DimSumHouse, by Jane G’s, will officially open this Wednesday, January 11, 2017 in University City.
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) dimsum 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.
For grand opening, they will give away FREE soup dumplings on Wednesday from 12-2pm. Then at 7pm, they will kick-off a grand opening party with the Lion dance, firecrackers, DJ, live music, food sampling and drink specials.
Jane Guo and Jackson Fu announce the grand opening of DimSumHouse by Jane G’s at 3939 Chestnut Street in University City this Wednesday, January 11, 2017. This expansive and stylish Old Shanghai inspired restaurant, bar and lounge features 6,000 square foot of space and will seat over 225 people in five unique dining spaces. Three talented chefs will show off their expertise in the kitchen with a menu that focuses on two authentic styles of Chinese dimsum (Shanghai and Cantonese), plus fried rice, noodles, chef specialties and familiar Chinese favorites. At the bar, look for a full line of spirits, 19 beers, 10 signature cocktails, and wine by the glass and bottle. The restaurant is located on the second floor, with the entrance found between 39th and 40th streets on Chestnut.
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.
DimSumHouse is owned by a family familiar to the region’s culinary scene. President Jane Guo also owns Jane G’s two-bell reviewed restaurant at 1930 Chestnut St. Partner/General Manager Jackson Fu has been involved with Jane G’s and his families restaurants for decades. His wife owns DimSum Garden in Chinatown.
“DimSumHouse will focus on Shanghai and Cantonese dimsum 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.”
Opening services include lunch, dinner, late night and bar service. Opening hours are Monday through Friday, from 11:30am to 2:00am, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 11:00am to 2:00am. Full kitchen service stops 10:00pm Sundays through Thursdays, and 11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. A starter late night menu is available from 10:00pm to 2:00am nightly, with a full late night menu to launch later in winter. Delivery service and catering will also launch starting in February.
GRAND OPENING – FREE SOUP DUMPLINGS
DimSumHouse 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.
***********
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.
I think I have an eye for fashion, I might not know what you’re wearing, but I know when your the complete package. Fashion isn’t always about thread count, I look for style, personality and confidence. What I noticed this year is the hand on the hip trend is over (see pixs below), but for those who still like to do it, please know where your hip is, it’s not chest level. It was sometimes hard to choose who should be on this list, Philly fashion has gotten really good in the past decade I’ve been chronically it, so thanks. I remember arriving in Philly after shooting celebs and society in NYC. I would ask people here what they were wearing. No one really knew, in fact everyone was really just wearing black from the Gap. Nowadays that has changed, people are more aware of looking good when out, even using services like “Rent the Runway”, you never know when someone wants you in a #Selfie, or posing in a Photobooth or better yet on the pages of PhillyChitChat. These shots are in no particular order, and most have not appeared on the PhillyChitChat Best Dress list previously.
First of all Congrats to Laura Buscher and Connor Barwin on their engagement. Love them. It’s great to get to know them as much as a social photographer gets to know the people he shoots. She’s super sweet down to earth, and successful in her own right; and he’s a great guy who understands his celebrity, and uses it for the good of the world, especially Philly. Not only is he philanthropic with money, but with his time as well, which as we all know is equally as important.
I hear they give out the best candy to the kids at Halloween as well.
BTW he’s the first in Philly that has been rocking the sneakers at black tie galas too. Here they’re at the Rittenhouse Square Ball in June, but at Pifa in April he had a pair of black chucks on.
Kellan White and Nicole Allen White. They were on last year’s list of people to watch for. These two are fashionable, as well as political. They are community organizers, and care about our future.
Kellan White, City Council of Philadelphia and Nicole Allen White, Director of Government and External Affairs at Phila Museum of Art at the Waldorf on the eve of the Pa Society
One of them is going to be mayor some day. They’re the founders of the Patterson Society, a political organization that holds a party in Philly the same night the Pa Society holds one in NYC, attracting young folks interested in politics who might not yet be at the level of affording the Pa Society. This year Gov Tom Wolf made an appearance at their fundraiser.
The always fashionable Flo Celender and Rick Celender.
Mrs. Celender tells me that she and the Mr. are retired and the only things they do these days are support the many causes that are important to them be it cure cancer or one of the many cultural organizations that we all love. I noticed them about 3 years ago at the LLS Red & White Ball and have been smitten with photographing them ever since cause they bring it, and they’re very kind as well. I don’t think they ever see the photos as they told me they don’t have a computer.
Michael Chobart, Housepainter and Barbara Katz-Chobert, retired after having having a heart transplant and 2 strokes over 15 years ago. Adversity does not keep Barbara down for the count. She’s philanthropic with her time and money, a cheerleader for her friends going through crisis and a fashion plate. She loves her Nicole Miller.
James Healy and Emma Fried-Cassorla, Philly Love Notes. Simple style, they exude confidence and have great smiles.
If Robert Nonemacker (l) had a theme song it would be “Thank You For Being A Friend”, he’s always helping out friends on their events and projects. He’s a fly dresser and his best accessory is that killer smile of his. Scott Silber and Al Drulis (r) have been together nearly as long as Mike and I, and remain ageless. Scott was Kelly Ripa’s next door neighbor while growing up, but no matter how much I grill him he doesn’t give up the goods.
It’s great to see a couple grow in love, with grace and a good fashion sense. (Indigo Ball 2016)
With her gorgeous red hair, Kristin Detterline is a subtle trendsetter wearing this seasons Nicole Miller.
As Editor-in-Chief, Philadelphia Style Magazine, Kristin has to attend many events during the social season and one could never get bored looking at her or engaging in chit chatter. She remembers everything, and wants updates on your family.
Shortly before Christmas she was on the scene at the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia concert at the Academy of Music wearing this gorgeous red dress, perfect for the season and the dressy concert.
I could do a whole blog post on Stacey Kracher, she is a fashion plate, and that body it’s ridiculous. She works hard for it, just check out her inspirational instagrams.
Equally as stunning in the style column is her handsome beau Brandon Morrison.
We all drop our forks when we come across their beach pixs during their annual trips to the beach.
(I didn’t take this photo, but see what I mean, drops fork)
I’ve photographed Kareem Agostini and Todd Agostini a few times and they always look fabulous as they do here at the Opening Gala for Opera Philadelphia 16/17 Season. Thankfully she shares her style and sass on her successful blog called Big Bella Donna Fashion: Beyond The Blog
The style apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as Mark and Helene Hankin‘s children Alexander and Danielle always find themselves on the otherside of many of Philly’s social photographers, including mine. This year they’re on my best dressed list – everything is so fabulous, down to their exquisite pose.
I ran into these two people at the Scarpetta opening, I can’t recall their names, but I love her dress and purse despite a minor clashing problem, her pose is perfect, and her guy not only looks great but has perfect posture, something I’m too lazy to remember to do. I love his casual style with jeans, a sports coat and pocket square.
People often ask me what is cocktail attire, this is it.
Stunning
Adam Joseph, wearing a snappy wooden bow tie in honor of the forrest in the National Parks which was the theme of the PHS Flower Show 2016, with equally dapper Cecily Tynan wearing a gorgeous Sherry Hill gown.
Philly Style Magazine’s publisher John Colabelli and his wife Lauren Colabelli live up to the title of the magazine – They are Philly Style. Whenever I see them they are dressed impeccably. John is always pressed to perfection with his monogrammed shirts.
Looking fabulous at the Rittenhouse Square Ball:
Toni Leslie, Co-Creator at REALM, Gabriele Snow (looking very much like Robert Pattison) and Holly Kinser
Onyx Roberts, Global Lipstick Fashion Blog and Jeta Stephens, Global Lipstick Fashion Blog
at the CJ Walker Luncheon. I was nearly out the door, when I ran back to capture them.
Loved seeing these outfits on a cold winter day.
Francesca Ruscio, NBC10, Traffic girl
the Former Miss Philadelphia 2013 wore this unique outfit to the PSM Hot List Party, and it was hot. She was the best dressed in attendence. Getting to look this fabulous isn’t easy, she eats gluten free, low glycemic, and vegetarian meals. And just like Stacey Kracher, Francesca also works out religiously. (Did I mention I lost 35lbs last year. Next year I might put something like this on.)
Christie Mandia is not only stunningly beautiful, kind and creative, but she is a serious fashion plate, whether she’s wearing sweats *we live in the same building, or she’s out on the town her clothing is gorgeous and accessorized just right.
Who else could wear black to their wedding to Brandon Mandia, look fabulous and have the whole town talking about it.
Barry A. Milberg and Laurie Phillips, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. As Philly’s condo queen, Laurie Phillips is well respected in the community. I’ve always loved her style. She loves her scarves, and capes and they look good on her.
Thora Jacobson Executive Director, Philadelphia Art Alliance, John Wind, Artist, Barbara Eberlein, Eberlein Design Consultants Ltd. and Laurie Phillips, co-chair of Fall at the Mansion Dinner. – And seriously those shoes are a win. I remember at an earlier event she ask me not to shoot them, but the second time I saw her in them I told her they had to be captured, it’s her essence of casual but stylish at a fairly formal dinner party.
Which brings me to Barbara Eberlein, who’s been on the society scene for awhile. She is always impeccably dressed, and very sweet. Always one to say hello. It’s a joy to photograph her as she’s always with the people I want to capture, and she has a radiant smile. With her are David Seltzer and Jerry Wind
Not only are they a dynamic duo on screen on Fox 29’s Good Day, but off screen they’re each other best friends. Mike Jerrick zany personality plays well to Alex Holley‘s straight man sidekick, but it’s not an act. They’re really like that. Mike’s a great guy with a world of experience, and Alex is that hometown girl, and it explodes on screen as we watch at home saying “did he really say that?” as Alex cringes a bit before LOL, as we all are at home.
Both of them have up their fashion game this passed year.
They have style, they have grace, they’re my pick for Best Dressed in Philadelphia 2016.
******************
Monday I will tell you which parties were the best, as far as fun, decor and party people.
Have a great weekend:)
Sorry these are late, they were supposed to go into an outlet I service but they were slammed and these were too fun not to put somewhere.PS if your photo is not here it’s going into Liberty City Press next week.
When I go to the Mummer’s Parade, I enjoy the sights and sounds on and off the parade route. Like the tradition that has been going on for over 100 years, I too have traditions, faces to shoot, places to shoot and parties to attend. There’s always lots of fun and interesting people to capture on New Year’s Day in Philly
This is practically the only Mummers shot you will see in this post.
Every Year I wonder how are they going to incorporate the year in a sunglasses. These were the best.
The Beer Can Trees seem to be the new tradition in Philly
Warm Cheese-steaks anyone?
View from Pipeline co working space across from City Hall. They have an awesome space.
Marc Schade, Realtor with Long and Foster, and Tania Schade, VP of FluidEdge Consulting Annual New Year’s Day Party
And Captain Noah
The most stylish couple on the street. Her shoes are glittering New Years that say taxi on the front
Then I headed to the Kimmel Center for their annual Family day. As you can see by the resolution wall, the place was jammin all day. I love that they have this alternative. We’re really lucky.
Check out the Kimmel’s Schedule for
lots of great events going on there this year.
Count em, 3 kids and they’re all wearing hats. I love her.
Ann Marie Nacchio, Allied-THA putting smiles on kids faces
The Union League intact. The steps and railing were in place by New Year’s Day. Remember earlier in the year how a guy pulled off railing to sell for scrap metal destroyed the steps as well.
Happy New Year, one and all.
Tomorrow I will run the Best Parties of Philly 2016
And on Monday The Best Dressed of Philly 2016
Finally a best of column for 2016. It was a little sparse this year for celebrities, even with the DNC, although I did quite a few including Eva Longoria, who I am now following on Instagram stories and she gives it up on that platform. You’re there with her for the highs and lows, but mostly for the face masks, dinners and beach time. It’s fun. We can all be a fly on the wall now. These shots are in no particular order cause I have a killer headache after giving up sugar and diet coke on Sunday. For the next two days I’ll suffer the worse part of withdrawal so bare with me, I’d rather be under the covers.
This shot really takes me back to my days in NYC when I learned my craft of shooting celebrities either on the red carpet or as a paparazzi (o). This is Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom leaving Vedge restaurant. SO I got a text that Katy was eating with Orlando, Cory Booker, and M Night at Vedge around 1130PM the Saturday night after she was performed at the Mann as a fundraiser for Hillary; I was shooting a client job at Vie until midnight and couldn’t leave, biting my nails til the end. (This was the story of my life during the election this year, I missed a lot of celebrity encounters because I was on a client shoot.) I called two of my friends to cover the doors until I got there, and lucky for us we all got shots. I love that Katy is giving us good eye contact.
But the photo that ran everywhere was this one as it showed her America flag bag much clearer. Mission accomplished, we got great celebrity shots and Vedge got great national coverage.
Speaking of M. Night, he’s Philly’s bonafide celebrity in residence. He’s always out and about, dining, speaking and filming in our fair town. In October, the Philadelphia Film Society celebrated the opening night of the 25th Philadelphia Film Festival last night with a party at the AKA Washington Square, where they honored M. Night Shyamalan with the inaugural Lumiere Award. Bhavna Vaswani, J. Andrew Greenblatt, executive director of the Philadelphia Film Society, and M. Night Shyamalan. Last year M filmed Split which opens Jan. 20 in theaters (starring James McAvoy, who’s been around town lately as he’s dating M Night’s assistant.) Just announced “Labor of Love”, which he was scheduled to shoot in 2015, but I see now it’s being prepared now. Will Bruce Willis’ star as he was slated to in 2015? Stay tune….
Another celebrity that calls Philly home – the beautiful Sheryl Lee Ralph, otherwise known as Mrs. Senator Vincent Hughes. Sheryl Lee is way back famous playing on Broadway in the original Dream Girls. She is known for her roles in Moesha (1996), Its A Living (1980), and Instant Mom (2013). Currently she is on Broadway starring in Wicked, through March. Next up a film with Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, Rene Russo called Villa Capri and it opens in August. She and Sen Hughes were out and about during the DNC, where I shot this photo. This photo ran in HipHop Magazine.
Adopted son Jon Bon Jovi. He’s always contributing his name and money to organizations in Philly. For a bit of time he was part owner of the Philadelphia Soul Football team. He was in town in November at the Thomas Jefferson Gala to present his good friend Bill McDermott, CEO SAP the Award of Merit for his work with TJH. They kinda look alike I think.
Bethenny Frankel, star of the Real Housewives of New York, founder of Skinnygirl, author, chef, and fan favorite. Brought all the boys and the girls to her appearances this year. She signed Skinnygirl bottles at a liquor store on Chestnut Street, where she had her handlers delete a photo on my camera of a baby and mother posing with her. That was my money shot cause girl I need something else fun besides your skinny in my shot. Nice dress though, at least it’s not black.
Shane Victorino returned to town to be honored by a former Phillies’ great, Jamie Moyer. Here he is with the Middleton‘s who are majority owners of the Phillies. Did you know in the beginning of my career I was asked not to reveal who they were, and I obliged. Now it’s out in the open, they’re the owners of the Phillies. I don’t know why that was, maybe to give them peace. But I will tell you this, they are very philanthropic. As for Shane, he and Melissa love Philly so much, they’ve kept their house here and visit at least twice a year to catch up with friends.
The Bacon Brothers – Kevin and Michael, with their sisters Karin Bacon, Hilda Bacon (l) and longtime family friend Angie Foster at a fundraiser for the Rail Yard held at Union Transfer. They Give Back!!
Every year this crew comes and does promos for Dining Out for Life, Ted Allen, Pam Grier, Daisy Martinez and Mondo Guerra. Love them. They’re at Hotel Monaco.
Dr J and his wife Dorys at the 3rd annual Erving Ball at the Sofitel Hotel.Cashman & Assocs ran this red carpet like they’ve been doing Hollywood premieres for years. Very professional, everyone got the shots they needed, plus the girls had cue cards to ID the guests. That’s how it should be done if you want press for your event done properly.
The best photo of the year. When I shot it I didn’t understand what it was Debra Messing meant by this shirt, which was Susan Sarandon saying she didn’t vote with her vagina so she was voting for Bernie, then for Jill Stein when Bernie lost the primary. This was a huge photo for me getting over 100ks impressions on Twitter and nearly as many on Instagram. I could have pulled the rest of my hair out when my flash didn’t go off and illuminate the scene, so it wasn’t picked up by the national media via my wireservice, but the message got out. Happy Wednesday. I’m off to my first meeting of the year…. until tomorrow peeps.
HAIR OF THE DOG IS NEXT SATURDAY, yes it’s early this year because
This year HOD is TAKING OVER THE FILLMORE
Hair O’ The Dog, voted BEST Event in Philly, will heat up 2017 at theelegant and cutting-edge Fillmore in Philadelphia on Saturday, January 7, 2017 with its most impressive entertainment line-up in its twenty-three years of existence. To headline this unprecedented event, Hair O’ The Dog will welcome Grammy Award Winner Lil Jon, who will “Turn Up” Philadelphia’s Most Glamorous Bash with his top party anthems, and an explosive and electrifying performance. In addition, partygoers will be wowed by electronic dance music sensation, Dillon Francis, whose recent track “Anywhere” has escalated to popularity on the Mainstream top 40 edition on Mediabase, and his hit “Get Low” a massive collaboration with DJ Snake topped the Billboard Hot 100 Dance Chart. Festivities will kick off at 8 p.m. with a VIP and Press only preview that will feature gourmet passed hors d’ oeuvres and a lavish buffet by renowned caterer Wolfgang Puck, along with top-shelf libations to quench your desires.
As the evening barks on, attendees will wag their tails off to a highly anticipated performance by Australian native, VASSY. Conquering the world with her authentic sound, VASSY is best known for a global No. 1 hit with David Guetta & Showtek “BAD” which is certified 7 times double platinum. Her new single “Nothing to Lose” produced by the legendary Tiësto, currently resides at #1 on the acclaimed Mediabase dance mix chart.
The party doesn’t stop there! Philly’s finest will dance the night away with beats by local mainstage thrillers Clef & Canberra, TV personality and DJ Mr. Hollywood, who will be spinning in the “Foundry” an exclusive VIP hide-a-way of the Fillmore, along with turntable temptress DJ Freezie who will greet guests with her sensual style in the Ajax Hall. Bex and Mike Adam of 96.5 AMP Radio will host this unforgettable night for the second year in a row! Thesephenomenal performers and personalities will add to the excitement of this year’s Hair O’ The Dog.
Lil Jon and Dillon Francis are considered two of the most prominent figures in music and pop culture alike, performing for hundreds of thousands of fans world-wide at music Festivals and top nightlife venues. “Philly always has a great crowd, get ready to get littt at Hair O’ The Dog top of the year,”says Lil Jon. “Bringing these headliners to Philly along with VASSY, Rozes, and our other performers for our 23rd annual edition of Hair O’ The Dog is truly amazing. This year we wanted to create an experience like no other and we are getting people from all over including Baltimore, D.C., New York, Las Vegas, and Miami believe it or not, to come and party at this Philadelphia staple event,” says Buffy Harakidas, Chief Marketing Officer Hair O’ The Dog/Metrospect Events. Hair O’ The Dog organizers are urging all to come out and be a part of this unique affair that will go down in Philadelphia nightlife history.
This year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit BIANCA’S KIDS. If a child has been displaced by the foster system, struck by tragedy, or affected by disability, then he or she is one of Bianca’s Kids. In the hardest of times, they just want to be a small reminder of how loved they truly are. That’s why every wish counts. In 2013, Bianca’s Kids was named one of the fastest growing nonprofits in South Jersey. In 2014 & 2015 the charity won the prestigious “Top Ranked Nonprofit” award from GreatNonprofits.org.
Ticket prices start at $90 and are selling fast. To get your paws on tickets for the 23rd annual Hair O’ The Dog and see more of the sensation, visit http://hairothedog.com. Top Sponsors include Momentum Telecom, Cheerleaders, Jan’s Boutique, Bud Light, and Tito’s Vodka. I’ll be there after 10PM to catch all the hot fashion. See You Then..
Happy New Year!! Hope everyone had a restful, and reflective week off. I sure did, didn’t publish much and my brain feels like mush, this rain isn’t helping. OK I resolute that I won’t miss a day in 2017. I will publish by 7AM every morning like I did 10 years ago, oh BTW this is PhillyChitChat’s 10 year anniversary as I stated 07/07/07. I already broke promise for today. I was up practically all night creating columns about the glittering, glamorous NYE party I covered for UpcomingEvents.com on Saturday night for PM, PSM, and the Metro; any who tomorrow I will be back on time. Plus I promise to get the Top Ten 2016 columns up. OK I have a little gossip/tidbits happening. I will publish another column on Sunday, returning to my regular Sunday/Thursday PhillyGossip/Tidbit columns.
I think all the Christmas Trees come down today. Here’s the one at the Art Museum.
Congrats Ben and Kristen. I didn’t see as many engagements over the holidays as I thought I would. Maybe at Valentine’s Day.
Congrats to Eddie Keels (publisher of Philly Current) and his wife Elise Keels on the birth of their bouncing baby girl.
Oh not such a sweet ending for Sweet Cafe, which started out in business with the name Sweet Ending, but I guess people were getting confused with what exactly they were selling. At one point there were two Sweet Ending Cafes, here and in the Gayborhood at 12th and Walnut. That property is owned by the Weiss Brothers and is in the Woody’s complex, a LGBTQ nightclub. It closed about 2 years ago and became a Mexican eatery, which is exactly what I would want to eat in between gyrating on the floor upstairs. OK not, and no one went. It closed last year and boated a Hillary For President sign. After the election it opened as Glow Bar. Originally they were going to call it the Fishbowl, Weiss told me.
********
The cupcake craze crumbled about 5 years ago, many of the yogurt stores have melted out of business. The new craze you ask: pizza on the menu in restaurants like Vetri, Cinder and Harp & Crown (must try the Octopus pizza) to name a few.
Speaking of glass corner properties, Capital One Cafe at the Latham Hotel, is nearing it’s opening date. For the longest time they just had the blue window covering with the words ATM, their logo and knives and forks, which was definitely a huge hint to what I scooped was going there last year (2/17/16) before they even put up the blue covering; then last week they added the signage. No word on what’s going to go into their smaller spot across the street, but the good news is FINALLY something is going into this corner spot that will be successful.
Shoshanna Schiller, Partner at Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP’s dad took this amazing photo of Carrie Fisher, which was making the rounds last week.
The Daily News always knows how to capture the moment in a headline
Thanks for the hospitality Brandon Morrison and Stacey Kracher Saturday night. What a view too!!
Last night I captured the City Hall Christmas Tree one last time. How awesome was Christmas Village this year.
OK let me get to work on those year end columns before another year end is upon us.
Just imagine. It’s a few minutes before midnight and the clock is counting down. Then we hit 11:59pm and our own special lit up Liberty Bell starts to fall.
We inch closer to the new year and then everyone starts to shout “10, 9, 8….” all the way to “1”… As the clock strikes 12, a Liberty Bell stops and tens of thousands of pieces of confetti explode on the crowd at the stroke of midnight to ring in 2017. WOW IS RIGHT! There will be something truly amazing happening at this event. The very first Bell Drop™ – a moment you’ll never forget and you can only experience this at the GlitterCity Gala.
A Liberty bell drop will symbolize how our city showcases the idea of brotherly love by donating to three charities this holiday season. This year, the Glitter Gala has chosen to donate a portion of their proceeds to PAWS, Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House, and Big Brother Big Sisters. “We believe that every great party should support charity. That’s why we are donating a portion of our proceeds this year. In addition, you can support these great charities by selecting a “donation” ticket, and 100% of the money you select will be donated to charity. Giving back in a fun way is what we do,” says Dennis Gaudenzi, Founder of UpcomingEvents.com.
UpcomingEvents.com is a lifestyle and entertainment marketing agency. We publish a hyper-local social content platform that focuses on advertising, ticketing, and event production through our family of websites. We produce & ticket many high-profile Philadelphia & South Jersey events, and execute innovative client promotions. Decades of experience, extreme attention to detail and a love for what we do drive hundreds of thousands of people to our website, newsletter, and our events each year.
Happy week after Christmas. OMG so depressed this week George Michael , Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher gone. Two icons done in by drugs. How many superstars this year died of drugs or the results of long time drug use – Prince, Carrie and George Michael, icons dead too soon. I never photographed GM, but had seen him in concert. About 3 years ago I photographed Carrie Fisher at a Minding Your Minds event, which is a youth suicide awareness event. Did I mention that Drew Bergman, Associate Director of Development at Minding Your Mind will be honored at AFSP Save a Life Gala is January 7th at the Curtis Center. Also Today and for the rest of the week I will be working on the BEST OF columns for best dressed, best photos, best celeb stories and BEST PARTY OF THE YEAR. Before I headed out to Charlotte for the most magnificent time with the family for Christmas Weekend, I hit a few parties I didn’t write about yet. Let’s enjoy the pictorial.
Debbie Pastrana and former sen Vince Fumo, at their Christmas Party
Moi, Carol Tamburino and Mike Toub
Larry and Cindy Wanerman who finally moved into their dream apartment in Center City
Ann from Ten Pennies decorated the Fumo tree and interior of the house, for as long as anyone can remember.
Hacina it’s always great to see ya
Tonya Whitmore Stack and Lt Gov Mike Stack
Peter Nero
Brandon Mandia, Alissa Frick, Justin Pizzi, CJ Honigman and Christie Mandia, Honigman Group and PR for James. William Arrison, and Danielle DeSandis from The Philly Voice
The Donatucci’s. They endured an incredible loss of their son and brother, Michael, earlier this year. But created The Michael P. Donatucci Foundation
raising over a hundred thousand dollars to Raising Awareness of Mental Health. Bravo!!
Ben Haney, co-owner of James (l) and Jamie McFadden fresh off of their wedding vows in St. Thomas over Thanksgiving Day weekend. In January they’ll be hosting a reception for friends and family at THE ARMORY. I can’t wait to see how spectacular it’ll be. In the meantime James is open for New Year’s Eve. Stop by for a bite.
1835 Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (267) 324-5005 -We still have a few available tables for New Year’s Eve! Seatings at 5, 7, and 9pm.
Then there was Mark Segal and Jason Villmez‘s annual holiday soiree, which I ran in Liberty City Press this week
Jarrod Williams‘ best dressed at any holiday party this year….
Emily has Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a progressive and fatal genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. Each day, Emily spends countless hours on breathing treatments, injects multiple shots for CF-related diabetes and takes over 30 pills in an effort to salvage every ounce of lung function and delay end-stage CF for as long as possible. Still, not even her most valiant efforts can halt the inevitable progression of this cruel, insidious disease. And she is not alone. Each year, approximately 1,000 people are diagnosed with CF. Nearly half (over 45%) of the current CF population is 18 years or older and there are over 1,900 known CF mutations making it incredibly hard to treat.
Liza Kramer, Coby Kramer-Golinkoff, Annie Kramer-Golinkoff, Julia Kramer-Golinkoff,Emily Kramer-Golinkoff, and Michael Golinkoff
Despite facing advanced stage disease, Emily’s energy is infectious and her Entourage is taking the world by storm. In July, 2015, the White House named Emily a Champion of Change for Precision Medicine.
Emily’s Entourage took place on December 3 to Help Find a Cure for Nearly 70,000 People Living with Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide. The event was held Moulin at Sherman Mills
x
Emily’s story has been featured on People.com, Time.com, CBS’s nationally syndicated television program The Doctor’s, The Philadelphia Inquirer and more, where she has been called “defiantly optimistic and intensely motivated.” Beth Lavin and Julie Wetheimer
Guests write down inspirational sayings on the wall
There was an extensive silent auction to raise additional funds. The organizers tell me they raised over $400,000 at the event and raised over $35,000 in just the 7 minute donation countdown alone.
Barbara Berley- Mellits, Joan Denenberg, Corri Bernstein
Mariann Boston, Nickie Boston and Desie Boston who produced the event and executed the theme of the party.
Bob and Marta Adelson
Heather Burkman and Zack Schildhorn
David Kramer, Franci Kramer, Danielle Barson and Louis Barson
Michael and Bonnie Silverberg
Linda Yoo and Chip Schubert
B
Cheryl Jones, Charlene Locke, Madison Gale-Laman, and Esha Mehta
Helen DeHaven, Norma Michaels, Hope Cohen and Nickie Boston
x
