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Philadelphia

PHILLYGRAM: What We Did, Who We Saw & What We Ate this Weekend




 Beth Shak and Brooke Shields at Social Magazine party in the Hamptons on Saturday

John Bowen, Mark Stambaugh, Brian Kendall Sims, Kevin LaFleur and Anh Dang Dan Anders all participated in the 24 in 24 this weekend. Just an amazing cause “Back on Your Feet,” and run.
 Steve O and Maria Papadakis in and on top of LOVE. Maria said the police did come, but all they wanted was photographs with Stevie O
Marc Summers and the amateur winner of the South Street Dog Day contest on Saturday. Check out her instagram DickMom

Speaking of instagram, are you following me on mine: PhillyChitChat

I’ll be writing about the PhillyStyle Mag party on Tuesday.
Wait what Sandy Hill Farm has animals?
Bob Brady threw a big party in Wildwood over the weekend.
Al Lee takes in the Gin Blossoms
Brian Duffy digging crabs
After hanging at the South Street Dog Day’s Mikey Il ran into Schoolly D
Congrats to Phila Eagles Julian Vandervelde and Paula Lisenbee on their marriage. Two of the nicest people.
So sweet, Emily Goulet’s husband Justin carries his mom in law to the car after a painful high heel night.

Have you been to the Spruce Street Popup yet?
delicious
Two former Philly peeps Amber Rose and DeSean Jackson in LA @ Quicy’s charity kickball
New photo alert – Kaci McDonnell
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Philadelphia

WHISPER IS CLOSED FOR GOOD, ART BAR OPENS

Earlier this week I wrote a blog entry about “What’s Going On On Walnut Street” after taking a stroll there. I found a sign on the door at Whisper that said it was closed for renovations.

 Yesterday I got an email telling me it was more than closed, it was done and being re-conceptualized.

Artisan Presents (http://www.artisanpresents.com/about/) has taken over the space formerly known as Whisper
and will be a partnered in the re-concepting & re-launching of it this Fall.  The new name,
concept, and some initial details will be rolled out to the press &
public shortly.
Artisan Presents other clients: include AEG, Live Nation, and Harrah’s Entertainment to name a few. 
Is it possible that the new concept will include live music like the now under construction Tin Roof bar across from Ladder 15?

  • AEG Live
  • Harrah’s Entertainment
  • Electric Factory Concerts
  • Southern Wine & Spirits
  • SFX / Life In Color Tour
  • Live Nation

    • – See more at: http://www.artisanpresents.com/about/#sthash.akBJbYMh.dpuf

     Also this leaves only Rumor as the only dance club in the Rittenhouse Square area. For an after hours dancing you need to hit up Recess in Old City or Pulse 1526 Sansom St.

      

     Sonesta Hotel has revealed their new eatery bar located at 18th and Market Streets. This space used to house a under used coffee bar.
     Now it’s a sleek, light eating, spirited hang out with wi-fi
     Lots of great spaces to sit, eat and people watch
     The menu is very light.
     the space light and airy
    They have booze
    featuring lots of local artists, and a brand new spanking lobby. Still a pain to get the key to the men’s room though.
    Categories
    Philadelphia

    10 Arts Daiquiri Party Pixs & Two New Chef & A Seasonal Table Delight

    The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia celebrated the return of Daiquiri classic cocktail with a special happy hour
    party last week. The hotel will be offered a curated cocktail menu of noteworthy daiquiris from other The Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts around the world.


     All of the daiquiris offered on July 10 were $10 and made with premium Caliche Rum, a six-generation-old rum from the Serrallés Family Distillery in Puerto Rico.
     Jacob Bowling and Marvin Rocha catch up during the cocktail hour.
     
     Nancy Wilhelm and Bruce Camerom
     Sara Schvenemann and Rich Levering, he just got back from New Orleans where he celebrated his birthday.
     Wendy Wilhelm and  Nancy Wilhelm
     Glendisa Sanxhaku (loves the daiquiris and pretzels) and Isamar Ramirez, Program Coordinator at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Check out the author schedule coming up, pretty impressive. Tonight: Francois Furstenberg | When the United States Spoke French: Five Refugees Who Shaped a Nation

     (A) 

    Next week I want to see Food in Jars: Marisa McClellan 
    on Thursday July 24.
    Antoine Williams and Jeanne McLaughlin love the watermelon and strawberry daiquiris
     Shawn Dore, Mischa Greenberg and Judite Morais
     Sophgar Hu and Robert Chhugani
     The Philadaiquiri makes its debut that night but will be offered all summer long as part of the regular drink menu.

     Colin Likens, Gene Buckley and Tim Moir, Owner, Tag Communication Services. Tim tells me the tickets for the Opera Company of Philadelphia gala 9/12/14 are selling fast. I don’t know if you know this but they’re shutting down Broad Street, inviting opera’s biggest stars and celebrating their 40th Anniversary.
    Kristy Sevag
    Cheers to my girls: Christal Watson, Multicultural Marketing Manager at Southern Wine & Spirits and Elizabeth Wellington, Philadelphia Inquirer fashion writer. Yesterday’s column: Made in America
     Smile: Jimmy Contreras, Vlahos PR (representing the Ritz-Carlton), girls on the scene: Kristy Sevag, Christie Honigman and Marisa Magnatta
    Lindsay Christian, Sarala Sarah, Charles Wiedmann, Megan Carr and Kate Carr
    Seasonal Dinners
     Beginning July 24 and continuing every other Thursday through the fall, 10 Arts at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia will host a relaxed, communal dining experience featuring a five course tasting menu. Never the same meal twice, the menu will be mostly of-the-moment – a culinary adventure that should be as much fun for the chefs as for their guests.


    The menu for the July 24 dinner, example, is built around tequila in honor of National Tequila Day.
    Advance reservations are strongly encouraged, as seating at the communal table is limited to 10 guests.
     Sea Urchin – beautiful and delicious!!
    Octopus. There was a TV at the end of the table which had a camera in the kitchen showing us how the dishes were prepared. (middle photo)

     The most unbelievable duck ever

     dessert

    I attended the press tasting last week and the food was delicious. 10 Arts two new chefs 10 Arts Chef Matthias Hiebsch and Pastry Chef Stephen Wilson (above) created a delicious meal. I highly recommend you attend one of these dinners, it’s highly interactive and delicious. $75 plus tax & tips. Reserve your place at the table, please contact Catherine Lamb at 215-523-8000 or catherine.lamb@ritzcarlton.com.
    Categories
    Philadelphia

    The schedule for Made In America – Kanye West Signs on to do LA

    Arent you glad you bought tickets before they made the line up announcement – (I was happy About this before I became disillusioned.)
    The Budweiser Made in America Festival has announced two new additions to the LA Line Up Including Kanye West (who will also be performing in Philadelphia) along with Iggy Azalea. In addition to the line -up – single day tickets have now gone on sale as well as the Budweiser Made in America Festival weekend schedule. Please see below for more details on the biggest event to hit the east coast the west coast and everywhere in between this Labor Day Weekend!
    Thanks,
    The Budweiser Made In America Team
    PHILADELPHIA LINE-UP
    Saturday
    Kanye West
    The National, Steve Aoki
    J. Cole, Chromeo, City and Colour
    R3HAB, Baauer, Mayer Hawthorne
    The Neighbourhood, Holy Ghost, Will Sparks
    Destructo, DJ Cassidy, Cherub, Young & Sick, Kaneholler
    Sunday
    Kings of Leon
    Tiësto, Pharrell Williams
    Girl Talk, Spoon, Grimes, AWOLNATION
    Gareth Emery, Tommy Trash, Kongos, Danny Brown
    YG, Penguin Prison (DJ Set with Live Vocals)
    3Lau, Mimosa, Bleachers, Cut Snake, Bixel Boys, Vacationer
    LOS ANGELES DAILY LINE-UP
    Saturday
    Imagine Dragons
    Kendrick Lamar, Afrojack, Iggy Azalea
    Sublime with Rome, Metric, Capital Cities
    Gareth Emery, Schoolboy Q, Borgore
    DVBBS, YG, MUTEMATH, Dr. Dog, Hit-Boy
    ZZ Ward, Classixx, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, Jay Rock, Cut Snake, GrandTheft
    Sunday
    Kanye West, John Mayer
    Juanes, Weezer, Rise Against
    Steve Aoki, Chance the Rapper, Cypress Hill
    R3HAB, Wolfgang Gartner, 12th Planet
    Rita Ora, Nipsey Hussle, Terraplane Sun
    Yellow Claw, Will Sparks, Scavenger Hunt, SZA, A Tribe Called Red

    Categories
    Philadelphia

    THE INTERNET MIGHT CRASH TOMORROW AS thousands register for Dîner en Blanc

    I just got this and BTW I took off my personalize info for registering. This is just a general guideline for those who are on the list to sign up.
     
    This email is NOT a
    confirmation. You are receiving this email because you previously
    signed up for the waiting list of Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia.  This
    spectacular event will take place in on Thursday, August 21, 2014 in an
    undisclosed location, rain or shine.

    Your registration phase will begin tomorrow, Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 10:30am EDT. Here is a list of tips to help you with the registration process:
    – Don’t use Internet Explorer. Several people reported problems of
    not being able to progress past Group Leader selection due to issues
    with IE. Try using Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
    – Make sure your Adobe Flash is up to date.
    – Sign up for a PayPal account now and link it to your credit card.
    During the first year, many people made it through most of the
    registration process only to be stopped by PayPal who wouldn’t process
    the credit card.
    – If your friend already has a ticket, ask him/her for the name of the
    Group Leader and Table Leader. That group may be filled by the time you
    register, but, if there is still space, try to register in that section
    if you want to be seated in the same area as your friends. Once your
    registration is complete, groups cannot be changed.

    You can find a step-by-step guide on “How to Register for DEB” here: http://philadelphia.dinerenblanc.info/how-to-register-for-deb-593

    Remember, your registration phase will begin tomorrow, Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 10:30am EDT. At that time, we ask that you please come back to this e-mail and click on the following link to register:

    This registration code does not guarantee you a place at Le
    Dîner en Blanc event. Places are limited and therefore will be
    distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    To complete your online registration, you will need:

    • The name and contact information of the person accompanying you (which could always be modified at a later time)
    • A credit card or PayPal account to finalize the process

    Cost is $68.50 total per table (for both you and your guest). This cost includes:
    – Your $5 annual membership to become an official member of Le Dîner en Blanc®
    – A $5 transaction fee (similar to the fee charged by websites when purchasing concert tickets)
    – $29.25/person participation fee. These fees are applied to cover
    overhead costs, such as photography, entertainment, lighting, associated
    permits fees, insurance, and security.

    Registration Directions:
    1. Click on the invitation link
    2. Enter the invitation code
    3. Click on one of the photos to begin
    4. Follow the process and complete the requested information

    Please note the following:
    – You will see a box labeled “Pass word.” This box is prompting you to create a new pass word for your account
    – If you were recommended by a friend who is a Pedestrian Leader, please choose him/her as your Pedestrian Leader
    in order to ensure you will be seated in the same section. When
    registering, you will see a list of “Group Leaders.” Click on the
    appropriate Group Leader in order to view his/her list of Pedestrian
    Leaders.
    – Guests will be using public transportation to travel to the secret location. Everyone should also be prepared for stairs and a 10-15 minute walk to the final destination.
    – Before registering, be sure to remember to ask any already-registered friends for the name of their Pedestrian Leaders.
    Please note that due to place limitations and requests from other
    guests which have been granted on a first-come first-served basis, you
    may not be able to register in the same group as your friends; once your
    selection has been made, it cannot be modified.
    – Participants are responsible for bringing their own table and chairs.
    If you choose to purchase a catered meal by Garces Catering or DiBruno
    Brothers, you must still bring your own china, cutlery, napery, and
    beverages.

    If you experience any difficulty signing up or have any questions, please contact us at philadelphia@dinerenblanc.info

    Best regards,

    Le Dîner en Blanc® – Philadelphia

    Categories
    Philadelphia

    What’s New On Walnut Street & Rittenhouse Row… Babies are leaving, Avance is Staying, Whispers

    The every changing Walnut Street never disappoints. Yesterday I took a stroll down the tony lane and found lots of interesting tidbits for you…

     Babies are on the move as 
     the Children’s Boutique is leaving Walnut and heading to the equally posh Shops of Liberty Place at 16th and Chestnut Street. Remember about a year ago I said that Chestnut Street is the new Walnut Street and more and more it’s looking that way. Neiman Marcus Last Call is rumored to be setting up shop at Shops of Liberty Place, Nordstrom Rack is going into the old Daffy’s across the street,
    American Eagle has opened in the old Victoria Secret’s in the 1700 block of Chestnut, nearby is Knit Wit which was the first store to make the move to Chestnut from Walnut Street.

    Kiehl’s also left Walnut Street and is now house permanently in Shops of Liberty Place

    Joan Shepp made the transition from Walnut Street to Shops of Liberty Place, then found a dream place with large windows for her creative window dressings, which is her forte, up the street at 1811 Chestnut Street.

    Joan Shepp is across from Boyds. Recently on Twitter I was lamenting to my readers that I always had to drive over the bridge to find clothes for Big & Tall guys. No more, Boyd’s has a Big & Tall store. Now it is a little more pricier, but the quality is great and I really like how they look and feel. So my B&T friends check them out. Ask for Heather, she was really helpful.
     Not going anywhere, Avance Restaurant | Chef Justin Bogle
     Last night I ran into Steve Olitsky, who is one of the co-owners of the delicious and popular spot with it’s famous Lamb Burger. Everything is going smoothly and they look to serve you for a long time. I personally love the downstairs bar for the food and chatter.

    In other Scarduzio news, his new eatery on East Passyunk is in sight, as the sidewalk has been cordoned off in preparation for the old building to be demolished. (Passyunk Post)

     Once there was 4 dance clubs on Rittenhouse Row, right now there’s only ONE and that’s Rumor. Ten Six closed on 12/31/13, G Lounge Closed June 28 and now Whisper is closed July 1, for renovations.
    Rumor has it that the Ladder 15 investors have a hand in this unnamed nightclub being built in the 1500 block of Chestnut Street, which will have music acts on one floor and a lounge. It’s the site of the old Gap Store.) The back door is right across from Ladder 15 on Sansom Street.

     

    update from reader on Twitter
    abbykar: its called Tin Roof

    Michael Klein wrote about it in October but I missed that article. Here it is.

    Finally The Van store is gearing up in the old Jacques Ferber Furs fur store. (They were supposed to be open by Spring 2014) A few years back, I wrote how Joan Shepp was thinking of combining stores with Ferber, but it didn’t work out. Now that Van’s is moving in, we’ll have to wait and see if they’re going to share the big window with Ferber furs during the holiday’s, which was the sticking point with Shepp, I hear.

     The Farmers’ Cabinet closes for ‘summer cleaning’ [Philly Insider] The sign on the door said they’d be back on July 11, but it doesn’t look like it’s open. As of last night the flags were still flying proudly as of yesterday so maybe they’ll get their act together and the hot spot will once again serve spirits.
    Categories
    Philadelphia

    #woofwoofwednesday Philly Pooches & Pets looking adorable

     heartbreaking

    Shots Fired – Tim Blackwell
    Categories
    Philadelphia

    Pixs: The Dr. Howard Mazer Memorial Strides for Strokes 5K Run/Walk

    On Sunday, June 8, the Delaware Valley Stroke Council held its 20th annual Strides for Stroke
    5K Run/Walk. The event, fully planned by Jenna Communications, was an
    overwhelming success. Nearly 1,000 runners and walkers participated and
    helped raise awareness for stroke, the fourth
    leading cause of death and number one cause of adult disability. Also,
    we owe a big thank you to all our sponsors, including: Parx Casino,
    Trader Joe’s, ShopRite, Modells, Yoga Garden, EMS Entertainment, KIND
    Bars and J&J Snack Foods. See Strides for Stroke coverage on
    NBC 10     and 6abc.

     The Delaware Valley Stroke Council held their 20th annual Strides
    for Stroke 5K Run/Walk last month at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

    The signs of someone having a stroke and what to do…
     
    ACT F.A.S.T. 
    FACE – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

    ARMS – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

    SPEECH – Ask the person to repeat a sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence?

    If the person shows any of these symptoms, TIME is critical.

    Call 911. Get to a hospital now. Brain cells are dying.

     Two inspiration stroke survivors
     Survivors wore orange
     Green was for supporters

    Toby Mazer, founder of Strides for Strokes with a survivor as she crossed the finish line.
    The Delaware Valley Stroke Council is SO proud of stroke survivor Silvia Rotenbury for completing her very first #StridesforStroke! She has overcame so many obstacles and is doing great. Congrats Silvia!
     

      Toby Mazer with local news guy Joshua Crompton, overnight news desk CBS3, suffered a stroke at the age of 31 in April 2012, finishes the walk. Read about him here
     Helene Katz, and her family
     The plaques for the highest fundraising team
     Jillian Mele, NBC10 Philadelphia makes the announcements.

    Coming up:

    Delaware Valley Stroke Council at The Phillies
    Please join us at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 22 when the Phillies host the San Francisco Giants at 7:05 p.m.

    Categories
    Philadelphia

    LAST NIGHT’S EPIC LIGHTNING STORM #PHILLY #SKYLINE

    Lately it seems like I’m never home for these epic storms but last night I fell asleep around 5PM before heading out and thankfully slept until the time of the first thunder crack – Sorry Alliance
    Francaise de Philadelphie I didn’t make it to your event.

    Last night when night time turned into day.

     
     It’s been my mission to get a shot of Liberty One being struck by lightning once again;  In the 1990’s I was able to get a shot of the building being struck, but that was on film. Until last night it was an elusive dream.

      

    Oh the Comcast Building being struck by lightning.
    Just when I thought the storm was passing by
    a few more bolts were produced
    Including this great cloud to cloud one lighting up Center City once again.
    Categories
    Philadelphia

    EASTERN STATE BASTILLE DAY & LINK TO BEHIND THE SCENES SHOTS

    Here are a few pixs from Saturday’s Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary. I’ll have more photos at NBC Philadelphia later today and at the bottom theirs a link to Philly Mag where you’ll get PCC exclusive behind the scenes shots.

     

    Thanks to Eastern State and Ellen Feist for arranging it so Mike Toub & PhillyChitChat could shoot some behind the scenes shots of the annual tradition. Check out those photos here on PhillyMag