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Philadelphia

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

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.
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Philadelphia

Photos: Super Bowl Sunday Social Diary

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.

 Thanks Tommy & Amber

Paul and Debbie Kelly
Hacina Saadi is back in town

Samantha Trasatti and Costa Miller
Matt and Jason serving up delicious Ela meals

Tamar and Steve Olitsky
Amber, Kate Beaver, Kathryn Wecal and Kareem’s mom.
Drew Coblitz and guest
Alana Bly and Chris Prabhu Gali

Drew Milstein
 My biggest fan on the left, but I didnt have a pen to grab the name. Yikes, #PCC Fail
Mike Toub and Matt Deifer – Bodypaint.Me Studio

Matt must have gone upstairs to play pinball as Tommy and Amber

Categories
Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: The Herremans to be Parents, Jen Carroll, Caitlyn Jenner, Bing Ang, Baby News, Susie Celek and Vince Vaughn,

Happy surprise snow Philly, well surprise if you only checked the weather before 3PM yesterday. I hope it wasn’t too messy out for you. Glad I didn’t go to Wing Bowl. I usually go, but I shot the Bacon Brothers fundraiser concert last night for The Rail Yard (see the photos at 5PM – Google Philly Mag The Scene and the column should come up.), anyway, last year I had a gig the night before the Wing Bowl and I pulled an all nighter to shoot the event. I just didn’t want to do that this year. Here’s what’s happening with our friends, and the bold names of Philly.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Todd Herremans. I love how Elizabeth Herremans notified her friends.

 OK Jen Carroll doesn’t live in Philly anymore, but she’ll always be from Philly. Recently I mentioned she got engaged to her beau Billy Riddle, and she’s prepping to open Requin DC; Requin is a French Mediterranean restaurant by chef Jennifer Carroll in partnership with chef and restaurateur Mike Isabella. Here’s a behind the scenses shot of Jen being photographed for the June issue of Food and Wine.

 It was just announced that Buzz Bissinger is going to co-author a book about Caitlyn Jenner. Then it was announced last week Caitlyn Jenner will visit the University of Pennsylvania later this month for a conversation with author and Penn alumnus Buzz Bissinger next week. It’s sold out that day. Caitlyn posted this shot earlier this week, you’ll recognize that living room as being at her Malibu home

 Congrats to Josh Kruger. It’s been a joy to watch his career blossom over the past few years.
 Just terrible news about Big Ang, from Mob Wives. After recovering from throat cancer last spring, where she noted how surprised it didn’t kill her as she had been a heavy smoker; the other shoe dropped and she’s now been diagnosed with Stage Four Lung and Brain Cancer. Prayers go up.
Don’t call her a celebrity party crasher, but local Realtor Melissa Leonard sure has a knack for getting her photos taken with them whether it’s in Philly, at Sundance or at the Super Bowl. Last night Melissa enjoyed Ron “Jaws” Jaworski’s cigar party at super bowl weekend. Vince Vaughn , Coach Ditka, Ron Jaworski , Leigh Steinberg, Donovan McNabb. I wish she would take me as her photographer.

  

 

 First time he’s addressed this publicly

 I asked Susie where she got this hot shirt, she said it was created just for her. It’s pretty cool. Who wants one?
 Happy Heart Month
The Magnatta family at Nicole Miller shopping event last night where the funds went to the American Heart Foundation. The Red Heart Gala is Saturday night at the Marriott.

 Anne Lago’s held a shopping night out for Realm jewelery at the Ritz Residences with a percentage going to support The Wistar Institute.

 Thank you to everyone who came out to support The Wistar Ambassadors tonight! A lot of new Realm Empresses were born! – Lynsie Solomon (2nd from right) I see everyone got the memo to wear black.
 Macy’s Center City celebrated Black History Month with Grammy award winner Monica and actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell here with DJ Arun.
Happy Chinese New Year. Looks like this is going to go off just as the Super Bowl ends. The action starts at 10:30PM Sunday night at 10th and Race. I’ve gone before, it’s fun. Watch out for those fireworks.
Categories
Philadelphia

Snap Kitchen Sneak Peek & Review of Some of their Dishes PLUS Info on Today’s Sneak Peek

 Snap Kitchen officially opens the doors of its first two stores (Old City and Fairmount) on Saturday, February 6th!
  • To celebrate, it’s hosting a sneak peek event in Old City during First Friday tomorrow, February 5th from 4pm to 9pm– guests can check it out, enjoy a free tote bag and special pricing!
  • An
    official ribbon cutting will take place Monday morning at 8:30am. 
    Guests who check it out before 10am will receive a free tote bag, and
    guests who sign up for Funds Cards will receive a
    $10 Comp Card!
  • Monday is the Ribbon Cutting for the Old City store at 8:30AM, stop by for delicious treats.

 Wednesday night I was invited to a sneak preview and tasting for Snap Kitchen. If you’ve been following me on social media you know I am very excited by them coming to Philly.

 If you’ve been following my career, you know I have tried a million ways to loose weight. The most successful attempts were when I had personal chefs who prepared fresh meals like the ones Snap Kitchen prepares. Unfortunately their costs were very high and Mike’s head would explode everytime I told him how much I was paying. So lately I’ve been traveling to Wegman’s Cherry Hill to buy these types of meals.

Their story:
Since 2010, we (Snap Kitchen) have worked hard to create a place for people to
experience consciously crafted food that is both delicious and
nutritious. We are dedicated to educating our guests and providing
healthy, chef-driven creations prepared with the highest quality
ingredients available. Our menu offers a wide selection of meals,
snacks, and cold-pressed juices that are made fresh daily, portion
controlled, and nutritionally balanced.
A Philly first, Snap Kitchen has rebranded their business, their packaging, the stores and how they set up the meals on the shelf AND they have debuted it here in Philly first. The meals are color coded with the above color/logos. The meals that are Vegan/Vegetarian are green, Poultry is yellow, seafood is deep sea blue and meat is red. Makes sense right.
The meals are shelved according to their calorie content, with the least amount of calories at the top, I guess so you can stretch ie exercise a bit to reach them.
3 sizes, 3 prices from $7 – $13

Who doesn’t like homemade soup
Delicious desserts, definitely not on my diet.

Ohh kinda expensive at $5.49
Hmmm chocolate chip cookies
The desserts are located on the bottom shelves, as they pack the most calories for punch.
 Chicken & Green Chile “Enchiladas”  Gluten Free Carb Conscious Non-Dairy Paleo Style 
– Not as pretty as the picture on the website, but DELICIOUS!!
  Chicken Butternut Squash Macaroni  Gluten Free Sodium Conscious
– Nutty, sweet flavor so delicious.
 There were plenty of delicious juices to choose from, and they were competitively priced at $7 – $8 
These eggs were delicious. They removed the yolk and in it’s place they put humus. 4 for $3.99.

Wish they came in a half dozen. 

Naked Chicken  (Naked Beef) 
Gluten Free Carb Conscious Non-Dairy Paleo Style Sodium Conscious 
– If you like blackened chicken, you’ll love it. Me I had to put hot sauce on it cause I do not like Blackened Chicken. I would buy it again cause I liked the snap peas, and the roasted cauliflower, which seems to be all the rage even on the fanciest of eateries opening lately in Philly.
Here’s a link to the Menu

 Snap Kitchen opens in Fairmount and Old City Saturday at 11AM
Then in Rittenhouse Square & Mid-town Jefferson Hospital at the end of February.

Categories
Philadelphia

Our Night Out at Top of the Tower and The Upcoming Glamsino Conflict

Aaah so far behind today, and on this posting of Our Night Out which happened a couple weeks back at Top of the Tower. I don’t even have time to put the names in today, I don’t know where my time is going but I’ll get it together soon.


 OurNightOut is a fun and casual social networking party where LGBT
professionals, friends and colleagues get together and socialize, and most possibly meet Mr/Ms Right now or forever. Guests usually come directly from work so most often the dress is business, but it’s not mandatory. Our Night Out was recently held at one of my fav event places, Top of the Tower. They have a killer brunch on the weekends, with amazing views of the City.

 Our Night Out is a fundraiser, and an awareness event for the Delaware Legacy Fund

 What’s that about: Each year, funds will be distributed to
organizations that advance the interests of the LGBTI community in legal
and civil rights, arts and culture, education and the humanities, and
health and social services.  Funding is directed to organizations
serving the communities of Philadelphia and Southeastern PA,
South/Central New Jersey and Delaware.  We Welcome applications from
established groups as well as small grass-roots organizations. (DVLF)

 The next Our Night Out is scheduled for 2/18/16 which is crazy cause
that’s the same night as Glamsino at the Palomar, which benefits Action
Aids. Doesn’t anyone do conflict scheduling research. Anyway I’ll be
shooting Glamsino, so I’ll see you there.  http://glamsinoroyale2016.brownpapertickets.com/

There’s always

DVLF has two major fundraisers a year, TOY, which is held in December and Heroes, in April. Heroes is coming up 
HEROES was
started 8 years ago to honor individuals whose work and leadership
advance the rights of the LGBT community.  Through the nomination
process we seek to identify youth, adults, non-profits, straight-allies
& businesses who have bold ideas, act with selfless intention, are
admired for their integrity, and are regarded as courageous in advancing
the equality of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender community
in the Delaware Valley and beyond.  DVLF honors these Heroes annually
in celebration of their character & in encouragement of others to
act heroically.
Categories
Philadelphia

The Auto Show Gala #HotDressorHotMess, Chinese Ambasador Visits & Young Friends Are Blue,

Friday night I covered three events. And I just relized I put them in reverse order on this blog entry. Oh well, know that the last event of the night was my coverage of the annual auto show at the Pa convention Center. So often when I am out people ask me where I put there photos. Most of the time I know but sometimes columns are rejected or I find out that the editor that does my column is out that day, or on vacation. Many of the readers come here to PCC to find the photos or links, as they might not be on SM, or might miss it on SM. So here goes.

 I did a column about Friday night’s gala, which is always a fun event, especially for the car enthusiasts. Here are a few photos that nearly made it in my Philly Mag column. It was hard to choose and then narrow them down. I like this shot of the couple who left the beer on the top of the car, they told me they wouldn’t drive off with it up there.

 I really liked her outfit
The Pope’s Fiat was auctioned off and won by Michael and Kate Chapman. There’s another one on display at the show through it’s duration.
You can take a selfie with Pope Francis in front of it.
This couple didn’t make my column, but I will be putting them in the magazine when the photos are run there in April. They were definitely the best dressed.
Here’s the link to the photos I did pick.
 On Friday Ambassador Zhang Qiyue of China was honored at the Downtown Club hosted by Richard Oller, Chairman of GoldOller, GoldOller Real Estate Investments
 Many local business leaders were on hand to discuss potential future collaborations. I covered the event in the Phila Biz Journal
The Barnes held one of their quarterly Young Professional themed events on Friday night.
 Mole Street Productions was on hand again to produce the event. They created this special “pop up” dance segment to pay tribute to David Bowie. Guests really enjoyed it. They also had two bands and a DJ entertaining the crowd.
 These are some of my fav pixs that didn’t make my Philly Mag column.

Check out the rest here

Categories
Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: Ritt Sq News Did #MacMartCart Finds a Home?; No More Sweet Endings, Steap No More

Last month I tweeted/Instagramed and FB’s about this sign about Mac Mart Cart wanted to get a brick and mortar, via this sign I saw hanging near Parc restaurant on a window; the internet nearly broke with excitement.

 Since then I’ve been staking out all the empty storefronts in a 5 block radius.
People told me there were signs at other locations that promoted the popular cart, and everyone was in a frenzy with anticipation.

Today I came upon a “New Business Orange” Sticker on the old Liberty Shoe Service shop. (I’ll sure miss them for my shoe shines, but don’t fret ToBox shines shoes up on 19th Street.) Anyway good old fashion sleuthing paid off cause a tenant came out of an ajdoing building and I said do you know what’s going here. They said a Mac & Cheese place, and next door at the former Good Burger place, a cheesesteak eatery. Since I had read about the cheese steak place in Mike Klein’s column, I took this person to be credible and I’m going to tentatively say Welcome to the neighborhood Mac Mart Cart. Is this where you are going?

I guess SweetEnding couldn’t deal with the confusion over Happy Endings so it changed it’s name to Sweet cafe.

 
 After 10 Years, Steap has closed their Brick & Mortar and gone online.
Here’s the info
Categories
Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: Meek & Nicki; IBEW, Info on Oscar Viewing Party, 80s Pop Stars DJ Jazzy Jeff & Debbie Gibson in Feb & Fun Events #PCCBuzz

Good Tuesday morning. Let’s catch up with our friends, neighbors and notables in Philly.

The winning streak is over, Meek Mill and Nicki Minaj attended a Sixers game on Saturday night, but they lost in a Kanye West nail biter to the Warriors 108 to 106. Bummer. Friday night the duo went out to dinner. I asked the twitter poster if this was Ms Tootsie, but no answer. I think it is. Thoughts?
 The IBEW 98 just donated $20,000 to the Ronald McDonald House.
 Oh that crazy Special Assembly Occupancy License was killed. Not since Table 31 started dance parties in it’s main dining room, did I really ever hear of a flagrant violation needing such a bill, and I can assure you more than one politician was seen at those dances. I remember in NYC they had these laws, and signs up. No one was allowed to even tap their toes if it looked like dancing cause they could be fined. It was like being in “Footloose.” 
Which by the way The Bacon Brothers will be at Union Transfer on Thursday for a fundraiser for a Friends of the Rail Park
fundraiser. Michael and Kevin Bacon both grew up in Philly. Their sister Helga still lives here. Tickets are still available, I will be there shooting the event. 
Speaking of FUNDRAISERS, I will be photographing the next four events. When I run into readers they sometimes tell me they wish they knew about so and so, and such and such an event. I always dreamed of doing a “public” calendar, but I really don’t have time. So I will do my best to post fav events, especially ones I will be photographing. 
Academies rED Fest is having a cute Coffee & Cocktails party at Saxby’s Headquarters on 2/11/16.  They always have fun, high level biz networkorking peeps, as well as a few BOLD FACE NAMES like Keith Leaphart, Marisa Magnatta & Luke Butler
TICKETS
$30 or 2 for $50
Come out, network and support a good cause.

DJ Jazzy Jeff is going to be performing this weekend at Valley Forge Casino Resort on February 20 at Cheers for Chops. Tickets Last year the special guest was Salt & Pepa and the year before Rob Base, which reminds me…
Rob Base and Pretty Poison are performing with Debbie Gibson at Harrah’s West Chester Valentine’s Eve. OMG it’s more Joy than Pain, Catch Me I’m Falling, I thought it was Only In My Dreams that I’d ever see Debbie Gibson in concert in my life. I’m so there. Who wants to go?
TICKET INFO HERE (I still have the Debbie Gibson self titled album)
Yeah, I love a good Oscar Veiwing Party, but don’t call it that cause there’s legalities or something, so they’re calling it Awards Night Party & Screening. Arrive in style
for the red carpet pre-awards show in the lobby. Sip bubbly and
cocktails, taste small bites, and mingle. 

The live awards ceremony will be projected on the biggest screen in
Philadelphia. There will be games and lots of fun, including live
entertainment and special guest appearances from the Bingo Verifying
Divas and partial proceeds from the event benefit AIDS Fund, sounds like everyone’s a winner!

Categories
Philadelphia

AKA Rittenhouse Square Hosts a Reception to Show Off Their New Suites

Last week the AKA Rittenhouse Square hosted a first-look of the newly designed suites.

Meet the designers behind the two new collections, Edward Asfour and Nicholas Cardone. Discover the elegant nuances of the AKA brand.

AKA Rittenhouse Square is located on the corner of 18th and Walnut
Streets, across from the formal entrance of Rittenhouse Square, the
jewel of William Penn’s plan for Philadelphia. The majestic twelve-story
historic landmark has been respectfully transformed with stylish
contemporary interiors while preserving the building’s magnificent beaux
arts façade. 

Brad Korman, ceo Korman Communities welcomes the guests to the newly designed AKA

There are full walk in showers, with double heads
Lisa Heyman and Author Thom Nickels 

Ellen Yin, she operates and manages the a.kitchen who catered the soiree, Laura Burkhardt, Publisher of Where Magazine and Nick Pytel , PHS

Elaine Graber, Alisa Federico, Jill Rizen, Lauren Colabelli & Maura Riely 

Tammi Cummings & Ray Evers

Tim Dunn & Ryan Rakoske


Jeff Guaracino, Brad Korman, David Fields & Nicole Cashman

Yemi Bello, Treasury Manager at Intercontinental Distillers Limited and James Boney
 
Nicole Cashman, Eric Robbins and Kristin Foote

Photos by PhillyChitChat contributor Mike Hirata, who has launched a pretty cool online magazine called
Philly Model Magazine.

Categories
Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Nerlens Noel, Susie Celek Joins The Competition, Ashley Johnson Headed to NYC, Gina Gannon to Japan

Happy Friday – Seems like a whole bunch of people I know went to the White House this week to meet with the President, or his people.

Marcus Allen, President and CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters headed to Washington earlier this week 
 Oscar De La Hoya lands one in Philly, and Team Derek was on hand to greet him.
The Phila Eagles Cheerleaders Open Call Audition is March 5 

 Andrew Sharp at the White House
 Last night Sixers Nerlens Noel stopped by Rumor, posing with the Best Doorman in the City, Tee Fish.
 Former WPHL 17 Eye Opener Ashley Johnson headed to FOX 26 Houston in 2014, and is now on her way to Fox NYC next week. Congrats girl.
 Renee Patrone, Events By Renee appeared with Eve Tannery, TV News Anchor, WFMZ Channel 69, 33, Bethlehem to discuss Super Bowl party tips.
 Mayor Jim Kenney at the Phila Car Show yesterday, rethinking the idea of taking a “City Car” perhaps.
 Since her split with Julie, Susie Celek‘s star has risen even higher. In recent times she’s appeared in Benton Blount‘s new country video, participated in a movie that shot over the summer, and now is participating as a Wingette coach in the Wing Bowl halftime show’s inaugural pillow fight against  Coach Chelsea (Chelsea Durkalec), Team 94.1. Another interesting change in career’s Skin Palate is now operating out of Marilyn Kellmer‘s Sun Myst, formerly a competitor of Skin Palate.
 My cousin – in – law David Nakamura, Washington Post’s White House Correspondence, ran into Billie Jean King at the White house yesterday.
 Bon Voyage Gina Gannon who will be appearing on QVC Japan next week.

Dreaming of you today