Yelp Celebrates The New Year With A Smashing Party

Good day PhillyChitChat friends. Sorry I didn’t post for two days, don’t get nervous I’m not going anywhere, I’ll explain more in the coming days.

Yelp’s hosted a huge party to kick off 2019 and invited Yelpers and friends to sip, snack and socialize at Presenting The Bourse on Wednesday, January 23 from 6-9pm.  600 guests enjoyed the evening, and raised $5,484 for Philabundance!
Arthur Etchells, Manatawny Still Works and Michelle Cassidy Etchells, Community Director, Yelp Philadelphia

Melissa P. recommends you to watch Fyre documentary, Stephanie H. favorite drink is Champagne, Tony P. and Michelle N. does give 5 stars to restaurants if they are balanced in their food and service.

Blake W. enjoyed the Chicken and Waffles from chicken and waffles from grub house. Loves being part of the Yelp community as people are nice, and Leah M. tonight she enjoyed the Bourbon Old Fashion by Blue Bird. It’s smooth, refreshing and strong, she gives it 4 STARS
Nick L’s favorite restaurant is Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Vernick and Taylor S. enjoyed the evenings Freebird Fried Chicken and Alabama Sauce.
Interesting program took place at the event including this live painting of a model, and a band

Julia T. ‘s favorite restaurant in Philly is House of Thai and Ling P can’t brag enough about Suraya Restaurant, in agreement with every reviewer in the City. I must get there soon.

Arielle and Christina enjoy getting together with their Yelp community

Peter N and Kim T’s favorite restaurant is DelFrisco’s, which I couldn’t agree with more.
Matt Lindenmuth and Marisa Magnatta
plan to re-watch the Eagles Superbowl game on Sunday.Nicole K never gives a 1 star, even to the eatery who made them wait an hour even though they had a reservation, had dirty glasses on the table because the food was good and the service was impeccable. Jennifer F. last binge watch was You, but recommends everyone watch Killing Eve. 
Kevin and Kristin enjoyed the cocktails at Blue Bird

Flower Show Press Conference 2019

In a little more than a month the annual Philadelphia Flower Show will open at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Yesterday the Philadelphia Horticultural Society held a press conference at the Ritz-Carlton to announce details for the 190th Philadelphia Flower Show.

This year’s theme for the 2019 show, March 2-10, is “Flower Power,” where designers across 10 acres of show floor of the Pennsylvania Convention Center will interpret how flowers affect people’s lives, PHS officials announced.

Nick Pytel, PHS and Matt Ray, Chatterblast

Erin McKeon, Chanticleer Garden and Aimee Beam, Top Knots

Abana Jacobs, Subaru of America and Robert Drake, WXPN, will DJ at the Flowers After Hours Dance Party Saturday, March 2.

Matt Rader, President, PHS
On Saturday, March 2, 2019Put on your paisley threads and join us for an evening of Sixties-styled fun among the gardens. Starring The Beat-Tells, Beatles Tribute band at the Flowers After Hours Dance Party.

Mayor Jim Kenney told the crowd we are lucky to have the Horticultural Society as our ally in creating a greener and healthier city, as well as engaging in social uplifting programs.

This year’s show will also host the FTD World Cup 2019, the first time the competition will be held in the U.S. since 1985. One of the most prestigious floral competitions in the world floral designers from over 20 countries will compete.

Sam Lemheney, Senior VP of Shows & Events, PHS, Deborah O’Brien, Bank of America, Matt Rader, President, PHS and Tom Doll, President & CEO, Subaru of America

Lisa Stephano, PHS and Laura Burkhardt, Visit Philly

Alan Jaffe, PHS and Suzi Nash

Started in 1829 and hosted by the PHS, the Philadelphia Flower Show is the country’s oldest horticultural event. Proceeds from the show support PHS programs and initiatives.

Hair O’ The Dog Best Fashion at 25th Anniversary Party
Daniel Cronin and Robert Molinaro, co-founders of Chorus Communications, held the first Hair O’ The Dog in 1994 as a fun and creative way to fundraise for nonprofits. With just around 100 guests coming together at King of Prussia’s Tiki Club, the inaugural Hair O’ The Dog set the foundation for what is now one of Philly’s most anticipated events of the year, fast forward 25 years and over 1200 people attend the Silver Anniversary party at the Crystal Tea Room on January 19, 2019. Congrats to my friends on their 25th Anniversary!!

So honored they honored me as well at the event, I’ve photographed 11 of the 25 years, the first time at the Loew’s Hotel. Experiencing that party confirmed that I wanted to be in this business; it was exciting, visually stimulating, especially the Jewelz Entertainment gals hanging from the ceilings, the various VIP rooms each with their own DJ, the crowds, the fashion from hot to maybe not, but that’s what I love about Hair O’ The Dog it attracts folks from all walks of life, all ages, and styles.

Daniel Cronin, co-founder of Chorus Communications, Buffy Harakidas, Chorus Communications and event coordinator of Hair O’ Dog, Sheila Hess, City Representative and Robert Molinaro, co-founder of Chorus Communications at the philanthropic party Hair O’ The Dog which celebrated their 25th anniversary of Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the Crystal Tea Room in Center City.

Meghan Bain, Danielle McClelland, Angela Giabrone and Stephanie DeFlorentis

Synergetic one of the sponsors who provided audio, visual, staging for Hair O’ The Dog
Jason Weldon, Jamie Weldon, Jessica Weldon, Madeleine Harkins, Dave McCann and George Leigh

Patty Vee and Ronald J. Patterson is the Co-Chair of the Firm’s Zoning and Land Use Practice Group Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP

The happiest couple I know: Gus Calabrese and Ashley Smith Baptiste

Lisa Feoli, Diana DeGregorio, and Rita Trombetta

The most fashionable photographer in Philly – Joey DelPalazzo

Opening the evening in the main ballroom is DJ K Styles: Female DJ Extraordinaire, one of the top female DJs in the country. Following her is Party Favor—one of the scene’s hottest DJs at the moment—whose music is recognized across the globe and has been described as edgy and exhilarating. DJ Hollywood and T-Pain.

Christie Freid and Darnell Hicks

Tony Bruno and Robin Austin, who is not only very fashion forward but DIY
talented re-purposing outfits to create one beautiful outfit. Plus her shoes

Cliff and Adrienne Cavanaugh

Allyn Fowler and Amanda Lauren, who will be on the cover of Sweeden’s Playboy Magazine in March.

Corbin Kelly and Kevin Gress

Nolan Pymszo, James Brooks and Baker Blonding
Olga Zlat and Daniel Roach

Sheena Bediako and Kendra Alyse, Alyse Parfum
Check out these links to see if you were placed. Some photos
not seen will appear in the April issue of Philly Mag
CBSPhilly
PhillyVoice
Philly Style Magazine
and soon Metro Philly

HughE Around Town: Mr Den, Kendall Jenner’s Dog, Queen of Rittenhouse and More Gossip

OK I survived the Hair of the Dog last night. Photos will be published on Tuesday, follow me on Social Media for the links, and I will publish Links here on ChitChat on Wednesday.

A few weeks ago the privilege few received these handmade invitation to experience renowned NY artist Den “Mr. Den” Ramos, first Philadelphia solo art exhibit which was held at Maison 208.

Mr. Den’s sculptures, paintings and metal work have been featured at both Comicon and Kidrobot Munnyworld. 
Hosted by Irina V. Mitchell of FashionMonger, LLC (Society Bitch)with Joshua Kradz operations manager Fashion Monger llc

Definitely one of my favorite pieces. Check out his website HERE

Guess who’s back, back in town – Yep Kendall Jenner stopped by the Sixers game last night to see her boo Ben Simmons play. Do not blame her for the loss, they’ve won plenty of times with her in attendance.

Then she went back to his place and played with their enormous dog with the diamond collar. BTW there serious, not only did they get a dog, but she added his photo to the back of her phone, and you know how hard that is to get off. Update: Sunday afternoon Ben and Kendall were spotted at Williams Sonoma on Walnut Street were they were ordering a 10 piece cooking set says my tipster. Kendall is in town for the rest of the week.

Eagles player Freddie Mitchell stopped by Scarpetta Thursday night for dinner. I saw with my own two eyes in the corner with his crew. I had ate from the restaurant week menu $35 three courses, you can’t beat it. I had beet salad, chicken and the most beautiful dessert. Didn’t see what he was eating, but he did eat, not in the quiet cause the Rittenhouse girls showed out to celebrate the Queen of Rittenhouse – Sabrina Tamburino’s Birthday.

Happy Birthday to my original “It Girl”, the first ChitChat Socialite of Rittenhouse Square.
Sabrina Tamburino Thorne.
DJ Eddie Tully kept the party rocking, as he spins there every Thursday Night.

After Hair of the Dog last night, a lot of people headed to the Afterparty at Stats on 17th including the headliner – T-Pain here with co-owner Justin Veasey

.

This week M Night Shylaman’s Untitled Apple Series filmed on the 2100 block of Spruce Street, as well as at 1835 Market Street. Rupert Grint and Lauren Ambrose were spotted. Night was out promoting his new movie Glass. Did you see it? Check out Penn Live’s Julia Hatmaker’s photo column of all the Philly places where Glass filmed. HERE

Although we missed the “Storm of the Century” we did have a dusting on Thursday.

Hope you have a great day, watch out for that deep freeze, but do enjoy the Lunar Eclipse tonight starting a little after 11PM

What To Wear To The Gala, Ball or Cocktail Party

January is slow for social season, but there are 4 important charity galas which occur. First up is The Lemon Ball, which raises money for Alex’s Lemonade Foundation. It happens tomorrow night, Saturday January 19 at the Marriott Hotel Downtown. Across the street at the Crystal Tea Room another charity gala will be going on Hair of the Dog, which benefits the Morris Animal Refuge. Next up is the Academy Ball next Saturday, January 26, 2019, which benefits the Academy of Music building. Finally the Philadelphia Auto Show, which raising funds for CHOP Nurses.

The Lemon Ball is a Black Tie affair, with a touch of lemon

Black–Tie Formal Wear: What It Actually Means. Black tie is a dress code for social functions that start after 6 p.m., and basically translates to “this party is fancy and men should wear tuxedos and women should wear gowns, not cocktail dresses, or something you’d wear to the disco.”

A suit and a yellow tie are acceptable.

Women have options — they can go a bit dressier and wear a formal floor-length gown, or they can choose a dressy cocktail dress, paired with heels or dressy flats. Dressy pants suits are also acceptable

I tend to photograph anyone who has made the effort to wear a little flair

Nearly everyone always dresses to the suggested Black Tie, dress up fashion.

Next up Hair of the Dog attire.

Black Tie Optional
Although you can wear a tux if you want, it really is optional—just as the invitation says. The same suit-and-tie look that you would wear to an important meeting will work. A gray or navy suit is your best bet, paired with a proper dress shirt

For women, it means you have the option of wearing a full-length gown, or opting for a cocktail dress, so long as the hemline isn’t too short or the style isn’t too revealing.

 It’s fun and fancy free without judgement.

You can be a little dare to bare.  Black Tie Optional is a gala after 5PM, but it’s a fun, fanciful, and at HOD wear if you dare kinda party. The sexier, sleeker, the better. It’s also been a party animal good time gala.

Short, sparkly dresses are also a go and for the gentleman a nice black suit with a tie will get my attention for a photo

Beautiful cocktail dress and gown.

Gorgeous couple and outfits, perfect for HOD sexy vibe, and just as good for the Auto Show.

Belle of the Ball with shear and a Tiara is a standout look for HOD, a fun night out at NOTO, 1500 Lounge or the after party at Stats.

Kate Beaver made news history with this eye popping dress. After my photo publishes she and her dress became a media darling appearing together in several outlets.
A perfect choice for HOD, and possibly the Philly Auto Show, but not many other galas.

Vivian’s gown was my best choice for the night. The blue velvet floor length glamour gown is appropriate for most galas and even the Academy Ball.

The Philly Auto Show is Black Tie, the men usually adhere to the suggestion, but the ladies seem to wear from cocktail dresses to Academy Ball gowns.

Although some of the men break the rule on the Black Tie dress as well.

you’re more than welcome to boogie down

Dresses and gowns should be long at a formal gathering
Cocktail dresses as sexy as a convertible
Black Tie Winners
******************

The Academy Ball – Strictly White Tie. Formal Gowns for the Ladies, sometimes gloves.

Need a White Tail for Academy Ball 1/26/19 rent one from @menswearhouse 1624 Chestnut Street and use code #8231927 for group discount code. #sponsoredpost I’ve been renting my white tie from there for 6 years. Where it, return it you don’t even have to clean it. #whitetie #charityball They also have Tuxes, but don’t wear one to the Academy Ball #areyougoing

HughE Around Town: Pod Hotel, 201 & Congrats to Locals

Change of name, the former Sheraton Hotel at 17th & Vine, quietly changed names last year, to Philadelphia 201 Hotel. No word on if they’re going to add the name to the top of the building where they recently removed the Sheraton name.

Speaking of hotels, the POD Hotel is well underway, and has reached the planned 11 stories. Seems to be on track for the fall opening as reported. Check out a story here on Curbed Philly.

I noticed the Philadelphia Library is really LIT now!

Happy Birthday Anne Nikolaus (c) here celebrating with her friends at Vesper Nightclub, right down the street from the former Coda, which is rumored to become Vengence soon.

Congrats to Renee Patrone, President of Party Host Helpers, who got engage recently to her boyfriend Ted Rhinehart

Last week a new permanent exhibit opened at the Please Touch Museum. Check out the story and photos here.
Also if I photographed you this week you might find your photo

The new Swing Exhibit at The Kimmel Center

The Kimmel Center’s Monthly La Noche Dance Party
See you back here tomorrow for more PhillyChitChat

Hey it’s Tuesday. January is really whipping by. I was expecting a nice slow roll through the first month of the year, but not the case it’s busy, busy, busy. Let check out some fun, philanthropic, quirky events happening around town you might be interested in attending starting with something tonight:

An organization that I support – No Dog Gets Left Behind is having a cocktail benefit tonight at the Pyramid Club. 6 pm to 9PM $25 Info here

What do you #BelieveIn?
A. The future
B. Education for all
C. The next generation
D. ALL OF THE ABOVE

Join us at Green Soul (1410 Mount Vernon Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19130) Thursday, January 17th 5:30-7:30pm to support local teens to build a school in Nepal! 100% of proceeds from the #BelieveIn event will be donated to buildOn, an international non-profit organization that builds elementary schools around the world and provides service-learning opportunities to students and educators.

$50 tickets include Nepalese inspired cuisine and cocktails. 7pm performance by Seraiah Nicole.

Celebration! Benjamin Franklin 2019
2019 Celebration:Friday, January 18 Liberty and Justice for All, Reforming America’s Criminal Justice System – Purchase tickets HERE.

Market to Table: Chef Tour and Dinner Featuring Joncarl Lachman in Philadelphia Tickets HERE

Learn how to shop for ingredients and prepare a meal like one of Philly’s best chefs! This new, intimate monthly afterhours dinner series will highlight how the Market can provide everything that you need to make a chef caliber meal at home. During the tour the chef will show you how to choose the best ingredients for your meal and where they chose to source them from within the Market. Next, they will walk you through a step-by-step demonstration on how to make one of the courses on the evening’s menu using the ingredients that were just purchased. Finally, you will be experiencing gustatory bliss as you enjoy a one-of-a-kind multi-course, seasonal dinner prepared in the open kitchen.

Check back on Wednesday for more Philly Chit Chat…

Pat Nogar Hosts Her Annual Annual Twelve Days of Christmas Ladies Tea

Pat and David Nogar

Pat Nogar, host of Living Well with Pat Nogar, held her Annual Twelve Days of Christmas Ladies Tea. This year’s theme was “Harlem In The 50’s” and the ladies dressed for the occasion.

Pat decorated 10 trees which were scattered all over their lovely home
Pat discusses the lore and legend of Harlem in the 1950s
Kathleen Kenneally!

Pat with her Red Velvet Cake, the highlight of the dessert tableBrian and Tiffany Arey with Marie Fritz

Kim Picci and Natanya DiBona

Doreen McGettigan Zoya Egan

Pianist  V. Shayne Frederick tickled the ivory
Karen Ebbert, Pat Nogar and Thanuja Hamilton

Thank you for a wonderful evening of good will and cheer!!

Sheryl Lee Ralph, star of CBS’ FAM, “Watch Party” Last Night

Senator Vincent Hughes and his lovely wife Sheryl Lee Ralph were joined by friends and family to watch the pilot of her new show “Fam” as in family, at teh CBS3Philly studio last night.

In the new half-hour comedy, newly engaged couple Clem (Nina Dobrev) and Nick (Tone Bell)—both of whom are close with Nick’s parents, played by Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Sheryl Lee Ralph—find themselves struggling to help raise Clem’s wild-child younger sister.

 
Sheryl Lee Ralph, an actress, author, and now podcaster — Diva Defined with Sheryl Lee Ralph premiered Thursday, Jan. 10, the same day as her new CBS sitcom, Fam —
Ralph married State Sen. Vincent Hughes, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, in July 2005 and her one of her bridesmaids was Philly’s other lovely diva Patti LaBelle. (Philly.com)
Listen to Sheryl’s new podcast as she will be giving away $500 during each new airing. 
And that looks says it all – Sheryl Lee Ralph has a hit on her hands. I found the storyline to be fresh and funny. Two Thumbs up, set your recorders to CBS 930PM on Thursday nights, better yet watch it live and laugh all night long. Have a great weekend, stay safe, wear your seatbelt and I’ll see you back here Sunday for HughE Around Town and a little PhillyChitChat. – HughE

Hughe Around Town: Comcast is Lit, Eagles Rally, Anita Oh Hosts

It’s Thursday already, this week is flying by probably because we are all so excited about the Eagles vs Saints game on Sunday. Let’s see what’s around town…

Comcast is LIT, the Lateran that is. Last year it looked like it was lit, but that was just the construction lights. Now it’s really lit although I did think they were going to wait until the Four Seasons opened later this year. We’ll take it, looks good. I wonder what it’s like for those who live a little closer, is the light so bright. I’ll find out. It is beautiful though. AND BTW the light will always remain white as neither Comcast building ever opted for the color lights as per Brian Roberts requests, I asked. Maybe he always knew he would live in the tower and only like cool white lights. Speaking of Comcast, the Philadelphia Eagles pep rally will be held this Friday 1/11/19 outside on the Comcast Center Plaza. Eagles HQ will be there from 11am-2pm to celebrate the Eagles’ playoff run and get everyone excited for the game this weekend against the Saints. The event is open to the public and will feature fun photo opportunities with Eagles alum, Eagles cheerleaders, Swoop (the Eagles’ mascot), helmet golf carts and awesome oversized BIRDS letters. The rally will also include performances by the Eagles drumline and pep band. They’ll have some swag giveaways and raffles for jerseys, footballs, etc.

Also on Friday, former CBSPhilly reporter, turned law student, Anita Oh will be hosting a reception after the 6th annual flag raising ceremony for Korean American Day 2019, at Philadelphia City Hall. Councilman David Oh will be doing the honors at 10AM with the reception to follow right afterwards.

Next week Chris Jazz Café is hosting a pay-what-you-want Tacos & Tequila fundraising dinner with the owners of South Philly Barbacoa, Ben Miller and Cristina Martinez, who gained national attention for both their critically acclaimed fare and their immigrant rights activism, on Thursday, January 17^th from 6 to 10 p.m. It will be an evening of tacos, tequila and Latin jazz, with more than half a dozen local chefs volunteering their culinary chops, all for a worthy cause.  “When my chef, Jhonny Rincon, suggested the idea of a collaboration dinner with South Philly Barbacoa to raise awareness about the plight of undocumented workers, I thought it was a noble idea,” said Chris’ Jazz Café’s Chef/Owner Mark DeNinno. “It is an issue close to Jhonny’s heart, as he is friends with both Ben and Cristina. Initially, it was just supposed to be our two restaurants, but when word spread of our fundraiser, several other local chefs who are active in this arena, decided to jump in. It’s going to be a fantastic evening with delicious food and superb live music from Conjunto — a Philadelphia based band that performs the music of Pre-Revolutionary Cuba.

Tickets are $10, which will go to the band. Donation for the dinner is pay-what-you-want. Chris’ regular menu will not be available that evening. Tickets are available at the door or online at: https://www-chrisjazzcafe-com.seatengine.com/events/28010

Shortly before New Year’s I stopped in Reading Terminal to people watch, which I love to do in my free time. I ran into Gunnar Montana (who had a huge successful year with shows in Philly and in NYC. Next, 2019) and Mike DelBene, Mann Music Center. They’re gearing up for great musical acts at the iconic Fairmount Park amphitheater.  This week the Reading Terminal has been in the news as it was ranked No. 1 on a list of the country’s five best farmers markets this year. While I was at the market last week, I ran into someone that told me the Market had a record 10 million visitors in 2018. WOW, I knew it was sometimes difficult to navigate, but I had no idea it attracted such a large crowd.  Come out and celebrate at the Reading Terminal with their annual fundraiser “Party at the Market” on February 23, for once I don’t have a conflict as Cheers for Chops moved their date up a week to March 3.

Last week I stopped by Jenna Communications Year End Party at Sofitel Hotel. All the lovelies were in attendance as well as man about town Greg Basile.

Tuesday I attended Jennifer Logue’s Newsmakers Roundtable where Kristin Detterline, Philly Style Magazines editor of 10 years, spoke about her career. It was very informative. She also chatted about the kinds of stories PSM is looking to be pitched and how to pitch to her and her team. Just write her, but include FABULOUS photos of whatever you are talking about.Newsmakers Roundtable happens the first Tuesday of every month at the Pyramid Club. For $25 you get lunch and a tasty talk. Speaking of Tasty Talks, Michelle Leonard was in attendance as she often is at this interesting gatherings. She hosts Tasty Talks, which is held at Yangming’s on the Mainline. Similar in nature, her chit chat’s are with newsmakers as well. Lunch is served, with dessert for $20, although I’m always trying to get her to raise the price. $5 of the price goes to the charity of the speakers choice. The next Tasty Talks is 1/30/19 with Quincy Harris, Fox 29, speaking.

Hey ladies headed into DelFrisco’s Grille on Broad Street. I love that you are fashion forward on a Tuesday night. Those boots are made for walking, right into the latest steakhouse to open in Philly.  Remember to follow me on twitter and instagram, the links are at the top of the page on the right, and I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m shooting a favorite celebrity in town tonight and will have all the details Friday here on Philly Chit Chat. Have a great day!!