Philly Chit Chat

#TBT Spring Can’t Come Soon Enough

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 18, 2016

I have winter fatigue. Haven’t been going out much, tired, you know you guys might be there too. Mike even got me a Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) light which sets your internal clock and creates a sense of sun time longer than our winter days. Plus did you ever notice how cloudy it is all the time. So blah. So today I am revisiting some of my favorite springtime photos, most are from Philly, but a few from NYC, Florida and California. All these photos are at least 5 years old, so it’s really #ThrowBackThursday

Audrey Claire’s (PS I’ve never eaten here, the line is always too long)

Central Park

PCC Admin Janine DeFeo

Sausalito

Spring Break in Key West

Central Park

Half Moon Bay, California

Philadelphia

Walnut Street – a few things missing along Rittenhouse Row and a Bentley

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 17, 2016

I took a stroll down Walnut Street last night, it had been awhile and I found a few things missing along Rittenhouse Row.

Lacoste at 1424 Walnut Street has closed. It’s next to another empty storefront which used to house lululemon athletica, which was across the street, moved here, and now is at 1720 Walnut Street

Also closed is Calypso St. Barth, 1613 Walnut St. It was always such a cute store. Wish they would bring back my favorite hideaway eatery Wok, which was there before Calypso. The store windows are wrapped in PANDORA jeweler. So maybe a PANDORA store is coming. I thought they were only little carts in the mall, maybe they’re going brick and mortar.

Weeping still that Le Bec Fin is dead and gone, but now is this wall of greenery that welcomed you to Avance restaurant.

You might have read on SHOPPIST Warby Parker is opening a store in Former Le Bec-Fin/Avance space and it looks like they’re putting a big fat ass window in as part of the facade.

Rumor has it that the Capital One Cafe is moving

across the street to the new Lathan Apartments

and it’s going right where the former Urban Enoteca was located. I hear it’s going to be a nice large cafe, with hours later than a normal bank.

I’m getting excited for the PHS Flower Show next week. I see Lago’s has done their window, and the Flower Show sign is visible, which is one of the criteria for judging the windows for a contest. I’m one of the judges, and that is one of my pet peeve judging points.

Riding in Style: Monday evening I arrived to a Grammy Viewing Party at The Residences
at The Ritz-Carlton in their
new chauffeured house car, a Bentley Flying Spur; it picked us up and
returned us safely home even in that wicked weather. The Residences is truly redefining luxury
living with its unbelievable views of City Hall and the Philadelphia
skyline as well as world-class amenities.
philadelphiaresidences.com

Give them a call if you want to live like the other half.

Philadelphia

Palm Restaurant in Philadelphia To Close on February 29

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 15, 2016

I heard rumors of it’s demise, but I’m happy to report that the Palm Restaurant in Philly is to undergo major renovations at it’s Bellevue location. The restaurant assures me that they are not closing. No mention on whether they will be retaining my mug on the wall or anyone. After inquiring about the rumor of closing, they were nice enough to send this press release to me.

PALM RESTAURANT PHILADELPHIA TO UNDERGO MAJOR RENOVATION

LAST DAY OF BUSINESS BEFORE CONSTRUCTION IS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2016

PHILADELPHIA
(February 15, 2016) – The Palm
Restaurant Philadelphia, located in The Bellevue at 200 S. Broad Street
and known for its first-class steaks, outrageously Jumbo Nova Scotia
lobsters and dedication to hospitable service,
marks nearly 30 years with a major refresh. Set to re-open late in the
fourth quarter of 2016, or early 2017, the Philadelphia restaurant will
be the seventh in the company’s portfolio to receive the exciting new
design.

The newly designed Atlanta Palm Restaurant

“The Bellevue
has been home to The Palm since 1989, and we couldn’t imagine unveiling
our spectacular new restaurant anywhere else except with our friends,
the Rubins. Philadelphia is
an incredible market with a fiercely loyal customer base,” said Wally
Ganzi, third generation family member and Co-Owner. “Our new design will
reflect the sophistication of Philadelphia while retaining The Palm’s
essence, which is warm, welcoming and inviting.”

hand-painted feature that overlooks the dining room and highlights Atlanta’s landmarks

The refreshed
Palm Restaurant will continue to embrace the restaurant’s 90-year
commitment to service and quality with the same great food and
personalized service. The new design will
feature intimate seating for 152 and a striking hand-painted feature
wall of Philadelphia’s famous landmarks overlooking the dining room. A
new expansive bar will anchor the dining room and will offer the Prime
Time menu of Small Plates, Prime BitesⓇ
and an extensive list of
handcrafted cocktails. The Private Dining Room will be relocated to the
main level of the restaurant with seating for up to 36 and will feature
a state-of-the-art
audio visual system.

“The Palm is
more than a restaurant. It is an institution not only for The Bellevue,
but also for the entire city of Philadelphia”, states Ron Rubin,
Co-owner of The Bellevue. “We look
forward to the delivery of an exciting new look for what is truly one
of the city’s finest dining destinations.”

Bradley Cooper and his dad

In true Palm
Restaurant style, there will be a fresh new array of signature
caricatures produced in association with Zack Bird, a Philadelphia
artist
whose family has created caricatures for Palm Restaurants for several
decades. Bird himself has created Palm caricatures, artwork and feature
walls for other refreshed Palm locations. This tradition started at the
restaurant’s onset when the owners had no
money to decorate and relied on a large clientele of cartoonists who
traded art for meals. The caricatures at The Palm Philadelphia will
once again be painted directly onto the walls just as they were in the
beginning.

– Checking with the Palm website I see these new designs have been rolling out the past couple years including Atlanta as I mentioned before.

2013 The Palm re-opens in Boston at 1 International Place, with a new design
2013 The Palm re-opens in Houston, unveiling a new restaurant prototype
2014 The Palm opens a brand-new location in Beverly Hills

About The Palm:

The Palm’s
philosophy is simple: Treat guests like family, serve great food, and
always exceed expectations. Owned and operated by members of the
Bozzi and Ganzi families since its founding in 1926, The Palm serves as
a second home for countless patrons across the United States and
abroad. Now celebrating its 90th year of business, The Palm continues
its legacy as a favorite gathering place and dining
destination for families, friends and business colleagues alike. For a
virtual experience and to find a location near you, please visit
www.thepalm.com.

About The Bellevue Philadelphia:

The
Bellevue is one of Center City Philadelphia’s most iconic destinations
featuring designer and brand name
shops; fine dining restaurants and a popular collection of casual
eateries. A national landmark known as The Grande Dame of Broad Street,
it was originally built in 1904 as The Bellevue Strafford Hotel and to
this day retains its stunning French Renaissance
architecture and notable historical accents including celebrated
cast-iron staircases, light fixtures designed by Thomas Alva Edison and a
restored majestic mosaic tiled lobby. Owned by Bellevue Associates,
The Bellevue features eleven floors of prime office
space and is home to the Hyatt at The Bellevue Hotel and The Sporting
Club at The Bellevue. For
more information, visit
www.bellevuephiladelphia.com.

Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: Teresa Giudice, Nicki Minaj, What Your Fav Notables In Philly Did For VDay 2016

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 15, 2016

Good Monday Morning. Happy VDAY, and Presidents Day and Happy 4100th post for PCC.
Let’s start off with a little gossip.

Women of Power: Convicted tax evader Teresa Giudice (RHONJ) was in our area over the weekend. Barely released from prison two months and she already has a book out. Must have been writing the tome on the toilet paper in sing sing. Good for her, not so good was whoever she hired for PR cause nearly nobody knew she was doing this book tour.

I did tweeted it out early Friday that she’d be at B&N in Glassboro, where my high school friend Jacquie and her daughter did a meet and greet signing with her. She was super nice, and they were thrilled.Jacquie told me there were about 200 people in line for the signing. I really tried to get there on Saturday for the BJ’s signing in Maple Shade, but I attended the Susan Komen Women of Power event at the Kimmel Center, and it was amazing.

Friday night Nicki and Meek spotted at Fetty Wap concert at the Fillmore, you can see she’s wearing a blonde wig. On Saturday, she was sporting the same ‘do when she and Meek Mill had dinner at the Saloon in South Philly, says server Antonia Regalbuto. Nicki then headed out of town on Sunday to perform at the Grammy’s tonight. At the end of the month, she’s scheduled to perform with Fetty Wap and Big Sean, Omarion, DJ Khaled, O.T. Genasis and still on the bill Meek Mill at The Forum, Inglewood, CA

Nicki thanking Fetty Wap at VMA’s

Tonight Nicki hangs with Drake, awkward.

Congrats to Philly fashion designer Jovan O’Connor for her presentation at Macy’s in Manhattan.

A huge inspiration is the daily fight for Tara Lessard in her fight against Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer, and the love of her life Shanel Sharese standing by her side. Tara has a successful photography business, and has photographed events for PhillyChitChat too.

Mike and Jim are featured in Inside New Jersey magazine this month, eating at Knock, which is in Philly. hmmm

My former Fox 29 Producer Tom Louden, now at Breakfast on Broad on Comcast Sportsnet, was excited that Rita’s Water Ice Opened in his neighborhood on VDay.

Happy Birthday to Alex Holley‘s make up guy: Jacen Bowman ShadesOfJacen.com. Great guy.

Great photo by Justin Pizzi, tweeted out by his BFF Marisa Magnatta

Oh my little niece Mimi is so adorable

Great promo at Square 1682 “I’m with Cupid”

Serious, I love their love The Herremans

Hadas and Dan always celebrate big

Nik the web chick celebrates VDay with her friends Joy Phillips and Joe McCollum

Mayor Kenney has good tastes as he hangs out at Race Street Cafe with Renee Patrone and Casie McLaughlin.

Happy Birthday Jill Rizen, and Sandee Bengel

Philly rapper Chill Moody out in LA for the Grammy’s with Philly’s Life Coach Dyana Williams.

I like this idea

Gay rapper Steve Cizzle sends warm wishes for VDay, from his pink bathroom. I had no idea that belly buttons were so high.

Philadelphia

10 of this Weeks Funniest Tweets – The Weather Girls Edition

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 12, 2016

Oh I know I’m fanatical about the weather sometimes, but next time I’m going to check myself before I say anything. Crazy tweets to our fav weather ladies of Philly. You should read the tweet from the viewer, then the response from the forecaster.

Tags Best Tweets, Best Tweets of the Week

Philadelphia

#TBT New York Fashion Week, Celebrities, Crazy Fashion, Beyonce, Bowie & Lou Reed

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 11, 2016

I realized in Jan that it had been 10 years since I started my first
blog, called “Confessions of a Paparazzi.” I was living and working in
NYC (2005-2007), as a paralegal on a high profile case and preparing for
depositions and eventually trial. After my 12 hr day of working the
case I went out on adventures in NYC. Eventually the thing that excited
me the most is finding where the celebrities were. For the longest time I
would just send the pixs in an email to friends, until Mike convinced
me to do this kinda new thing called a blog.

Happy Fall 2016 NYFW, which officially starts tomorrow. Fashion Weeks always showcase fashion 6 months out. Interesting enough, here in Philly our Fashion Weeks showcase the current season, which is a smart selling tool to move your merchandise today, instead of planning for your wardrobe in the future. Who knows what size I might be in October.

So here were are February 2006, when New York City entertained the world with it’s high fashion. Back then only people in the industry could get inside the tents and see the fashion. These days it’s as easy as buying a hotel package to get in to shoot. I wasn’t a professional photographer yet, and I hadn’t ever been planning to be one, I was just doing at that time as a fan, and blogging about the experience.

NYFW, sure there are celebrities, but the fashion fans are fabulous. Publications come from all over the world to see what people are wearing to the shows. It’s really quite spectacular.

Did I mention how cold it can be during Fall Fashion Week.

Usually the night before the kick off of the shows there would be
fabulous parties attracting some of the hippest, hottest models and
celebrities.

Then throughout the week there would be private parties, or after parties celebrating the shows.

I would usually get my information through the newspaper, trade magazines or word of mouth. Here’s Gwen Stefanie and her then husband Gavin leaving one such private party in the West Village. It was often easy to get shots of the celebrities at these events as the hoards of fans, and photographers weren’t on hand. These days its a much different story as Twitter is the big tipster.

Julie Andrews appeared at an event at The Rainbow Room. I waited for her to leave after the show. About 3 hrs later she popped out of the elevator, carrying her costume. I asked for a photo, but she said “Oh gawd no, my hair.” Then she agreed on these conditions.

One morning I caught Beyonce leaving the Good Morning America stage door. It’s always a fun place to go to see a celebrity. Note the camera in the girls hand. This is 2006 before cell phones took photos. Who ever thought to marry the two concepts was a genius. As if just having a portable phone wasn’t enough.

This was a fun return to my days in NYC a decade ago. When I first started out. Every Thursday I’ll revisit my days in NYC, and the start of my career. If you’re a big fan of celebrities, I’ll be giving you tips on how you can travel to NYC and see the stars. In the summer I might even lead a tour. I thought that was the business I was going to go in, not being a paparazzo, blogger, columnist etc.
L-R: Delilah, Cara and Kenny were my friends and we would go out EVERY NIGHT to find celebrities.

Philadelphia

Traffic Nightmare: Uber/Taxi Protest at City Hall 12:30PM Thursday – Bernie Sanders Screws Uber & Cabs Too

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 11, 2016

As if you didn’t have enough reasons to stay inside for lunch today at work. The Philadelphia Limousine(UberBlack), Taxicab, will be protesting Uber X and Lyft outside City Hall.

Check out more info here.

And don’t forget to read the comments on their FB for the dialog on the struck, and the reasons why.

One last thing, on the Philly Limo FB page it says Bernie Sanders is coming to rally with the limo drivers ie he really isn’t, but I have bad news for you guys and Bernie’s support.

It seems that on Pennsylvania Primary Day, Bernie isn’t even planning to use your services, or even Uber X or Lyft. No the Bernie supporters are putting their money where their mouths are and they’ve got their own App and will be organizing CAR POOLS.

Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Do we ever get tired of Meek & Nicki Minaj, Congrats to Zac Lashway & Syma Chowdhry

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 10, 2016

Good Wednesday Morning. Finally a little snow has fallen on our fair City, after one of the more nebulous forecasts in while. I don’t know in the past they used to just say it was going to snow, and then it did. I don’t know when it became such a huge drama, as it seems to be now.

Anyway this light dusting is not enough to even bring a crisco oiled
cardboard box to the Art Museum Steps, or you’d really have a Rocky
Steps ride. But it is pretty to look at. Let’s get into some Philly Gossip

Last week several local media outlets wrote about my sightings of Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill about town. Then it was picked up by the NY Mag, so that was exciting for me as that’s the bible of what is hot in Manhattan. This week Nicki & Meek didn’t disappoint. Seems she’s in Brooklyn during the week shooting the TV show about her life, then the weekends she heads to Philly, and by weekend you know I mean Thursday to Monday. Friday I wrote that singer Monica (l) was in town, Thursday, at Macy’s for Black History Month and did a meet and greet. Well that evening she and her husband, Shannon Brown, who plays for the Miami Heat, had dinner with Nicki and Meek at Del Frisco’s.

Earlier Thursday Meek Mill made an appearance at Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School. The media was less than kind with his appearance there, wondering if he was trying to leverage a lighter sentence for a probation violation, which was being heard the following day. First of all Meek has been visiting schools in the Philly area for the past 2 months. This one just happened to have a press release attached to it. Most of his appearances went unnoticed except for the few that were noted on his SM page. Meek’s tour of high schools is a lesson in mistakes made, and getting your life back on track. Every year I photograph the Boys’ Latin Fundraiser at Neiman Marcus, and am very proud of the schooling the kids get. They have a very high percentage rate of graduates , who go on to college.

Nicki and Meek had dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy ironically near the Justice Center, on Saturday night. Nicki even posed with a few servers. Later that evening she returned to her hotel and Meek Mill headed to Recess Lounge where all hell broke out with LeSean McCoy.

Shady at Recess in 2011, standing on a table at about the same spot where he allegedly threw a punch Saturday night.

Meek was not involved. Now some people in the internet world were wondering why he was there and not on house arrest. The house arrest doesn’t start until March. Hopefully we’ll have more Nicki and Meek out and about until then. I have a feeling Meek’s house is going to be a hotel in Center City, but not the one Nicki is staying at currently.

Congrats to Syma Chowdhry who is headed to Detroit 7ABC and starts on Feb 22

She did this cute video to inform her friends and fans.

Philly’s cute meter just dropped a bit as hottie anchor/reporter Zac Lashway is leaving WPHL 17’s Eye Opener, and heading to warm up a Minnesota news station. He hasn’t reported where he’s landed. The 27 yr old NY native came to us via a CBS affiliate in Great Falls, Mont. so he’s used to the tundra. Good luck buddy. Follow Zac on twitter @ZachLashway

Congrats to Ray Martin and his 9th Annual Peachie Martin/Joyce Sarocy Memorial Basketball Game
which raised $12,000 this year at their annual basketball game, and after party at Xfinity Live. Participating in last weekends game was CBS’ Survivor Gervase Peterson, Natalie Egenolf, Sports Radio WIP, Mo’Nae Davis and Ray Martin.

Monday I headed to Snap Kitchen in Old City for their ribbon cutting which was done by Mike Jerrick, Fox 29 with an assist by Philadelphia City Rep Sheila Hess.

Afterwards I headed over to the Fox 29 studios to catch up with my friends there. I hadn’t been in for awhile, these days I usually send my photos in or send in story ideas. Time constraints keep me off the air as well as lack of celebrities in Philly. But every week you do see my work on the show whether you know it or not. In fact I told told Mike Jerrick and one of the producers that I’d be seeing Foxy Brown’s Pam Grier later that day to shoot a promo for Dining Out For Life. They said ask her if she’d like to be on the next day.

And the next day she appeared. Tuesday she talked about her autobiography, My Life in Three Acts and

DINING OUT FOR LIFE

As I mentioned earlier after my stop at Snap Kitchen on Monday morning, I headed to Fox 29 Studios, then to Hotel Monaco at Noon. The nice folks from “15 Minutes” Inc. and ActionAids set up a few shots for me for PhillyChitChat as well as the wireservice I shoot for. Love this shot of

The Dining Out For Life Spokespeople Pam Grier, Ted Allen, Daisy Martinez and Mondo Guerra
Pam told me that she’ll be Dining Out on April 14 at a restaurant in Denver, where she lives, at a participating restaurant with her mom.

Dining Out For Life,
hosted by longtime partner Subaru, started over 26 years ago in
Philadelphia and is magnificent in its simplicity: On this special day,
dine at one of the 3,000 participating restaurants in cities across
North America, which donate a generous portion of the day’s proceeds to
fund HIV/AIDS services in your city. Philadelphia beneficiary ActionAIDS will hold Dining Out For Life this year onThursday, April 14th. More event info at www.diningoutforlife.com/Philadelphia.

Monday night I headed toYangming Restaurant

New Year’s Celebration. I’ve been going the last 4 years and it’s always a good time.

Thanks to Michelle Leonard for hosting another spectacular dinner party again this year. L-R: Eric Sales, EMS PR, Kristen Johanson, CBSPhilly, Michael Wei, owner of YangMing Michelle Leonard, Realtor and kneeling, and author Doreen McGettigan, who’s new book, The Stranger in My Recliner (a true story), was just released in January.
************
WHAT’S HAPPENING

What are you doing Thursday. Academies rED Fest is having a networking, fundraiser at Saxbys headquarters in Center City. Don’t complain you don’t have anything to do, come out and meet some fun people. I’ll be there, so wear something red and festive. Tickets are reasonable $35 or 2/$50. There’s food, drink and all you can drink coffee. TICKETS & INFO

This photo popped up yesterday in my timeline. It’s P’unk Burger one year anniversary this week. Then last night I got this in my email.
FREE MILKSHAKES

P’unk Burger (1823 East Passyunk) celebrates its one year birthday this Friday, February 12, 2016 by partnering with Sweet Box Cupcakes on a special Red Velvet Raspberry Spodee Cake Shake. Shakes will be FREE (with NO purchase required) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Shakes will also be for sale during the balance of Valentine’s Weekend.

Tags Influencer, Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, Philly Influencer, Philly Influencers

Philadelphia

Photos: InLiquid Annual Art Show and Benefit 2016 with the Philanthropic and Fashionable Set

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 9, 2016

Happy Fat Tuesday, well so far it looks like the Snow Day that was predicted is a bust, so carry on with your regular shoes to the many parties that will be popping up at your favorite drinking spots.

On Friday night, InLiquid held a Benefit Auction 2016, a VIP party and reception, at the Crane Arts building in Northern Liberties. There was a silent auction of work from more than 350 artists, designers and crafters, and drinks and food and many of Philly’s philanthropic and fashionable turned out for the popular event including Jesse and Beka Rendell, Connor Barwin and Laura Buscher. Pictured above: Ivan Boyko and his mom Rachel Zimmerman, Artist Founder/ Executive Director, InLiquid

Getting a start on Mardis Gras with their quirky, but fun fashion ensemble was Jeremy Sims and Chelsea Lewis

Albert Lee, Living the dream as Content and Social Media Manager at City of Philadelphia Government (for as long as I’ve known him he wanted to work to promote the City) and Danielle Sievers

Artist Caroline Dunlop Millet stands in front of some of her work

Bill Gehrman, En Route Marketing and Chris Mullins, who says stop by McGillin’s Ale House on Tuesday for their huge Mardis Gras party.

Kelly Carroll, Kelly-Ayn McKay, Event Director for InLiquid’s AFTCP & Benefit InLiquid and Jeffrey Holder, Chair of Board of Directors InLiquid

The support from the attendees allows InLiquid to continue to offer free public arts
programming and resources to the Philadelphia community, as well as
continue our Art for Action series on behalf of social activism and
advocacy.

Natalie Kidd and Antoinette Dendtler, founding executive director of Camden, New Jersey’s proposed ECO Charter School, check out Cheryl Harper’s work of art

Cheryl Harper‘s interesting Hillary Clinton art work

Lawrence Taylor, InLiquid committee member, Ralph Citino, Board Member InLiquid with Matthew and Pamela Shaw

Sabir Peele, Sabir M. Peele Founder of Men’s Style Pro Freelance Brand Consultant + Stylist (congrats to he and his wife who are expecting a child this summer[not pictured here]) and Raphel Teklegiorgis

Estelle Bernabei, Dr. Christopher Bernabei and Ceil Bernabei enjoy the Liquid Love Lounge by Hoffman Design Group, Inc..

Kevin Yoder, Harvey Hurdle and Richard Mark

James Healy, Chemist at Philadelphia Department of Public Health – ‎Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Emma Fried-Cassorla, Philly Love Notes. She recently left the Penns Landing Corp, and will be announcing where she’s going next soon.

Ian M Crumm, Fashion Blogger was just named a GQ Insider, during Men’s Fashion Week in NYC PLUS in three short years since he landed on the Philly Social scene and started blogging, he now has fashion columns in Gotham and Philly Style Magazine with stylish Michael Brill.

Philadelphia

Photos: Super Bowl Sunday Social Diary

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 8, 2016

Happy Monday Morning. I’m off and running to cover a few fabulous events today and wanted to do a quick blog post.

Sunday Mike and I headed to see my niece Ella, in her church’s production of the Wizard of Oz. So adorable even if I’m biased.

Then we headed back into Philly to go to Tommy and Amber’s Annual Super Bowl Party. I’ve been attending for the last 4 years. They are the best hosts, and really put on a good time for their friends. I wish I could say I shot this, but Mike did. It’s an epic shot of an epic good time.