Philly Chit Chat

Habitat
for Humanity of Burlington County celebrated 25 years of helping
the community with a High Heels and Hard Hats Building Hope Gala at the Laurel Creek Country Club in Mt. Laurel,
New Jersey last week. The MC for the night was sports reporter KYW’s Ed Benkin.

Hosting the event was former Philadelphia Eagles player and now Congressman Jon Runyan who presented a proclamation from the United States to Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Todd Ermer

Habitat Board President, Harry Bagot, (r) was honored at the Gala
for his eight years of services. “We are thrilled to have Harry, his
commitment to the program and his leadership as the current board
president,” said Todd Ermer, executive director.

 There was a silent auction featuring lots of signed sports memorabilia and other items that further help the fundraising efforts of Habitat for Humanity.

 Plenty of the former Philadelphia Eagles team mates were on hand to celebrate the event including Vince Papale, who’s story was immortalized in the movie “Invincible,” starring Mark Wahlberg.
Vince’s wife Janet was also in attendance. 

 “Each
year over 2000 individuals come out and volunteer with us in Burlington
County. We value each and every volunteer, even if they have never held
a hammer or a screwdriver. Volunteer labor is very important and
valuable to us, but it is not the only resource we need to keep the Habitat momentum growing. It also takes money. Without funds to buy materials and cover other costs, construction stops, “said Todd Ermer,.

 

 XFINITY LIVE! Officially opened on Friday night. Years ago the City wanted to place the new baseball stadium in a Center City neighborhood, that way folks going to the games could have a diverse selection of eateries and other reason I couldn’t fathom. Thankfully that never happened, and they remained at the sports complex.  Now with Xfinity Live! opening I think they have created that downtown experience they were looking for with this fun diverse facility opening.

Friday was the official opening and I don’t have the official count but the place was packed all day long from 4PM’s ribbon cutting to way after Mike and I left near 11PM.  Outside of the eating facility there were several concerts going on including Third Eye Blind (Bradley Hargreaves the drummer, partied til the wee  hours at Recess afterwards.)

 Philly Style Magazine always right there with the best parties as the smoking hot new places.  The party was held at Xfinity Live! at the Spectrum Grille. It was another fantastic soiree with an invite list that was super tight, as the peeps in charge wanted there to be able room to roam around in the grill. t I did catch these beauties. Nina Tinari, T2 Consultants, fresh from Miami, Carie Brescia, (She’s doing a fresh make up demonstration at Jacques Ferber‘s on April 19 at 6PM. Stop by.)  Emmy Award-winning news journalist Dawn Timmeney, Lisa Gaudio and Mia Tinari Fisher, T2 Consultants

So good to see John Bolaris, wish I had a second to chat with him. He’s with his girlfriend Erica Smitheman, Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK’S John DeBella (wife Lisa was chatting across the room) and one of my favs especially as we are doing a project together on April 13 10PM CLUB ADESSO ADESSO 80s Dance Party with Special Appearance by Local Legend Jade Starling (Thanks to Jade’s friend for telling me she was there, we had been playing phone tag all week and needed to chat.) 

I actually love Night Time more cause I was a night owl. 

ON April 13 Jade will be performing Catch Me I’m Falling Plus songs from her new CD and Hosted by Celebrity Photographer HughE Dillon (oh does that mean I have to talk on a mike, ugh) – The Adesso 80s Dance Party begins at Happy Hour with DJ Jimmy DePre spinning favorites. Cover is free until 8 p.m., after which a $10 door charge will go into effect.  I read your letters, I heard your pleas, and went to a lot of clubs to try and start a baby boomer 80’s dance party, we can throw a few 70’s songs in there too. Let’s Party!!  (It’s beyond a thrill for me to be working with her as I really partied hard during the ’80s to her tunes. Great memories.)

 Mike Lombardo, Lori Lombardo, NBC10’s Sports Guy John Clark and Simon Wong

I think I can see Ed Snider. He had the best view of the house, of course. I hear a few former Flyers were up there as well at former Gov Rendell. (BTW check out my column over at Philly Mag for the party the Gov was at Thursday night.)

Nicole Rossi and Big Rube Harley make the scene.

Tyna Browning and Alex Torban, Philadelphia-based writer, editor and marketing guru. Follow @aycmedia @heyphillydotcom and @aroundphilly for proof.

Andrew Greenblatt, Executive Director / CEO at The Philadelphia Film Society, Ashley Vanett, Hospitality at Wells Fargo, and Hal Greenblatt. Andrew tells me that the Philadelphia Film Society is teaming up with WXPN Hosts Philadelphia’s First Film Festival Dedicated Solely to Music in Partnership with the Philadelphia Film Society – Initial slate includes more than 10 films all about music

Frank Phifer, Secrets Limo and Joe Marciano. Great to meet Frank finally. He’s been advertising of PCC for about 8 months and I had never met him before. I hope you’ll use his limo services as well as his Cool Pix’s Photo Booth service.  It’s people like him that allow me to bring parties like these to you. Thanks so much.  (Recently friends of mine use them, and I was in the van limo as we were going to a funeral and they were top notch. The driver had no idea my relation to Secrets Limo either.  The price was fantastic too, about $65 less than the closest competitor.) (If you want to advertise on PhillyChitChat.com contact Laura Burkhart laura@thelabphilly.com for packages & stats. Thanks)

Larry Sutow, Capital Wines and Spirits, Director of Retail Sales and One on One promotions, and Shirley Sutow,

Paul and Wendy Rosen

The proud papa is glowing, not only because Jesse Rendell’s gonna be a dad in June, but also his company Rendell Management & Consulting oversees Xfinity Live! With him Lindsay Heck, National Sales Director Xfinity (left) and Katie Mohrfeld, Director of Sales (right)

 The Professional Bullriders Bar is a must stop on your Xfinity Live! experience. Now this is a date.

  Dan Stevenson of SugarHouse Casino and Councilman Mark Squilla were watching all the action in PBR

 Jim Burns, FIVE and Ken Dienna at the PBR bar

 Out back Third Eye Blind and a few other bands rocked the house.  I was impressed by the set up.  I think Xfinity is a win win. Great venues inside, and OMG that TV screen is off the hook amazing. What’s the remote look like?

Jane and Chris Cabott. Chris was planning to come with his new client and friend Jon Gosselin, but Jon was watching the kids. Jon is doing a lot of charity work of late, and will be on these pages shortly cause you know I love to promote the charities.

Where has Renee Reese been. Raising the kids and looking fabulous while doing it. She’s got the color blocking down with her yellow shirt, purple pants and vest. She’s with Philadelphia Eagle’s Player Hugh Douglas’ wife Simona Douglas, Sweet as can be.

Great to have Louis Abrams finally on these pages, and Jaret Gronczewski.

GN Kang and Kristen Celins.	Xfinity Live opens everyday at 11AM

Put on your denim and ‘bling’ and join your favorite celebrities for a night
of fun!
– Pro Athletes, including your favorite Phillies players
– Reality TV Stars
– Featured performances

* Meet and Greet with Cole and Heidi Hamels
* Enjoy cocktails and appetizers
* Sit down dinner
* Bid on silent and live auction items
* Gift bags
* Entertainment Including:

         – Live Performance by nine time Grammy winner, John         Legend!
         – Win sparkling diamond jewelry
         – Designer jean giveaway
         – And much, much more!!!
 
Ticket Price: $350/pp or $600/couple

Please call GN with any questions at 610-551-8800

For more details, visit http://www.diamondsanddenimevent.com

The wait is over, Revel is a step in the right direction to revitalizing the casino industry in Atlantic City.  But it’s going about it in an unconventional way, or should I say in a resort way. The Revel folks want to convey that they are more than just a casino, they are a resort. In fact you could probably visit there and never set foot in the casino, and still have a great time. I’ll show you how.

Here’s the Boardwalk view of the resort which is located on the North end of the island, next to the Showboat which houses one of my favorite restaurants Scarduzio’s.

One of the elements of Revel that goes against the norm is the valet car drop off is on the Atlantic Ocean side, meaning you get out of your car and immediately your vacation starts. It’s an incredible view of Revel Beach and the Revel building.

You are quickly whisked up to the The Lobby, 114 feet above sea level; is nearly two acres of outdoor space anchored by the SkyGarden and

the InOut Pool, a pool that begins indoors and continues outside

The year-round indoor-outdoor pool is be heated (in the 80s) and offers a
swim-through door to the outside, even in the dead of winter.

There are also outdoor fire pits and tons of couches,
seats and other comfy places to just plop down, read a book, sip a drink
or veg out or get a tan. If you walk to the edge of the building on the East side, you’ll enjoy a great view of the beach.

Floor: Revelry, 61 feet above sea level and named for its energetic and vibrant atmosphere;

showcases restaurants, shops

 bars with a beach view,

nightclub, this one on the left is 4 stories tall and faces the beach.  At night you see the glittering lights of the disco ball, and of the boardwalk. There’s also 4 floors of dancing and access to the outdoor garden with seats to lounge or chat with that someone new. 

dayclubs, a casino and The Social, an intimate performance space for 700.

Chef Jose Garces will open three restaurants at Revel (500 Boardwalk, 855-348-0500), the newest resort destination in Atlantic City.  Chef Garces will debut Distrito Cantina (609-225-9850), a margarita bar with Mexican street food from the adjacent Guapos Tacos, an indoor “food truck,” on Monday, April 2;  a second location of his beloved first restaurant,  

Amada (609-225-9900), on Monday, April 9;  A room with a view, a view of the ocean. Nice.and Village Whiskey (609-225-9880), serving spirits and artfully crafted cocktails alongside classic American dishes, on Monday, April 16.  “Opening
these restaurants in Atlantic City feels fresh and exciting to me, much
the way it did when I first opened Amada in Philadelphia,” says Chef
Garces, who owns Garces Group, with restaurants in Philadelphia, PA;
Chicago, IL; Scottsdale, AZ; and Palm Springs, CA.  “I can’t wait to
bring something new and different to the dining scene here.”  There will also be a Marc Forgione  American Cut steakhouse, Robert Wiedmaier Mussel Bar, a gastro-pub inspired by an old-world Belgian roadhouse
and Alain Allegretti offers
Azure, a fine-dining French and Italian-inspired restaurant.

Plus Lugo, a brasserie, three
restaurants by Michel Richard: Central Michael Richard, a modern
bistro; O Bistro and Wine Bar; and the tentatively titled Breakfast
Room, a seated a la carte and grab-and-go spot.

Oh, there’s the casino floor.  Spreading out atop a bright red carpet, the casino has 2,400 slot
machines and 160 table games, arrayed in an oval pattern; there are few,
if any, corners in the public spaces of Revel. The lighting of the
casino and public spaces is constantly changing, programmed to vary with
the time of day and day of the week, said Valerie Pageau, Revel’s
artistic director with the Montreal firm Sceno Plus. Let’s go out there…

I’m really not allowed to take pictures as they are having testing. i did snap the cute ceiling pieces, they were kites.  Above that the ceiling is industrial. Looks cool.

Ivan Kane’s Royal Jelly burlesque Club is blending
live rock’n’roll with a modern take on traditional burlesque.

 

 one even peaks out from the center room soaring above the heads of the gamblers.  It’s enough for you to loose your concentration.

There are plenty of mini lounges for you and your friends.  Each one has it’s own stripper pole so you can get up personal. Guess who I saw there, our favorite guy Alp Atkan former Vice-President and General Manager at Delilahs Inc and now at Ivan Kane’s Royal Jelly burlesque club. You know this is gonna be a place to stop by.

Revel offers a 31,000 square-foot, 32-room spa called Exhale. It offers
hydrating facials, therapeutic massages and body-slimming services and A juice bar. The
spa has men’s and women’s’-only sides, with a co-ed common bath house
area. There, guests will find a salt grotto, a room made entirely out of
Himalayan salt bricks.  I spent too much time reveling on the lower floors that I didn’t get a chance to see Beyonce’s suite on the 44th floor or any of the rooms. Next time, I’m sure to stay in one, at least for one night I hope.  (Or maybe now I’ll be able to get a room at Caesars cause everyone will be staying here.)

Customer Service is the key at Revel. They want you to know they value your visits and will be sure to make you enjoy your time there.

They also believe in treating their employees as their friends. I wouldn’t be surprised if the company won best place to work. I got a chance to see the back of the house. It’s a mini city. They have their own restaurant called “Dish”.  They get a free meal before their shift starts, and unlimited beverages. The above picture is from the back of the house. They’re all in this together, team work. (Mums the word, as a thank you and pep rally, the workers of Revel are getting a surprise Goo-Goo Dolls concert on Saturday.)

Thanks to Christie Honigman, The Honigman Group and David Luber  Revel Relationship Marketing Executive for my behind the scenes tour. Thanks.  Check out Revel it opens on April 2. PS I didn’t reveal everything. I will say it’s an exciting property, there’s so much to do or nothing at all if that’s your cup of tea.

Check out my column online at PhillyMag.com Here. Lots of fun tidbits and pixs. Sharon Pinkenson was at the party too, a few mainline peeps and Cori Moskow’s Gloss PR executed the party.

First of all, blogger has changed their set up and I know can be more creative in my writing. What are your thoughts on this layout?
Check out PhillyMag.com today, under The Post, then in The Scene for my entry today and yesterday. I feel like a hamster on a wheel this week. So so crazy busy.  I’m out all day, could you tweet this posting? Thanks.
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 Last night at the Shops of Liberty Place Where Magazine held their April “Green” issue party. All things green, how to be green and favorite green things.  On the back page is their very popular “What 35 Things Would I Recommend you do in Philly” by notable Philadelphian’s. This month it’s Paul Steinke, General Manager of the Reading Terminal Market

 I ran into a few peeps I hadn’t seen since their wedding last JUNE. crazy how time flies. Casey Anderson and Jason Duran, Brett Copol, Sales Where Magazine, JT Christensen, Studio Christensen and Jen Green

 Here’s a blast from the past – Patty Fox. You might remember her from The General Store, which was located on 20th Street, I think there’s a nail salon there now. The General Store sold a lot of knick knacks, greeting cards including the HughE Dillon photo note cards. That’s what I used to do in my old life. When I retire I’m so going back to that. Miss it. Now Patty works at Fire and Ice at the Shops of Liberty Place.  She’s with her co-worker Ann Lucey.

Trina Morroni, Vera Masi and Bailey Vaihinger, all from R2L.  One of my favorite restaurants, even though I’ve only eaten there once.  I love the view.

Did you know you can rent out the Rotunda space at the Shops of Liberty Place. $2,000 all day from 2hrs up to 7hrs.  Evening rates are $5,500, and there is a special rate for charities. It’s a great space.

To Get Info on Renting the Rotunda Click Here I remember 20 years ago attending a fabulous gala in the Rotunda. It was for an AIDS organization, the theme was red, there was a fashion show and all the models wore red, there was dancing in the rotunda. It was really an affair to remember. Wouldn’t it be a great place to have an affair? Phasion Phest will be coming back again in September here.  I hear they aren’t going to use the escalator as part of the runway, and I say brava. It was a great concept, but so hard to photograph the models.

Gary Kraus, of Scarlett Alley and Jill Scarlett, Marketing Director & Specialty Leasing Coordinator of the Shops at Liberty Place. Gary is married to Jill’s sister Liz Scarlett, who was minding the store. 

 Newly employed by Cashman & Associates, Kristin Huxla, is a Sr Account Executive, with her is Ashley Schaffer Fossile, Sr Executive at Cashman & Assoc.
  

John Panichello, Philly Sports Cave, (sports memorabilia
in Liberty Place) Flyers Max Talbot and Frank Luisi, Philly Sports Cave. 
Max as you know, had a meet & greet yesterday.  It was a great turn out, thanks guys. Hope you had fun. Watch Fox 29 at 8:50AM to see what he said is his favorite restaurant and hang out place.

 Writer and Social Media Coordinator at Where Philadelphia, Kristina Jenkins and Jennie Funches,  Consultant, Macy’s Visitor Center at Macy’s East. TODAY at MACY’s Center City, at 5:30PM meet Real Housewives of New York City star Jill Zarin at the Macy’s Flower Show. Plus it smells sweet in there.

 Zelinda Barnes, and Amy Rodgers, Walnut Street Theater PR. Amy says the Walnut Street Gala is coming up on May 11. This year they are honoring Tony Award Winner and Philadelphia native, Hugh Panaro, star of Broadway’s iconic musical The Phantom of The Opera.

Griffen Affel and Deirdre Affel, Publisher of Where Magazine.  Check out the Margin On The Left for upcoming Celebrity Sightings. Plus Check out my public calendar for events coming up like. Let Them Eat Cake 4/2, Donor’s Are Hero’s on April 27 and

In 1993, dancers from Pennsylvania Ballet decided that they needed to do something to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. After much discussion, they realized that the best thing they could do was “shut up & dance.” They partnered with MANNA to help with its mission to deliver meals to people dealing with this life-threatening illness. Every year since 1993, dancers have choreographed, danced, and produced this one-night only show, and MANNA and Shut Up & Dance have grown together.On Saturday night some of the same dancers gathered to celebrate the 20 years since the inception of the event, and of course to enjoy the performances of the current dancers.

To introduce the show, and also explain a snafu, Richard Keaveney, Chief Executive Officer – MANNA addresses the audience. Seems there was a problem in Will Call, when I got there there was a line at least a block long. Richard made the right executive decision and just let everyone in as GA. Interesting I observed that most people had an idea of where they were supposed to sit and went right to the balcony, so many in fact that ushers urged some theater goers to sit in the orchestra seats. Either they were humble and they went to the balcony, or they were supposed to be there. I of course was worred about sight lines and sat in the back row.

The show opened up with a series of vignettes where the dancers reenacted the posters that promoted the shows for the past 20 years.
Guys in tutu’s are always fun
hmm should have used a faster lens. I was a bit nervous as I didn’t pick up my press credentials at the Will Call and thought at any moment those diligent ushers would come over and scold me for taking photos.
I remember when the underwear poster came out. It was ripped off poles and shop windows quicker than you could say Madonna Cone Bra. Probably for a keepsake on many a boy or gals bedroom wall, and not by the appalled religious right.
Michaela Majoun wxpn has been hosting Shut Up & Dance for 15 years. Brava
I didn’t shoot any of the dance sequences, but I wish I had. It was so quiet you could hear a camera click and I just didn’t want to disturb the atmosphere. In this scene the West Philadelphia Conestoga Angels Precision Marching Corps performed a loud piece that blocked out any possible clicking camera noise. So I snapped one for ya…
and The Dying Swan piece by Arantxa Ochoa – Principal Dancer with Pennsylvania Balletand the finale with all the current and formal dancers
Then is was over to the After-Party at Solefood Resturant and Lounge, 1200 Market Street, and show off your won dance moves to classic 70s and 80s dance music from DJ Robert Drake (XPN/Sex Dwarf). (Which reminds me Club Addesso is having a party in my honor with special guest Jade Starling on April 13th at 10PM. Hope you’ll come by. It’s the beginning of the baby boomer party I’ve wanted to start for eons.)Danny Schuyler & Erin Como, Tony Frick and Alissa Ingram

dance dance dance
Marissa Taffer (Now I remember where I shot your parents. At the Phila Youth Concert), Crystal Hayes, Justin of Phillyin.com and Lily DiPiazza
Brian Lynch, Meredith Rainey (You may recognize him as not only a choreographer, one of the great Pa Ballet dancers, but also the guy at the bottom of the Mural at 13th & Locust. The City Paper did an excellent explanation on the who’s who on the mural We used to be in a book club together about 18 years ago too.), Joyce Beerbower, Jan Wiewiora and Becki Lynch
Rashid Abdalla, Mark Mattingly, and Turner Simmons
Kat Swift and Lauren Ras. Born in Berlin Germany, Kat has always had the desire to volunteer her time and energy to charitable organizations. Since the young age of 7, Kat has been volunteering to help raise money for the Pennsylvania ballet at their ballet boutique. She also volunteers at “One Simple Wish”, which has been making small miracles happen for foster children and vulnerable families since December 2008.
Bob Smith, ChatterBlast.com‘s Evan Urbania, Michael Williams, Stuart Alter, Tony Rodriguez and John Alchin
As I was leaving I ran into Steve and Tamar Olitsky, who’s foundation was one of the sponsors for Shut Up and Dance again this year. They were with Maria Valetta and Eric Grilly, who are getting married July 7 in Montalcino, AE (Italy). Nice. Congrats!
MANNA nourishes the mind, body and spirit of clients, volunteers and supporters alike. Drawn from all walks of life, the young, old, urban and suburban come together with one common goal: to promote wellness through nutrition for people at acute nutritional risk living in Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.

As you know I’ve always loved street photography, but when I get to hang out with the master Big Rube Harley (Streetgazing.com and Philly Daily News Fashion Street Photographer), it’s really inspirational, as well as fun to pick out stylish peeps and compare notes. Of course I just say that person looks good, and Big Rube can go into great detail about what they’re wearing.we hung out on Big Rube’s favorite corner right in the heart of Rittenhouse
This is so inspired by Big Rube. I was excited to show him. It’s fun to get together and chat up photography and our brand specialty, the people of Philly.
Did you hear David Lynch was at London Grill last week, and went to Pafa for a tour.

No one brands like Gary Barbera Chryslerland in Philadelphia. This hot number drove around the square for the entire 90 minutes we shot on this corner. (Gary I accept advertisements and I get more readers a day than saw your car driving around the square)
This gal looks pissed but all I wanted was a shot
of his faux hawk. how long has this hair style been in now? At least 5 years. Guess it’s not going anywhere
As it gets warmer out, you’ll find me around town looking for interesting peeps to photograph. I particularly used to love shooting South Street, as I checked out the used CD stores, or Old City, where there are lots of little park hideaways where I could observe tourist. I love photographing tourist, they’re so much fun. I like chatting with them too.
I like how the pattern on her shoes matches her dress. The peeps that go to work dress much more colorful than the ones that go to galas.
On the phone turning the corner in rush hour in a convertible. How much is that ticket? Only I get pulled over for things like that. (I think when your top is off there’s no expectation of privacy?)
ivy and thorns
she’s ready for her close up
a barking romance
there’s always something fun to see at the square
high fashion friday
hair raising
mushroom tattoos

Check out Big Rube’s video from Philly Daily News Visit my new advertisers this week
Defending the Caveman coming to the Prince Theater April 18 – May 13
Max Talbott at the Sports Cave at the Shops of Liberty Place 3/26 5PM $30
buy your tickets here