Rumor Mill: Hill Country Barbecue & Market Coming to Philadelphia

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date January 23, 2014

For awhile there it looked like the 1900 block of Chestnut was being abandoned with lots of business closing up and remaining empty. But you’ll recall I broke the story in November 2013 that Pearl Properties bought up the first four properties on the 1900 block of Chestnut…

Up to the old Boyd Theater. Lots going on with that property in the news now.

Across the street is the old LCB liquor store, which moved around the corner to a brand new spanking spot at 2040 Market Street

Now the old liquor store is going to become a restaurant by the name of

Hill Country Barbecue & Market. It’s a franchise with 3 locations in NYC and one in DC.

Hill Country honors the barbecue and live music capital of Texas and
takes its “cue” from the legendary meat-markets-turned-barbecue-joints
of Central Texas with their distinctive, dry-rub style. All barbecue is
cooked fresh daily on premise in our custom meat-smoking room.

Our
brisket, sausage, ribs and other meats are smoked low and slow over
Texas post oak and are served on butcher paper, counter-style by the
pound as is traditional in Central Texas.. Updated versions of classic
Southern sides and sweets, created by executive chef Elizabeth Karmel,
include Longhorn Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Peanut Butter & Jelly
Cupcakes.

As soon as I got the tip I headed over to check out the spot. My source left me a comment saying it’s just the liquor store spot, even though I can’t envision it in only that spot and not the empty Cravings restaurant next door, but I guess we’ll see. I love me some BBQ and the place looks delicious. Can’t wait. And wow isn’t Philly booming?

Philadelphia

SNOW PHOTOS #JANUS 2014 & Video of Sledding at the Art Museum Steps, People Coping & Other Pixs I didn’t tweet/instagram etc

Originally I photographed most of these for Philly Mag, but because I was stuck in traffic in University City between 1PM and 3PM, I was never able to get them in on time. Now they seem a little dated as it’s gorgeous out today and I’ll take more photos. But I do love them and wanted to share them with you.

Rittenhouse Square – 19th and Spruce, or is it 18th? Hmm

Who drives their Rolls Royce in this weather?

I’m obsessed with bikes in the snow, not riding one though.

I’m obsessed with why people ride their bikes in the snow

Oh I get a little out of order here, but bare with me…

Cross Country Skiing on Walnut Street

8PM total

Thanks to Kaci McDonnell for tweeting the art museum sledding shot I took. It was retweeted about 1300 times. You’re probably curious how many followers you get from that, about 150.

But when your name gets on the 11 O’clock news you get emails from your grade school girlfriend

And bragging rights cause over 24000 people liked this on FB, and 11000 shared it.

(This is the 2nd time in less than 3 months a shot I took of the Art Museum Steps has made news (remember the car driving down the steps, and now these series of shots have made national news including Good Morning America,

a video I made was featured on CNN today.) Sledding is also great behind the Art Museum as well.

Divine Lorraine at about Noon yesterday (Instagram PhillyChitChat)

Thanks to GM for giving me a Buick Enclave for the week. What great timing, this suv is unbelievable in the snow. There’s no way I would have driven my Ford Fusion in weather like last night. Check out www.drivethedistrict.com. for more info.

Near Penn’s Campus – I’m not a huge fan of shooting people in weather. First, I’m in that weather,

secondly there’s snowflakes or rain drops in the photo.

Near Penn’s Campus

Penn’s Campus

Near Drexel’s campus

Spring Garden Bridge

The Art Museum is barely visible

Fairmount

South Street

Italian Market

At the height of the storm last night, the building that houses Bettie Page, their sidewalk is so clean. Not so much for the Apple Store, next door.

Rittenhouse Square

2nd & South Streets. Definitely my favorite photo of the day. Mom and dad pulling the kids on sleds.

PhillyChitChat trended twice on Twitter in Philly last night. That was rather cool.

Philadelphia

Snow Emergency Route List, $5 PPA Garage list, and BTW Schools Are Closed Tomorrow

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date January 21, 2014

City Twitter accounts to follow for snow information: @PhiladelphiaGov; @Philly311; @PhilaStreets; @PhillyPolice; and @PhillyFireDept

This is important because if you normally park on a Snow Emergency Route you now have an inexpensive place to park your car, and you don’t have to dig your car out tomorrow. The emergency routes are listed below this list of garages, with links to the PDF.

Snow Rate Special: January 2014

Posted on January 21, 2014

We will be offering a $5 Snow Rate Special per each 24-hour period starting on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 through the end of the Snow Emergency, at the following parking facilities:

AutoPark: @ Olde City (2nd & Sansom Sts.)

@ Independence Mall (5th & Market Sts.)

@ 8th & Filbert Street

@ Gallery (10th & Filbert Sts.)

@ Jefferson (10th & Ludlow Sts.)

@ JFK Plaza (15th & Arch Sts.)

To receive this special rate, you MUST bring your ticket to the
management office. Normal posted rates will apply to any vehicle that
enters after the State of Emergency has concluded.

Please stay safe during this storm. Follow the PPA’s Facebook and Twitter for updates.

http://philadelphiastreets.com/pdf/Snow_emergency_routes.pdf

http://philadelphiastreets.com/pdf/text-snow_emergency_routes.pdf

Philadelphia

If a Snow Emergency is Declared…

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date January 21, 2014

I found it, under transportation, under snow heading, at the bottom of the page
http://www.philadelphiastreets.com/transportation-highways-snow-intro.aspx

If a Snow Emergency is Declared

As winter weather approaches, the Streets Department
monitors weather forecasts to provide advance notice of weather
conditions. When snow accumulations approach emergency status, the
Managing Director may declare a snow emergency. Stay tuned to local
radio and television news. If a Snow Emergency is declared, the City
will plow the 110 miles of snow emergency routes from curb-to-curb. This
means owners of vehicles and dumpsters must move them to alternate
parking spaces. Vehicles that cannot move under their own power are not
exempt. Vehicles and dumpsters cannot park on snow emergency routes
until the emergency has been declared over. Residents should look for
snow emergency route signs along streets where they work, live, or shop.
They are large signs reading “Snow Emergency Route” in white letters on a red background. Plan ahead for alternate parking accommodations.

Failure to move vehicles and dumpsters can result in a towing charge up to $150.00 or a substantial fine. If your vehicle has been towed from a Snow Emergency Route, call 215-686-SNOW, and be prepared to provide information to identify your vehicle. Citizens should NOT call 911.
Police Department dispatchers do not have information on vehicles towed
as a result of plowing operations. Motorists may drive on snow
emergency routes as long as their vehicles are equipped to handle
adverse conditions. Vehicles that stall or become stuck along snow
emergency routes are also subject to towing and fines. For more
information on Snow Emergency Routes click here.

Overview

Our Highway Unit is the primary response team during snow and ice
events. One of the major challenges the
unit incurs is snow being shoveled back into plowed streets after city
teams clear the street. This practice
is not only illegal, it’s a hazard to drivers and pedestrians. Another
challenge is cars parked too close to a corner,
which interfere with the turning radius of snow removal equipment.
Philadelphia Code 12-9131(1)(b)(iii) prohibits parking within 20 feet of
a crosswalk at an intersection.

SnowCat

SnowCat is a system that identifies various categories of weather
conditions and indicates the City’s response to each category. For information on SnowCat, call Customer Affairs: 215-686-5560 or click here. Citizens may also request a SnowCat booklet by calling Customer Affairs or visiting our download area.

Philadelphia Code 10-720 Regarding Snow Removal From Sidewalks

According to Philadelphia Code (10-720),

“(1) the owner, agent, and tenants of any
building or premise shall clear a path of not less than 36″ in width on
all sidewalks, including curb cuts, abutting the building or premises
within 6 (six) hours after the snow has ceased to fall. The path shall
be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Where the width of any pavement
measured from the property line to the curb is less than 3 (three) feet,
the path cleared may be only 12 inches in width. When the building in
question is a multifamily dwelling the owner or his agent shall be
responsible for compliance with the requirements of this section.”

(2) Snow or ice removed from sidewalks, driveways, or other areas shall not be placed or piled in the street.

(3) Any person who violates this Section shall be subject to the
provisions and penalties set forth in 10-718 and 10-719.

The penalty for violating this provision can range from “a
minimum fine of fifty dollars ($50) to no more than three hundred
dollars ($300) for each violation.”

Private plows piling snow in the street after city teams have
cleared the road is illegal as well as a hazard to drivers and
pedestrians.

Philadelphia

HAIR OF THE DOG 2014 PHOTOS & LINKS TO COLUMNS

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date January 21, 2014

Saturday night was the 20th Annviersary of Hair of the Dog. Over the years, and since I’ve been covering it, it’s been held the Bellevue, The Loews, the Westin, The Loews, on a riverboat and this year at the Sheraton.

6 years of crazy fun. This year was really unique as the event was held in one room with the VIP section cordoned off. It was definitely the biggest VIP section they’ve ever had too.

It was good to see some familiar faces, as well as some new folks this year. Although because it was held on MLK weekend, some folks decided to escape to warmer climates.

And as with many of the Hair of the Dog events, Jewelz Entertainment was there to heat up the party with beautiful women, some doing aerial magic above the dance floor.

Check out my columns in Philly Mag and Philly dot Com for lots of photos, and stories. Thanks!

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Snow Predictions by the local weather peeps, and who is predicting the most snow!

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date January 21, 2014
1 Comment on Philadelphia Snow Predictions by the local weather peeps, and who is predicting the most snow!

All the weather peeps know I admire what they do, and we’re friends. I’m just a weather geek compiling info as I saw it happen over the past few days. That being said, here are the latest readings as of 11PM for Janus or as I would like to call it the Chris Christie Inauguration Day storm.

Mike Masco, ABC2 Baltimore called this snow early, I think it was Saturday night. I screen shot it at that time because it was the first I heard of snow for this week. Then finally on Saturday/Sunday AM something popped up on the weather channel about 3AM, and all they said was flurries. Even this morning they were only predicting 1 – 2inches of snow, but they didn’t give the storm a name yet.

Hurricane Schwartz was the first local weather person to call for a little more than a dusting with his prediction on Sunday of 1 – 4 inches of snow, while others, including the Weather Channel were still at 1 – 2 inches.

Finally late this afternoon they gave this storm a name, and it’s as
ridiculous as the other ones. What’s wrong with just calling it the day
after MLK 2014 storm, or ya know Gov Christie Inauguration storm. No
this storm is named in honor Janus: The Romans named the month of
January in his honor. Janus presided over the beginning and ending of
conflict, and hence war and peace.

at 5PM he went to 6 – 10 inches of snow. Remember about 5-6 years ago Hurricane wanted to name the storms, but that lasted for one weather season.

Here are the 11PM 1/20/14 predictions for #Janus or Gov Christie storm.

‏@katebilo

9h (which was about 4PM)

We have just increased snow totals for tomorrow’s storm – with the high ratios, we expect at least 6″ for much of the area.

Monday Morning :

‏@CecilyTynan

16h

Ready for snow? WINTER STORM WATCHES posted 4am-10pm Tues for most of area (counties in blue.) 3-6″ of snow expected pic.twitter.com/iU4F2UcLT1

Then the weather models began agreeing on the track

‏@CecilyTynan

New GFS (computer model) run in. We are adjusting our timetable AND expected accumulation map (up.) New info on #ActionNews at 11 #6abcsnow (9PM)

6ABC – 5 – 10 inches

Fox 29 is calling 4 – 8 inches and the wildcard +

John Bolaris comes in at 11PM with his prediction of 7 – 11 inches. I’m glad he’s found an outlet for his weather. He gets excited about the weather, he’s over the top, he’s cocky, he’s confident and he’s also been fairly accurate this whole season. He is the only weather forecaster that predicted 30 inches of snow this winter season (most forecasters said 15 – 20 inches of snow); with this storm it should put us in the range. Check out his detailed forecast here.

Hurricane Schwartz has to be the 2nd most excitable weather person in Philly. You could tell during the 6PM newscast he wanted to tell us of the new predictions of 9-14″ of snow, but he was waiting for all the models to align. By 11PM they did for him.

I love Live Weather Blogs for their discussion on weather. It’s like chatting about the weather around the water cooler, and since I work from home it’s perfect.

Mike Masco, ABC2 Baltimore says 8.4 for Philly.

Let’s review:

NBC10 Hurricane Schwartz – 9 – 14″

Live Weather Blogs: 10-14 inches of snow

John Bolaris, Phillydotcom – 7 – 11″

Weather Channel – 6 to 10 inches

6ABC Cecily Tynan – 5 – 10″

Kate Bilo CBS 3 – 5 – 10″

Scott Williams ‏Fox 29 – 4-8″

This blog will be updated in the morning.

Philadelphia

Party Pics: Young Professionals Across Philadelphia Networking event at the Phila Art Museum

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date January 20, 2014

Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesday Nights are casual, exciting, and illuminating every week. Which set the tone for

Megan McNeely, Emily Gerstell and Gina Crivelli

Nicole Johnson, Co-chair of PMA Young Friends, and Anne Gwal, Associate General Counsel at Pepco Holdings Inc.

Amanda Buonpane and Kristy Webb

Rose Plummer, Katelyn Hufe, Eileen Murphy and Patrick Murphy

Rich Levering and Sarah Schuenemann

Guest, Ashley Brindigi and Maureen Hiller from the United Way

Julie Drezner, Amanda Garlen and Melanie Goslee

Melissa Page and Sarah Schuenemann

Hillary Naiberk, Rich Levering and Jillard Reilly

Quron Bank and Crystal Johnson

Shariff, Jeff and Brendan

Edward Mesarosh, Rachel Sigman and Gideon Gradman

Katie Griffin and Emily Gersteil

Kelli Moore, Christina Cardinal, and Brittany Borden

Joel Fatemayer, World Affairs Council

Andrew Eron, The National Museum of American Jewish History.

Check your schedule for some fun upcoming events for the NMAJH and their thriving organization Young Friends of NMAJH

Sandy Das and Carol Carty

Philadelphia

Chef Jorge Chicas takes the helm at Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Rooftop Lounge

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date January 17, 2014
1 Comment on Chef Jorge Chicas takes the helm at Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Rooftop Lounge

Across the street from Independence Mall, Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Rooftop Lounge at the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, A Kimpton Hotel are two of Philly’s hottest new spots to eat, relax and enjoy a delicious cocktail.

Wednesday night Red Owl Tavern hosted a soiree to introduce it’s new executive chef Jorge Chicas who will run all culinary operations,
including Red Owl, Stratus the hotel catering and
banquet operations.

Chef Jorge Chicas has an extensive background which includes stints at Think Food Group, DC, SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA and Andaz in West Hollywood. Red Owl, the American Bistro, will still be serving some of your favorite dishes, but expect Chef Chicas to add several new dishes to the menu.

Holly Drauglis Keefe and Collin Keefe

John Wilson, Crystal Hayes, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Christina Cassidy, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau

At the reception food and appetizers, which will be on the new menu, were served including hummus with baby carrots

Tina Santos and Bruno Pouget

Heather Wyatt and Danielle Cohn. Congrats to Danielle who is being honored by the PPRA this year.

Signature cocktails served were the Philly 50, Tavern Negroni and very popular Hibiscus Fizz.

Erik Travers, Restaurant Operations Director at Kimpton Hotels and
Natalie Pineda, General Manager at Red Owl Tavern

Chef Kathy Gold

Ben Covington, Visit Philly, Adriana Arvizo, Public Relations Manager at Visit Philadelphia and Arturo Varel, a senior reporter with leading Hispanic weekly AIDia NewsMedia,

Laura Burkhardt, Publisher Where Magazine and James Zeleniak, Punch Media

Kristina Jenkins was there taking photos for uwishunu

Thom Cardwell and Ian M Crumm

Mmmm so delicious. Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce & Yuca fries. Look for the new menu to debut after Restaurant Week

Philadelphia

Friday Fashion: Street Style Fashion & Real-Life Looks + My Fashion Pick of the Week

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date January 17, 2014
1 Comment on Friday Fashion: Street Style Fashion & Real-Life Looks + My Fashion Pick of the Week

Friday Fashion: Street Style Fashion & Real-Life Looks + My Fashion Pick of the Week

I fell in love with the idea of shooting people on the street after seeing a Robert Capa photo exhibit at the Phila Art Museum about 15 years ago. It featured women doing errands during their lunch hour in the 1950s. The photos showed a lot of stress and determination of very stylish women as they hurriedly about completing errands in the 60 minutes, as it was a time, as I’m sure it still is now, where the women were responsible for many of the household chores, taking care of the kids and getting dinner on the table in a timely fashion for Don Draper. Over the years I’ve run a street style column on a random basis, but I’m going to try, scratch that, I’m going to run one every Friday. It’s Fun, Friday, Fashion. It might not be high fashion, but who doesn’t check the mirror before they head out the door, we care what we look like, even if most of us shop at Free People, H&M or the Gap. It’s about the accesories and how we carry ourselves.

On Tuesday my location was the Rittenhouse Square area. Rittenhouse seems to be the epicenter of the universe in Center City.

People from all walks of life utilize the square, either to walk through, meet up or people watch.

Rarely do I find a person that doesn’t pique my interest.

These days I’m fascinated by people navigating the streets while using their cell phones.

And selfies, but no one was doing that. These folks were in a hurry to get somewhere.

Well most of them…

This shot appeared in my instagram PhillyChitChat, but in color. It got a lot of love.

Over on Racked Philly I saw similar leggings. This is really a bold statement, and that gal must
has a serious style sense.

Funky colored socks in all kinds of designs seem to be the rage these days. I like to buy mine at Blue Claw on Chestnut Street.
As you might know, Ian Crumm is my style guru. He told me you need a niche, how about wearing fun colored socks with your all black outfit. So now I do.

Gap is having a great online sale for similar pants at $22

The Bill Cunningham of Philadelphia, Reuben “Big Rube” Harley, Philly Daily News, scouting out the center of the universe in Philadelphia, 18th and Walnut streets for the ladies with heels, lips and hips. It’s always fun to shoot with the Big Rube for a couple hours.

Rube’s shooting style is getting his subject fully in the frame, and if they see him shooting he just captures that moment. It’s breathtaking art to capture the unexpected.

I photographed Bill Cunningham at the opening of the Barnes, then Anne Hamilton introduced me. What a thrill for me. I love, love his style. Which is also full frame, plus picking up on trends usually before designers even discover them. He, like Anna Wintour, influence style.

Super classic.

Walking in stride.

A great scarf

American Hustle

Rosa

Brian

Photojournalist Colin Kerrigan from Philly.com Once a week he heads out in the City to see who he thinks is styling it. Colin’s column consists of shooting stylish peeps and getting specific details, which reminds me of a street style shot that was taken of Madonna and published in the Village Voice before she hit it big.