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Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: NFL Draft Details & The Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square Returns

PhillyGossip: NFL Draft Details – Run Against Your Favorite Player & Franklin Square Returns

Hey everyone hope you’re well. I’m still getting used to reality after my short vacation to Anguilla. Lots of fun Philly Gossip and Philly News You Can Use has happened over the past week. Let’s get started.

NFL

Tuesday was a busy day with press conferences and announcements. I went to the NFL Draft announcement at Phila Art Museum.
The Mayor will join NFL Senior Vice President of Events Peter O’Reilly and Co-Chair of the NFL Draft Host Committee and former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski to unveil the details of the “NFL Draft Experience Presented by Oikos Triple Zero”, an expansive free admission outdoor football festival for fans and families.

NFL
The NFL Draft will be held in Philadelphia from April 27-29, with the NFL transforming part of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway into the NFL Draft Experience, a free (yes, free!) expansive outdoor football festival.

There will be a staging area where the draft will take place. It will be located on the Phila Art Museum Steps.
Ticketing info is still being finalized by the NFL and more details will be released in the coming weeks. While the NFL is handling the entire ticketing process for the NFL Draft, there will be some unique opportunities to take in the experience, like participating as a seat filler in the theatre and plaza area. Seat filler requests need to be submitted in advance and that can be done by visiting www.1iota.com. Additionally, information about parking will be communicated once details are finalized by the NFL. Keep an eye on PhiladelphiaEagles.com for all the latest NFL Draft information.

 

NFL

The NFL will transform part of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway into the NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY DANNON OIKOS TRIPLE ZERO, a free, expansive outdoor football festival. Fans of all ages and all teams will be able to take part in the future of football through interactive exhibits, immersive games, virtual reality experiences, player autograph sessions and more.

NFL
One of the features on the Parkway will be the Combine Corner, which will allow fans to run the 40-yard dash and test their other athletic skills (above is a smaller version which is located inside The Franklin Institute where you run against Eagles Players), to an NFL Virtual Reality experience and NFL replica locker rooms. Plus, the NFL Draft Experience Tailgate will feature menu items from some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants. Other highlights include:

  • NFL Virtual Reality – Experience NFL games using virtual reality technology.
  • The Vince Lombardi Trophy – Fans will have the opportunity to take their photo with the Super Bowl trophy.
  • AFC & NFC Locker Rooms – Visit a replica NFL locker room as it appears on game day. Experience the sights of an NFL pregame with sleek translucent LCDs.
  • NFL Museum (Pro Football Hall of Fame display area) – This exhibit features historical Eagles memorabilia, Super Bowl rings and Conference Championship trophies. Fans can get a digital Pro Football Hall of Fame bronze bust in their likeness.
  • College Football Corner – Fans can view College Football Hall of Fame memorabilia from former first round Draft picks and Eagles legends, and cheer on Draft prospects from their favorite college team. Life-size player mannequins offer unique photo opportunities.
  • NFL Draft Experience Tailgate – Enjoy selections from some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants in a “taste of the town” tailgate.
  • NFL Network Set – Watch NFL Network analysts break down the NFL Draft.
  • ESPN Set – Check out SportsCenter live from NFL Draft Experience.
  • NFL Shop at Draft – Stop by for the largest assortment of NFL Draft merchandise, including customizable Nike Jerseys and the official 2017 NFL Draft Cap by New Era and other exclusive Draft caps.
  • NFL Draft Set – Visit the official NFL Draft set from Thursday to Saturday and see the view from behind the podium.
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  • NFL DRAFT SCHEDULE

    • Thursday, April 27: Round 1 festivities, which will include incoming prospects walking the red carpet before entering an outdoor theater. More fans than ever before will be able to view the Commissioner announcing selections and greeting draftees during the first round with the NFL building the first ever outdoor Draft Theatre.
    • Friday, April 28: Thirty-two former players who are members of the NFL Legends Community, one representing each team, will be on hand for Night 2 to announce selections. Night 2 Draft (Rounds 2-3) announcements will also feature winners of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide.
    • Saturday, April 29: The Draft will conclude with Rounds 4-7 and the final day of the free fan festival.

      (Also what’s excited is by the time the NFL Draft comes along, it looks like both Civil War Monuments will be unveiled. Currently they’re boxed up as they are doing road construction there.)
      (DiscoverPHL)

NFL

On the other side of town

Greetings from a beautiful day in Franklin Square! Hard to believe but here we are, about to open for the 2017 season. Today, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. announced that the season opens tomorrow, and Franklin Square will be open daily through December 31. In addition, we are excited to tell you that the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will return on May 9 for five weeks.

 

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They listened to the critics, and created a creative fence for park goers to enjoy the park during the day when it’s open to the public.

Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. said, “In 2016, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. could have never imagined that despite a rainy few weeks, 92,000 people from all walks of life came to experience the magic of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square. We are looking forward to displaying all new creations in the Square this spring, and to embracing the historical and cultural immersion this brings to our region.”

 

John Chin, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, emphasized, “During the 2016 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, there was an uptick in Chinatown area restaurants and businesses that the community appreciated. For this coming season, the neighborhood businesses will be developing a series of promotions to complement the Festival and increase visitation to our unique corner of the city. Everyone in the area is thrilled to see the return of this Chinese cultural phenomenon.”

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is produced by the Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. and its parent company, Sichuan Tianyu Cultural Communications, Ltd. in cooperation with Historic Philadelphia, Inc. Visitors can learn more here: historicphiladelphia.org/chineselanternfestival/.
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Come back on Sunday March 5 for the next edition of Philly Gossip and News You Can Use. We’ll have lots of engagements, weddings and baby announcements. Plus an up to date on what’s happening with the Untouchable Movie. Remember to follow me on Instagram PhillyChitChat and Twitter @HughE_Dillon for daily updates. Also search #PCCBuzz for great events and happenings you might be interested in doing and seeing in our area.
Have a great day.

 

 

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Philadelphia

The Harlem Globetrotters Back In Philly Performing Incredible Stunts at City Hall

Last year I got this shot of the Mayor and the Harlem Globetrotters at City Hall,  to promote their upcoming stint at Wells Fargo Center and it landed on the cover of Metro Philadelphia. This year the stunt went beyond balancing two basketballs on a couple of fingers. The PR of the Wells Fargo Center sent us a video

Globetrotters

In the 116 year history of City Hall in Philadelphia, the video below shows a first – a trick shot with the Mayor and the Harlem Globetrotters.  Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney trekked up four flights of stairs with a basketball in hand and gave a pass to West Philly native Bria “Swish” Young – only the 14th female in the Globetrotters’ history.  Swish turned and shot the ball through a window and into a hoop for a live audience in the courtyard.  The Globetrotters are in Philadelphia preparing for 10 games in the area, including three at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5.  The video is approved for media (courtesy Harlem Globetrotters).

 

This is incredible!!

 

s a thank you to the City of Philadelphia and the Mayor’s office, the Harlem Globetrotters will donate 50 tickets for kids from the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia to see their game live.

Swish is in her rookie season with the Globetrotters after graduating from Philadelphia University.  She joined her teammate Zeus McClurkin in the video. 

The Globetrotters will play a total of 10 games in the Philadelphia area starting Friday, March 3.  In addition to games at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, March 4 at 12 p.m. and Sunday, March 5 at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., the Globetrotters will bring their tour to Trenton, Delaware, Atlantic City, Temple University, Allentown, and Reading.

 

Tickets to see the Globetrotters and the full schedule of Philadelphia area games are available at www.HarlemGlobetrotters.com/philly.

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Philadelphia

Solomons in Paradise – The Anguilla Trip

I’m back from the #SolomonsinParadise renewing of vows. What a great trip. The ceremony was moving and the company was spectacular. I’m thinking these destination weddings are really something special. You get to hang out with your friends, bond with acquaintances and make new friends on these jaunts. Fun.

 

Anguilla

The Port. Anguilla basically has one road that goes North and South, and then little roads jutting off, some paved some not.

 

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My hotel in Anguilla – La Vue

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The view from La Vue is AMAZING

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In the distance is several islands you can boat out to and have lunch

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Two ships left abandoned after a hurricane in 1995

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The first night we went to this delicious eatery, I forget the name

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but it was memorable

Anguilla

St. Gregory’s , the only Catholic Church on the British controlled island with 37 churches_DSC0696 (Custom)

The smaller one above was the original church, the larger one was built in 2008.
There are no windows, just brick and screens on the right side allow light in and ventilate the church.
The opening door on the right next to the Alter is the Saint Mother Theresa Chapel

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We got lost driving, and I took this photoAnguilla

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The Anguilla’s don’t walk side by side in the road

Anguilla

The Wedding at Mango’s_DSC0839 (Custom)

Congrats Evan and Lynsie Solomon, renewing their vows with Eric Allen Smith, the internet preacher._DSC0915 (Custom)

Lynsie is in a Bedazzled gown._DSC0923 (Custom)

A lot of love flew to be by their sidesAnguilla

and a few locals, as they live in Anguilla nearly half the year._DSC0969 (Custom)

Super dooper cute little boutique Limin‘. The couple that own it are from Buck’s County and spend 9 months out of the year in Anguilla.

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All those bags are made out of former sails from the competition boats that compete in the annual Anguilla race.
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Dinner at Smokey’s on the beach with these peeps._DSC1004 (Custom)

We rented our car from Junie’s – Highly recommended. They have someone at the port to meet you.
$45 a day
$20 insurance for the entire trip
$25 for an Anguilla Drivers License
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The Four Seasons Sunset at the Infinity Pool is amazing.
The Four Seasons is amazing.

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When I die scatter my ashes here, I want to be on a forever vacation with this view.
Anguilla

Sunset from my balcony at La Vue in Sandy Cove Anguilla3-1-2017 8-37-37 AM (Custom)

In Anguilla people can’t always afford the 2nd floor when they build their houses, but they make their intentions known
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The Four Season’s 2nd pool and the Atlantic Ocean from Matt and Chuck’s room

Anguilla

Anguilla

Caribbean Lobster is sweet and has much more meat in it.

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I’ll miss the simplicity of Anguilla
3-1-2017 8-46-06 AM (Custom)Until next time Anguilla PS this is actually St Maartans, you have to take a boat to Anguilla.

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Philadelphia

Pixs: Joan Shepp’s Annual “Women of Substance and Style” Cocktail Party

Joan Shepp celebrated the 17th Annual “Women of Substance and Style” at her boutique at 1811 Chestnut Street, February 22, 2017.

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The fashionable event recognized 27 African-American women in the community making a difference.

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Honorees* at the event were recognized with a certificate of achievement at the event. Guests enjoyed a cocktail party, lite bites from Eatible Delights Catering and spirits from Stateside. There was a short program, followed by cake by SweetNectar and toasting. Proceeds from the event will go to the ACLU.

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Mildred Gaines, Bessie Weeks, Deborah Weeks-Coleman and Issa Manners

B

Lisa Lewis, Dawn McCray (honoree) and Keith Lewis

Shepp

Joan Shepp carries a lot of different brands from around the world

B

Rachel Randolph and Anne Duong

Shepp

Yolanda Williams and Claudia Fitzgerald

B

Classic Reinvention (Yes that’s his name)

Shepp Shepp
Barbara Chobert-Katz and Nicole Black (honoree)

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Mae Hadfield and Joan Shepp Shepp
Stephanie Saint-Cyr*, Dr. LaVerne Adams, Edith Bennett, Dr. Jean Stewart, Colette deChalu Lee*, and Sharon L Hopson Shepp

B

Ade Jaizy, Dennis Miller and Alexis Reis

Shepp

Honorees of 17th Annual “Women of Substance and Style”
Lady B
Captain Michelle Baker-Bartlett
Jennie Bennett
Nicole Black
Jean Caren
Joy Cason
Julie Coker
Aliya Crawford
Joyce Evans
Dorothy Foster
Dr. Taliba Forster
Dr. Michele Harper
Judge Renee Hughes
Robin Jordan
Denine Kirby
Colette DeChalus Lee
Dawn McCray
Britney Norman
Dr. Quinetta Roberson
Maro Robinson
Stephanie Saint-Cyr
Adrianne Sanofo
Ellen Smith
Laiya St. Clair
Sharon Stone
Dr. Susan Taylor
Kysha Woods

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Philadelphia

Grooming Messenger, a New Skincare and Grooming Service Launches in Philly

Grooming Messenger, a new skincare and grooming service founded by  Ian Michael Crumm, lifestyle expert and founder of his eponymous lifestyle blog and Wear We Went, and Lo McGrath, a journalist, skincare junkie and fashion photographer specializing in menswear, held a launch party for the new site at Rittenhouse Spa in the Rittenhouse Hotel in Center City.

Messenger
I love this amazing step and repeat made up of live branches of leaves

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Ian Michael Crumm with equally stylish mom, Angie Hartman at The Rittenhouse Spa & Club – Hair by Paul Labrecque.
With Brian Sanchez who help created the living step and repeat.

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Laurenne Babayan and Nick Berlage

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Alisa Frederico,  Style Director at Dressing Jane Philadelphia and Frank Frederico

Grooming

Guests enjoyed grooming during the party, manicures, massages and face masks.

Grooming

Danielle Bonds, Marrina Mayo and Alyssa Jones

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Ian Michael Crumm, co-founder of Grooming Messenger with Mason Kesner, Life & Style Blogger and Baseline Collective
who created the platform for the Grooming Messenger.

Grooming

Craig von Arthur Schroeder, Commonwealth Proper, Lauren McGrath, co-founder of the Grooming Messenger and Toni Renee Leslie, of Realm jeweler.

 

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Jared Adkins and Chandra Robbins of Bluebird Distilling

Grooming

Lifestyle bloggers Alex Nelson and Mike Rubino flank Connor Reider.

Alex and Mike applied masks for guests.

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Scenester Alexander Hankin and friends

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Ian and Lo welcome the guests to the launch, and then introduced Local Honey

Grooming

Eric Visnov, Hannah Krupa, Scott Tattar and Brendon Keenan make up the local band “Local Honey”
Book them for your next gig, they were very entertaining.

Get the latest tips for your grooming from
the Grooming Messenger,

 

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Philadelphia

Photos: DVLF and Phila Gay News Sponsored VDay “Skate Pride Love” at Dilworth Park

Photos: DVLF and Phila Gay News Sponsored VDay “Skate Pride Love” at Dilworth Park

The day before Valentine’s Day, members of the LGBTQ headed to Dilworth Park to enjoy all their winter wonderland activities, especially drinking hot chocolate and other delights in the lodge. A few brave souls headed for the ice skating rink

DVLF, an LGBT grantmaking organization, and Philadelphia Gay News will sponsored the inaugural event, in partnership with the Center City District.

DVLF

DJ Carl Michaels will spun tunes at the Feb. 13 event, while Philadelphia drag performer Brittany Lynn will provided live entertainment at Dilworth Park.

DVLF

DVLF Executive Director Samantha Giusti (r) said PGN approached DVLF to coordinate OurNightOut, DVLF’s monthly LGBT networking event, with “Skate Pride Love.” (PGN) with Tami Sortman.

DVLF

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Britney Lynn, Tami Sortman and Judge Dan Anders

DVLF

PGN publisher Mark Segal and hubby Jason Villemez take a spin on the ice. On one of their first dates
they went ice skating.

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Delaware Valley Legacy Fund

A $20 ticket included skate rentals and admission while a $10 ticket provides general admission. Portions of the proceeds will go toward DVLF.

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Michelle and Bruce ShannonDVLF

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Philadelphia

Swoop Gets Down, Nicole Miller, Joan Shepp, Deborah Cox, NOVO Philly,

Good Thursday Springtime today. Last night was like the days gone by, lots of fun events happening. The Philadelphia Fashion Week is going on at 2300 Arena, Mary K. Dougherty had a fashionable shindig at her Nicole Miller Center City store located at the Bellevue (200 South Broad Street).

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Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles, owner of BOP and Prime Stache and cover boy on Philly Style Magazine
Mary Dougherty, owner of the Nicole Miller Store at the Bellevue and Barbara Zaun, Director of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders

The NFL Cheerleader Directors are in Philadelphia this week in preparation for the NFL Draft taking place April 27-29 in Center City.

Upon their arrival, the guests will receive a special Philadelphia welcome by the NFL Eagles Cheerleaders and Eagles Mascot Swoop. Here’s swoop warming up.

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Eagles tight end Brent Celek, was also on hand to greet the group as they enjoy a night of private shopping at Nicole Miller while sipping champagne and nibbling hors d’oeuvres from Celek’s bop, also located at The Bellevue.

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Philadelphia-based Atrium Design Group LLC and its construction affiliate A2Z Development held a party last night for the debut of their new project Novo Philly,

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which is a development of 10 high-end townhouses being planned at the current site of an industrial building at 17th and Wood Streets, just across the street to the north from the recently completed Mormon meetinghouse. (Philly.com)
Look for the groundbreaking to be in April, and then be in awe. Each 5 story unit comes with a jacuzzi, three car garage and an amazing view of the City.

Swoop

Joan Shepp celebrated the 17th Annual “Women of Substance and Style” at her boutique at 1811 Chestnut Street last night. The fashionable event recognized 27 African-American women in the community making a difference, which included Lady B, Jean Carne, Julie Coker, Dr. Quinetta Roberson, Laiya St. Clair, and Dr. Susan Taylor to name a few. Later today a column from the event will be on PhillyMag.com

Swoop

The Broadway Philadelphia run of the hit musical The Bodyguard opened Tuesday night at the Academy of Music. Afterwards the Deborah Cox and hunky bodyguard Judson Mills, (here with Steven from Aqimero) the cast, crew and friends headed to Aqimero at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia for an afterparty to celebrate. The Bodyguard Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music from February 21–26, 2017’

Swoop
Last week PHS held a press conference regarding the upcoming Flower Show, announcing all the amazing attractions besides the fabulous flowers.   The The Philadelphia Flower Show’s newest event Flowers After Hours will be held Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am.  I’ll be there, so bring your smile and you will definitely be seen on the scene.

 

 

Swoop
Mascots for a Cure is dedicated to help children and their families battling cancer. Through our passion, relentless pursuit of our goals, and the power of mascots, we foster hope, laughter, joy, positive memories and love to support children and their families affected world-wide. The kick of tour was Monday in front of Independence Hall. Check out their new campaign Chubby Checker’s Twist Challenge

 

#PCCBuzz
#PhillyToDo

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toucheaccessories Join us this Sunday! February 26th 5Pm to 9Pm for a Special Prom Sale & Event… All Things Prom. KOP MAll near Macy’s Lower Level.

 

 

Swoop
Just a few days left for you to help choose a winner (Noteworthy Volunteer in Philly) for a Cabot Cheese sponsored Cruise

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Philadelphia

Pixs: Philadelphia Business Journal Book Of Lists Party at Sugarhouse

The Philadelphia Business Journal, sponsors, friends and top executives gathered at SugarHouse Casino last week to recognize hundreds of power players from the companies featured in their 2016 Book of Lists!

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Philadelphia Business Journal Book of Lists provides you with listings of hundreds of the hottest area companies in their fields, by ranking. You’ll also receive the names of key decision makers, along with their titles and complete contact information. *You can buy one online

Lists
Colleen Horan, My Career Transitions, Craig Ey, Editor-In-Chief at Philadelphia Business Journal and Anne Marie Walter, My Career Transitions

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Dan Guglielmi, Datawatch Systems, Jennifer Sherlock, Jenna Communications (her latest clients are singing sensation Vassy and celebrity chef Brian Duffy’s Flying Fish Crafthouse) and Greg Basile, Comcast Business (happy significant birthday to you)

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Kenneth Hilario, Reporter (and world traveler @PHLBizKenneth) and Michelle Caffrey who covers technology and education for the Philadelphia Business

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The event was a great opportunity to network in Sugarhouse’ new event space. There was plenty of refreshing and fun cocktails, photo opportunities, lounge areas, entertainment and delicious food. All the decor and event space planning was done by the Sugarhouse team.

 

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Rina Desai, ‎Principal/Owner at Eigen X, Guest, Ace Jordan, Mark Lee, and Leon Wolford

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The crew

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 James R Guerin Vice President of Sales at MetaSense Inc, Craig Ey, and Jatin V Mehta, CEO at MetaSense, Inc

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C. Richard Horrow, Esq. Law Offices of C. Richard Horrow and Zachary Wilcha, Executive Director of Independence Business Alliance (IBA)
To celebrate its 10th Anniversary, the Independence Business Alliance (IBA), Greater Philadelphia’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Chamber of Commerce, will celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of the local LGBT business community at its 10th Anniversary Celebration, entitled IBA10.  This first time, premiere event will be held at the historic Down Town Club of Philadelphia on Wednesday evening, May 10, 2017, and will be the largest LGBT event of its kind ever to be held there.

Lists

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Alison Burdo, Digital Producer for Phl Biz Journal  (r) and friend

Lists

Brian Neckerman, Corporate Trainer at The Walsh Group  and Meredith Trotter Neckermann, Pulse PR
General Hospital stars will be performing a benefit at Meredith’s client Helium on 5/6/17 for
The Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation
Join us for an up-close and personal event with actors William deVry (Julian Jerome), Donnell Turner (Curtis Ashford), Robert Palmer Watkins (Dillon Quartermaine) and Maura West (Ava Jerome) of ABC’s “General Hospital.”
Contact Robin at robin@sandyovarian.org or (610) 446-2211 or visit http://www.sandyovarian.org

TICKETS

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Saxbys in the house
Reed Longo, Lizzy Marcotte, Nick Bayer and Justin Pizzi
ListsAlex Kwasny, associate at Chartwell’s Philadelphia Office, Christin Kwasny, Executive Director at National Kidney Foundation, Mary Elizabeth Sullivan, Development Director at National Kidney Foundation and Joe Rollo

NKF Honors is the National Kidney Foundation’s awards reception and fundraiser held annually in celebration of World Kidney Day. The benefit honors members of the local community who have been outstanding in the promotion of kidney health and fight against kidney disease.  Thursday, March 9, 2017  Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia For Honoree Information, Sponsorship Opportunities, or Tickets, Click Here.

Lists
Assata Thomas, Philadelphia Fight and Sara Manning, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia

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Kelly Royle, Kate Miller, Dana Forgione and Natalie Parks of Cescaphe Event Group

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Philadelphia

NOTO NightClub Opens in Philly – The Preview Weekend

I’ve covered most of the grand opening’s of nightclubs in my ten year’s doing PhillyChitChat, (yes 10 in July, I know crazy) starting with G Lounge, which debut shortly after someone dubbed Philly the “6th Boro”, remember that fall out, then after hour clubs like Recess came along, and Whisper, and EDM club Rumor with it’s multiple rooms of music, then Coda with it’s EDM DJ’s, and live entertainment, all of which were great additions to the nightlife in Philly.

Noto
(courtesy of Best Western Plus – center. NOTO is on the right)

I’m so punctual, I saw that the party started at 9PM so that’s when I got there. No go, no one was there. I chatted with the doormen, who were very nice, most came from top clubs in Philly, a few moved to Philly from NYC to work at the club, they suggested I come back in an hour. I went across the street to Brick and Mortar (in the Goldtex apartment building) and had a delicious dinner.  While there I ran into the most fashionable Brian Taylor, and friends who were meeting up before heading to NOTO. Brian is just about to open a lounge in Philly, at an old familiar place, Shampoo, in the coming weeks.

NotoThanks to Brick & Mortar Executive Chef Michael O’Mara for surprising me with this delicious dish
Veal Napoleon. So delicious, it’s a special. But off the menu I had a Caesar salad. The chicken was amazing and a Mike Jerrick really
has to try it Lobster & Crab Nacho’s.  (See pix on my instagram)

NOTO

I returned at 10:30PM and it was quite a scene. The general admission line is to the right, the VIP line is to the left.
The cover charge to get into NOTO will range from $20 to $30 cover depending on the entertainment.
The dress is nightlife chic, it’s safe to say dress shoes for guys, but check out the photos to see who got in.
vip bottle service (Custom)On the far left of the VIP Line is the VIP Bottle Service Line. All the entrances were nicely decorated, but the VIP Bottle Service Line has a separate nook, where you were guided to your Bottle Service area.

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The upstairs bottle service are overlooks the entire club. The VIP VIP booths are on either side of the DJ booth to the right. This would be a bucket list place for me to hang out someday. On the first floor underneath the mezzanine level are more bottle service areas.

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HD1_6108 (Custom)The downstairs bottle service area

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To the far left of the dance floor on the Mezzanine Level, is an open space for everyone to mingle and look on to the dance floor. There’s two staircases that lead up to the mezzanine level
This shot was taken about midnight.

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This is the Dance Bar, which is located just beyond the lobby of the club. That chandelier is made of old perfume bottles salvaged from a hotel in London. it’s amazing.

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 DJ Ruckus kept the dance floor packed on Saturday night. Note again the VIP DJ Bottle Service areas.
AMAZING SPACE
Noto
What is Bottle Service you ask?

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It’s renting a space to party with your friends inside a club, and the price includes drinks, mixers, water and everything else you need for a good party.  This is a shot of the 2nd floor bottle service area. There are 24 bottle service spaces at NOTO. Bottle-service tables I read  run from $600 to $1,500 to multiples of that for the VIP DJ Bottle Service Booths.

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When you arrive to your area there is already a set up with ice, glasses, mixers, and napkins. Then your server brings out
the bottles for consumption.

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Gone are the “flares” they used to use. NOTO uses these lighted sticks (lit longer, less smoke), and other lit signs including the LOVE sign. It’s quite a production

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Another presentation

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Then there was the production bottle service for one of the VIP DJ Bottle Service Tables

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It was really great to see old friends, and a lot of PhillyChitChat followers, you made my night.

Congrats to my buddies Ryan Dorsey, co-owner of Recess Lounge, co-owner of Dos Tacos, and former GM of Swanky Bubbles and Zee Bar,  Zach Seidman, formerly VIP services of Fillmore Philadelphia, Atlantic City’s HQ Beach Club, HQ Nightclub, Dusk and Whisper,  for being part of a team opening a premier club in Philadelphia that I know both had longed to do for a long time.

Good Luck to the whole team

James DeBerardine – Director
Ryan Dorsey – Director
Jeff Bowell – Director of Operations
Zach Seidman – Director of Hospitality and Marketing
Steve Sauls – Operations Manager

CHECK OUT PHILLY METRO online ON TUESDAY FOR PHOTOS OF WHO ATTENDED THE FIRST NIGHT OF PREVIEW

Categories
Philadelphia

Philadelphia Distilling Is Now Open – They Have The Cutest Gift Shop Too

Bluecoat American Dry Gin, Pennsylvania’s first craft spirit of the modern century, welcomes guests to its new 15,000 sq. ft. state-of- the-art distillery in Fishtown as it celebrates it’s Grand Opening Today February 20th from 1pm-9:30pm. (you’re off from work go on over.)  The distillery will be opened to the public four days a week, Thursday through Sunday; and is available for rental for events 7 days a week. Thursday night they held a friends, family and hospitality party where their famous gin was served along with lite bites.

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Andrew Auwerda, president and co-founder of Philadelphia Distilling, makers of Blue Coat American Dry Gin and Abby King, writer at Huffington Post.  Instagram and FB followers of mine might remember the story of the women who lost her engagement ring at Little Lion or at 18th and Walnut Sts. You all went to work looking for it. She eventually found it at home, but we’re forever grateful for your concern.

Distilling Combining old school craftsmanship with evolving modern techniques to create a unique portfolio of premium spirits, the distillery floor features hand-hammered 2500L copper pot stills from the fifth-generation Forsyth family in Scotland, and four open-top wooden fermentation vessels, constructed by the Hall-Woolford Tank Co., an iconic Philadelphia-based family business using the building technique since 1854.

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Kendall Pagano and Nicholas Pagano

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The elevator which leads to the 4th floor event space with the killer view of Philly, which wasn’t ready yet on Thursday night. Two more weeks they promise. I can’t wait to see the view.

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Rob Thompson and Gracie Foreman

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Meredith Z. Avakian-Hardaway, Bar Association, Ian Michael Crumm on point with the grey hair and Rosella LaFevre

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WOGL Radio Host Marilyn Russell and Laura Baddish.
WOGL Radio Host Marilyn Russell and Laura Baddish sign the Phila Distillery Declaration

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Philadelphia Distilling has a gift shop.

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In addition to the production floor, the historic building houses a tasting room, cocktail bar and lounge, private event space, outdoor patio, and retail store, offering a $3 merchandise credit with every used full sized Philadelphia Distilling bottle return. HD1_5767 (Custom) HD1_5770 (Custom) HD1_5772 (Custom)
Tours & Tastings kick off February 23rd and will be available to book every: Thursday 4pm & 6pm, Friday 4pm & 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 2pm, 4pm, 6pm. For more information or to book your tour, please visit http://philadelphiadistilling.com.  HD1_5775 (Custom)
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There’s also a time capsule they’ll be sealing today filled with product and newsworthy material noting the day.
Meet me 2/20/42 to watch the opening and try 25 year age gin and whiskey.

Philadelphia Distilling is located at  25 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 or as I like to say, it’s right next door to
The Fillmore, and there’s plenty of parking.