Philly was just named the best place in the country to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, according to new rankings from WalletHub.
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Scene: St Patrick’s Day Parade
James Beard Award-Winning Iron Chef Jose Garces is proud to announce the grand opening of Amada Radnor this coming Friday, March 17th. Yesterday he held the official Ribbon Cutting of Chef’s original concept Spanish tapas concept which won Garces the Best Chef MidAtlantic James Beard Award in 2009.
Amada Radnor features a stunning 7,000 square foot, 250+ seat dual level restaurant, bar, lounge, private event space, outdoor courtyard and outdoor patio.
With this expansion, Garces comes full circle as Amada was Chef’s first restaurant he opened in 2005 when he went out on his own. This also caps off a banner year, with Garces opening eight new restaurants in less than 12 months.
From the bar, Amada’s wine program exclusively features wines from Spain with over 100 selections from both popular and emerging regions in the country, plus cocktails inspired by Spanish ingredients, and Red and White Sangria. Amada Radnor will also feature brand new Gin Tonic Experiences with a cart that arrives tableside inviting the guests to partake in creating the perfect Gin Tonic to pair with their meal.
The menu will feature an expanded selection of Amada’s signature Spanish tapas (Tortilla Española, Wagyu Brochettes, Amada’s Empanadas) and Paella Valenciana (rabbit and chorizo paella), plus new dishes exclusive to Radnor developed for the on-site wood fired ovens from MiBrasa. And YES, Amada Radnor will feature Chef’s famous Cochinillo Asado (a whole roasted suckling pig). – Which we enjoyed last night. So good.
“Amada is near and dear to my heart,” said Garces. “It was the very first restaurant I opened when I went out on my own in 2005. It will be a great addition to the exciting and rapidly growing Main Line dining scene. We have so many Garces fans from over the years come join us in Old City, and now we are bringing the concept right to them in their own backyards.”
The food was delicious, the space is beautiful, the outdoors is a gem. Amada Radnor is going to be the hot spot on the Main Line this summer and the foreseeable future.
For more about Amada, call 484-429-2158, visit http://philadelphia.amadarestaurant.com/ and follow @amadaradnor on social media. For more about Chef Jose Garces, follow @chefjosegarces on social media.
Congratulations Philly PR Girl. Starting out as a WYSP on the promotional team, Kate Marlys knew how to get the word out. Friendly, outgoing, she easily made friends, and connections which would serve her later in life as she built her public relations business. Starting off as a blogger, she would write about her life of adventure, eventually sharing with the public info they wanted – where to eat, what to do, what to see; which morphed into a PR business where she could help businesses share their stories , connect with media. Many of her first clients were friends, and these days many of her friends are her clients. Congratulations Kate!! Well Done. OH forgot to mention, she also was a genius with the name of her firm. Catchy, memorable and concise.
Philly PR Girl is a full-time public relations firm for event planning, social media management, marketing, and promotions. Our company was built on the foundation of networking and relationship-building. Owner Kate Marlys has planned, facilitated and attended hundreds of networking events, resulting in a strong and dynamic network of contacts in digital, print, TV, and radio throughout the United States.
With an emphasis on organic branding and powerful online communications, our team brings winning strategies, forward-thinking implementation, and endless energy to non-profits and businesses of all sizes on both a local and national scale.
It was great to be back at City Winery, I hadn’t been there since the beginning of the pandemic. We’re so lucky to have a major music venue like this in Center City, with food and good vibes. Plus a great event space with a stage. Check out today’s Metro Philly for more photos as well as my column in CBSPhilly. Congrats again Philly PR Girl!!
PS to my readers sorry I have been absent, social season is booming. I’m getting ready to go away for 5 days, and when I return I promise to be more consistent on this platform. Know that you can follow me on IG where I do post every 6 hours. PhillyChitChat Instagram
The Mashrabiya Project Opens at The Museum for Art in Wood in Old City.
Old City was energized on Friday as First Friday resumed a few months ago, and really seems to be hitting it’s stride again this year. So many art galleries and shops were open, attracting locals and art enthusiast a like. I headed to The Museum for Art in Wood and the opening night of The Mashrabiya Project
The Mashrabiya Project is a community-focused, shared experience that links the heritage of the mashrabiya, a screening element with ancient origins, to responses in art and design that reflect considerations of space and seeing in contemporary life. The Project—the first in the U.S. to examine the mashrabiya as both an architectural object and a locus of metaphor—presents an opportunity for dialogue and connection across cultural and geographic borders.
In newly commissioned works, six artists from the Muslim world— Anila Quayyum Agha,, Nidaa Badwan, Susan Hefuna, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Majida Khattari, and Hoda Tawakol created societal and cultural concepts evoked by the mashrabiya.
“The Mashrabiya Project” is on display at the Museum for Art in Wood until July 23 and is free. The Museum also have other exhibitions on display, and a great gift shop. So many unique items.
Philly really is on the lips of everyone lately. We have three sports teams who played in championship games, the legendary Ridley Scott is filming an Apple TV series in town, people are moving into town, and we have another fantastic TV show set in our town: Abbott Elementary.
It’s an American mockumentary sitcom television series created by Philly’s own Quinta Brunson. A group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — find themselves thrown together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. (I do love how they turn to the camera sometimes, a la The Office, and speak.)
The break out sitcom also stars Sheryl Lee Ralph, who has been married for the past 17 years to Pa Sen. Vincent Hughes (above) which makes her the first lady of the 7th District . I’ve been covering the couple for 16 years now, and oh how sweet it is!! He was on hand, Wednesday night at Bok Building as we all got to screen the latest episode of Abbott Elementary,which was titled Mural Arts .The episode highlighted Mural Arts Philadelphia (Mural Arts), the nation’s largest public art program, which has helped Philadelphia earn international recognition as the “Mural Capital of the World.”
On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, a packed audience of Mural Arts Philadelphia friends, partners, students, and supporters came together in the auditorium at the Bok building to celebrate the work of Mural Arts Philadelphia and watch the much anticipated “Mural Arts” episode of ABC’s Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series, Abbott Elementary.
The “Mural Capital of the World”
Mural Arts Philadelphia started as an anti-graffiti program in 1984 and has grown to be an international leader with over 4,000 works of community-based public art. Spring is coming, and so is the new Mural Arts Tour Season. INFO Here
Mural Arts Philadelphia Executive Director, Jane Golden, explained how Mural Arts’ work in the Philadelphia community is a prime example of the power of art that ignites change, the impact of art in schools, and how it helps to shape our local landscape, and offers a voice for students. “Our Art Education department demonstrates how art goes far beyond the realm of public space to that of public action, as art is seen not only in terms of physical development and revitalization but also social transformation and change.”
City Representative Sheila Hess (c) spoke from the stage, how the airing of this episode will not only highlight the beautiful work of Mural Arts, but how Mural Arts incorporates students in creating the art work. After the show aired, Quinta tweeted: Thank you all for being part of the show! Mural Arts is one of my favorite things about the city. This episode is actually inspired by the time Mural Arts came to my middle school and helped us create a mural that’s still there today. Love driving by it. Head to Mural Arts to learn more about this great program.
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In honor of Black History Month, Joan Shepp hosted her annual Women of Substance & Style soiree where black women who have influenced our community’s growth and prosperity are feted. This years honorees have been selected by Cheryl Ann Wadlington, Dyana Williams, and Tuesday Gordon. Each honoree will be presented with a certificate at the event, a change to talk about their lives to a room full of friends, family, supporters and change makers.
This year Joan Shepp will be giving back to Turning Points for Children, whose mission is to strive to bring social and health services to vulnerable people across the city of Philadelphia. Annually, they serve over 17,000 individuals, including children and adults, to offer services such as foster care placement, counseling and parental education, behavioral health services, and much more.
As with every Joan Shepp event, the fashion was fierce!
Famed jeweler John Wind was wearing an original design by Conrad Booker, where he takes a suit jacket and strips it down to it’s inners adding thread to create this unique jacket.
More than just a meticulously curated fashion boutique, for 50 years, Joan Shepp have provided exceptional service, exclusive designer events, and most importantly, a space for the fashion community to play, discuss, explore, and discover new designers and innovations in the industry.
SHANI NEWTON Dolly’s Boutique is one of Philadelphia’s most unique shopping experiences. Owner, Shani Newton opened the boutique named in honor of her late grandmother nearly 10 years ago. She and her staff pride themselves on providing an exceptional level of customer service. “When you come to Dolly’s, expect to be treated like royalty”, a frequent quote of Shani’s.
Shani told me that when she was younger her grandmother took her to Joan Shepp’s shopping. She enjoyed the experience, how they always had treats and champagne on hand for the customers. When she opened her store she wanted to create the same experience for her customers, and she has, as well as earning respect from her peers and the community.
Founded in 1971 in Lafayette Hill, Joan Shepp has since been recognized as one of the country’s style leaders by publications Harper’s Bazaar and Lucky Magazine. In 1984 Joan’s daughter Ellen joined the business. Together, along with their loyal and creative staff, they have continued to share the Chemistry of Fashion. The complete list of women honored at the event
Saturday I had brunch at the recently opened Hook and Ladder Sky Bar & Kitchen , which is now officially launching brunch on the weekends. Located in Conshohocken and part of the new Hotel West & Main. Before I head into the brunch menu, We need to catch up on the ladies Kristin Detterline, Alissa Frick, Jillian Mele, Christie Mandia, Jessica Boyington, Marisa Magnatta , for long time subscribers you recognize them not only for their accomplishments, but as my friends I’ve photographed over the years, some from the beginning of PCC, most in the last 14 years.
I’ve known Marisa Magnatta the longest, meeting her at a Philly Style Mag Party in 2008. She’s still rocking it 20 years at MMR, and in the upcoming March issue of Philly Mag, she’s interviewed.
Kristin Detterline, left her long time position as Editor-in-Chief and Group Editor of Modern Luxury Media’s Boston and Philadelphia publications, to accept a job with Athena Global Advisors. Plus she still produces content for PSM, as well as Philly Mag. Next up for her is the Build Me Up Buttercup fundraiser for the William Way Center. Jillian Mele, I met her in 2010 when she worked at NBC10, was there when she won her first Emmy in 2014, and have enjoyed watching her career soar to national heights, and then returning home where her heart, family and friends reside. Now you can catch her on 6ABC, reporting and anchoring the weekend news. Congrats to Jessica Boyington, who I’ve known for nearly a decade. What a bright ball of energy, and fun. She’s also was at NBC10, and is now at 6ABC. She just got engaged!! Great to see Alissa Frick, she also started out at NBC10, and is now at Fox29 where she is VP of Creative Services & New Media. She is also co-founder of the very innovated Blok, smart cutting board. Christie Honigman Mandia, my good friend for years, since 2009, then we became neighbors, those were fun years. A publicist for years, got married in a black wedding dress, who is raising a family in the burbs, now working with the premier PR Agency in Philly Cashman & Assoc. It was a great afternoon with amazing friends, who were generous in allowing me to photograph them, and chronicle their lives. Now we share cherished memories for life.
Hook and Ladder Sky Bar & Restaurant
As I reported last week, Thursday night film crews shut down Chestnut Street between Second and Third Streets to film a limited series called “Sinking Spring” by Ridley Scott for Apple TV+. “Sinking Spring,” which is going by the working title “Catamount,” follows long-time Philly friends and delinquents who pose as DEA agents to rob an unknown house in the countryside, only to have their small-time grift become a life-and-death enterprise, as they unwittingly reveal and unravel the biggest hidden narcotics corridor on the Eastern seaboard,” according to Variety. Filming started Feb 7 and continues through July, with casting done by Heery-Loftus.
Thursday’s shoot was a car chase, with one of the cars flipping over at 2nd and Chestnut Streets. The eight-episode series is set to star Brian Tyree Henry, Kate Mulgrew, Marin Ireland and originally Michael Mando, but Mando was fired last week after getting into a fight on the set with another actor, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The Better Call Saul actor has been replaced by Wagner Moura. No sightings of the cast out and about yet, but director/producer Ridley Scott has been spotted dining at JK Skyhigh at the Four Seasons several times now.
Last night I caught Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Kimmel Center. It was fantastic. Just what I needed to get me through the mid winter, gray sky blues. They have three more shows, today at 2PM, 8PM and then Sunday at 2PM. More Info Here. Before the show I photographed the reception. It was great to catch up with folks I hadn’t seen in a bit. Let’s see who was there.
Algernong Allen, Real Estate Developer and Anne Marie Green, CBS Mornings. I always admired Anne Marie’s work ethic, working the 4am news shift in NYC, without missing a beat. Their lovely daughter Ailey Lynn Allen was with them. Note the her first name.
Tomorrow evening, Reverend Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D. is hosting An Evening Conversation with Keynote Speaker Dr. Bernice A. King at Mother Bethel AME Church Info Hehttps://www.aampmuseum.org/bhm-2023.htmlre
The Philly Home + Garden Show is Back This Year with Over 275+ Exhibitors, Celebrity Guests, and a Little Bit of Something for Everyone at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, I check it out this morning, I picked up a few things for our newly renovated kitchen. Mike and I went last year, and that’s how we found the company for our backsplash, and the granite for our kitchen renovation.
The Philly Home + Garden Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA for three days only from Friday, February 24th to Sunday, February 26th. Attendees will find new inspiration, innovative products, helpful tips, and amazing deals in remodeling, home improvements, décor, and outdoor spaces with opportunities to connect with hundreds of home and garden experts.
The show will include over 275 exhibitors ranging from home décor and furniture to garden and landscaping to kitchen and bath to food and beverage. If you’re like us, you watch HGTV, DIY, and TLC home improvement TV shows for tips and tricks for your home. Come get tips live from Celebrity Guest: Joe Mazza, star of the hit series “Home Inspector Joe” on Friday, February 24th, and Saturday, February 25th.
Other celebrity guest appearances include Jeff Devlin, host of DIY Network’s Stone House Revival and licensed contractor with more than 20 years of building experience. Jeff will be in attendance to share his passion for designing, creating, and building with attendees. Devlin will also have a ‘pop up’ shop filled with local handcrafted items and woodworking that is for sale along with a section dedicated to his Airbnb at Sycamore and Stone Farm. Click here to check out the full Main Stage schedule throughout the weekend, https://phillyhomeandgarden.com/show-features/speakers-celebrities.
Special Ticketing Days:
- HERO DAY: Honor our local heroes on Friday, February 24th where all active and retired military, first responders, nurses, doctors, and teachers will get free admission upon identification.
- SEPTA DAY: If you have a SEPTA key card, you have the key to the Philly Home + Garden Show on Friday, February 24th. Present your SEPTA key at the box office for free admission.
- SENIOR DAY: Guests that are 60+ will receive a $3 discount at the Box Office courtesy of our sponsor, Luxury Bath! The promotion is offered at the box office with a valid ID on Friday, February 24th.
Show Manager Jenna Naffin says, “We’re excited to be back offering the community the opportunity to do face-to-face shopping with local experts. Many of us have been spending more time at home. If you’ve been wondering how to redesign your kitchen or bath, spruce up your backyard for entertaining, or how to create your new home office, you need to be here. Here’s your chance to talk to business owners in person, shop, compare, and save with hundreds of vendors all under one roof. Don’t forget to make a fun family day out of it. Plan your visit around our expert and celebrity stage presentations, FREE DIY workshops, wine, and whiskey tastings, our NEW food truck rally on Sunday, and more
Follow the link to the Philly Home + Garden Show website for more information regarding featured events and vendors, PhillyHomeandGarden.com.
Tuesday night @jason.kelce and his very pregnant wife Kylie, dined @mikesolomonov @zahavrestaurant with another couple. When he walked in the servers and diners clapped as he was led to his table. He acknowledged the appreciation, then enjoyed dinner uninterrupted. I wrote on my Instagram last night. (I love when I hear about these heartwarming moments, thanks to a reader) Later I learned …
He did pose with one of his favorite chefs, Michael Solomonov who reminded his readers about Underdogs, Jason’s clothing line, where the proceeds go to the BePhillyFoundation
Oatly Launches Plant-Based Cream Cheese with Philadelphian Tara Lipinski. Oatly, the world’s original and largest oatmilk company, unveiled their new plant-based cream cheese invented in Philadelphia by mostly Philadelphia-based food scientists with Philadelphia native and Olympian Tara Lipinski. As part of this pre-launch release, Oatly has partnered with local Philadelphia bagel chains Spread Bagelry and Philly Bagels, who are now serving Oatly’s Philadelphia-invented cream cheese today through March 31st (or until supplies last). No doubt they launched in Philly because where else, the staple Philadelphia Cream Cheese is so synonymous with our City, but they say it’s “this is the first time Oatly has embarked on a limited pre-launch strategy in one particular city. The hope is that Philadelphians adopt Oatly’s cream cheese the same way they’ve adopted other hometown staples like greased street poles, Gritty and the 2006 film Invincible.”
I mentioned last year that Ridley Scott would be filming his Apple TV Series “Sinking Springs” in the beginning of February, and he did, turning University City into PhillyWood for a week starting on February 7.
“Sinking Spring” is a crime drama series, that stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and “Better Call Saul” star Michael Mando as long-time friends posing as DEA agents and robbing a seemingly normal country house in the small town of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania. They unwittingly get caught up in a major crime operation.
The cast also includes Marin Ireland, from Amazon’s “Sneaky Pete” and Netflix’s “Umbrella Academy”; and Kate Mulgrew from Netflix’s “Orange Is The New Black.”
According to the Apple Insider: The most interesting thing about the series so far is its massive budget – the pilot episode alone cost over $50 million. That is almost as much as the budget of the entire first season of Game of Thrones! Season 1 of the HBO hit cost around $50-60 million, which breaks down to $5-6 million per episode. The pilot episode was filmed for two weeks in Bucks County according to Levittown Now, the money was used to rent out an entire town including the police force, fire department. According to World of Reel, that $50 million went on two weeks of shooting. Apple is said to have rented out a whole town, including hiring its police and fire department, and to have blown up a house.
If you capture any photos, send them to us at hughe@phillychitchat.com and we will publish them. I love car chases, and no doubt this one is going to be a fun one. BTW roads are closed in the area, and bus routes are re routed. Check with Septa for Info.
And follow me on Instagram for more current content. Have a great day. Enjoy this weather. xo HughE