyde, Joe Fraizer Foundation and George Bochetto
Guests enjoyed elevated bites from 12th Street Catering, inventive cocktails by mixologist Sean Clarke, and live music from Bachelor Boys Band, while a lively silent auction supported the museum’s ongoing educational mission.
aaa
Stylish, engaged, and clearly energized by the storytelling, attendees lingered throughout the galleries, reflecting on the enduring relevance of assembly in American life. As Philadelphia prepares to take center stage for the Semiquincentennial, The Forgotten Freedom: American Assembly at 250 feels not only thoughtful and visually compelling, but deeply aligned with the civic moment the city is about to embrace. To learn more information about the National Liberty Museum (321 Chestnut St.) and its latest exhibit, visit libertymuseum.org
See additional photos in CBSPhilly and in an upcoming issue of Phila Style Magazine.
What an unforgettable evening at Dancing for Dreams, benefiting Methodist Services, held January 31 at The Bellevue. The Grand Ballroom shimmered with candlelight and conversation as Philadelphia’s philanthropic and social set arrived dressed to impress.
Christopher Foster and Kathrine J. Martin President & Chief Executive Officer
Methodist Services is a long-standing Philadelphia nonprofit that supports children, families, and older adults through a range of social service programs.
Allison Prushninski, Caroline Yosef, Jonathan Cabreia and Jennifer Kardon
Inside, the energy was electric as six dedicated community dancers (including Caroline Yosef, above) took the stage in a spirited charity dance-off that blended theatrical flair with heartfelt purpose, each raising funds to support the children and families served by Methodist Services.
Meg Wright, Erin O’Hearn, and Rachel Elwood,
The six standout dancers who brought both heart and heat to the floor were Jermaine Jenkins, Erin O’Hearn (yes that one), Caroline Yosef, Bridget Silver, Marina Lesser, Rebecca Seidenberg and Eve Turner, each stepping up not only with showmanship but with a shared commitment to raising funds for Methodist Services.
Guests enjoyed a delicious Cesaphe cocktail hour with seafood, meatballs and a generous cheese /meat charcuterie before guests headed into a sit down dinner and dancing to the tunes by DJ Johnny Looch
Mariel Claire, Kiera Conklin, Bridget Silber and Rose Frazier
Jermaine Jenkins and Lindsay Furman Alexander
Ashlee Hollis, Elijah Hollis of Helms Creative Studio, with George and Garden Wellington
Diane DiCicco, Carmelina Beradi, Lynsie Feinberg and Michelle Lam
Event producer and nonprofit consultant Lynsie Feinberg, who collaborates with organizations including Methodist Services,
assembled a generous and talented group who truly rose to the occasion, delivering a lively and heartfelt night of entertainment for a great cause.
The night built to a thrilling finale when Rebecca Seidenberg and Eve Turner brought the room to its feet and were named co-winners for Best Dancer after a show-stopping tie.
An extra round of applause went to Rebecca, who also earned Highest Fundraiser honors, with Bridget Silver finishing a close second in a moving show of community generosity. A total of $85ks was raised for the wonderful services they provide. See you next year at Dancing for Dreams for Methodist Services!!
Look for additional photos on CBSPhilly and the April issue of Main Line Today!!
The Philly Home + Garden Show is Back This Year with Over 300+ Exhibitors and a Little Bit of Something for Everyone
The Philly Home + Garden Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, from Friday, February 20 through Sunday, February 22, 2026, featuring nearly 300 exhibitors, celebrity guests, immersive feature gardens, hands on workshops, and shopping experiences created to inspire homeowners, gardeners, and DIY enthusiasts alike.
I stopped by yesterday morning as the doors opened for the annual Philly Home and Garden event, where visitors were already lined up, eager to explore rooms filled with fresh ideas and inspiration.
Continuing Saturday and Sunday, attendees can shop, compare, and save while discovering fresh ideas, innovative products, and expert advice in remodeling, home improvement, décor, gardening, and outdoor living, all under one roof. One of the region’s most anticipated annual events.
At the Philly Home Show & Garden, I ran into this mom and son duo, who demonstrated an incredible product, a formidable foldable strainer.. No more pulling out a bulky colander just to drain pasta or rinse food. I always love seeing local entrepreneurs creating products that make everyday life a little easier for all of us. It’s on sale at the show, but if you don’t make it here it is on Amazon!!
Nationally recognized experts, and hands-on features designed to help attendees plan projects, discover new ideas, and connect directly with trusted professionals.
I really love these candles, instead of a wick for a light, they are little water fountains. So clever.
The 2026 show will feature appearances by Captain Sandy Yawn, known for her leadership on Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean, and Kevin O’Connor, Emmy-winning host of This Old House and Ask This Old House. Both will take the stage to share insights on leadership, problem-solving, renovation, and real-world home improvement strategies.
This is one of my favorite activations, a service where they create fun sleep overs for friends.
For the adults there are plenty of samples, like wine, cheese, crackers and sauces.
Get inspired for your outdoor space while exploring a full hall of gardens created by seven of the region’s top landscaping and garden companies. Stroll through more than 9,000 square feet of inspiring displays showcasing new landscaping techniques, fresh ideas, and must have products for 2026.
Guests can also build their own succulent at the succulent bar and unwind in the Wine Garden presented by The Renegade Winery.
Don’t miss a winning weekend…
Saturday, February 21: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday, February 22: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456
Tickets: Adults (Box Office): $12 Adults (Online): $10 Children 12 & Under: FREE Parking is FREE.
All Hands-on Deck! The Philly Home + Garden Show Returns February 20-22 with Celebrity Experts, Fresh Ideas, and Spring Inspiration. I love the Home and Garden show. Mike and I go every year at least twice. There’s so much to see and do.
This year attendees will find new inspiration, innovative products, helpful tips, and amazing deals in remodeling, home improvements, décor, and outdoor spaces. The event offers opportunities to connect with hundreds of home and garden experts.
The 2026 show will feature appearances by Captain Sandy Yawn, known for her leadership on Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean, and Kevin O’Connor, Emmy-winning host of This Old House and Ask This Old House. Both will take the stage to share insights on leadership, problem-solving, renovation, and real-world home improvement strategies.
Kevin O’Connor, Emmy Award–winning host of PBS’s This Old House and Ask This Old House, will offer practical renovation advice, problem-solving strategies, and expert tips for homeowners. Kevin will be presenting on the Main Stage on Saturday at 5 p.m., and Sunday at 12 p.m.
Get inspired for your outdoor space by exploring a full hall of gardens created by seven of the region’s top landscaping and garden companies. Stroll through more than 9,000 square feet of inspirational gardens showcasing new landscaping techniques, ideas, and must-have products for 2026. Guests can also build their own succulent at the succulent bar and relax in the Wine Garden brought to you by The Renegade Winery.
Tour two stunning modular homes built by ABC Home Sales, beautifully furnished by Ethan Allen, showcasing how efficiency, flexibility, and style can coexist in modern living spaces. I love checking out the decor for inspiration.
Senior Day – Friday, February 20, 2026 Guests ages 60+ receive 50% off admission at the box office, courtesy of Luxury Bath, with valid ID.
Hero Day presented by Lemus Home Remodeling – Sunday, February 22, 2026
Active and retired military, first responders, nurses, doctors, and teachers receive free admission with identification.
Donate blood during the show and receive a complimentary ticket to the Philly Home + Garden Show.
SHOW DATES & HOURS
Friday, February 20: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday, February 21: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday, February 22: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456
Tickets: Adults (Box Office): $12 Adults (Online): $10 Children 12 & Under: FREE Parking is FREE.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation hosted its 20th annual Lemon Ball to raise awareness and funds for critical research, and recognize amazing childhood cancer heroes and their families on January 24, 2026 at the Springfield Country Club.
Richard Kiss, Assistant News Director at CBS News Philadelphia, Kelly Frank, President & General Manager: CBS Philadelphia;, Liz Scott, Monica Avery, CBSPhilly producer and Jay Scott
Supporters gathered for a powerful evening in the fight against childhood cancer—one marked by emotional stories, joyful celebration, and extraordinary generosity.
Gregory and Pilar Tokar
Guests bid, danced, laughed, cried, and cheered as they came together to honor the progress being made and the lives being changed by the work Alex’s Lemonade foundation.
Dominque and Jason Payne
Dave Shollock, Courtney Shollock, Mike Dokas, Nicholas Cardone, Gabriella Dokas, Lauren Willis
John and Connie Kordsmeir
That legacy was powerfully celebrated this month as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation hosted its 20th annual Lemon Ball, raising critical funds for research, increasing awareness, and recognizing inspiring childhood cancer heroes and their families.
The evening was emceed by CBSPhilly’s Janelle Burrell and Kate Bilo
Jay Scott and Liz Scott created Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in honor of their daughter, Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who passed away at just 8 years old after a courageous battle with neuroblastoma.
Alex raised more than $2,000 at her very first childhood cancer fundraiser in her front yard when she was only 4 years old and had raised $1 million by the time of her death in 2004. To date, the foundation created in her memory has raised more than $300 million to support pediatric cancer research.
The 2026 gala raised more than $755,000 to support children with cancer and the families who love them.
The Delicious City Philly team brought back The Tasties on Sunday, February 1, 2026, transforming Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia into the epicenter of Philly’s food and hospitality scene for one unforgettable night. Proceeds from the celebration benefited Philabundance, adding a powerful philanthropic layer to an already meaningful evening.
Chef Eli Kulp and the Delicious City Philly team — alongside Philly favorite radio producer WMMR’s Marisa Magnatta and food influencer Dave Wez (aka @FeedingTimeTV) — once again gathered the city’s culinary community to celebrate excellence across 14 award categories.
Guests kicked off the evening with a red carpet arrival at 4 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony from 5 to 7 p.m., and capped it all off with a high-energy after-party that perfectly captured the spirit, flavor, and camaraderie of Philadelphia’s ever-evolving dining scene.
The Burke family presented the Jim Burke Award For Culinary Excellence for Chef of the Year: Phila Lorn, Mawn Chef Burke was a promising chef on the scene when I first came onto the scene in 2007. He and his wife Kristina Burke, owned a popular Bella Vista restaurant named James from 2007 to 2011.
Chef of the Year: Phila Lorn (Mawn and Sao) and his restaurant won Restaurant of the Year: Mawn. Congrats to everyone involved in making Mawn so successful.
The award categories spanned a wide range of disciplines and perspectives, including Chef of the Year, Breakout Chef, Excellence in Hospitality, and Craft Cocktail Excellence. Winners in these categories were selected by a 15-member committee comprised of Philadelphia food writers, community leaders, past Tasties winners, and industry professionals, ensuring that honors reflected both critical acclaim and peer recognition.
Ziggy Whitman and Nano Wheedan, of Taco Heart, honored for Breakfast of Champions at The Tasties
The evening also featured a lively slate of People’s Choice awards, voted on by the public, adding an interactive and celebratory element to the program. Fan-favorite categories included Breakfast of Champions (best breakfast restaurant), Brain Freeze Bestie (best frozen treats), and Dish Wizard — a playful yet heartfelt honorary title recognizing the city’s best dishwasher and the often-unsung heroes of the hospitality world.
Marcello Giordano, who owns Giordanos welcomes people to the after party
I loved the set up this year, with the after party being in various rooms with food from our favorite restaurants. It was definitely packed, about 1/3 more people than last year. Fun to catch up with old friends as well, the winter months really drag on with very few events so this is a welcomed social scene for so many.
Omar Tate, Honeysuckle, Binh Nguyen, Visit Philadelphia, Grant Grundlock and Angela Val, Visit Philadelphia
Andrew Zalenski, Nicole Sullivan and Maxine Peabody, GM Friday, Saturday, Sunday who won a Tastie for the Best Hospitality
Chef Jesse Ito, co-owner of Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Dance Robot with Councilperson Rue Landau and wife Kerry Smith
Dana Rosen, Cody Shute and Nicole Leitz
A bump of caviar is the latest trend in food in 2026
The Gas & Main crew came out for the festivisites to support Chef/Owner Dane DeMarco, Breakout Chef (center). Last July I had my birthday dinner at the popular Haddonfield, NJ eatery.
And because it wouldn’t be a true Philadelphia event without a bevy of content creators in the room, a vibrant mix of photographers, influencers, and storytellers were on hand, capturing and sharing the experience in real time with their readers and followers, amplifying the energy of the night far beyond the ballroom. Congrats to the Delicious Podcast team and All About Events for a great production!!
Drum roll, please…
The Tasties — Philadelphia’s first chef and restaurant awards show — announced the 2026 winners at their ceremony on February 1, 2026. Congratulations to all of this year’s incredible honorees!
Chef of the Year: Phila Lorn (Mawn and Sao)
Breakout Chef: Evan Snyder (Emmett)
Standout Baker or Pastry Chef: Emily Riddell (Machine Shop)
Restaurant of the Year: Mawn
Best New Restaurant: La Jefa
Neighborhood Gem: Cafe Nhan
Icon Award: Tequilas Casa Mexicana
Excellence in Hospitality: Friday Saturday Sunday
Craft Cocktail Excellence: La Jefa
A true snapshot of the talent, heart, and creativity driving Philadelphia’s dining scene forward.
On a personal note, my winter break has officially come to an end, and I’m excited to be back to posting regularly on PhillyChitChat for the 2026 season. The pause was refreshing, though I never truly left — I kept the Instagram updates coming daily.
And don’t worry, I’m not disappearing like so many bloggers have over the years… I’m still here, still passionate, and still telling Philly’s stories.
Thank you, as always, for reading, sharing, and supporting PCC. I’m incredibly grateful to see that we remain the #1 Lifestyle blog in Philadelphia in 2026. Below is a list of some truly fabulous local bloggers who continue to make this city shine. FEEDSPOT
Happy New Year my people!! People always fret over how long can they wish each other Happy New Year!! It’s how ever long you feel comfortable in doing it. I usually say it all month long as I see people for the first time.
One New Year’s Eve Michael Newmuis and I stopped by the Penn’s Landing waterfront to say hello to Joe Forkin, Delaware River Waterfront President. Thank him for the fantastic job he does every year. It’s really such a treat for Philly to have the rink, and lodges along Penns Landing. We also caught the 6pm fireworks show, featuring three barges this year instead of one. It was spectacular. It’s become a tradition for my Mike, Michael, Kevin and I.
Lady B, Mayor Cherelle L Parker and Patty Jackson
Then we headed over to the parkway, where The City of Philadelphia and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker presented a free New Year’s Eve concert and fireworks spectacular, ushering in the countdown to America’s 250th birthday.
The evening featured Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Grammy Award–winning hip-hop icon LL COOL J (an everyone wants to know how they can get a hold of this fantastic jacket),
with special guests Philadelphia’s own DJ Jazzy Jeff sporting another awesome jacket, Emmy Award–winning music director and Grammy Award–winning writer Adam Blackstone, hard rockers Dorothy, and Technician The DJ. Produced by Scott Mirkin
I saw today the City was disposing their holiday tree, I should ask them what they’re doing with it. You can recycle yours in various neighborhoods, but here is the info for the Fairmount area.
Happy Birthday to Philly’s own Top Chef Jen Carroll. I have heard so many wonderful things about Dinner at Jen’s & Billy’s. This year I am going to make a resy. Here’s their Instagram with all the info.
Just popping on to say hi. I still have a few fabulous parties from 2025 that deserve some love, and I’ll be sharing those shortly. Then it’s full speed ahead into 2026.
I’ll admit, the sheer number of events and experiences ahead feels a bit overwhelming—in the best possible way. It’s exciting to see how fully Philadelphia has come into its own. Even late-night dining is back.
I’ll be putting together a list next week of spots open late for those after-hours bites, which means no more midnight drives to Live Casino for a slice, as convenient as that 2 a.m. option has been in the past.
