Categories
Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Sylva Senat Top Chef, Sets Date For Restaurant Opening, Murals Frankie Avalon, John Mellencamp

Good Sunday, what a gorgeous day out. I hope you all get out and enjoy, I hope you get to spend time with your friends, family and those you love. Last night I went to #PhillyFightsCancer a fundraiser for The Abramson Cancer Center. It was an amazing event and tomorrow I’ll have photos in PhillyMag.com and PhillyMetro.com. People are really generous with their time and money in order to help other people. What a blessing. Philadelphia, wow what a place to live, or visit. Over the last decade it’s just gotten so attractive. Thanks Ed Rendell. I really believe it started with him, and people he put in place to execute the vision. With each administration after him they fulfilled this legacy. I’m not saying we don’t have problems, we do, but the vision of making Philadelphia a 7/24 city is at our doorstep. I’m so excited AC Moore is coming. People wrote me this week and were disappointed on that choice, but what do they want. Trust me the real estate peeps and building owners have aggressively tried to get Bed, Bath & Beyond, The Container Store, even Restoration Hardware to come into the bigger spaces, but to no avail. The Post Brothers tried very hard to get Restoration Hardware into the old Avenue A/Ted Montana space, but RH didn’t feel like the “loading dock” was big enough. And that’s in quotes cause there’s barely a loading dock. As for FYE, the powers to be really wanted a Bed, Bath & Beyond, but AC Moore came in with a higher bid. Go to Target get your bath supplies, meet me later at AC Moore as I’ll be in the art supply section; plus they have art classes for the very novice, oh and DIY crafty classes. That’s a win. Another thing who would have thought a Whole Foods would excited a City. WOW, go see it. It’s beautiful, and innovated. OK onto what’s gossipy this week. PS This next story is a good example of one I held back last Thursday. I spoke with Sylva Senat at &Pizza on Wednesday night. I had two big stories, the AC Moore story, and what the chef told me. I decided to split them. Later that day the big Senat story broke by Molly Eichel, I’ll link it below. Even if you are working on something, it’s ok and nice if you acknowledge when someone else publishes it first, even just online. It doesn’t have to be acknowledge in print since print is king. I first saw the story in PhillyMag, but I did an internet research and saw Molly wrote it the day before. So that’s who gets credit. PSS It’s sure nice that last week the Inky and Daily News gave me credit for the timeline of the Geno’s “No English” sign along with Billy Penn’s story. And thanks to Phila Biz Journal and Philly Voice for giving me the credit for the AC Moore story. I’m just a little blog and links help for SEO, especially since I just re-did my site.

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Sylva Senat, Laura Rankin, &pizza and  Michael Lastoria, chief executive of &pizza

I ran into former-Tashan head man, now Dos Tacos, Chef Sylva Senat at &Pizza on Wednesday night. I barely recognized him, and he told me he cut off his trade mark dreads as he embarked on a new projects and decided to make the change.  Up next for him he’s excited for his new eatery  Maison 208 208 S 13th St where the long defunct Letto Cafe was located.   Across the street is another popular eatery, Indeblue: Indian Restaurant.  Senat tells me Maison 208 ( 208 S 13th St) he’s aiming for the first week in December, hopefully just in time for his appearance in the 14th season of Top Chef, premiering at 10 p.m. Dec. 1 on Bravo.

As Molly notes, he did tell me he was relinquishing his part in Dos Taco’s, that really was just a stint to buy time between restaurant gigs. The other owner of Dos Taco’s Ryan Dorsey, who is heading the promotion crew at NOTO, short for “Not of the Ordinary, the new nightclub in the Loft District.

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You might recall Maison 208 was under construction last year, and was burned down and this Wellness Mural designed by James Burns was destroyed as well, by a disgruntled contractor. Down but not out, Senat came back even stronger. The restaurant is nearly rebuilt,
changed the design of the interior, the mural is on it’s way to being restored and this time Senat tells me, it’s going to “continue” into the restaurant on the wall.

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So bummed I wasn’t feeling well to make it to this event. I think as soon as I’m well I’m going to get that flu shot. MURAL ARTS PHILADELPHIA DEDICATES  SOUTH PHILLY MUSICIANS REMIX MURAL WITH BLOCK PARTY, Celebrate South Philly’s music legacy and the Bandstand era of musicians who contributed to the city’s rich cultural history – Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, Jerry Blavat, Eddie Fisher, Fabian Forte, Al Martino, Charlie Gracie, and James Darren – at an afternoon block party featuring music from DJ King Arthur and emceed by Jerry “The Geator with the Heater” Blavat, refreshments, and the dedication of Eric Okdeh’s new mural, South Philly Musicians Remix.

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Afterwards the legendary Geator with the Heater, and Frankie Avalon headed to Gran Caffe L’Aquila where Sylvia Feinberg stopped by to say hi

Frankie

Don’t miss the Phila Gay Men’s Chorus holiday concerts. The schedule isnt up yet, but when they put it up get a ticket.

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That guy on the left looks like Hillary Clinton’s running mate Tim Kaine. Congrats to my hubby Mike Toub, who volunteered at his
21st AIDS Walk Philly as bike monitor. Frankie

 John Mellencamp signs a fans head at the AC airport

Frankie Frankie

Phillywood returns to Philly with the Philadelphia Film Festival 10/20 – 10/30 Frankie Frankie

Congrats to Shelley on her new position at WHYY. You’ll remember when she won an Emmy a few weeks ago, in her speech she said if anyone was looking for an Emmy award winning
producer she was available. It’s all about connections and being at the right place at the right time.

Have an awesome day. HughE

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Philadelphia

SUNDAY: MARCH/RALLY: Million Moms / Mobs March on City Hall

 

MARCH/RALLY: Million Moms / Mobs March 
Begins at Cecil B.Moore Ave. to City Hall
MOBS: Mothers of Black Sons
March
What: 
Philadelphia, PA – On Sunday, October 16, 2016, thousands of people and families will take part in the anniversary of marching for justice. This march will show a united stance against racial injustice, police brutality and inner city violence. Organizers from around the nation will unite on the anniversary of the “Million Man March” to show their commitment to the protection of their loved ones; sons, fathers, husbands and brothers. Across the nation, local groups are setting up marches, community events and panel discussions.
In Philadelphia, the agenda is to march for peace and end with a press conference with known individuals from around the nation, who can provide solutions to the cause.  We expect at least 8,000 to join us in peaceful protest and in memory of those lost.
The march will be begin at 12:15pm at Broad & Cecil B. Moore Avenue, with a prayer and a few words of inspiration from State Representative Donna Bullock,195 and Candidate Elect, Morgan Cephas, 192. Please see below for the program format.
Notes: Interviews with volunteers and committee members of MMM will be available upon request.
Where:
Location 1: March/Rally Begins – 1600 N. Broad Street, (Broad and Cecil B. Moore Avenue)
Locations 2: March/Rally Ends (Press Conference) – City Hall, 1401 JFK BLVD. (North Side, facing North Broad Street)
Time:
Rally Begins – 10:00am – 12:00pm at Location 1. 
March (Everyones begins marching at 12:15pm towards City Hall.
Press Conference – 2:00pm at Location 2.
Speakers: Will begin at 11:00AM at Location 1. 
 
Attendees: Candidates, Elected Officials, Community Leaders, Philanthropists, Young Leaders, Mothers, Daughters, Fathers, Sons
Partners & Supporters of the March/Rally:
PLUS – Peace Love Unity Soul
TML Communications
City of Philadelphia
The Personal Chef
Edible Delights Catering
Philly Wives Club
Otto Voit, Candidate PA Treasurer
The Divine Mother
EmPOWERing Single Moms, Inc.
Mothers In Charge
America Rebirth Tour
Philly Children’s March
First United Methodist Church of Germantown
Program Format:
See Attached.
Note: additional persons may be asked  to speak if asked & agreed by an organizer of the event.
History:
MOMS (MOBS) MOVE Philly is a group of Mothers of Black Sons, calling on the village to unite and to affect change in our community through activism, education and economic empowerment. MOMS (MOBS) MOVE Philly is uniting with other Mothers groups across the nation for marches, community events.

Fifty-two years after the Civil Rights Act was passed, our black sons and daughters are still at risk. In spite of Dr. King’s dream, African-Americans continue to be judged by the color of their skin and not the content of their character. We are the village and therefore must unite to ensure a brighter future for our children.

MOMS (MOBS) MOVE PHILLY stands on the legacy of those who came before us and will continue in the fight to eliminate racial injustice, police brutality and violence in our community.

nearly 6ks have RSVP
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Philadelphia

Whole Foods Center City is everything and More. Photos from today’s opening, plus SALES

Oh so excited for Whole Foods to open. It’s one of my favorite food places to shop, oh I love them all;

Whole Foods

and by the looks of the crowd waiting to get into the new store at 2101 Pennsylvania Ave I’m in good company.

 

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Whole Foods held their “ribbon cutting” opening this morning about 9AM. hd1_3546-custom

Bob and Betty who either waited 4 hrs to be first in line, or drove 4 hrs, helped officials “break bread” to open the store, as they don’t cut ribbons. hd1_3549-custom

I told you it was a long line. I hear everyone of the 172 parking spots in the grocery stores garage was taken.

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Here are officials toasting the new store in the Cafe. They sell wine and beer at the new Whole Foods.
The store and cafe are open until 11PM

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When you first enter the store you come to the coffee bar. There is counter seating, window seating, and tables. Lots
of space and free wifi, with an amazing view of the skyline.

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To get into the store, there are stairs on both sides of coffee bar

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and two elevators next to the stairs. These escalators go to the parking garage.
See the guy with the cap, he runs the cart escalator. So you can get your groceries to the
car, your cart goes down an escalator by itself, and you get it at the bottom.

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Avocados were only $.99, hurry I hear they’re going up in price

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Vegetarians turn away. OMG they have a butcher.

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Lot’s of salad bars

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Here is the seating in the one cafe. See those windows above.

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There’s a hideaway nook

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     This is a good place to work

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Beers featured at the barhd1_3573-custom

Pizza is kinda pricey, but for 2 slices it’s a deal. They are large slices.hd1_3577-custom

Local cut pasta

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Nice aisles, not as huge as Mom’s Organic, which is opening near 12th and Market next year. Those are 12 feet wide.hd1_3581-custom

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Yes they sell wine

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There are 4 “eateries” inside the Whole Foodshd1_3588-custom

Please don’t bring your cart in the eatery section, there’s not a lot of room. I did see a women try and take this shortcut, it was a nightmare

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Hey

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For opening week they have some stellar sales. Chicken is $5.99 this weekend, and if you buy $50 worth of meat, you get
$10 off at the cashier. This weeks Sales are Here

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Sushihd1_3616-custom

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Cheese department was packedhd1_3620-custom hd1_3622-custom hd1_3628-custom

A juice barhd1_3629-custom

Cute gifts for you and others. Now these are great hostess gifts.

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For more details check out Michael Klein’s column in the Inky.

Categories
Philadelphia

AC Moore: Arts and Crafts Stores is Coming to Center City, Hillary Clinton, Ivanka Trump, Babies & Winners

AC Moore: Arts and Crafts Stores is Coming to Center City, Hillary Clinton, Ivanka Trump, Babies & Winners

Good afternoon, it’s Thursday and time for our regularly schedule Philly Gossip session. Oh boy game changer, well if you’re into arts and crafts, and DIY, good news, unless your Blik up the street, everyone’s favorite arts & crafts store is coming to CENTER CITY

AC Moore

I hear AC Moore: Arts and Crafts Stores is Coming to Center City and setting shop where the recently closed FYE Record store
was located at Broad and Chestnut Streets. I’ve been by the store, the brown paper wrapping is up and work is underway.

Philly.com wrote more on the AC Moore story on Friday here.

AC Moore

Yesterday Kevin Hart was tired after he popped into 3 preview screenings of his new film “Kevin Hart: What Now?”. He started the day in NYC, then popped
into Philly, where he filmed the stand up comedian routine at the Linc last summer, at the United Riverview Theater, then drove down to DC and
surprised movie goers there. In Philly he walked the red carpet, then addressed the fans inside the theater. He’s got some serious security eh

AC Moore

Congrats to the Philly born comedian, who got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this week.

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Catch Quincy Harris’ interview with Kevin Hart on The Q, Fox 29 Friday at NOON.

AC Moore

http://www.phillywatersheds.org/what_were_doing/documents_and_data/cso_long_term_control_plan

Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, arrives for her first “coffee” of the day in Malvern.

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Republican pundit Erin Elmore was on hand to greet Ivanka with oohs and ahhs. Ivanka will also be having coffee in Drexel Hill and Ivyland as well.

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Congrats to Marilyn. Some people know that I used Marilyn to help me make a career decision. She told me not to take a job, cause the job I wanted would come to me and give me an offer. I said no I don’t think they will, but I listen to her and w/i two months they said job came to me.AC Moore

I ran into Jen Groover at the new eatery Harp & Crown on Tuesday night, and she reminded me of her new project. I’m going to go cause even though I am in the middle
of my “start up” business, an organization like Jump Start Start Up didn’t exist. Jen reminded me of a conversation we had last year we had about this very thing. When I started my
company, I learned all I thought I needed to know from the internet, and I made mistakes. Especially branding mistakes.

Imagine you can walk into a store and go station to station and get all the things you need in one play to lay a solid foundation for your business to grow? Now you can! JumpStart StartUp is a turn-key solution for small business owners to take the guess work out of what the best business services are to use because we have done the research….and negotiating for you!

Our mission is to accelerate the pace of growth for small businesses to get started and to scale to stimulate the economy and innovation through entrepreneurship.

This event is FREE and open to the public thanks to our sponsors!

Tuesday 8AM October 25, 2016 at 1505 Walnut Street Phila Pa

AC Moore

Little Berlin and Streets Dept Present:
Philadelphia, Goddamn – Art In Dissent

Opening Night Reception 10/14/16 – 6 to 10
october 14 – 30

2430 Coral St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

AC Moore

Congrats to my Philly Mag editor Brian Howard and Carolyn Huckabay on the birth of their adorable baby

Check out Philly Chit Chat every day to see who, what, when and where , and on Sundays and Thursdays for Philly Gossip

Categories
Philadelphia

Today Get a Tattoo and Pizza for a Year; Or Skip the Tattoo and Get Free Pizza for Lunch

Philly continues to blow up on the food scene as another successful chain moves into Center City. Today The D.C.-founded chain of community-focused pizza shops. &pizza,  known for its devoted ampersand-tattooed employees (The Tribe the owner Michael told me the, handmade pies, and craft sodas. It’s at 1430 Walnut Street or as we like to refer to it as The Cheesecake Factory building. It’s on 15th Street closest to Bookbinders’ er I mean Applebees.

Pizza

Last night I attended the VIP sneak preview party, and had too much delicious pizza. I have some pixs below, but first the important news. FREE PIZZA On opening day at 11AM, free pies will be given to the first 215 guests in line (a nod to the 215 area code). The first five guests in line who request a tattoo of the brand’s signature ampersand, will receive it gratis, in addition to free pizza for a year. The brand makes the same offer to its employees – the &pizza Tribe – and to date more than 60 Tribe members have signed their allegiance on skin. (It is a cool tattoo I think, hmm pie for a year, it’s tempting.)

Pizza

Michael Lastoria (r), chief of executive and co-founder of &pizza, the Washington-based fast-casual pizza concept rapidly expanding in the Mid-Atlantic region., with Center City’s GM who’s name in the excitement I didn’t get. But I’d love to have for
my Liberty Press Column next week. Guess I’ll have to stop by again.

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The ethos of &Pizza

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The wrapping comes off today

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Joe Esposito and David Dee

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Samantha Sheetz, M.S.Ed and Peter Urscheler, President Pennsylvania Jaycees

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THE MENU

&pizza prides itself on serving up experiences in addition to fresh pizza. Guests have the
opportunity to craft their own individual pie (with unlimited ingredients) or choose from nine
signature pizzas, such as the meat heavy Maverick, the egg-topped Farmer’s Daughter, or the
Gnarlic (exactly what you think, but so much better), each one with its own unique flavor profile.
The pizza shop uses fresh ingredients and works with local producers to create its signature
and seasonal menu of pizzas, snacks, craft sodas and artisanal teas. Guests can order ahead
on the app or dine-in. &pizza has created a product that is distinctly their own, and opportunity
for its employees and customers to be part of something greater that gives back to the
community, from its innovative hiring practices to its &CHARITY program.

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Ryan Mohl, Brian Nagele (tells me he’s gotten out of the nightlife business), Shilpa Sood and Kaela FortinoPizza
Krystal Souvanlasy and Jeff Podolak

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The Royal PB&J – chocolate hazelnut-peanut butter spread, banana, bacon and grape jam

Pizza

This is the brand’s 17th shop and first outside the D.C. area. For &pizza, Philadelphia embodies  what their trademark ampersand has come to be represent – a “go anywhere, do everything”  lifestyle.  &pizza also commits itself to each and every new neighborhood it joins. Every shop  is designed to reflect the neighborhood it serves. For &pizza Walnut, the brand partnered with  local architectural firm [BOX]WOOD to bring the shop to life with dramatic Philly flair.

Pizza

Joe Boruchow stands beneath the mural he created for &pizza, titled “Philadelphia Under Sun, Moon & Stars.”

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Additionally, through &CHARITY, the brand’s localized charity arm, &pizza will launch its  signature Buy One, Give One campaign for Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15. For  every pizza sold on those two days, &pizza will donate a pizza to either the Philadelphia Mural  Arts Program or The Attic Youth Center, two respected local charities. Pizza

Natural tea in a jarPizza

My favorite pie – The OG, but I loved the Meat Lover Pie too. These are the actual sizes of the pies
you’ll get. They’re priced at about $10

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Customers customize their own pizzas with unlimited free toppings, except shrimp, there’s a nominal fee for those guys.

Pizza

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Philly known for it’s craft beer, here you can get craft soda. It’s very sweet. The cherry reminds me of a slurpee.hd1_3367-custom

Part of the tribehd1_3372-custom

Swig – Professional Event Staffing Pizza

OK now, who wants a tattoo and pizza for a year?

Hours for &pizza S – W 11-11; Th 11-12am
Friday & Saturday 11AM- 3AM

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Philadelphia

Clear Your Schedule 10/20 – 10/30 For The Philadelphia Film Festival – Info and Links Here

Philadelphia, PA, October 5, 2016 – The Philadelphia Film Society is proud to announce that tickets for 25th Philadelphia Film Festival are now on sale to the general public. The Philadelphia Film Festival, spanning from October 20 – October 30, will feature over 110 films from 23 countries across four theater screens throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.  Tickets may be purchased through the Festival website, www.filmadelphia.org/festival, or in-person at the Main Box Office at the Prince Theater (open Monday – Saturday from 12 noon to 5:00 pm).

Info

Opening on October 20th with Damien Chazelle’s La La Land and closing on October 30th with Arrival, the 11-day Festival will showcase over 110 feature length and short films, curated by our programming committee who chooses each selection from multiple international festivals throughout the year.

“We are thrilled to celebrate a milestone year for the Philadelphia Film Festival and to have the opportunity to showcase some of the best films of the year right here in Philly.” said Executive Director, J. Andrew Greenblatt.  “From our Opening Night screening, La La Land, which was the talk of the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals, to the Closing Night screening of Arrival, this year’s prodigious line-up fully embodies what the Philadelphia Film Festival truly is: a community filled with film lovers brought together to experience today’s most thought-provoking and innovative films!”

“As we celebrate 25 years of Philadelphia Film Festival, we are extremely proud to announce that it’s once our best lineups. With over 110 works from world renowned directors, including tons of surprises, our lineup includes something for everyone to enjoy,” said Michael Lerman, Artistic Director.  “We’ve had pretty incredible success rate. Four out of the last 5 Best Picture winners made their Philadelphia debut at our Festival, so this is the chance to see it first!”

The Philadelphia Film Society is honored to have Damien Chazelle, recipient of the Academy Award nomination for best writing and adapted screenplay for Whiplash¸ and director of the Opening Night film, La La Land join us for the #PFF25 opening night.

The full Festival schedule and digital Festival Program Guide is available now on www.filmadelphia.org/festival. 

Screenings for the 25th Philadelphia Film Festival will take place at the Ritz East (125 S. 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106), Ritz Five (214 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106), PFS Roxy Theater (2023 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103), and Prince Theater (1412 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102).

 

There are a lot of great events surrounding the film festival. The Opening Night party sets the tone for the festival with a star studded celebration of M. Night Shyamalan.

Join the Philadelphia Film Society and M. Night Shyamalan for the Opening Night Celebration commemorating the 25th Philadelphia Film Festival.

As part of the evening’s festivities, we will be presenting Academy Award nominated writer and director M. Night Shyamalan with our first Lumiere Award. Perhaps the most notable Philadelphia filmmaker of the past 25 years, Night is a great friend to the Film Society and we are thrilled to have him join us for this milestone occasion.

The Opening Night Celebration will start at AKA Washington Square, followed by a screening of the opening night film and after party at the Prince Theater. Info here!

Proceeds from the Opening Night Celebration benefit the Film Society’s year-round community and education initiatives.

Opening Night Celebration Sponsored by AKA. 

Throughout the Festival you can relax and mingle with other movie goers, and sometimes talent from the movies at the Festival Lounge.

Festival Lounge

The Festival isn’t just about watching movies, it’s about sharing experiences. The Festival Lounge is a tradition that welcomes all PFF25 ticket holders to pop in, grab a bite and discuss the day’s screenings.

Located right around the corner from the Ritz East & Ritz Five theaters, the Festival Lounge is a space exclusive to PFF25 ticket holders, Badge Holders, and Festival guests who are invited to stop by for a little “R&R” between screenings and enjoy special events — and possibly an encounter with a visiting PFF filmmaker! The Lounge offers light bites and special perks for badge holders.

Lounge Hours:
October 21-30: 12:00 PM – 10:00PM*
Open to All PFF25 Ticket Holders Age 21+ Only

Information on the PFF and schedule of Movies HERE

 

CHECK OUT THE PROGRAM GUIDE HERE

 

Categories
Philadelphia

The Pennsylvania Ballet hosts The 53rd Season Black Tie Gala This Year’s Theme Princesses & Pirates Gala

The Princesses & Pirates Gala black-tie event celebrated the start of Pennsylvania Ballet’s 53rd Season at the elegant Union League of Philadelphia.

Princesses & Pirates Gala black-tie event will celebrate the start of Pennsylvania Ballet's 53rd Season at the elegant Union League of Philadelphia, and it's the only opportunity of the year to hit the dance floor with members of the Company!

The gala theme is inspired by two of the full-length ballets scheduled for the upcoming season- the most enduring fairytale of all-time, Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, and Artistic Director Angel Corella’s take on the highly popular, pirate-themed Le Corsaire

10-11-2016-12-23-37-am First up starting on Thursday is Cinderella by Ben Stevenson, music by Sergei Prokofiev October 13, 2016 to October 23, 2016 Academy of Music

 

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Angel Corella (l) with Gala vice-chairs Brad Richards and David Schellenberg

 

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Josh, Nicholas, Max, Ryan & Nikki Memmelaar

 

Pa Ballet
Ian Bailey and Karen Cutler

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Charles Askegard, ballet master at Pennsylvania Ballet., Young Friends Chair Alexandra Noll, David Gray, Executive Director at Pennsylvania Ballet and his wife Kyra Nichols

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Keith Straw, Louise & Allen Reed

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Kristin & David Touchstone, the always stylish Rick & Flo Celender

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The Lincoln Room was decorated beautifully

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Stop by October 13th-23rd as the Pennsylvania Ballet kicks off the Season with Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella!

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cinderella.paballet.org

Pa Ballet

The black-tie evening was an elegant affair with a cocktail party, a lively auction where bottles of spirits were won, and after dinner guests danced to the sounds of the Renaissance Orchestra

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Sean Edwards and Eric Allen look on as Kelly Edwards bids on an auction item

Sean Edwards and Eric Allen Smith look on as Kelly Edwards was bidding on an exclusive vacation weekend.

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Thanks to Andre Flewellen for shooting the Ballet Gala for Philly Chit Chat. I was shooting the Oktoberfest. More photos will appear in Philly Style Magazine and Liberty City Press next week.

 

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Philadelphia

Jennifer Weiner’s new book “Hungry Heart” Book Launch Party at World Cafe

Oh I was so bummed, I planned on attending Friday night’s celebration of Jennifer Weiner’s new book “Hungry Heart” book launch party was a reader appreciation party and celebration, one of a series of four Jen has had all over the country (Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York), but I realized if they were tapping the Brauhaus Schmidt keg to kick off the Armory Oktoberfest Weekend at 7PM, I’d better be there by 6:30PM and at the last minute had to beg off from the celebration. Check out the picks from the tapping of the keg HERE.
Jennifer Weiner
Thanks to Alexa Nahas Photography for sending the following photos to share.

Jen’s readers entered an online contest early in the summer to win tickets to the celebration at the World Cafe in University City.

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When singer-songwriter Dar Williams invited Jen to open for her and read from HUNGRY HEART at her Oct 7 concert, we figured it was a perfect spot for the party (and Jen also treated all of her guests to a ticket to the show). It was such a fun night

Jennifer Weiner 10-10-2016-8-23-56-am-custom 10-10-2016-8-24-18-am-custom Jennifer Weiner Jennifer Weiner Jennifer Weiner 10-10-2016-8-26-21-am-custom

Jennifer Weiner Jennifer Weiner

Jennifer Weiner

Jennifer Weiner

HUNGRY HEART, is out tomorrow October 11, 2016. Jennifer is at the Willow Grove Barnes and Noble Thursday night and the Free Library Friday night (www.jenniferweiner.com/events). Go out and give Philly’s favorite author a big hello and pick up Hungry Heart.

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Philadelphia

Effen Soggy Sunday Gossip with 50 Cents, Celeb Sightings, Weddings & Baby

Good Soggy Sunday to you. Last week I was so crazy I missed out Sunday chats, but I’m here today to fill you in on what’s happening in our good town, who was spotted, got married, and had a baby. Plus a list of a few events happening tonight and this week. Hope you have a great day, if you want to stay out of the rain and go crazy the Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest at the Armory has two sessions today. Plus they’ll have a screen to catch the Eagles game, but I doubt you’ll be able to hear it starts at 1PM. There’s also the Columbus Day Parade in South Philly, hosted by Alicia Vitarelli, 6ABC with co host duties by the Geater with the Heater, Old City Fest is happening rain or cloudy today, with most of the action being centered at 2nd and Arch Street; Outfest is celebrating Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgendered Question (LGBTQ) pride in the Gayborhood – 13/Walnut/Locust/Spruce streets. 

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@50cent hosted at 1925 Lounge featuring #EffenVodka with music by @djayeboogie and @djshortywop

50 Cents

Mina Say What from Power 99 was in the house

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Chase Lenfest spotted Nerlens Noel walking on Chestnut Street

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Dave Warren leaves Fox 29 and takes a job at a Miami CBS station. I was kinda surprised cause the last time I spoke with him he said he was staying in Philly and going into business. But I guess if I had an opportunity to continue in my field and live in Florida, especially before the Winter of 2016/17, that’d be pretty attractive too. I’ll miss you Dave and Alissa.

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Congrats to Brittany Ann Cormack, Costume Designer. She’s done costume design for many movies, including Voiceless, which was filmed in Philadelphia. Voiceless is about a young, reserved, war veteran, moves to North East Philadelphia to start an inner city community outreach and puts his life on the line to stand against an abortion clinic that moved across the street from his building.  Next up for Brittany Ann working on “Beyond the Rye” with James Caan, Lacey Chabert and Armand Assante.

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Friday night I headed to Harp & Crown for the Friends and Family dinner. Delicious, different and delightful are the
words the describe the new eatery, which opens tomorrow. My favs on the menu, The Prawns, they are plated magnificently, the Farra Pasta is wonderful, I can’t wait to go back for more, the olives, the steak, everything basically. Plus they have a bowling alley in the speakeasy bar in the basement. There’s no password to gain access, just go down there or take the elevator. Harp & Crown, at 1525 Sansom St. (215-330-2800),

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One more day til Jessica Boyington returns to NBC10. People wondered where she was all week on the internet. She was on vacation, and by the looks of her traveling companion a 10 day vacation was beautiful.   50 Cent

Congrats you two

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Don’t take your organs with you

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A little late, but as gorgeous as ever. Hmm who do you think Killian Robert Gagnon born 10/1/16, looks like? Congrats Katie and Ryan.

HAPPENINGS

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The Post Brothers always put on a good party.
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Photos: Armory Oktoberfest By Brauhaus Schmitz is Not To Be Missed

Last night I covered the Armory Oktoberfest By BrauhausSchmitz (23rd Street Armory), it was AMAZING.  When Kory Aversa told me about this event last Spring, I was excited that Philadelphian’s who hadn’t been to the Hofbräuhaus München in Germany, would get to experience a beer hall of the magnitude of the 23rd Street Armory.

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I didn’t think they could replicate the experience as much as they did. It really was a good time. Congrats to Doug Hager , co owner of Bauhaus Schmitz and Chef Jeremy Nolen and their crew from Bauhaus Schmitz for capturing that spirit. The festival goers were jovial from the get go, and enjoyed every minute from the time they sat down. Another spectacular detail, was the entertainment by German Hungarian Dancers and the amazing Accordian afficinado Alex Meixner.

This will make your night. #oktoberfest @brauhausschmitz #Armoryoktoberfest spotted City Councilman on table

A video posted by Philly ChitChat (@phillychitchat) on

 

The $45 ticket includes all the food you can eat, a commemorative mug with a liter of beer. (refills $12)  There’s also a VIP option with reserved seating, table service and a brotzeit (meat and cheese board) on the table when you arrive.
Tickets are on sale , and there are 4 sessions left to choose from. Saturday and Sunday 1 – 5; Then 7 – 11.

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