Philly Chit Chat

The Hamels Foundation partner-up with Krispy Kreme to give back to the Community

Zarwin, Baum, DeVito, Kaplan, Schaer & Toddy, P.C. and Center City Proprietors hosted ‘Channeling Your Inner Sport: Athlete to Executive’ – a discussion with former athletes turned business leaders on how they applied their sports background to running a successful business, and the overall impact the knowledge they learned on the field applies to the workplace.
Greeting the nearly 200 people who came out to the event, Mitchell Kaplan, Managing Shareholder of Zarwin Baum, with Arthur Fennell, Executive Producer and anchor, Comcast Network, and Peter A. Luukko President and Chief Operating Officer of Comcast-Spectacor looking on.
Linda Karp,(center) President, Center City Proprietors discusses her organization, and how wonderful it is going to be to hear how the athletes transformed their lives from field to boardroom. Peter A. Luukko stressed education, plus agreed that athletes should be involved in their negotiations and day to day operation of their business. That when when they are employed after hanging up their uniforms, they have marketable skills that may give them an advantage in the market place.Don Seleski, Ray Pennacchia, Senior Vice President at NovaCare Rehabilitation, Gary DeVito, Tom Mullin and Peter Lukko

Zarwin Shareholder Gary DeVito will appear on CN8, Comcast Network, Art Fennell Reports on Friday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 6, both at 5:30 pm. The topic will be ‘Athletes to Executives’ featuring Gary and Reggie Wilkes, Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor, The Wilkes Group (1981 NFC-Champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons)

Mitchell Kaplan, Managing Shareholder at Zarwin Baum, Donald “Big Bird” Saleski, Owner, PRN Professional Receivable Network (Former Flyers), Peter A. Luukko is President and Chief Operating Officer of Comcast-Spectacor (Former Flyers), John Spagnola (Former Eagles Player), Managing Director, The PFM Group, Arthur Fennell, Executive Producer and anchor, Comcast Network, Gary A. DeVito is a shareholder with Zarwin Baum and leads the commercial litigation department
Former Flyers Donald “Big Bird” Saleski, Owner, PRN Professional Receivable Network signs an autograph for a fan.
Food was by B*Smith Catering. Always delicious.Linda Karp, President/Creative Director at Karp Marketing and Norman Zarwin Chairman at Zarwin, Baum
Noah S. Shapiro is a member of the insurance casualty defense team, Patricia W. Holden is an associate in the Zarwin Baum insurance defense group,Charles Holmgren is an associate in Zarwin Baum’s Insurance Defense Litigation Department and Brendan Lamanna is an associate in Zarwin Baum’s insurance defense group
Reina Wilkes, Director of School Operations at KIPP Philadelphia Schools and Lily Stone
The Girls: Stacey Kracher, Aida Strata and Anne Nikolaus

PECO’s celebration of African American History Month concluded this week with a star-studded event at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts featuring two award-winning African American actresses – singer Sheryl Lee Ralph and director Regina Taylor – for a program titled “The Power of Progress: Historical Images of African Americans in Film, Television and Theatre.” Hosted by Comcast Network’s Emmy-award-winning television journalist Arthur Fennell, Ralph and Taylor spoke on how African Americans are represented on stage and screen, including the history and origins of stereotypical images.
(L-R) Monica Wrenn, Sharon Simpson, Mellanie Lassiter, Emmett Vaughn, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Romulo Diaz, Jr., Art Fennell, Sabrina Brooks, Regina Taylor, Ronald Bradley, and Craig Adams.

Sponsored by PECO’s employee network group, Exelon African American Members Association (EAAMA), the event included a viewing of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit exhibit. Immediately following the program, Ralph signed copies of her book Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dreamgirl.
“The Power of Progress: Historical Images of African Americans in Film, Television and Theatre” was the culminating event for PECO’s celebration of African American History Month.

The INVITE ONLY 5th Annual John DeBella Comfort Food Festival happened last night at Vie 600 N. Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19130 (1 block north of Spring Garden). What a nice venue.
The mood was very spirited, which reminds me these are some of the spirits that will be served at the new Square Peg restaurant. it should be opened in about 4 weeks, Chef Matt Levin tells me. At which time I hope that when I think of Square Peg it knocks this
image right out of my head. Sarah Jessica Parker in her first TV show the 80’s Square Pegs.
Chef Trevor Budny, joins Chef Matt Levin at Square Peg. The two had overlapping careers at Rouge 2 years ago and now will cook alongside each other, and Amanda Stefano serve up
Mac & Cheese Grill Cheese Sandwiches at The Comfort Food Contest. This year it’s awfully warm to be thinking comfort food, but for me with or without frost on my nose I love a good grilled cheese sandwich. Many of the dishes at the Comfort Food Festival are created specifically for this contest and are not on the menu at said restaurants. This dish will be on the Square Peg menu, as will several versions of Rosie the Rivitor, someone mentioned to me last week.Judging tonight’s contest were Ashley Primis, Philly Inquirer, Veteran journalist and eight-time Emmy award-winner NBC10’s Lu Ann Cahn and Beth D’Addono Food Writer with legendary DJ WMGK’s John DiBella. (And I don’t use that term legend lightly. He is a legend, I grew up with him. He played the very first song I heard from Bruce Springsteen, Tenth Avenue Freeze out. I said to myself who the hell is that, and went out and bought an 8 track tape. OK probably not, but I think those things were still around then.)

Chefs from the following restaurants participated in the contest: Brad Spence – Amis
Peter Woolsey – Bistrot La Minette
Anthony Goodwin – Butcher & Singer
Jasper Alivia – Cuba Libre
David Walti – Harvest
Patrick Feury – Nectar
Romeo DiBona – Old Homestead Steakhouse (Borgata)
Giancarlo Generosi, Chef Chris Baulo –Scarduzio’s Steak-Sushi-Lounge
Anthony DiRenzio – Route 6
Matt Levine – Square Peg
Chef Ryan Kirwan – Vie

March is Springsteen Month. Go see the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN exhibit at the Constitution Center then take me to the Wells Fargo Center to see him on March 28 or March 29, cause I couldn’t get through on the phone.
Cescaphe’s Ryan Kirwan cooks up a little shells & cheese with stewed tomatoes. I do believe he is a contender for Philebrity’s PHABULOUS PHILLY GINGERSErin Como on her second day of freedom, er I mean new job. Marnie Hall broke the news, sorta, about what Erin is doing. I would call it marketing too, but Philly2Philly calls it something else. Then Dan Gross as you know mentioned yesterday that NBC10’s Sheena Parveen (r) dating former anchor Jamison Uhler. I hear that it might not be true anymore. Last week she was in Clearwater, but it wasn’t to visit old friends. Time will reveal ie when Spring Training is over, which lucky player has caught her eye.
Chef Romeo DiBona – Borgata’s Old Homestead Delicious grilled cheese sandwich
Ruth Vitale and Claire Whatley. The gals love to cook and want to replicate Chef Jasper Alivia – Cuba Libre Pork Belly dish. (This was my favorite to win.)
Anna Schneider, GM of Pacific Prime & Viaiano restaurants at the Valley Forge Casino with Chef Michael Inferrera. You might recall that Anna used to be the GM for Square 1682. She misses everyone, but loves the new adventures she faces working in the Pennsylvania’s newest casino. I can’t wait for it to open. Looks very upscale and entertaining.
Amos Burcy (I can’t read my own writting) Dana Pulli, Arthur “Foobooz” Etchells and Yelp Queen Poobah Michelle Cassidy

Dana Farrell, Meredith Trotter and Devon Smith. Dana’s brother is a chef at Table 31 and her sister, Devon, owns Harvest. Restaurateur, Author, and Motivational Speaker Dave Magrogan is proud to announce the signing of a lease with the University of Pennsylvania for Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar’s 2nd location, to be located at 40th and Walnut Streets in University City.
Lauren and Dave Gibson with Katie Silent. Not the dress, just Katie cause she lost her voice yelling at her students.
David Quain and Nicole Qualtieri are both in the forensic field and met at a friends funeral which was at the Mutter Museum. Now that is deep. Nicole’s blog site is called I Heart Autopsy and is not for the faint of hear. (After reading her site I should be dead by the time I’m 50.)
Best Dressed last night: Betty and Carl Lump. Their favorite song on WMGK is anything Bruce Springsteen. They’re going to the Constitution Center next week to see the exhibit.
Classic Rock 102.9 MGK is proud to announce that Anthony Goodwin of BUTCHER AND SINGER was the winner of the Golden Spoon Award at this year’s 5th Annual John DeBella Comfort Food Fest for his Duck Confit & Foie Gras Pierogi with Porcini mushroom crème. The event was held last night at Vie (600 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA). Goodwin had the highest scores on the judges’ score cards, earning nearly perfect scores in all categories from all three judges; with Jennifer Martin. There’s no plans of yet to carry the dish on the Butcher & Singer menu, but the trophy will be going with them to every food event they attend.
********Thanks to my sponsor Let Them Eat Cake!! Get your tickets April 2

Fight Night III The Sporting Club at The Bellevue is pleased to announce Fight Night 3. Doors Open @ 6:30 PM Proceeds benefit Students Run Philly Style. Amy Stratton, GM Sporting Club and Clif Johnson, Boxing CoachFight Night III tickets are now officially up for pre-sale: http://ow.ly/9ju59 March 30th 7-10pm. (bottom of the page)

First Lady Michelle Obama and First Dog Bo surprised a group of White House tourist, even bringing a hand full visitors to tears.

So moving it brought me to tears too.

My pocket camera takes the worse photos in dark bars, but the beauty of these women still shine through. Sheena Parveen, Jillian Mele, Aditi Roy, Rosemary Connors , Justin Pizzi , Mike Strug & half of NBC10 Come Out To Bid Erin Como a Fond Farewell at the Kite and the Key in Fairmount on Friday night.Vasiliki Tsiouris, Opa Restaurant, NBC10’s weather peep Sheena Parveen, lovely Erin Como, NBC10’s reporters Jillian Mele and Christine Maddela and photographer/lawyer Lauren Richmond.
Erin and her mom. Dad was there too.
Aditi Roy and Sheena Parveen. Have you seen Aditi’s hair, long and luxurious. (Dan Gross reports that Sheena is dating former Philly reporter Jamison Uhler, but mums the word from me.)
Maria Papadakis, Erin Como and Kristen Johanson. Also spotted at the party: RJ, Brad, Danielle Soyka, oh I can’t remember cause I was really off the clock and didn’t have my note pad. Let’s just say the place was packed. It was a great send off….to where it’s not being reported yet but as soon as I’m given the word, you’ll be the first to know. Oh by the way catch me on Fox 29’s Good Morning Philly at 9:40AM filling you in on the who’s who went where this past week. HughE

Hollywood’s biggest night of glamour came to Philadelphia on Sunday as The Ritz-Carlton’s 10 Arts Lounge and Korbel Champagne hosted a Red Carpet Oscar Party with a live Screening of the 84th Academy Awards and the pre-game fashion extravaganza. Special commentary on fashions were doled out by Philadelphia Inquirer fashion writer, Elizabeth Wellington, Vlahos PR fashion specialist Jimmy “Jimmy Style” Contreras and Daily News columnist Jenice Armstrong
On Philly’s red carpet I found Jill Sybesma and Eric Smith looking dapper. I loved the layout of the red carpet. Having been to a few shindigs there, this is the first time someone’s taken a bold step and placed it in the center of the room instead of on the side blocking foot traffic. With a short red carpet people are able to see it clearly, and avoid walking in a picture because they can walk behind you.
The evening also featured a presentation by Saks Fifth Avenue, music by DJ Inga D’Angelo and a “swag lounge” filled with giveaways that include Neuro Drinks, Classified Cosmetics and Maximal Art. (I even saw John Wind there with Joan Shepp.)
Sarah Doheny and John Soden made the drive from their farm house in Hamburg, Pa to check out the scene.

Mikey Il and Allie Harcharek were definitely contenders in the best dressed couple contest
Sue Stauffer and Shawn Murray
The Oscar party had a great gifting suite. You grabbed one of those silver bags, and I use that term lightly as these bags were very good quality lined bags for the beach or a picnic. Then you went from station to station picking out fun items that you wanted in your bag. Great idea.Carol Drumstas, Brown-Forman and Kristin Conrad, Capital Wine and SpiritsPretty in pink: Priya Kothari and Christa Blumenthal
Nathan Volz, Executive Chef and Miguel Hernandez, Director Food & Beverages. Nathan tells me he’s headed up to NYC to spend a few days at Le Bernardin and cook with Eric Ripert in preparation for the Spring Menu. Look for a joint dinner back at 10 Arts with the two chefs at the helm. Good news it looks like contrarily to the rumors floating around that 10 Arts has signed on for another year.
Monique E Maubert and WOGL producer Jamyra Perry. I was sad Monique didn’t know where she got those fly shoes from; kinda matched her necklace.
Camille Laboy, with Philly Photographers Al B and Nell Hoving hang out during the cocktail party. Nell was enjoying her night off, while Al got right to work after this photo.
Stuart Field, with Dara and Ross Donolaw
Hanging out in the VIP balcony area, I ran into Johanna Blyth, Karen Galvin and Joanne Wachman enjoying baby bottles of Korbel
Mac Francis and Megan Stetcher. Megan was paying extra special attention to the show as she was doing a re-cap on Harrisburg’s Fox 43 the next morning.
Here’s the bag in orange. So cute.
Rose Cruz, John Kuntz and Jeff Francis check out the menu. I’d recommend the cheese plate.
Neena Santiago & Robert Johnson
Sarah Cooper Bobersky and Jennifer Delany.
Tanya Schade shows off the VIP pass. What was interesting that at the bottom was 2 blank boxes. Each guest was allowed to glasses of champagne. The bartender would check off the boxes to keep track. So much easier than handing out drink tickets. Love it.
Fairies Christina Klaproth and Jessie Radlow. Look I’m just writing what they told me. They said they were fairies. I love that show “What A Wonderful Life”, so I’m gonna take it on their word just like Clarence.
Lex Wainwright, Lea Wainwright and Thomas Finnegan, R2L manager
Rakia Reynolds, James Claiborne and Kristyn Aldrich.
These were the prizes for the best dressed Male, Female and Couple. Hello winners let’s hope you didn’t give up drinking for Lent, cause it’s gonna take 40 days to drink this monster. Elizabeth Wellington, Jeniece Armstrong and Jimmy Contreras

The Best Dressed Couple: Lex and Elizabeth Terenchin with Carol Drumstas. A star is born. This Oscar event has to be an annual event. It was a golden winner.

I ran into Joshua Katz a few weeks back at The Heart Ball, and he told me that his family’s restaurant, Max & David’s kosher restaurant which opened in Elkins Park in 2007 , was rolling out a Kosher food truck.

He says that getting the truck up and running wasn’t too difficult as it used to be an operable Mexican food truck. All that was necessary was transferring the licenses, cleaning and sanitizing the truck so that it could serve kosher food and a few minor mechanical adjustments. The truck is just about ready to roll, look for it on a street near you by March 15.
PS Readers: I have a funeral this morning, but will post my Oscar Night Extravaganza and it will go live at 1PM. At 11AM check out Philly Mag for the Trailblazer Award winner and luncheon. See who the new GM is at the Bellevue Hyatt.
http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/category/the-scene/