Philly Chit Chat

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/

Party Rock is in the house tonight, everybody just have a good time It’s been quite awhile since a restaurant has had such a big time opening as RESERVE, Philadelphia’s newest steakhouse and only Bourbon bar and lounge located at 123 Chestnut Street in Old City. I arrived a little late as I was shooting a cocktail party at the law offices of Zarwin, Baum, DeVito, Kaplan, Schaer & Toddy with City leaders, and I don’t say that lightly as almost every council person was there, the mayor and other power people in the City. Check out my coverage on Philly Mag today as well as on Fox 29 on Tuesday. When I arrived at Reserve it was packed, I got whiplash catching all the good eye candy I wanted to capture through my lens. But I was sidetracked by the shrimp so I captured a few of them first.
CBS3 crew: Kristen Johnson, Jim Donovan, Erika von Tiehl and Nicole Brewer.
Where have you been Erin Elmore, she’s on the fast track to the alter after having meet Craig M. Spitzer last year. The duo just got back from Florida where Erin introduced him to the ‘rents, and the always cheerful Ray Pennacchia, Novacare
Erica Soltoff and Jen Sherlock. Jen tells me her client Philly Sports Cave is having another signing on Saturday at the Shops of Liberty Place in the rotunda. Meet 1980 World Series Championship Shortstop, Larry Bowa will be appearing at The Sports Cave on Saturday, February 25th from 1:00 to 2:30PM
Gus Calabrese, Ashley Batiste and Shante CurryLoved the delicious steak tasting can’t wait to come back in for more of the menu. Culinary team led by Executive Chef Ken Deiner (r) and Executive Sous Chef Adam Brod (l), Reserve features a local and sustainable menu using purveyors in Lancaster and Montgomery Counties.
What a beautiful space. That’s Philly Daily News columnist Dan Gross in the foreground on the left. Congrats to him for his new column in Sunday’s Inquirer. I get Inquirer and ever since Mike Klein left there’s been a hole in good Scene coverage and Dan’s the perfect guy to fill that position.
Gary DeVito, Zarwin Baum and Chris DiGeorge
Tempe Barish, Sabrina Tamburino and Kristen Foote. It would be hard to believe that Sabs had a sweet tooth with that rocking body, but for Lent she’s giving up sweets. OK sweets be gone.
Tali Mazzola and Jeff Tubbs who both are involved in Urban Roots is a Youth Workshop in collaboration with ACE Mentor Program, whose Goal is to Engage, Excite, and Enlighten high school students to pursue careers in urban redevelopment
Nicole Cashman and Nigel Richards. Nicole (Cashman & Associates) late for her own party, she was busy getting details done for her upcoming nuptials with Nigel. Everything went smooth as she had her team in place.
Paul Devine and Ryann Richardson. Ryann tells me that tonight, Friday night, they’re hosting a fundraiser dinner to benefit Philabundance (www.philabundance.org). It’s a very important cause of combating hunger in the Delaware Valley and would like to invite you out to enjoy this special evening that starts 7PM. There’s a price fixe dinner. Contact them for info.
Comcast Sports Marshall Harris, 6ABC’s Ali Gorman and Bill Burr. Talk about burrrr, Ali is participating in the Keenan’s Leprechaun Polar Bear Leap February 25th, 11:00 AM at 15th Street Beach, North Wildwood, NJ. She’s not plunging she said, cause it would be cold if she had to MC the event on the beach soaking wet. I was going to do it once, but then the thought quickly left me thank god.
Megan Stecher, Christine Vuocolo and Cari Brescia. You’ll see these folks Sunday at the Ritz for the Korbel Oscar Party.
Philadelphia Red Carpet Party
What: Dress in cocktail gear for the Oscars; Jimmy Contreras and Philadelphia Inquirer’s Elizabeth Wellington give yays and nays to the actors’ looks.
When: Sun., 6-11 p.m.
Where: 10 Arts, The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, 10 Ave. of the Arts (215-523-8273). R.S.V.P. by Sun., noon, (mention DailyCandy) to 267-687-0223 or michael@vlahospr.com.
Jamil Rosenberg and James Boney, 215 Magazine. Also spotted: Mitchell Kaplan, Dave Monzo, Tom Killeen, Ted Schaer, Tina Carr, Jennifer Caro, Brian Jesiolowski, Stacey Kracher, Aida Strata, Dave Warren, Ali Frick, Sean Edwards and Monique Andes
6ABC’s Team: Shirleen Allicot, Melissa Magee, Jasmine Ellis and Niki Hawkins. Also spotted Matthew Nadu and Kharisma McIlwaine (CW Philly duo). Kharisma’s particpating on a panel tonight called “If Men Are Dogs” at 740 South St 7PM. RSVP: ifmenaredogs@gmail.com (Darn that emails taken now.)
Mia Christine Colona, PR for Nicole Miller. Today I am having a contest to give away a pair of tickets to the 3rd Annual Belluve Gets Engaged. Look her to enter.
Drew Degen, Lianda Swain, Kyle Keating and Arthur Kade (King Kamelot) . Drew and Lianda are co-chairs for the upcoming Young Friends of Arthur Ashe event. Friday 4/27
I should get all these events down in my own calendar too cause my it’s filling up. PLUG HERE: To guarantee me coming to your event you can hire me to shoot it, advertise with me or beg me, but if someone hires me away you know that saying I gotta follow the money. Plus if you noticed all the live links, that are events, are reserved for my advertisers or people who have hired me in that calendar year.

Reserve is a 10,000 square foot venue, housed in the historic Corn Exchange Bank building at the 2nd and Chestnut Streets in Olde City is home to the Pennsylvania’s largest selection of Bourbons and a private, elevated cigar and Bourbon lounge aptly named, “Bourbon Heaven”. Our philosophy is simple, quality local foods paired with an unprecedented dining experience. Reserve is truly a unique space, where old world sophistication meets modern elegance. With a rich and extensive drink list, Reserve is a favorite among beer lovers and brown liquor aficionados. Live jazz combined with our signature cigar lounge creates an ambiance of comfortable decadence.
Nicole Rossi and Shelton Mercer, Twit Change.
Photographer Chris Gabello and Sabrina Tamburino
Brynne Ashton, Fox 29’s Mike Jerrick and Lauren Richmond
Bon voyage Erin Como as she leaves NBC10 and heads to, I’m not supposed to say. Now that I know alot of news makers I find out good inside scoop, but I’m sworn 2secrecy. It satisfies my nosy self but irritates my gossip side. Sgt John, Camille Cwienkala, NBC10 Meteorologist Sheena Parveen

The Third Annual Bellevue Gets Engaged. I’ve gone to all of them, and it’s always a great time. Take your mom, go with a girlfriend, and make plans for your dream wedding.Tickets are only $50 , for a fantastic day of making dreams come true. It’s the bridal event of the season. Cocktails, champagne and elegant hor d’oeuvres. Guests will receive a fabulous goody bag and more! I’m giving away a pair of tickets. Just tell me your engagement story and I’ll enter you into the contest. Here’s my email buzz@phillychitchat.com I’ll pick a winner on Tuesday at 5PM. Thanks

Good morning
Bear with me I had a late night.

Hop Sing Laundromat is on the tip of our tongue ready to open
Lee is everyone’s friend by now. We’ve been all rooting for the opening of his new bar, which I always joke with him is like Willy Wonka’s Factory. There’s so much to look at, and it’s cloaked in secrecy and surprises. Even after he opens it, sometime in this century, you’ll notice new sights and sounds, cause if you know Lee he always has something up his sleeve to keep his guests intrigued. I stopped by yesterday to see the progress and noticed this interesting ladder. “It’s for the bar back” Lee told me. He can climb to any shelf and pull down the desired bottle; and it’s on a sliding system (that’s my word by the way for lack of a thought in my head today.) The bar back can slide the ladder from one side to the other cherry picking bottles off the shelf. He then puts it in a metal slide which hugs the ladder. The slide has felt like material that will dust the bottle as it drops into the bag at the bottom. Right before it drops it goes through a brush that finishes off the dusting before the bottle is served. Of course the bartender will give it a once over too. There’s lots of other nooks and crannies that pertain to the bar, like the spit toon looking bowl, but it’s not a spit toon.

Stopped by Reading Terminal to check out my food selections for Saturday night. It’s like when you win a shopping spree and you want to see where all the Polo Shirts are so you can go there first. Saturday Night is the Valentine to the Market
for $125 you can eat from any of the vendors, but the Amish, dance, drink, and have the run of the place. It’s a lot of fun I covered it last year too. Mike actually goes with me, so that says a lot.

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Last night was Philly Cooks 2012.
DANIEL REINHERZ and KYW’s HADAS KUZNITS . Hadas was a judge, but had to run out afterwards to her photography class.
Dave Maser, Allison Young, VP of Public Engagement at the Constitution Center and Jenine and David Neff, Neff PR
Eater’s Hottest Chef of 2012, Jason Cichonski (Ela) getting a smooch from his biggest fan Nicole with Ilana Waber and Sam “is that an IPhone in your Pocket” Shoap. Check out my full column in Philly Mag coverage of the event HERE

Last night at the Independence Seaport Museum Immaculata University hosted a “Storm The Court” Party to celebrate the release of the Mighty Macs DVD after it’s first run in the theater. (You might recall the movie screening party I covered for Philly Mag.) Cashman & Associates always have something unique at the parties they orchestrate. So funny they had a bar set up in the elevator. It was Fat Tuesday so there were plenty of beads on hand.
No matter who was on the red carpet, and there was plenty of local star power
or how crowded the place was All eyes seemed to be on friends Top Chefs – Jennifer Carroll and Tony Luke, who looked smashing. Lately, Jen has been in high demand making personal appearances around the country, while making plans for her new restaurant Concrete Blond; and Tony Luke, the purveyor of the delicious pork sandwich, has been opening restaurants internationally and losing half his body weight in the process. He’s a real inspiration. Yesterday someone was shopping around that these two were an item, and although they seem close, it’s no “Harry Met Sally” as of now for these two sexy singles.
The Championship Trophies
Christina Pellegrini, Philly Style Magazine, Erin Humphrey and Meredith Fertig
Actress Megan Sabla, Stephen McCarthy and Jason Starkman.
Lauren O’Dorisio and John Colabelli, Philadelphia Style Magazine Publisher
The CW On Air Talent out and about: Kharisma McIlwaine and Matthew Nadu. Last week Matt was surfing with the locals at sunrise in Costa Rica. “Heaven on earth” he says.
Bob Cole, Immaculata University VP of Communications, addressing the guests with the Mighty Macs Director Tim Chambers looking on.
Chuck Kerrigan, Sr. Ann Heath, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Jenni Sauer, Vice President for Finance and Administration at Immaculata University
The Lovelies: Vasiliki Tsiouris, Co-Owner Opa Restaurant , Erin Como, Maria Papadakis and Marisa Magnatta, WMMR’s Preston & Steve Show. Friday is Erin’s last day with NBC10. She has a few opportunities she’s going to pursue, but is really just going to see what’s out there for the next chapter in her life.
These two ladies were in the film – Karen Matweychuk, Director of the Annual Fund at Immaculata University and Mary Ann Severance. Mary Ann told me she practices Reverse Lent, for the next 40 days she’s gonna let go and get wild.
Ron “Fresh” Mack was in the house. We were discussing the new Nikon camera that comes out next month. We both want it, but it costs more than my first car.
Catering was by Brulee Catering (Which is owned by GuestCounts Hospitality Group with business partners Barry Gutin and Larry Cohen), which reminds me I stopped by their new restaurant Square Peg, at the old Marathon 10th & Walnut spot, the other night (Chef Matt Levin will be helming the kitchen), well actually I stopped by to shoot this through the window. They should be opening up soon.
Tracy Davidson NBC10 reporter, rocking it with a pearl belt with Denise Conway-Crawford, was a member of the Mighty Macs
Ali Frick and NBC10 weather guy Dave Warren. We discovered that we all love monopoly and are going to get together and play a marathon game. Who else is up for it?
Paul Aspan, Associate Producer Comcast Sportsnet and Comcast SportsNet: Lisa Hillary
Elizabeth Bayou, Christopher Scott Grimaldi, (Check out his new novel “Adult World”), Crystal Wenrick and Jason Long, Key Account Manager for Pennsylvania at The Edrington Group
Lorraine Hawk and Victoria Boaz with Philly Daily News fashion “Street Style” photographer Reuben “Big Rube” Harley

For a late nite bite, and you wouldn’t believe how are it is to find a restaurant open after 10PM on Fat Tuesday no less. A few of us stopped by Revolution House at 2nd & Market. They have a new menu items, including this delicious cannolli stuffed with crab meat. Yummy. Hey what are you doing on Sunday. Free Oscar Party at the Ritz Carlton. Nibbles and toast with Korbel

I love Tea at a fancy hotel, and fashion show to boot in a quiet setting without the loud booming from the box, is a joy. That is where I found myself this past weekend with my bud Ilana Waber, Gloss PR
Philly dress designer Sarah van Aken ( SA VA) had a tea party to show off her Spring 2012 Collection with Philadelphia’s most discerning women during a sit down tea at Chez Colette inside the Sofitel Hotel Phila 120 S. 17th Street. The event was sponsored by Tiffany & Co. (note the robins egg color of drinks.) (Tickets $50)
Hosted by style expert Liliana Vazquez of Cheap Chicas and the Nate Berkus Show!!! (Sadly Nate was cancelled, I love that show. But Liliana tells me that she will be on a new show called “Threads”, which will be shown on NBC’s Non-Stop in NYC, and has a potential to be syndicated nationwide.) The SA VA Spring Preview was an exclusive fashion event that will give a sneak peak of the SA VA Spring 2012 collection.
Shoes from Nine West at Shops at Liberty Place
Spotted in the crowd was Michelle Shannon from the Center City District
Sherrie Cole, executive director of Career Wardrobe and Heather Bennett enjoy the show. Career Wardrobe had a similar awesome event last October at the Rittenhouse Hotel but with cute kids, hats and adults. (I covered it in my Philly Mag column) Also important to note: Thursday, June 7, 2012 5:30pm – 9:00pm. The Hyatt at the Bellevue 200 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia. The Career Wardrobe’s annual cocktail reception.
Carol Fritz with Julie Becker and Kim Blaschak
Colette de Chalus Lee, Gwendolyn Johnson, and Rashada Siojo pick from the bite–size desserts that were placed next to the tea sandwiches at each table
I see bright colors and pop up collars are on the menu for spring. Also spotted in the room Margaret Hughes, City Reps Office, Jen Laird, Julie Yoon, Tara Sosa and Kate Hudson
I think Chez Colette has found it’s calling. It’s a nice space for afternoon tea. Usually it’s just open for hotel guests for breakfast as lunch and dinner is served in the bar/restaurant area Liberte
Shoes from Nine West at Shops at Liberty Place
Sarah explains her new spring line to Philly Mag’s fashionista Emily Goulet, who was with friends Caroline Tiger and Carly Walko
Michele Waters of the Sofitel Philadelphia, Michelle Shannon, Sarah van Aken, Liliana Vazquez (Check her out on the Today Show with Kathi Lee & Hoda. Tiffany McCauley, Tiffany & Co. and Nicole Paloux, Red Balloons Public Relations (she represents Sofitel) SA VA is having a spectacular $15 sale today.

Last week the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation held its annual Black History Month Philly 360° cocktail party at Tendenza in Northern Liberties
Durrell Bottoms, Sigma Sound, Tracy Washinsky, Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, i-g creative and Michelle Miller, Sigma Sound.

On Saturday night Sigma Sound had a blow out party in support of Black Thought‘s “Let’s Move it Philly” fundraiser for the GrassRoots Community Foundation! “the ROOTS BLACK THOUGHT & QUESTLOVE w/DICE RAW LIVE FROM SIGMA SOUND!!!

SigmaSound: Dilemma & Friends Experience 2/25 @Sigmasound Live @JadeAlston, @MrTylerJames, @ChillMoody, @LaurinDarling Get your tix http://t.co/D2v6akH6Alicia Burgos, Tayib Smith and Jeanette Lloyd enjoy the night. Check out the rest of theparty pictures and story at Philly Mag in the Philly Post section under The Scene; HughE Dillon

In 2004, Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette filmed Philly author Jennifer Weiner’s bestseller “In Her Shoes” in Philadelphia, and she’s come back a few times but not to do a movie. In 2004 I got this shot of Cameron Diaz filming “In Her Shoes” on Locust Street near 20th. If you look closely Cameron is wearing winter wear even though it was about 75F out.
This past weekend she was in town again. I first heard about it from:
@MarioLopezExtra In Philly! Cameron Diaz was sitting next to me on my flight..Always seem to sit next to someone interesting! She’s very sweet.. Going to AC (Mario was at Harrah’s Pool After Dark last night.) Sweet my ass, Cameron is one of those I play a nice girl on film (ie Reese & Jen Aniston), but I can be a bitch to fans and photographers. I’ve photographed her a handful of times and it’s always been a work out to get a good shot. Above she leaves Good Morning America, below she’s leaving the MTV studios. She arrived in Philly yesterday to probably to attend the GlobalDESIGN, the International Showcase of Exceptional Jewelers, at the Convention Center like she did last year during this same period.
She stayed at the Ritz-Carlton on Broad Street. Last night she went to Alma de Cuba (1623 Walnut) with her mom, Billie Diaz an import / export agent . They then walked back to their hotel along Walnut Street, so if you think you saw her you did.Today they headed to brunch at MidTown Continental with 8 people. That girl is not afraid to fly, in less than 24 hrs she is back on a plane and outta her. She’s at the PHL right now to catch a 1:45PM flight.
I did get a text that a guy asked if his 9 year old daughter could pose with her for a photo and she said no. That’s the Cameron Diaz I know. Oh wait she was nice to this girl. I guess if you;re not asking for a photo or autograph she’s decent.
Danielle Millett @millettdanielle Just interacted with Cameron Diaz at the Philly airport. She is so nice!

Ugh. So bummer I can’t find the notebook for this event (I’m in the middle of re-organizing my desk and it is lost among the mess). Now I know I have it cause the same night I went to the Top of the Tower event, and I wrote that on Tuesday. Ugh, i could have completely skipped over this event, but I think the message is important and that is why I am bringing it to you… The Heart Ball brought out the ball gowns and tuxedos Saturday Night at the Marriott Downtown in Center City.Aleta Rupert Executive Director, Vice President of Development at American Heart Association and James Eisenhower, The American Heart Association’s Board of Directors. The Heart Ball celebrates: our work and mission; our donors and volunteers; and – most important – the lives saved and improved because of everyone’s efforts.
Judge Rene Cartwright-Hughes, chief at Red Cross, Phila and Shirleen Alicott, 6ABC news anchor was MC for the nights event. The 2012 Heart of Philadelphia Honoree’s were Daniel J. Hliferty, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, and the 2012 Edward S. Cooper, M.D. Honoree was Howard H. Weitz, M.D., Jefferson University Hospitals.
adorable
Last year their mother won the bid on the trip to Africa. It was for 5 days/4 nights. The family has extended it to 2 weeks and they are going this summer. This year it went for $5,500
African Game Preserve: Spend an unforgettable 5 days/4 nights on safari in the exclusive Ongava Game Reserve located next to Etosha National Park in Namibia. The package allows the winners to choose between staying at Ongava Tented Camp or Ongava Lodge. A combination of both properties is also possible. Both tented and lodge accommodations include the “creature” comforts of private baths, luxury suites, and cooling units. All with fabulous views looking out at the preserve and waterholes. Meals are served either in the main dining room under thatch with a view, or on the dining deck under the stars.
So cute. I spoke to someone who won this last year and they said it was FABULOUS. Which is probably why it goes for a pretty penny.
Tuscan Country Villa: In the heart of Tuscany lies a beautiful, enchanting country villa with 5 cozy bedrooms. Enjoy swimming in the sunny pool, playing tennis on the private court, or simply strolling the 40 picturesque acres surrounding the house-sleeps 10. Perfectly situated for day trips to Florence, Sienna or Pisa. Stay in touch with good telephone lines and internet access. Sensational cook and charming tennis instructor available for hire. Dollars Raised: $20,000
Oh I’m so sad I can’t find this booklet, but you know it has to be at least two years since this has happened. I think I have too many booklets. Some need to be retired. Mrs. Philadelphia, on left, tells me that the Mrs Pennsylvania contest is coming up in the next few weeks and will be held in Atlantic City. I found that odd since, but then she told me they jointly hold the Mrs. New Jersey contest at the same time and place. Interesting.
Christina and John Saler. So glad to run into them. John was the co-chair of the Academy Ball and I just couldn’t find them that night. I always thought the co-chair appeared on stage at some point. John tells me he was on stage, he gave Diana Krall her flowers. I found the pix but it wasn’t really a good angle of John, but he was on stage and he made her laugh. It was cute.
Best dressed couple. She has the most beautiful ginger hair. The Heart Association has great nutritional tips.
I loved this dress. These two were the only peeps I shot that didn’t have a stitch of red on them, but I really enjoyed her dress. Sorry for the abbreviated post, it really is driving me crazy where I put the notebook that contains this event.
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Thanks to my sponsors who keep me clothed in those nice black outfits you see me sporting. Make this weekend special, pick up some new threads & new shoes at the Shops of Liberty Place, rent a limo to take you to dinner at Del Frisco’s while enjoying a glass of Korbel. nibble on the best chocolates from Teuchsers Philadelphia at the Bellevue. Then head over to Philly’s favorite playground Recess for some late night dancing. For your next party think about hiring a band or DJ from CTO Entertainment be sure to stop by the Cool Pix Photo Booth. Stop off at your full service attorney’s office Zarwin Baum before you take the plunge. On Monday hit the gym, The Sporting Club, and call The Lab for marketing advice. Pick up your tickets for Philly’s most outrageously fun cake decorating contest, where you get to eat as much wedding cake as possible & bring some home. Let Them Eat Cake. on April 2nd. I suggest you bring your own container. Have a great weekend.