Categories
Philadelphia

LAGO’S 35TH ANNIVERSARY – PHILLY MAG POST

This photo has nothing to do with it. I just took it the night I went to the party, or the day after I think.

http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2012/10/05/hughe-dillon-lagos-35th-anniversary-party/

Thanks to:

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Philadelphia

RAW TALENT: Taragirl & June Divided – Girls Rock!!

RAW is an organization for artists, by artists, that showcases emerging talent in art, fashion, music, film, hair, makeup, photography and performing art across the U.S.

RAW: natural born artists is an independent arts organization, for artists, by artists. Raw is held the first Thursday of every month in over 54 cities across the United States and Australia.

 Our
mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of
their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire
and cultivate creativity.

 Rob C

Ian Michael Crumm and Mariel Rojo looking dope

 We welcome all genres of art including
independent film, fashion, music, visual art, performing art,
hairstylists, makeup artists and more.

Neverland Glamour – Wendie Hetherington. Hostess Maria Papadakis enjoying the Zombies

 Lobo Mau – by designer Nicole Haddad

 The fashion director for Raw. He says it all with his eyes and hand gestures. I could watch him all night. You can see his fashion approval or disapproval on his face with each piece.

The crowd – diverse, attractive, fun, friendly. If you’re looking for something different I would recommended attending one of these events.

Go with friends or alone. Conversation is always happening cause art is happening.

  Lobo Mau – by designer Nicole Haddad (L)
 Emily Phlung and Darren. Emily commutes to NYC to work, everyday. Crazy. i remember those days and know how hard that is.
 TARAGIRL – Love Her. When is she going to be “discovered?”

Grayson Papa (c) or as I like to call him my old office mate. As paralegals our cubes were right next to each other. Fun times.

 Anthony Chad and Mel Slim
Anthony once invited me to his show at the James Oliver Gallery, and I declined. I love Chad’s talent, but the 5 floor walk up at JOG brings back nightmare memories of my 6 floor walk up when I lived in NYC and I just can’t revisited anything more than a 3 floor walk up or I have a demonic seizure.  I was much thinner then cause I never grocery shopped.

 A nice crowd always shows up, and on the RAW nights the lights are brought up to actually see your neighbors face

 Is that John Mayer?

 Andrea and Vincent DelMastro.  Andrea tells me she’s my number 1 fan, reading me from day 1. Then she told me which of my entries were her favorites. She and Vincent have been married for 2 years, but were dating for 15 years before that; they wanted to make sure.  They were out for the night as they had gone to Winthrope & Valentine at the Westin. Delicious, unique preparation of the steak. Next up Le Castagne & Budukan next week.  Vincent was one of the construction workers that worked on Hotel Monaco. He loves the finished project, telling me the hotel rooms really reflect America and the historic area of Philly. I can’t wait to see them at the dedication on Thursday.

 Artist Ann Desimon (r) and her mom Karen.

 WOW I was completely blown away by the performance of June Divided. They are on the fast track to mass appeal.

 Check out next months Raw: Artist at G Lounge November 1, 2012. Check out their webpage for more info here.

Categories
Philadelphia

Event: CREATIVITY MEETS ARTS & CULTURE – REPLICA AFTER DARK

REPLICA AFTER DARK

Where CREATIVITY MEETS ARTS & CULTURE

Friday | October 19, 2012 | 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M
33 South 18th Street, Philadelphia PA 19103

THIRD FRIDAY EVENINGS IN CENTER CITY

Usually more modest than its brethren, third Friday evenings in Center City take on a smooth new
persona from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., beginning
October 19, with Replica Creative’s Replica After Dark: A unique collaborative where creativity meets
arts and culture. Enjoy a cocktail and delectable hors d’oeuvres as our space is transformed into a chic
and intimate gallery,
showcasing the best 2-D presentations from local artists each month. Meet up with other business
professionals or simply unwind with friends and give your third Fridays a stylish makeover with the
sights of Philadelphia. Be a part of the scene and stir up some mid-month excitement where art lovers
and
cultural connoisseurs can add Replica to their list of weekend stops.

Calling all artists!

Are you interested in having your work displayed for a Replica After Dark exhibit? We’re currently accepting
2-D art, including

I remember as a first time artist – I photographed City landscapes, fall leaves, and life,

I was so excited when I had my work exhibited the first time.  I knew someone at Borders Book Store and they asked me. Well now you have a chance to exhibit your work and here’s how. (That was my most popular shot exhibited)

PHOTOGRAPHY, ILLUSTRATIONS, PAINTINGS, AND SKETCHES.

Send all inquiries to mail@replicaglobal.net, and please include your
full name, email address, website or portfolio, and details of your medium.


Our mailing address is:

REPLICA CREATIVE

33 S. 18th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Categories
Philadelphia

SCARY TIMES AT Eastern State Penitentiary – Plus Kick Off Party

sORRY i WAS SIDE TRACKED THIS AM, STILL WORKING ON THIS

Last weekend was the annual ESP | Eastern State Penitentiary   Terror Behind The Wall, family, supporters and media party. It’s one of my favorite let down your hair, photograph Cecily Tynan in a bat girl kinda party, (although Cecily didn’t make it this year she was under the weather.)

 I was thoroughly expecting the same OMG scary, but somewhat predictableness of the haunted prison as I had gone through the adventure 4 times last year during October cause I love watching others get scared. Well I was in for a surprise. There are new features this year, many more ghouls roaming about inside and it’s dark. No more tiny flashlights to guide you through this year.  Every-time I got successfully scared, I gave the ghoul a little clap, get your minds out of the gutter, for a job well done. I pride myself on predicting the scares (ie I’m anal that way.) I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to go back.

 The party is always so much fun and held inside the walls in an area visitors rarely see with creatures that roam the concrete tunnels like this guy with Mark Segal and Mike Toub

 Mr Philadelphia – Al Lee

I think the real scary part of this entry was how I forgot to make the watermark smaller and white

Michael and Ellen Feist. Ellen is the marketing manager for the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site in Center City

Keep the Bath Salts away from the Waderman Zombie Clan: Cindy Wanerman, Board Chair of ESP, with daughter Stacey Wanermanwith husband Larry Wanerman

Dan Reinherz and Hadas Kuznits

Stacey Wanerman, Alex Rose, Sonny Bhatia, Ciara McCay, Kenan Moriarty, Cristina Raimundo and Jamal Hart

Q102’s Maxwell, George Hobbs, Katie Spotts, Kimmy and Amanda King
Irene Lewis and Claire Brown Kohler

Lauren Messinger, NBC10 News Anchor Keith Jones and Sara Messinger. Keith and Lauren met in elementary school, and had their very first kiss in high school, but it doesn’t count as it was on stage in their school’s annual play.

They remained friends, visiting each other at their respective colleges, chatting about others they dated and life issues. Thankfully they didn’t have to wait til mid-life like Harry & Sally and heard the bells before too long.

Kyle Roller, Matt Nadu and Alec Wanerman

Jason Duran, Brett Copel, hot talented juggler, Casey Anderson, and friend

Andrew Morgan and Brett Bertolino – My 1 year anniversary of photographing them

Joan Rivera, guest, Jeff Liebreich, and Cari Feiler Bender. Cari wants you to know that it’s Mural Arts Month and Historic Philadelphia, Inc. kicks off the 2012 fall season, Monday, September 24, with a toast to go down in history. Raise a pewter mug to some autumnal cheer with the Once Upon A Nation Tippler’s Tour: Ghosts & Toasts seasonal Colonial pub crawl, Spooky Mini Golf and the second annual PumpkinFest family fundraiser at Franklin Square, and After Hours Candlelight Tours and an outdoor movie screening of Night of the Living Dead on Friday, October 5 for one night only at the Betsy Ross House.

6 ABC’s Ali Gorman and boyfriend Joltin’ Joey DeMalavez, of Joltin’ Jabs Fitness Center.

6ABC in the house …. Michael Brigon, with 6ABC Traffic Guy Matt Pellman, B101’s Andrea Duffy and Damien Clifton. They loved the exhibit this year too. Thought it was scary, and Damien’s ears are still ringing from Andrea’s screams.

Don’t forget to visit Eastern State’s Terror Behind the Wall. Go early in the month so you don’t have to wait in line. Also this weekend – WOW the line up for Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade Sunday. & Grand Marshall Frankie Valli with the Geator on October 7, 2012

Categories
Philadelphia

Holy Cow Game Changer: Red Owl Tavern, Hotel Monaco Philadelphia and The Stratus Lounge

Lately on twitter I’ve been using Holy Cow to really get across notable moments, and extraordinary things of interest. The Red Owl Tavern, Stratus Lounge and Hotel Monaco Philadelphia fits that definition; separately or together it’s a big Holy Cow game changer for Philadelphia.

It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago when I took this photo at the “groundbreaking” of the 
Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. (This is looking towards what is now the Red
Owl Tavern restaurant with it’s grand windows over looking Independence
Hall and the Liberty Bell) Jack Ferguson, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB), Nick Gregory, General Manager Hotel Monaco Philadelphia – Director of Operations at Kimpton Hotels (standing),  Kimpton’s President and COO, Niki Leondakis, The honorable Mayor Nutter and Meryl Levitz, CEO Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) 

Last night I attended one of the Friends and Family nights for Philly’s
latest and one of the most anticipated new restaurants, Red Owl Tavern, part of the
new Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco opening next week at 5th and Chestnut.  I can’t remember the last time a restaurant in a hotel was so highly anticipated with the exception of Eric Ripert’s 10 Arts at the Ritz Hotel with Chef Jen Carroll. (BTW Top Chef’s new reality show  “Life After Top Chef” debuts tonight on Bravo at 10PM. I’ll be in two episodes, the first one airs on October 17.)

What’s interesting about the Kimpton brand is the branding of their restaurants. They are stand alone, meaning they have an entrance that fronts the street welcoming guests through the front door without having to go through the lobby. Their other property in the City, Hotel Palomar Philadelphia also has a restaurant with a door on the street, Square 1682 17th and Sansom Streets. Another restaurant in the City that does very well, and with this concept is a.kitchen, which is part of the long term stay hotel AKA Rittenhouse.

Guillermo Tellez Cruz, executive chef Red Owl Tavern, and Stratus Lounge (he will continue to oversee Square 1682 too) last night prepping orders for the packed house.

 Michael DeGano, Director of Restaurant Operations at Kimpton Hotels., Chef Guillermo Tellez Cruz and Erik Travers, the Restaurant Operations Director of the Red Owl Tavern in the Hotel Monaco

Jack Reilly, Legend Properties, Natalie Pineda, General Manager of Red Owl Tavern and Diane Farina, Starr Restaurants

Jimmy Contreras, VlahosPR Sandy Foxx and Matt Vlahos, VlahosPR who does the PR for Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Lounge

Kimberly M. Ciesla and Robert N. Johnson, both of Anne Klein Communications Group.

Nikki Vlahos and Stevie Wagner

Dileimys Franco and Angela Giampolo (or as I like to call her, my lawyer.)

Kristen Foote and Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Assocs. Nicole does the PR for Hotel Monaco Philadelphia and Hotel Palomar.

Dinner was delicious. My friend Kristyn Aldrich and I shared a steak, a chicken pot pie (that was outta this world), the Red Owl Salad – hmm hmm good and a cherry pie that is the size of the ones you would get at More Than Just Ice Cream. Above is the fruit tart and a peanut butter chocolate whoopie.

Then we were whisked to the 11th floor and the Stratus Lounge. WOW I was so surprised at how amazing the space was. Lately all I kept hearing was negative nelly stuff like there’s no direct view of the skyline, but even with the fog and mist I could see the buildings. More importantly though it was outdoors, it was beautifully decorated with plenty of seating; it’s dope.

This is the bar area, which is under a roof with garage like doors with windows that close in inclement weather.

 The whole outdoor area is heated with heat lamps when necessary.

Kristyn standing in the future DJ area. There’s not a dance floor per se, but it’s a lounge and toe tapping is encouraged.

There are two enclosed pavilions at either end of Stratus Lounge, these used to be storage buildings for the historic Lafayette Building which is the Monaco Hotel, capacity for each is about 60 people, with windows that overlook Independence Mall, seating for about 30 in areas that are reminiscence of VIP bottle service, but there is no bottle service here, no minimum if you and friends are out for the evening.  It’s like getting VIP bottle service, but what is the normal service at a Kimpton property. They can also be rented out for private parties for a reasonable amount that includes a food and beverage amount. See John Christinzio, Lounge GM for more info.

Vapor – is the more sleek of the two pavilions, with it’s black and white decor, TV’s, many couches and a few tables;  It’s more intimate. I took the above shot with a flash, this is the room where you wanna listen to some Barry White with your boo.

Mist is bright and white. There’s a nice size community table running the length of the room, comfortable white chairs that might make your mother cringe if you drink red red wine in this room. The two windows have a great view of the Constitution Center, but no one’s gonna be looking out them except me, cause the action will be happening in the room. It’s the see and be seen room, it’s well lit.

Looking towards Vapor. There are conversation pits, a long couch and a 30 foot fireplace for those cozy nights with that special someone. The Stratus Lounge reeks of romance, as well as a great place to go with friends. There’s a lot of options on the roof top. It reminds me of Hop Sing Laundromat but outdoors. It’s a little bit off the beaten track, but it’s worth the trip.

In anticipating this property over the year I was wondering if it would attract locals or just remain a hotel property where guests are the predominately users of the restaurant and lounge. I’m here to tell you that this is going to be one hot property.  Red Owl Tavern has a diverse menu that will keep it’s hotel guests happy, as well as the locals. It’s eclectic like Square Peg, but still has standard fare that even little Mary would want to try. Stratus Lounge will be a destination point, where hotel guests, locals and people from the tri-state area will want to check out the scene, all year long and then tell there friends.

As I tweeted in the cab drive home last night:

Honestly the entire Hotel Monaco complex sets a new
standard for Philadelphia. It’s sophisticated, whimsical and delicious.

The hotel is gorgeous, the lobby reminds me of falling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland.

Here are a couple links to photos & stories by the Foodies of Philly on Red Owl Tavern and The Stratus Lounge.
Michael Klein
City Paper – Stratus Lounge Menu
Foobooz – Red Owl Tavern Menu

Zagats
uwishunu – Monaco Hotel Philadelphia

Categories
Philadelphia

Green Tree School Ground Breaking & Fundraiser at Franklin Institute 10/11/12

Green Tree School  – a Philadelphia-based private school serving autistic children and their families – ceremoniously cut the ribbon and tossed shovels of dirt they unveil building plans for the school’s new Germantown campus, located at 1196 E. Washington Lane.  

Today, Green Tree School
is spread among four buildings in two separate locations. To these
students, consistency and stability are of paramount concern.
Consolidating programs and services in one building will deliver
consistency in the daily routines and program offerings, enhance the
inclusive, positive atmosphere that succeeds so well at Green Tree School, and continue to fulfill the Green Tree School mission, which includes no tuition or therapy fees to any students. What’s more, the custom-designed building will allow the school
to maximize programs and student services and give the children an
environment that encourages them in a design formed to function for
their specific needs.

Green Tree School operates a long-running culinary arts vocational program founded by
one-time Green Tree teacher and  local restaurateur and caterer Steve Poses, who will prepare the food for the upcoming Green Tree Gala at The Franklin Institute on October 11, with Larry Hall, board president of Green Tree School.

Councilwomen Cindy Bass spoke about Green Tree School program, and what a wonderful addition it will be for the neighborhood.

 Students, teachers and dignitary stand at the location of the bright future. This is where Green Tree School will continue to offer programs focus on the acquisition of academic, personal, vocational and
social skills necessary to enable students to succeed in school and the
community at large, but in a state of the art facilities and all under one roof.  Construction should take about a year. You can support this project by attending “A Bright Futures Affair” or donate directly to their Capital Program.


Green Tree School is having “A Bright Futures Affair” and you’re invited.
Categories
Philadelphia

STYLE ME HIRED 2012 – ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL MAKEOVER DAY FOR 100 UNEMPLOYED WOMEN

Makeovers are generally viewed as a way to help someone improve their look, a
recent survey found 75 percent of people feel that makeovers are really
about enhancing BOTH your inner spirit and your appearance.  Last Monday over 100 women’s lives were changed by Marc Voci’s “Style Me Hired”

Marc Voci, a hairdresser and creator of Style Me Hired with the supportive
Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds-Brown and Councilman Bill Greenlee at
the Omni Hotel in Center City. Style Me Hired is an event where 100
unemployed women receive a make over from over 20 volunteer salons, as
well as clothing from Career Wardrobe, and job training skills from
business volunteers all in an effort to help them get back into the
workforce. Reynolds-Brown and Greeley spoke with the women and gave them
encouragement

Stacey Wright, Marc Voci and Kyasha Tyson,Greater Philadelphia Area – Producer, Board Operator — Assistant Director at 900 AM WURD & Prime Movers Media Clubs take the opening snip from Donna, who was one of the women chosen for the make over day

Shear Ingenuity – Owner Ramika Guillory (r) tells me the name came to her in a dream.  Ramika Guillory (c) and Season Whiting (r)

Each of the lucky “clients” was matched with one of the 25 participating
salons in the city and suburbs, including Rittenhouse’s SignaCurl By
Joseph Lentini, Salon A in Bryn Mawr, and Cambio Salon in Media. They
also will receive professional attire from Career Wardrobe, a nonprofit
partnering that outfits women who are transitioning into the
workforce, plus will be giving job interview prepping, and this year with EDSI a job fair was held at the end of the day where the participants could apply for several jobs that were available.

 Dentistry at Suburban Square: Michael I. Wollock DMD
They have this procedure called snap in teeth whitening system. I’m so getting this. 

 
They have this procedure called snap in teeth whitening system. I’m so getting this. I could never remember to do the whitening process ever night.

Jen Eberwein, Danielle George and Laura Gale of Crimson Hair Studio

 Sheri Cole is the Executive Director of Career Wardrobe with Susan
Rocco, radio host of “Women to Watch” 1180 WFYL Radio participate in the
Style Me Hired day.

 Jackie Bera and Carol Ann Yarris

The Omni Hotel really goes above and beyond by donating the lobby, the restaurant, and the penthouse for use of Style Me Hired every year.

 “We are honored to be part of Style Me Hired again this year,” said Omni Hotel at Independence Park
General Manager AJ Williams III. “It is an incredible joint effort between Marc and the Career Wardrobe
and we are amazed at the incredible work they do together. We are thrilled to be the host location for this
event for the second year.”

Tara and Tracy. Tara doesn’t usually wear a dress, but her stylists over at Studio 444 thought it would complete her new look. She whole heartedly agrees now.

Paige Jellison– she loves her new color, the whole experience makes her
want to hair stylist. Creating magic and making someone’s life better by
styling hair is very fulfilling. and Christine O’Brien – Has never won
anything, and is so overwhelmed by the whole experience.
Studio 444

 Tonya Lee-Phillips (center) after her make over by Bel A’mour Hair Salon – Philadelphia, PA
Eboney, Gina and Kia

This is an email that just came in from one of the Amazing Women from Monday’s Styled Me Hired Makeover Show! I am truly humbled and blessed!
Hi Marc, I just wanted to thank you personally for all of the hard work and dedication that you have poured into the style me hired makeover show. I was one of the lucky winners and was really impressed by all that was planned and organized for the show on Monday. I have only been out of work for one month, so I felt kind of guilty talking to so many woman who were out of work for sever…

al months to one year! I am even getting unemployment but do not like being unproductive. I want to work, as I get pride and confidence from performing a task to the best of my ability. I met a lot of wonderful people and received several good job leads from the job fair and I hope to be employed in the not too distant future. I know that you have put several hundred hours of planning into the show and I want you to know that I was very appreciative of this.
Thank you so much for caring about others!

Lisa

A letter from a participant:
What a blessed day I had at the “Style Me Hired ” event held at the Omni on Monday. From beginning to end the experience was at times overwhelming ,filled with opportunity and fun. The atmosphere was charged, and people wonderfully delightful. What a blessing to be part of something so wonderful. I also was one of the ladies given a makeover and what I took away from that day was first, a new appr…

eciation of what goes into the organizing and pulling together all those involved, the long hours they worked. For an event this size it flowed well. Hats off to all those who gave so much to make the day happen for us. I also came away with helpful information on job searching. the” what to do and not do” when talking to a potential employer. Lastly I found myself feeling more confident, and better prepared to get out there and make connections. I pray that Marc, Anita and the others who gave so much of themselves to strangers, will have their own cup of blessing pressed down, shaken together and running over with abundance. Your gift touched my heart,adjusted my thinking and lifted my spirit. God Bless you as you have blessed so many others.
Mary

 Marc Voci and the ladies who participated in “Style Me Hired Makeover”
at the Omni Hotel. Check out Marc Voci’s Facebook page for more
information on the program as well as networking opportunities.

Thanks to these Sponsors for making it all happen
Check out Marc Voci’s FB Page for upcoming events and networking

Categories
Philadelphia

BIKE & TRAFFIC ALERTS – DO NO HARM FILMING & A Cory Monteith Photo

Hey Do No Harm is filming in the Rittenhouse Area this week. Traffic Patterns will be disrupted, especially the BIKE LANES.

I understand that parking in the bike lane is the suggestion from Streets Dept and I think its great idea, as it saves from taking about 60 residential parking spaces.  But the word definitely needs to get out to the biking community, as well as folks who generally drive Spruce Street to get to Rt 76

This is the letter a friend sent me  from her neighborhood Association:

Hello Everyone,

We wanted to pass along some information on filming locations in the
neighborhood next week for the new NBC series “Do No Harm”. Please keep
this information in mind as it may impact traffic.

The Locations for Monday 10/1/12:

No Parking: 23rd St. between Locust St. & Pine St.
North Side of Spruce St. between 24th St. & 20th St. (biking lane)

No Parking: 5 spaces in on the South Side of Spruce St. @ 23rd St. (for trucks turning).

The Locations for Tuesday 10/2/12:

North Side of Spruce St. between 15th St. & 18th St. (biking lane)
No Parking: Both Sides of Locust St. between 15th St. & 18th St.
May have a working vehicle or two on 16th St &/OR 17th St.

The Locations for Wednesday 10/3/12:

North Side of Spruce St. between 15th St. & 18th St. (biking lane)
No Parking: Both Sides of Locust St. between 15th St. & 18th St.
No Parking: Both Sides of Chancellor St. between 16th St. & 18th St.
No Parking: West Side of 17th St. between Walnut St. & Locust St.
No Parking: West Side of 16th St. between Walnut St. & Spruce St.

Looks like McCanick is filming at the Parker Hotel again as well as a running scene on Juniper between Spruce and Locust.

Spruce Street between 12th and Broad, and along Locust St between Broad and 12th Streets.
Til 2PM Monday

Categories
Philadelphia

What You Missed at Campus Philly Saturday – Drink This Be Sexier

Lots of swag for your the oversized Gift Bag Ikea would have given you…

Emmy Award Winning Maria Papadakis on stage MC’ing the musical acts. All this the day before Maria’s wedding shower, which is today. Check back on PhillyChitChat.com tomorrow for photos from the event. It’s a ladies tea party and me the honorary Man of Honor.

Duke and Winston in the house

Crowds were sparse as it was an iffy weather day, but all in all it turned out to be quite nice and warm.

Blue Hair

Ikea was selling pastries 2 packages for $5

Brendan Kent, cousin and friend. I didn’t have my note book. The gals go to Villanova.

The longest line at the event was the Neuro water line. I asked a few people what the big draw was and they said

The promotion says that Neuro will make you sexier, smarter, stronger, leaner etc †and that was the big draw



†These statements have not be evaluated by the FDA (hmmm)
  

Categories
Philadelphia

The Saint James Place Sets an Opening Date

It’s October 9, and here’s what you get to look forward to….

CHEF MICHAEL SCHULSON AND RESTAURATEUR ROB WASSERMAN
TEAM UP TO OPEN THE SAINT JAMES,
AN AMERICAN BISTRO IN SUBURBAN SQUARE
ARDMORE, PA – In early fall, two of the area’s top restaurateurs, Rob Wasserman and Chef Michael Schulson, will team up to debut The Saint James (30 Parking Plaza, 610-649-6200),
an American bistro that brings exceptional food, drinks and hospitality
to Suburban Square.  Featuring an affordable and contemporary menu of
satisfying cuisine and three distinct dining areas, The Saint James will
reflect the new standards for excellence in restaurants.  It will bring
avid diners of the Main Line what they’ve been asking for:  a refined
neighborhood restaurant with approachable food that is simply and
perfectly prepared in a stylish and welcoming setting.
“Michael
and I have known for a while that we wanted to open a restaurant
together,” says Wasserman, who lived in Bala Cynwyd with deep family
ties to the Main Line, and whose Rouge
on Rittenhouse Square is a Philadelphia institution.  “When we found
this space, we knew it was the right time and the right place.  For me,
it’s good to be back and we’re both excited to be a part of this vibrant
community.”
A television personality with all-American good looks, Chef Schulson
is a gifted, Long Island-born chef who has earned a sterling reputation
for his expert hand at modern Asian cooking at his restaurants Sampan in Center City, Philadelphia and Izakaya at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.
The Saint James menu will be Chef Schulson’s culinary return to his East Coast roots and the foods that inspire him to cook, every day.  It will be overseen by Executive Chef Matt Moon, who has worked in top kitchens in Philadelphia and, for the past year, alongside Chef Schulson.  Guests may enjoy hearty oven-roasted and grilled items along with a host of satisfying sides.  Dishes will include:  Trout Dip with “everything” bagel chips; Peekytoe Crab Toast with lemon aioli and dill; Grilled Flatiron Steak with shallot and compound butter; Grilled Tuna Steak with avocado, tomato and chili; Roasted Half-Chicken with lemon marmalade and celery; a variety of sandwiches such as Shrimp Roll with butter lettuce, lemon and tarragon, and The Saint James’ take on the iconic Philadelphia Pork Sandwich, with spicy kale and sharp provolone.  Delicious sides will include:  Cauliflower Gratin; Roasted Beets with horseradish; and Haricot Verts with house-made lemon vinaigrette.  There will also be an extensive Raw Bar, with Tuna Tartare, Oysters on the half shell, Crab Salad and more.  In addition to the regular menu, The Saint James will offer Daily Specials.  Dishes will range in price from $6 to $24.
“This is the kind of back-to-basics food that I prepare at home for my
family and friends – grilled meat and fish that is juicy, vegetables at
the height of their freshness with simple vinaigrettes and marinades
that make the flavors of each ingredient sing,” adds Chef Schulson.
To complement the dishes, the knowledgeable and well-trained staff of The Saint James, operating under General Manager Ryan Reigel, will offer a variety of wines by-the-glass and in bottles, ranging in price from $8 to $12 for glass pours and mostly $30 to $60 for
bottles.  A well-focused local craft beer list and a wealth of
hand-crafted cocktails based on modern versions of classic drinks will
also be served.  Beers and cocktails will range in price from $5 to $12. 
The welcoming, 120-seat restaurant is designed by Chris Sheffield of Philadelphia’s SLDesign. 
The rustic-modern space has two expansive rooms separated by a skylit
foyer:  the main dining room and the bar.  The main dining room is
outlined with plush leather booths, wrapping around the entire space and
enclosing a grouping of sturdy wooden tables and chairs in the center
of the room.  In the bar, the showpiece is the 20-foot-long bar with
comfortable leather-trimmed stools surrounded by ample booth seating. 
Both rooms, fronted by floor-to-ceiling windows, are family-friendly and
open, offering comfortable seating for groups of any size, including
accommodations for private parties.  Detailed with elegant wooden
moldings and skylights, each room has custom tiled floors and glossy
white brick walls that pop in the ample natural light.
Expanding
onto the Square’s stone courtyard is the restaurant’s 50-seat
landscaped outdoor seating area.  Guided by Wasserman’s expertise at
Rouge, one of Philadelphia’s best-loved and most enduring sidewalk
cafes, the seasonal patio will be open throughout the warm weather
months, sure to become the area’s top spot to see-and-be-seen.
Both Wasserman and Chef Schulson
have traveled extensively across America and abroad, and they frequent
the country’s most successful new restaurants.  Together with their
team, they will bring the flawless service, thoughtful cooking, artful
cocktails and casually elegant atmosphere that are the new standards of
America’s dining scene to The Saint James.

The Saint James will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11
a.m. until midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. 
Valet service will be available after 5 p.m.  For more information, or
to make a reservation, please call (610) 649-6200, visit www.SaintJamesPhilly.com, follow them on Twitter (@St_JamesPhilly) and like them on Facebook (Saint James Philadelphia).