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Philadelphia

New Steakhouse and Eateries Come To Sugarhouse Casino

New Steakhouse and Eateries Opened at Philly’s Sugarhouse Casino officially yesterday.

Sugarhouse

SugarHouse Casino officially celebrated its completed expansion with a special appreciation ceremony and ribbon cutting yesterday, Monday, May 9 at 11 a.m.

 

Sugarhouse

I was excited to check out the new eatery Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House

Sugarhouse

Sugarhouse had invited us tastemakers and the media to try it out last September when they announced the new restaurant.

Sugarhouse

It was delicious. I remember the steak was so tasty.

Sugarhouse

I didn’t eat there last night as I was more excited to try out another new eatery there which I will tell you about in a moment.

Sugarhouse

outdoor dining. In the warmer days

Sugarhouse

another new eatery at Sugarhouse, which I will mention in a second. I love the decor of the Hugo’s.

5-10-2016 10-42-31 AM (Custom)

It’s definitely a high end steak and seafood place.

5-10-2016 10-42-04 AM (Custom)

But they also had more affordable choices under the local favorites section.

 

5-10-2016 10-42-49 AM (Custom)

The dessert are crazy priced, we asked if these prices represented a whole cake or pie, but they didn’t. I really wanted to see how big they were, wait cross that off as our server said the banana pie title was wrong (Kory and I burst out laughing when they crossed out the word big on the most expensive choice.) We didn’t want to take our chances to see if the slice was big enough for two at that price, so we headed out the door to where I wanted to eat.

Sugarhouse

Tacconelli’s Pizzeria. I always wanted to eat there, it was delicious. So glad it’s easier to park at Sugarhouse to grab some of Philly’s favorite eateries

Sugarhouse

like Geno’s too

Sugarhouse

 

Soon Saxbys. And back there is Revolution Grill, which is owned by Sugarhouse, but oddly was closed at 9PM. We would have liked to see what they had to offer, especially dessert. Hopefully Saxbys will have dessert cause none of the places in the food court have it.

Sugarhouse New Eateries

Sugarhouse

What they do have is this cool “phone booth” on the gaming floor so you can have privacy on your phone call.

Sugarhouse

And I love this, great #selfie station. Good Luck!!! And BTW Kory and I left a lot of money in the “Birthday Party” slot machine. Feel free to go get it out.

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Philadelphia

Komen Race Day Favorite Photos May 8, 2016

Komen Race Day Favorite Photos May 8, 2016 (click on the first photo to start the slide show and see photos larger.)

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Philadelphia

Justin Bieber Plays Where are you now With Philly Fans and his Cross Face Tattoo

Justin Bieber plays “Where are you now”

Justin Beiber

with Fans at the Ritz Carlton,

Justin Beiber

The above shot was sent from a fan on Sunday as Biebs headed to the Wells Fargo, thanks!  (I wasn’t there I was at Will Smith ‘s mom and sister, Ellen’s house for a celebrity brunch, which you can read about tomorrow in PhillyMag.com) Saturday Biebs snuck in and out the door closest to the condos next door and into a waiting SUV, thwarting the efforts of about 50 girls waiting. Sunday the fans waited near that door, but Biebs left via the hotel side door and into the waiting bus, and didn’t even wave one lucky fan who got a glimpse reported .

 

Justin Beiber

Fans waiting at the Wells Fargo Center were much luckier as Biebs greeted them both Saturday and Sunday.

Justin Bieber

BTW another story going on with Bieber. Allegedly Friday night he got a tiny cross tattoo under his eye, as shown here and reported by several glossy mags.

Justin Bieber

But Saturday night when he performed at The Wells Fargo Center it disappeared. Where are you now?  Oh wait people say it’s on the other side, I forgot instagrams are backwards. But in the shots from The Wells Fargo it seems to be missing too. Must be really small.

Next up: A few social media posts I liked.

“Soooooo hungover I feel like shit” @justinbieber #sorry

A photo posted by Christine (@christineeeeeemarie) on

Brb, I’m working – @urbanoutfitters @justinbieber

A photo posted by Natto Balladares (@nattob) on

 

 

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Although some fans got a little closer than the fence. I like what this dad says about his daughter, and the meet and greets, which are now as you know discontinued. Instead fans have to do with cardboard cutouts, which seem to be prolific at the concerts.

Justin Bieber

Flyers Fans Lost Their Sh*t over Justin Bieber wearing #16, retired Bobby Clarke’s number on his gifted Flyers Jersey. Maybe the 16 is a combination of the last jersey he got from the Flyers, which had a 1 on it, and his favorite number which is 6? Oh or that it’s 2016, hmm. Thanks reader for the obvious.

Justin Bieber

J3. #purposeworldtour #purpose #justinbieber #teambieber #beliebers #bieberettes #philadelphia #pennsylvania #PurposeTourDancers #BieberBeauties #PurposeTour

A photo posted by LoveTheBieberettes (@lovethebieberettes) on

 

 

 

 

Best Mother’s Day ever! @heathersharpk

A photo posted by Emily Drayton (@emmydray) on

Night 1 was lit! Round 2 Philly get ready! @suhrcustom #purposetour #bieber #thankyougod

A photo posted by Julian Michael McGuire (@iamjulianmichael) on

Bieber Fever #PurposeTourPhilly

A photo posted by ANASTASIA (@anastasia_perez) on

beers babes and bieber with the best last night #purposetour

A photo posted by K•tina♔ (@ktina_martinez) on

Ty @justinbieber for killin it in philly #purposetour

A photo posted by Karli Beaumont (@karlibeau) on

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Philadelphia

New Dads Todd Herremans and Brent Celek Celebrity Bartend for Gary Papa Run

Eagles Players Get Behind the Bar For Gary Papa Run

Gara Papa Run

Early this spring I told you about best friends, and former teammates Todd Herremans wife Elizabeth and Brent Celek‘s wife Celeste were all expecting babies and their due dates were within weeks of each other. Well the babies have all been born, and they’re cute little girls. Mommy and babies are looking forward to playing in the sandbox real soon along with Heather Mitts and AJ Feeley‘s daughter born a month earlier.  All three couples were at Dancing for the Future Stars for IMS schools. Fast forward to yesterday where the bffs were doing good raising money for prostate cancer awareness and the Gary Papa Run  coming up June 19 at the Art Museum.

Gary Papa Run

A celebrity bartending event was held at Brent Celek’s Prime Stache to raise funds for the upcoming Gary Papa Run. Philadelphia Eagles players  Connor Barwin, Lane Johnson, Todd Herremans and Jason Kelce played bartenders for a day to whip up cocktails for patrons from 5pm to 7pm with proceeds going to support the Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health’s prostate cancer initiatives in the Philadelphia area. (BTW Brent’s new eater BOP, 220 S. Broad St., OPENS TODAY)
Gara Papa Run

Lots of people came out to support the boys and their quest to raise funds.

50% of restaurant proceeds from the evening will be donated, along with the bartenders tips. A $10 donation at the door is suggested.

Gara Papa Run

Jason Kelce and Geno Vento

Gara Papa Run

Helping out the boys with their charity bartending gig was Marisa Magnatta, Preston & Steve Show on WMMR. Gara Papa Run

Maxwell Leonard and Melisa Leonard

Gara Papa Run

Kristy Sevag, Sevag Pr (Herremans Foundation, 6ABC) Mike Monsell  Vice President / Director of Creative Services and Christian Molnar, Eagles Front Office

Gara Papa Run

Gara Papa Run

It was quite a crowd

Gara Papa Run

Marilee Herremans (Todd’s mom) in the sombrello as Jason Kelce pulls out a raffle ticketGara Papa Run

 

Gara Papa Run

If Todd is looking for a backup career

Gara Papa Run

Gary Papa’s Father’s Day Charity Run consists of a 10k, a 5k Run/Walk, and a 1 Mile Fun Walk to promote prostate cancer awareness and fund educational programming and screenings for men in the Delaware Valley.

Gara Papa Run

Marisa in the land of the giants

Gara Papa Run

The Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health (FBPH) is a Philadelphia-based, world-renowned nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation and think tank that serves as a catalyst to advance breast and prostate cancer education, awareness and treatment, while advancing the scope of scientific research through grants to pioneering doctors in both fields.  Since the organization was founded, it has gained regional, national and international recognition as a major source for public awareness of breast and prostate cancer related issues. – See more at: https://www.garypaparun.com/our-story/#sthash.lj9i91xH.dpuf

Gara Papa Run

“The organizers stress to me that Prostate Cancer can and should be caught early. It’s important to get a painless examination to”–I think you might have left off the end of this sentence. Would be great if you can say “It’s important for all men after 40 to get screened and to discuss their prostate health with their healthcare providers. Early detection saves lives.”

Gara Papa Run

I ran into Justin Pizzi and friend, both from Saxbys on my way out to the CCD 25th Anniversary Party, which I’ll write up next week. Have a great weekend!!

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Philadelphia

Art-Reach Gala at the Franklin Institute

Art-Reach enriches lives by connecting underserved audiences with cultural experiences so that they may enjoy and benefit from the transformative power of the arts. Last month they had a gala at the Franklin Institute and my friend Joshua Torrisi sent me a few photos of the event.

Art-Reach

The Cultural Access Awards were hosted by Art Reach on APRIL 5th, from 6 – 9 pm at The Franklin Institute. Art-Reach is a Philadelphia-based non-profit devoted to connecting underserved audiences with cultural experiences so that they may enjoy the transformative power of the arts.   Art-Reach is on pace to serve over 72,000 people with disabilities and those from low-income communities in our current program year.

Art-Reach

Verbal description tour of The Brain Exhibit to help give guests a sense for how low-vision and blind individuals can experience exhibits thanks to Art Reach

Art-Reach

The night was filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, an award ceremony and a fully accessible verbal description tour of The Brain Exhibit to help give guests a sense for how low-vision and blind individuals can experience exhibits thanks to Art Reach​. They also featured an exciting pop-up performance from the Pennsylvania Ballet!

Art-Reach

Executive Director, John Orr Awarding the work of Mimi Kenney Smith,

Each year the award ceremony acts as an annual fundraiser for Art-Reach, providing essential support to continue their work in mobilizing thousands of individuals to engage with the vibrant arts and culture in the Philadelphia Region.  Art-Reach

The staff at Art Reach
Founded in 1986, Art-Reach increases access to the arts for traditionally underserved audiences, including people with disabilities, at-risk youth, the economically disadvantaged, and the elderly in need. Art-Reach partners with over 170 arts and cultural organizations and 160 human service agencies throughout the Delaware Valley, including southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey. Each year Art-Reach provides arts and cultural opportunities to over 45,000 individuals who would not normally have access to the arts.

Art-Reach

Lead Sponsor Frank Olivieri, Jr., owner of Pat’s King of Steaks

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Philadelphia

PhillyChitChat Saved on Your Mobile Device

I’m so excited to have a handy Philly Chit Chat icon right on my home iPhone home screen (this works on android too!)  That means a mobile optimized experience is just one press away!

pcc icon on home screen

From the browser, pull up PhillyChitChat on your phone via the internet, then just press the share icon – see red box:

iphone add to home0

Then ‘Add to home screen’ is listed right there on the 2nd row (though you might have to scroll over to  see it).

iphone add to home

On android, from within a web browser, press and hold the menu button and then press ‘Add shortcut on Home Screen’

add to android 2

Thanks for to Mike Toub for sharing this tip with me.  BTW, the home screen pictured above is his (mine is not nearly that cluttered or organized as he would say)!!! Now you can see what I post every day. Plus access all my social media cause often I put tidbits & info there that don’t make the blog.

 

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Philadelphia

#tealbutterflychallenge and Save A Life

Take the #tealbutterflychallenge– National Ovarian Cancer Day is May 8
But the #tealbutterflychallenge runs until June 21

I’m very proud of my sister Janine DeFeo for creating a campaign that will save a life. #tealbutterflychallenge

It began with this photo below, my sister Judy Dillon Wilkins, on the far left, had been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in the Spring of 2008. After several rounds of chemo, Judy, my sisters and her daughter Colleen Wilkins (r) went on a long weekend trip to the Smokey Mountains for a getaway where they took this photo of the first “awareness butterfly” in the Spring of 2009. #tealbutterflychallenge

Judy lost her battle with Ovarian Cancer in November 2009.

#tealbutterflychallenge

My sister Janine DeFeo, who lives in Charlotte NC wanted to do something. She got together with her friend

#tealbutterflychallenge

Amy Roberts, who’s aunt had passed away from Ovarian Cancer, and created  the #tealbutterflychallenge 

Which runs from the first day of Spring til the last day, June 21 and is very simple to do, yet profound in getting the message of awareness out.

#tealbutterflychallenge

It’s simple:
*Paint your nails TEAL
*Make a butterfly symbol by interlocking your thumbs
*Take a photo or a video and post on social media (#tealbutterflychallenge #ovariancancerawareness)
*Challenge 10 of your friends to do the same

#tealbutterflychallenge

It’s to raise awareness because many women might not know the symptoms

#tealbutterflychallenge

It’s easy to Take The Teal Butterfly Challenge

#tealbutterflychallenge

Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ryne Robinson

“>

#tealbutterflychallenge

#tealbutterflychallenge

#tealbutterflychallenge

 #tealbutterflychallenge #tealbutterflychallenge   #tealbutterflychallenge #tealbutterflychallenge #tealbutterflychallenge #tealbutterflychallenge #tealbutterflychallenge #tealbutterflychallenge #tealbutterflychallenge

#tealbutterflychallenge

go buy a bottle of teal nail polish, in fact buy 2 and tell a friend

USA Hockey National Sled Development Team (Custom)

Ovarian Cancer did not define my sister but it certainly has altered my life. We will continue to spread awareness until we see a change, not for us but for our girls, the future generation because they deserve better #tealbutterflychallenge Janine DeFeo

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Philadelphia

Bradley Manning Opens at Inis Nua Theater – Review & Party Pixs

“The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning,” produced by Inis Nua theater company at the Drake Theater in Philadelphia, opened on Friday night to rave reviews, it runs through May 15.

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Johnny Smith, Campbell O’Hare (foreground), David Glover, David Pica, and Trevor Fayle (background) in Inis Nua’s THE RADICALISATION OF BRADLEY MANNING (Photo credit: Katie Reing)

I reluctantly went to see it, cause he’s not a hero of mine, but the show was really good. The actors were amazing, the set was clever, the story was interesting; his actions for releasing secrets of war atrocities are still flawed as far as I’m concerned, but it was interesting to see how everything played out and learn a little bit more about his story; did I mention the staging was amazing. I really did enjoy the play, and the set was really clever.  I recommend for you to go see it, especially if you’re a fan of Bradley Manning’s; he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize so there’s that.

Bradley Manning

Leonard Kelly,  Inis Nua Board Member, Janice K. Marini, Inis Nua Board Member,Tom Reing, Artistic Director of Inis Nua Theatre Company , Michael Athay,  Inis Nua Board Member and Anne Vogelmann, Inis Nua  Board Member

Bradley Manning Inis Nua

Dan McGovern and Janelle Kauffman

Bradley Manning Inis Nua

Oliver Frank, Bryant Gilot, Karen Beckman and Stefan Johnson

Bradley Manning Inis Nua

Paul Cheeseman, Darnelle Radford, Brett Mapp and Morgan Hugo all really enjoyed the play.

Bradley Manning Inis Nua

Ernest Owens, GPhilly, Barry Johnson and actor David Glover, who played a version of Bradley Manning. (That’s not a spoiler alert is it?)

Bradley Manning Inis Nua

Alex Rosenfeld and Paul DeichmannBradley Manning Inis Nua

David Fox, Philly Mag Theater Review and Toby Zinman, Philly Inquirer Theater Review

David Fox says: Director Tom Reing gives us an accomplished, exhilaratingly theatrical show, but the core story and its protagonist remain elusive. Read more at http://www.phillymag.com/ticket/2016/04/30/theater-review-politics-and-identity-in-inis-nuas-the-radicalisation-of-bradley-manning/#zhZSHbI341pUiuHq.99

Bradley Manning Inis Nua

Ray Costello and Deb Miller, Phindie theater review

http://phindie.com/11345-the-radicalisation-of-bradley-manning-inis-nua-an-unforgettable-examination-of-a-critical-american-subject/
“important and unforgettable theater that makes a difference.”
“outstanding cast”
“powerful American debut “
Check out this interview with the playwright by AD Amorosi in the Philly Weekly.

The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning runs through May 15. For more information, visit the Inis Nua Theatre website.

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Philadelphia

Cheri Oteri Signs on to play the lead in Film Being Shot in Philly

Finally life is coming back to the film industry in Philly, I hear that Cheri Oteri has signed on to play the lead in a film being shot in Philly. The project is the dream of three South Philly gals, Krystal Tini, Jennifer Tini, and Monique Impagliazzo (who used to work for Barwood Production) who currently live in LA but are bringing it back home to Philly to film.

Turkey Movie

You’ll recall Cheri was on SNL 1995 – 2000 playing iconic roles like Barbara Walters and Ariana Huffington as well as other great characters.

Turkey’s literally fly when an impatient housewife waits for her cheating husband to come home for a Thanksgiving dinner he will never forget.

Turkey’s Done is a short comedic film revolving around Peaches Brocco, a South Philly housewife, who is impatiently waiting for her cheating husband to come home for a Thanksgiving he’ll never forget! With support from her neighbors (some of them begrudgingly) Peaches finally has the chance to walk away from the man who has strayed one too many times after remaining by his side for years during his incarceration…

Turkey Movie

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/turkey-s-done-a-short-film#/

The only thing standing in the way of this film getting made is the funding, help the girls out.

There’s a couple fun incentives on the indiegogo page to go along with your contribution

$100 USD + Shipping

$100.00 Signed “Turkey’s Done Script“
Due to popularity of this perk, we are adding 10 more! THANK YOU ALL!! By contributing $100 you will receive a script signed by the cast of the film!
$500 USD + Shipping

Invitation to Screening
Are you ready for a party in Philly?! With a $500 contribution you will receive a signed “Turkey’s Done” script and you and a guest will receive an exclusive invitation to the screening of “Turkey’s Done”!
$5000 USD

Executive Producer credit
For a contribution of $5,000 you will not only be invited to the Philadelphia screening and receive a “Turkey’s Done” signed script, but you will also become an Executive Producer. What does that mean? Well, you will be involved in all future endeavors regarding “Turkey’s Done”, from film festivals, to screenings and everything in between! THANK YOU!

Don’t be a Turkey help the ladies out, then enjoy a Thanksgiving no one’s going to forget

Also check out their Facebook Page here

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Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Will Smith, #bcbgmaxazria closed, Alex Holley Honored

Good Philly Gossip Monday. Hope you had a great weekend despite this horrible weather. Congrats to so many Philadelphian’s that ran and conquered the Broad Street Run.

Philly Gossip
Sheena Parveen and Mikey Ilagan at the Broad Street Run

It was exciting to see how many people in my timeline posted photos from the race, their medals, and bibs.Philly Gossip
Will Smith and super fan Kevin outside the Ritz last week.

I was chatting a lot about Will Smith being in town last week;  He was checking out the Residences at Ritz Carlton on Monday with realtors, while staying at the Ritz hotel next door. He used the Residences at Ritz Carlton gym everyday, seemed to enjoy the 2PM workout time.  Friday he ran into Bad Boy co-star Martin Lawrence who was in town to perform at Temple that evening. No word on what they discussed, but my friend who reads lips said it seemed they were chatting about a Bad Boy sequel.  I bet he was telling Martin that Philly will be seeing more of him, and hopefully Jada Smith, as they are now the majority owners of the Sixers.

Philly Gossip

Martin Lawrence at Temple University

Philly Gossip

Yes it’s true #bcbgmaxazria closed on April 24 at 16th and Walnut. The sign on the door says visit them at their KOP or Cherry Hill Mall store.

Philly Gossip

It’s been fun following along with Kharisma MCllwaine and her brother Aloysius on their trip to Morocco via snapchat, which I’m trying to learn.

Philly Gossip
Seriously, if anyone was going to meet the new quarterback, Carson Wentz, first it was going to be Melissa Leonard. Here she is at the meet and greet press conference, as well as season owners of boxes.

Philly Gossip

 

Friday was a very special day for the Good Day Philadelphia Crew as they celebrated their 20 years on air with their loyal fans. Everyone turned up, chatted with viewers and posed for countless selfies.

Philly Gossip

Before the event though Mike Jerrick headed to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, where they had a prom for the kids. So sweet. Then he headed to the party at Sugarhouse.

Philly Gossip

After the 20th Anniversary Party, my friend Alex Holley, FOX 29 co-host of “Good Day Philadelphia,”  was honored Friday night at the 7th annual 2016 NV Movers & Shakers Soiree in NYC.  Love her.

Philly Gossip

Then Saturday night Mike Jerrick headed to DC to attend the White House Correspondents Dinner.

Philly Gossip

I wonder if he ran into Mike’s cousin David Nakamura (Washington Post White House correspondent), here with his wife Kris Schenck

Philly Gossip

I was so busy this weekend – Thursday I was at the Fairmount Conservacy Gala, Friday night I attended the premiere of Inis Nua Theater’s The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning, (April 27-May 15) Saturday I was at Cure Duchenne Blingo at The Logan Hotel and Sunday I had a delicious brunch at Little Lion with Kory Aversa and Brooke Thomas, the new morning anchor at CBS3. Then headed to Savino Thorne’s baptism.

Check out more PhillyGossip everyday on my twitter account @iPhillyChitChat , Instagram and on my FB page PhillyChitChat

and I’ll be back here on Thursday