Philly Chit Chat

Last week was the re-launch of Theatre Confetti (formerlyNice People Theatre) Sponsored by the Wyncote Foundation, and held at the Underground Arts at the Wolf Building in the Loft District.
The brainchild of Nicole Paloux of Red Balloon PR and Bi Jean Ngo, Theatre Confetti is a pop-up theatre and will put on shows and art performances all over the City. First up Martha Undressed – a Theatre Confetti Production which will be staged at the Sofitel in Center City on February 2. Tixs here.

Enjoying the nights festivities were Kristina Jenkins, Where Magazine editor and Brett Coppol, Where Magazine’s sales team
The Taco Loco Food Truck was there selling tacos and unusually flavored cupcakes that aren’t typically on the menu from Brown Betty Dessert Boutique.

Rue La La’s Justin Fine with Blair DonovanTheatre Confetti will put on at least two thought provoking production a year.
Fred Katzm board members and owner of Katz Frantz and Co. and Michael Katz
Actors Davon Williams and Anjoli Santiago
uwishunu’s Nicole Rossi and friendThe interior was transformed into a unique theatrical experience, with help from Crème Design, interior designer of Jose Garces‘ restaurants.

Béke Beau and Christopher Carlson. Béke, a make-up artist, just put on a terrific presentation for the Greater Philadelphia Association of Bridal Consultants meeting last night at The Union League. I hear it went well. no actors were hurt during this performance art
Hyatt Bellevue’s GM Jeff Miller and Eddie Dseguera. There was a pop-up open bar hosted by Rolling Barrel Events
Nicole Paloux with her parents Marci Blicher and Bert Blicher.
Last year they produced the successful, and controversial production “Love Jerry” at the Latvian Society
Jeanine Beverly, Neal Beverly, and Liz Mann

Theatre Confetti Directors Bi Jean Ngo and Nicole Paloux with board member Vincent Vienne. Vincent is also the GM of Sofitel where Theatre Confetti’s next production will be staged

Philadelphia’s favorite drag queen cabaret
stripped down to the bare necessities and unplugged:
The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret Martha Undressed
Thanks to Mike Hirata Photography

Today I have a column on The Philly Post at Philly Mag, and it should be live about 11AM. In the meantime here are a few of my picks for Best Dressed. Later this week I will put up a few more pixs of best dressed on Philly Chit Chat and on Thursday check out Good Day Philly for my thoughts on Hair O Dog. Hair O Dog, created by Rob Molinaro and Dan Cronin (center) of Chorus Communications with Senator Larry Farness with Jin Hee Park
These two ladies had a great deal to do with what was a truly successful event on Saturday night, The 18th Annual Hair O Dog at the Westin Hotel. Jennifer Sherlock, President at Jenna Communications, LLC and Buffy Morgan, Director of Marketing at Chorus Communications
and Director Of Marketing at Metrospect Events Designer Creg Oosterhart and David Hall (Director of Catering at The Loews), looking good and feeling very charitable. Check out what they went home with at the end of the night. Check out my Philly Mag column (Also Monday I had a nice pix of Vice President Biden visiting Philly) for more pixs and stories.

I hear that Brian Nagele ( & friends) are wading into the pool of a takeover of the management of what will shortly be known as formerly the Arrow Swim Club, 1031 Germantown Avenue. The founder and president of Cities 2 Night and operating Philly2Night.com here in Philly, will be managing and re-branding the complex. Their target audience will now be more in align with the neighborhood, and the management will institute a new fee structuring for memberships, making it more affordable.Last year the Northern Liberties swim club kicked off with a big splash, and although it was a success, there were still groans from people who couldn’t afford the steep price ($1,000) for a 6 month membership, especially with the uncertainty of the weather if they could only use the pool on the weekends.A little bit about Brian: What an entrepreneur this guy is; after making a huge splash with the party promoting business Philly2Night, he then decided to go in a new direction. Last summer he took over the Italian restaurant, Appoliniare at Developer Bart Blatstein‘s Piazza, and opened King’s Oak, a grill and bar. I love their wings.

Recently, Brian was part of the team that threw a very successful New Year’s Eve Party at the Piazza, where the entire complex was tented and over 4,000 people attended. (I didn’t go cause I traditionally stay home with my long time friends who I sometimes neglect throughout the year.)

No doubt with his combined business talents he’s going to infuse new life into the Arrow Swim Club complex this summer, including throwing the DJ themed parties which really took off mid-summer and opened the pool up to the masses with admission as low as $10.Everyone had a lot of fun at these parties, some were held in the evening, dancing occurred, spirits included beer, wine and Korbel champagne was served. The Three Nerds had industry nights on Tuesday’s. I chatted with a lot of the guests, the one complaint I heard constantly was “I wish I could afford to belong to the swim club.” Well no doubt now you will be able to afford it with the revised price structuring. No diving please!!A source associated with the company didn’t know the new name of the pool complex, but did mention that the restaurant is going to be called Yellow Fin Grill. (How cute.)
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Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. – Martin Luther King, Jr
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I live at the Philadelphian with a lot of talented grannies & bubby’s , but don’t take my word for it check their work out at our yearly art show. Earlier this year they held a beautiful art show for the residents and their friends.

OK a few that aren’t grannies – sisters Venetia Bebi and Anthee Bebi
a grandpa


OMG
Audrey Gomberg, inspired me in 2007 to focus on charities as a way to give back via my blog.

Unfortunately this art show is only opened to residents of the Philadelphian. We are so luck to be living in a building that has talented artists, social groups, book clubs, plus a restaurant (our own Little Pete’s,) dry cleaners, Dr’s offices, supermarket, movie nights and so much more. Check us out here.
Definitely my favorite piece on the right

After a very, very slow start to the 2012 social season, my minds been blank, even though my to do lists are full, these pages of PhillyChitChat have been bare, even though I have had stories over on Philly Mag’s The Post Blog, hope you’re reading me over there too. I know so bizarre competing with myself, but I am really branding that column, and the “One Shots” as one thing, and here on PhillyChitChat as something else and my appearances on Fox 29 completely different. (I know how much you missed my ramblings, I read your emails too.) OK the 2012 Social Diary is starting to look up starting tonight as there are at least 6 events. (since it’s slow I’ve been shooting the views from my window.)Two of them I am a hired gun so I will be hitting them first (one just booked yesterday and is at 9PM tonight), hopefully I will swing by the at least one additional one afterwards. Sometimes if you want me at your event, and guaranteed coverage on PCC, you have to book me (or you could be an advertiser they take precedence on other nights.) Email Me for rates: Buzz @ PhillyChitChat.com to book me for your next gig.

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Comedian, Mensa member, brilliant (our generations Fanny Brice) Sandra Bernhard is in town with her show, “I Love Me, Don’t You?”, at the Painted Bride Arts Center, (230 Vine St., 215-925-9914) through Saturday. I wasn’t eager to go, I was never a big fan of her live stand up as she was always a confrontational comedian, in your face, a gotcha on the spot, which made me uncomfortable most of the time (like David Letterman’s interactions with her), but I always loved her on his show and when ever she was interviewed. I’m sure it’s just me.

Above is a clip from David Letterman that is a Bernhard hoot.

Now as the “Philadelphia Paparazzi” and social gossiper, I am interested that she is in town, and what she is doing in town when she’s not on stage to bring it to you, because she is a star. Tuesday afternoon I was tipped off that she was eating at Square 1682 for lunch. I decided not to wait outside to shoot her as I knew I would see her that evening, and I would just incorporate the story. I did decide to tweet that she had eaten lunch there earlier in the day, and she tweeted me back to see if I had been sitting nearby. They say that’s like the equivalent to an autograph these days, so check that off on my bucket list, along with the time Jane Fonda said those nice things about my work. Oh which reminds me I had photographed Bernhard in NYC once too. I was waiting outside the Kabbalah Center for Madonna, as she had just announced her divorce from Guy Ritchie. (I’m not a fan of hanging outside of places of worship, or peoples homes as you know to do my work.)Also going to services, Bernhard and her adorable little gal Cicely. So cute. Click on the pix to enlarge it. I heard the two ladies didn’t acknowledge each other, which is sad cause these two used to be tight. But you know Madonna, when she’s done with you, she’s done with you.
No doubt Sandra must be tired about answering questions about Madonna and their friendship.Sheri Lebeau and Laura Goldman, Chutzpah Magazine on the blue carpet at the Palomar Tuesday night for the opening party meet and greet.After photographing her party on Tuesday night, and then writing up my column for Philly Mag I though, I’d like to go check out the show.So off we went, Mike and I. He wanted to sit down in front, but I prefer the back row. There was a nice crowd, and we even saw a few folks we knew, straight people to boot.
Like Rich Wolf, and Susan Helfrich; and sitting in front of us was Marlo Polonsky.
I couldn’t tape during the show, but it was good, very tame, PG with a few fucks thrown in. I don’t know if it was tame because of the weather, or that the guitar players parents were in the room, but it was nothing like I remembered in years gone by, like when she was at Gay Pride about 8 years ago and was not funny at all. Last night though, she was funny, entertaining and she’s so damn smart, it’s like listening to Camilia Paglia but I can follow along with Sandra. The show runs a little over an hour, then Sandy has a meet and greet in the lobby. I wish I had a picture of her in her Moschino dress, it was hot, she is hot, she has an incredible body, and legs to die for. She’s all that and 56. (Happily betrothed with a gal for 11 years too.)Now I’m shooting this rug on stage cause I had heard from friends that Sandy was wicked in her humor of the rug that used to grace the stage. I tweeted about it last night, saying I bet the folks at the Painted Bride were offended and or hurt that maybe she didn’t do right by their guest. Someone wrote me that no I’m sure they knew it was part of her shtick. Well guess what they went out and bought a new rug. The MC mentioned in her opening remarks that she hoped that Sandra would say something about the lobby because she would love it if the management spruced that room up next.
I chatted with Sandy when she signed my CD, which I will eventually donate to Gilda’s Club of SJ for a silent auction. Anyway, I’m in love, she is so sweet and endearing. I asked her what she was going to do while she was in Philly. She told me she was just going to take it easy, she’s a little vaklemped, and has a little cold. But she’s been here before, and loves the City. Welcome Back. Go see her through Saturday, you’ll have a good time, laugh a little and sing a long and enjoy yourself.

Today’s event is the Linda Creed Foundation Annual Luncheon. It was held early in December, but I am just getting to it today:

Every year the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation provides over 325 mammograms and 200 diagnostic tests, breast health information to over 5,000 women, field numerous calls every week to women who have just “found” a lump, and help women and their families survive the financial crunch that often comes with cancer treatment. Do this, we depend on you. More than 75% of our income comes from individuals. Your gift of $50, $100, $1,000 or more helps make it possible. Janet Genardi on behalf of Genardi’s Supermarket donated $107, 000 to LC Foundation. Please help out the Linda Creed Foundation, keep the money local and for the people suffering from this terrible disease that might not be so fortunate to have health insurance. (source)Patricia Donnelly, Angela Micugi and Dotti O’Donnell
Susan Momenee-Cush, Annie Kilbride, Kate Kavanagh, Michelle Yeager and Susan Steinmetz
I’m a big fan of Philadelphia born Linda Creed as she wrote some of my favorite songs. She lost her battle with breast cancer in 1987, just as one of her biggest songs was to hit number 1 for the first time, after it was remade by Whitney Houston.

There was also a fashion show, but it the ladies who lunch kinda fashion show, where you’re eating lunch and the model walks through the sea of tables, and you look up from your salad and think “that would like nice on me.” Oh she’s a mother with 7 kids, she looks good, or I remember when she was on TV. (Unfortunately for me I can’t find my patron book so I really can’t remember who she is. Do you know who she is?)
The whole kitten caboodle of mommies, wives, students and women models that took part in the event. I did much better during my segment that was shown on Fox 29 in early December.
Lake Naomi Breast Cancer Rally Committee received The Angel Award. Linda Brownstein, founder of Linda Creed Foundation, representative from Lake Naomi Breast Cancer Rally, Donna Duncan, Executive Director of Linda Creed Foundation.
Shirlee Kaplan with the 2011 recipient of The Gene Kaplan Award
Committee member Patty Friel; Kathy Lentini, immediate past president of Linda Creed, and Linda Camerota.

The 50/50 was a huge success with over $800 being raised with a split between the winner and the charity.
See you next year Saturday December 1, 2012

On opening night I popped into the newly relocated Fish (1234 Locust St) to support my friends and have a bite to eat.
It was about 830PM, and there was still a decent amount of folks enjoying the first night too, so I sat at the Oyster Bar, where I would have sat anyway cause I know nothing about Oysters.
Chuck shucks and is a connoisseur at the Oyster Bar. I had no idea oysters had different flavors. I definitely need more training there. Monica Glass, as you may recall I mentioned last month in my Philly Mag column, is the new pastry chef at Fish. She is also learning to shuck, which she is excited about.
After a few delicious oysters I dug into the menu. There were lots of items to choose from so I order some Skate Chips to hold me over while I checked it out. Finally settling on the Roasted Baby Red Beets, (Chicken Liver Mouse, Crispy Chicken Skin, Pear Mostarda and Charred Romaine). Then Chuck told me the origin of the salad. Chef/Owner Mike Stollenwerk and his wife Marilyn were on vacation. It was like that 80’s Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup commercial

He was having the beet salad, and she was having chicken liver mouse something. After tasting each others dish, Mike had an a-ha moment. It was a good decision. It was really good. I loved the presentation too on the slates, but use you knife to scoop all the morsels since there’s not a side to the dish.
Next I had the Cobia Fish, which I had never even heard about before. It too was really delicious. I chatted with Philadelphia Inquirer’s Craig Leban about the fish on his weekly chat Tuesday at Philly.com at 2pm

Then Monica Glass showed me the dessert menu and I wanted everything, but settled on the Warm Chestnut Cake, with lots of surprises and homemade vanilla ice cream, which was delicious. Monica told me that their ice cream machine hasn’t been delivered yet, so she and Chuck have been running over to Amada in the morning to make some. Now that’s why is Philadelphia’s restaurant community is so wonderful, it’s about relationships and and helping each other in need. So nice I’m giving them a link for that.
Next on my bucket list Scallops (I photographed a guy sitting next to me, Bill Doyle’s dish, GO2GUY LLC. He was nice enough, thanks.)
Then Bill had the Octopus, (He loved it and the presentation.) and you know that is my signature go to dish. I’ll be back, and soon. I’m kinda hungry right now?