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Philadelphia

Photos: Winter Storm Toby, the Fourth Nor’easter in Philly

Photos: Winter Storm Toby, the Fourth Nor’easter in Philly

Baby it’s cold outside, still despite the calendar saying spring

‘Playing Angels’ by Carl Milles everyone’s favorite art work along Kelly Drive, although I love Remington too.
If there wasn’t a car behind me I would have gotten that shot in the snow, it was beautiful
Moore College of Art
City Workers kicked azz yesterday, as well as did many folks keeping the sidewalks free of snow

I traveled around the City a lot yesterday, and the streets in Center City were relatively clear for the most part. Great job City of Philly, I purposely didn’t post photos of the clear streets as to not encourage others to follow my lead of “out on the streets.”

Lemon Hill, the best kept secret for sledding


MLK Drive
Falls BridgeI’ve envisioned this shot for years.
I’m pretty happy with the results so I’m picking it as my favorite photo of the FourEaster!!
At some point I will sell these as prints or in a book as so many people ask me for them.
I have no idea how to go about that, but will look into it.
Thanks, and thanks for supporting me here, on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, I love doing this.

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Philadelphia

Bloomingdales Spring Presentation and details on The Makeup Date

Bloomingdales Spring Presentation with Dressing Jane

Makeup

Celebrating Spring Time week, Bloomingdales held an intimate gathering of friends for a peek at some of their most popular looks of the season.

Curated by Dressing Jane’s Alisa Frederico, the fun brunch at Bloomies took place early Saturday morning, and again in the afternoon at the King of Prussia mall.

All the looks featured are available at Bloomingdale’s

Kristen Rodgers Sports Anchor/Reporter for FOX29 Philly was spotted at the presentation, wearing her Guinness green for St. Patrick’s Day

Saturday you can be a part of Bloomingdale’s spring trends event just head over to Bloomingdales Willow Grove 10AM to 4 PM. You’ll have a chance to meet with Alisa Frederico, Dressing Jane as well as the many talented cosmetic ladies who will show you the latest tips and tricks to prepare you for a night out, or just to be. So ladies, set your alarm clocks for breakfast & an exclusive experience at Bloomingdale’s featuring the spring’s best new beauty trends! Afterwards, get glammed up at your one-on-one makeup session with an expert artist. RSVP Dina@Nefedova@bloomingdales.com, there’s a $25 reservation fee which will be credited to the beauty purchase of your choice. Plus all guests receive a cosmetics purse just for attending.

 

 

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Philadelphia

Women’s Theatre Mixer & Small Mouth Sounds Opening

Last week the Philadelphia Theatre Company hosted

 

Paige Price (Producing Artistic Director), Marilyn Russell, WOGL and Emily Zeck (Managing Director)

Ellevate, FemCity Philadelphia, Les Dames d’Escoffier and The Walnut Club at The Suzanne Roberts Theater to meet two of the region’s newest top arts and theatre leaders, Producing Artistic Director Paige Price and Managing Director Emily Zeck and hear about the PTC’s remarkable season focusing on women.

Following the reception, guests headed into the local theater to watch acclaimed run in New York City, Small Mouth Sounds, a unique and compassionate new play written by Bess Wohl (Pretty Filthy) and directed by Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812), asks how we address life’s biggest questions when words fail us. The New York Times, New York Magazine, AND Time Out NY Critics’ Pick is coming to Philadelphia for the first time! In the overwhelming quiet of the woods, six runaways from city life embark on a silent retreat. As these strangers confront internal demons both profound and absurd, their vows of silence collide with the achingly human need to connect. Be ready to take a deep breath. (PTC)

The show runs through April 1

I see Philadelphia as a hotbed of opportunity for generating really important work in such a culturally rich city and I am eager to dive into the theatre community with its wealth of talented actors and artists. (Playbill)

Small Mouth Sounds asks how we address life’s biggest questions when words fail us. In this compassionate and witty new play, six wildly dissimilar runaways from city life embark on a week-long silent retreat. In the overwhelming quiet of the woods, they attempt to abandon technology, observe a vow of silence, and tamp down their natural cravings while being guided by an unseen guru who challenges them to confront internal demons and seek peace.

Written by Drama Desk Award-winner Bess Wohl and directed by Obie Award-winner Rachel Chavkin, Small Mouth Sounds is a cleverly conceived and sharp observation of the pursuit of wellness and the achingly human, and often frustrating, need to connect.

With a sold out run at Ars Nova, The New York Times called Small Mouth Sounds “an enchanting new play… as funny as it is quietly moving… a model of ingenuity” and the show was chosen as a “Best Of” Theater Pick in the New York Times, New York Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, New York Post, and many more.


After the reception I headed downstairs to meet a few of the guests headed to see the show

Performances of Small Mouth Sounds CANCELLED due to poor weather conditions

Due to unsafe weather conditions, school closings, and transportation challenges, we must cancel the following performances of Small Mouth Sounds:

Tuesday, March 20 @ 7pm, Wednesday, March 21 @ 1pm, Wednesday, March 21 @ 7pm

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Box Office at 215.985.0420. The performance of Small Mouth Sounds on Thursday, March 22 @ 8pm and those thereafter will run as scheduled.

Thank you!

A couple events coming up connected to “Small Mouth Sounds”

Meet The Artists Talkback

Friday, March 23, post-show

Join us after the show for an onstage Q&A session with the cast of Small Mouth Sounds! (Approx. 30 minutes)   Theatrical Trainer Wellness Fair

Friday, March 30, 7pm and Saturday, March 31, 1pm

Theatrical Trainer is built upon the notion that wellness for the creative individual is a full picture, through mind, body and nutrition. You don’t just need to be a professional artist, but if you are creative by nature and looking to incorporate a healthier approach to your personal life, we are your first step!

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Philadelphia

Photos: 12 Sleek, New Fishtown Village Townhouses Debut

Photos: 12 Sleek, New Fishtown Village Townhouses Debut

12 new contemporary Fishtown townhouses brought to you by Adams Group Market were recently completed called Fishtown Village. Mike Hirata trekked through the snow recently to photograph their brokers and guests party. The photos of people are by Mike, and the photos of the property were provided by the client.

The new construction includes parking, modern features, a spacious layout, roof decks with bridge, skyline and river views are just a few of the stunning features these homes offer.


Skylar Young and Julia Quinn of Stateside Vodka


The 1st floor has 10 ft ceilings and features a state of the art kitchen, a spacious family room and a separate dining area.


Sean Adams, The Adams Group, Keith Adams, Tyler Adams, and Daniel McDade

The roof deck combines amazing views of the skyline, bridge and river! 1 and 2-car parking available. Approved 10-year tax abatement!

The 2nd floor features 2 large bedrooms, 2 full baths and an ideally situated laundry room with cabinetry. The 3rd floor features a master suite with a Juliet balcony, walk-in closet, an extra sitting area and a spa-like master bath.

The finished lower level with 9 ft+ ceilings and a powder room adds additional sqft and is perfect for a 2nd living area/media room.


Danielle DeLuca, Revint Solutions and Aldo DeLuca, Turbon Group of Quantum Telecom, Inc.

 Larry Benjamin, Philadelphia novelist and Stanley Willauer, Interior Designer

Connor Winther, Epocrates Sales Executive-Pharmaceutical Partnerships at athenahealthand Nashira Wynn, Director Of Business Development at The Adams Group at Elfant Wissahickon Realtors

Check out more info HERE

 

 

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Philadelphia

Photos: Sharp Financial Group Appreciates Their Clients

The Sharp Financial Group held their annual Client Appreciation Party last month at the Union League of Philadelphia. The Sharp Financial Group is a robust full-service financial-services firm which provides complementary accounting, tax, consulting, and wealth-planning services to meet any demands you or your business may have—regardless of the complexity.


Michael H. Sharp founded Sharp & Associates, LLC in 1993. Mike has worked in public accounting for over 25 years, and is highly skilled in providing financial and tax-advisory services.

There was entertainment by Comedy Sportz


Frank Sinatra escorted Marilyn Monroe to the event


Marilyn convinced us that diamonds are a girls best friend, as well as good investment advice


There was a great photo booth


Denise Fike was on hand to do fashion illustrations

Elysa Boyle and Joe Boyle
Joe Boyle, Bruce Reavis, Edward Mack, Craig Sharp and Mike Sharp
David Ross and Teresa Polly
Nancy Abel, Emilio Mastrocola and Wendy Mastrocola

 

Kathy Edel, Lou Dottoli and Rebecca Edel
Rick Barret, Ken Barrett and Gervase Peterson
Rani Hershgordon, Context Business Lending, LLC and Hal Hershgordon, YBI Financial Advisors
Tara Haurin and John Haurin
Elise Concepcion and Cindy Fetterman
Sonja Foster Storch and Paul Butler


Eddie Bruce Orchestra kept the floor grooving through out the party

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Philadelphia

Milk House Closes; Chris Long Says Goodbye and Dad Says Hello from the Grave

Sunday Philly Chit Chat: Milk House Closes; Chris Long Says Goodbye and Dad Says Hello from the Grave

Good usurious Sunday, today is going to be a bit warmer and very sunny, but don’t get to used to it event though Tuesday is the first day of Spring, it’s going to be winter weather through Thursday. Let’s get to chit chat


Milk House on 19th Street closed yesterday.  You’re going to have to head over to the Milk House locations at Suburban Station and 30th Street Stations to get your Milk House grilled cheese and delicious tomato soup fix. Friends tell me that Milk House on 19th will become a Korean take out restaurant, opening before the summer heat hits 90F.

 

Seems like Eagles player Chris Long is saying good bye too – to twitter. He left this message on Friday. Whether he met just for the weekend or forever I guess we’ll have to wait and see, but

 


don’t fret we always have his fans keeping us informed on what he’s up to. Thanks John Cooke @CookeCapeMay of Cape May for sending me this tip. I did a little research

 


and saw that Chris Long has not given up on his instagram account. Seems he attended a wedding at Congress Hall in Cape May yesterday with his dad Howie Long, and other family members.  Although the wedding reception took place inside, the photos took place outside with the scenic hotel in the background. The wedding party nearly frozen in time. After the reception that night, guests headed to The Boiler Room at the hotel, and enjoyed Irish tunes by John Byrne who played Tir na Nog Irish Bar & Grill, Philadelphia earlier in the week

 
where he posed with Rocky as well. You know who was with Rocky this week, right?

Look who had a going away lunch at Penrose Diner last week. Jason Kelce and Connor Barwin feted Beau Allen who was just picked up by Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pix by SouthPhillyReview)
Now could someone go in the parking lot and find my wedding ring. I had a snowball fight with Kory Aversa last year there and it flew off. Yes my wedding ring the one blessed by the Pope, yikes right.


I took this last week as I had never seen the Studebaker sign before. In today’s inky Inga Saffon has a nifty article about it.

 


Every St. Patricks Day I publish the article about how my dad, who died in 2004, spoke to our family from the grave, in 2005.

Have a great day, see you here tomorrow!!

 

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Philadelphia

CREED II News – Dolph Lundgren & Michael B Jordan; Jon Dorenbos & Doug Pederson

CREED II News – Dolph Lundgren & Michael B Jordan; Jon Dorenbos & Doug Pederson

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. If you didn’t catch my celebrity segment on WOGL this morning, here’s what I chatted about at 8AM. Yesterday I photographed the 17th Annual Zarwin Baum March Madness party. On my way to the event I noticed

Lundgren
there was snow near the Rocky statue. Now I pass the Rocky statue everyday since I live across the street, and I know all that snow melted from last week so it was perplexing, I took this shot but didn’t post it cause the next minute I knew I was in the midst of the NCAA party time at the Crystal Tea Room.


Then last night someone sent me a tip that Dolph Lundgren was spotted by the Rocky statue. I heard he flew in on Tuesday night, even though principle filming wasn’t to start until April, I guess they wanted to film this “winter scene” in the winter before the buds started sprouting on the trees. Dolph Lundgren and Florian Munteanu (who plays his son, who is poised to fight Michael B Jordan’s character Adonis Creed)  filmed scenes at Rocky Statue and on the ‘Rocky Steps’ at The Philadelphia Museum of Art around 3PM yesterday
It was a thrill for one tourist Mrs. Fiorini from Houston, Tx who spent the day visiting Independence Hall then catching Creed II filming
Michael B Jordan, who arrived in Philly a few weeks back in preparation of filming Creed II, is currently starring in Black Panther which just past the billion gross reciepts, was spotted again at the Sixers Training facility. In Creed II he plays Adonis Creed, Apollo Creed’s son, who was killed by Dolph Lundgren character Ivan Drago . Jordan wasn’t on the set yesterday, but was seen in Center City Wednesday at Butcher & Singer. Last night he was spotted at Vetri Pizzeria.
Wednesday Jon Dorenbos performed at the Paradigm Awards honoring Wendy Hamilton https://www.instagram.com/p/BgUES-shqAd/?taken-by=phillychitchatLast night he performed his first of two shows at Sugarhouse Casino. The crowd welcomed him with a standing ovation. Later in the set coach Doug Petersen joined him on stage for a magic trick.


Congrats Gabbi Townsend on your new job with Soul Football

Check out TMZ for a video of Creed II filming at the top of the Art Museum Steps

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Philadelphia

Photos: 2018 James Beard Awards Announced in Philly, Plus Chef Eli Kulp Attends

The finalists in the 2018 James Beard Awards sometimes called the Oscars of the food world were announced Wednesday morning at Stephen Starr’s Parc restaurant on Rittenhouse Square.

Stephen Starr was named the James Beard Foundation’s best restaurateur in America last year.

Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia greets guests at the early morning event.  Philadelphia is on fire, we’re Super Bowl Champions, and a delicious food scene. “We’re a City of neighborhoods, immigrants and traditions, with affordable rents, a rich 100 mile food shed for ingredients and a remarkable spirit of brotherhood, and sisterhood within out kitchens. Everyone in this room has a story about any one of those things.”

Clare Reichenbach, chief executive officer of the James Beard Foundation, who recently stepped into this dream job position. “It’s a profoundly exciting time for the Foundation,” Reichenbach tells Eater. “The very powerful marriage of purpose and pleasure, which is unique to the Foundation, is something I’m going to be focusing on and working with the team on how we can deepen and amplify the impact across both those areas.”

Local chefs received 14 nominations across seven categories as semifinalist in February, and the event held yesterday was held to narrow down the field, not only here in Philly but for others culinary professional around the country.


David Whitaker, President & CEO Choose Chicago

Let’s see who will be heading to Chicago for the May 7 James Beard Award Ceremony.

David Whitaker, Choose Chicago, Ellen Yin (Outstanding Restauranteur), Clare Reichenbach, James Beard, Michael Solomonov (Outstanding Service Zahav) and Rising Star Chef of the Year
Camille Cogswell, Zahav

Richard Landau, of Vedge nominated for best chef, mid-Atlantic region. This is the moment right after his nomination was announced.

Congrats to everyone. Here are additional photos from the day.

Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix – Brûlée Catering and Clare Reichenbach, Executive Director James Beard
Anne Quatrano, James Beard Foundation Committee Chair


Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Assocs, welcomes Chef Michael Solomonov, Zahav “Solo 2” followed by his dad “Solo 1”
Chef Eli Kulp, a.kitchen and Mitchell Davis, James Beard Foundation

The moment Chef Michael Solomonov finds out his restaurant Zahav was nominated for Outstanding Service. He’s hugging Zahav’s GM Okan Yazici,

Solo congratulating Rich Landau of Vedge for best chef: mid-Atlantic as “Rising Star Chef of the Year Camille Cogswell, Zahav” looks on
Beard
Stephen Starr congratulation Ellen Yin on her nomination
The full list of finalists across the country is here.
 
 Check out the Phila Business Journal and Metro Philly for an in depth article and additional photos.

 

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Philadelphia

Visit Philly & Palizzi Social Club Dinner Reception for Chefs

Visit Philly & Palizzi Social Club Dinner Reception

The 5th Annual Philly Chef Conference was hosted by Drexel’s Center for Food and Hospitality Management this past weekend. Sunday night, March 11, 2018 Visit Philly hosted a cocktail party at the super secretive delicious members only eatery in South Philly – Palizzi Social Club for chefs participating at the conference as well as the 2018 James Beard Award Semifinalists of Philadelphia.

Palizzi

The Visit Philly Team: Laura Burkhardt, Meryl Levitz, Executive Director and Cara Schneider

Spotted at the soiree was Ellen Yin, High Street Hospitality – Outstanding Restaurateur; Rich Landau, Vedge – Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic and Nicholas Elmi, Laurel, Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. Meryl Levitz greeted the guests, paying tribute to the chefs saying you create pride in Philadelphia every single day.


Susannah Mauro, Abbe Stern and Kiki Aranita


Ariel Yarolawitz and Pat O’Malley, Hungry Pigeon

Lara Gilmore, wife of Italian chef Massimo Bottura and Alexa Bottura


Justin Kennedy and Leila Cartier


I spy Ben Fileccia, Art Etchells, Manatawny Still Works and Alex Tewfik, Philly Mag’s Foobooz

Brad Thomas Parson,  Writer. Eater. Drinker. Author of BITTERS (winner of James Beard and IACP Cookbook Awards),  and Peter Cohen


Meryl Levitz greets the guests, and pays tribute to the chefs gathered from the Drexel Chefs Conference, as well as the 13 Philly chefs, bakers, bartenders and restaurant gurus named as James Beard Award semifinalist. Philly is known for a few things – Birthplace of the Country, Super Bowl Champs and the most spectacular food scene.


Vaughn Ross, of Mayor Kenney’s Office welcomes guests from NYC, LA and across the seas.


Kate Jacoby, Ellen Yin, Brigid Squilla and Councilman Mark Squilla

The 5th Annual Philly Chef Conference is hosted by Drexel’s Center for Food and Hospitality Management. Drexel University’s vision is based on providing students with real world education while also being active in their local community. The mission of this annual conference is to engage our students with industry leaders while also connecting members of the restaurant community through a day of education. Gabrielle Fenerty and Matt Sanders at your service with a smile.

Thanks Visit Philly and Joey Baldino for your hospitality

 

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Philadelphia

Choppers Hatchet House Family Entertainment & Leagues

Chopper’s Hatchet House, a next-level axe throwing and entertainment venue, hosted a Grand Opening party for the community, local business owners and VIPs on Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Choppers

The BYO 13,000 square feet of space is located in the Woodcrest Shopping Center in Cherry Hill, closest to Haddonfield-Berlin Road, just off of exit 32 from 295 and has 12 arenas (2 of which are ADA-Compliant), pool tables, darts, vintage arcade games, a lounge, and a private event space with three projection-screen TVs.

At the grand opening, Chopper’s teamed up with Innovative Catering Concepts, who provided appetizers and refreshments for guests.

Entertainment was provided by musician Brian Bachorz who has an excellent voice and does amazing covers from Springsteen, to Pink Floyd to Jackson Browne while playing the guitar.

Chopper’s Hatchet House’s Co-Owner Keith Gibbons says, “We built this venue with events and special occasions in mind. We are excited to showcase our venue and invite the local community to experience the fun, safe sport of axe throwing for themselves.”   Also on hand last night was Mike “Rupert” Moore, GM of Chopper’s Hatchet House, who just returned from the World Axe Throwing League Championship (WATL) in Canada, where he came within points of winning the World Championship. He is now 2017’s top ranked American axe thrower.


There are 12 arenas, two are ADA compliant. The soda looking cases are actually refrigerators for you BYO and food.
There is plenty of space to mix and mingle as well.

Leslie Cano, Dinesh Reddy Tati and Beth Lawrence, Beth Lawrence Events (Beth represents Choppers)

Nicole Morgenstern, SPiN and Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, This Is It

Jim Graham painting the centerpiece of a target. Each piece is painted and treated differently as they wear out at different times because of use.


The center wears out quicker than the Right or Left Clutch


Getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day


Overhead throws are the most popular, although some people have done one handed throws, but usually only experienced throwers as it’s harder.

Sarah Greene, City Fitness and Shelley Greene, City Fitness

 


If there was every a axe throwing bathroom standard, it’d be this sleek faux wood floor one

The green circles are worth 7 points each

Choppers is located in Cherry Hill NJ at 1490 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, just off of exit 32 from 295. There is ample parking onsite. For booking information and FAQs, visit http://www.choppershh.com or call 856-433- 8031.

Check out more photos at Metro Philly