Philly Chit Chat

Last night at Chickees & Pete’s in South Philly, the Soul Football Team held a competition for their Soul Mate Dance Team (cheerleaders). The girls were judged on dance ability, crowd appeal, showmanship, as well as personality and appearance. After nearly 300 people applied, the crowd was cut back to 35. At this event the final cut occurred to 20 participants. Tiffany S.
Amanda has a cheering section
There were a whole bunch of judges there including several Philadelphia Eagles players like Clay Harbor, Daryl Tapp, Chad Hall, Owen Schmitt, Antonio Dixon, Jon Dorenbos, and Fox 29’s Mike Jerrick.
Jon Dorenbos shows Chad Hall the 93.3-WMMR morning hosts Preston and Steve‘s Totally Office Calendar 2012 where his wife Julie is Miss July. Julie co-owns Skin Palette (126 S. 19th) spray tanning studio with Susie Celek. ** They are the “Official” tanning salon of the Philadelphia Soul Mates Dance Team.
Daryl and Tiffany Tapp. Tiffany is a professional body builder and just recently competed. She’s cut. They’re with BJ and Craig Spencer, majority owners of the Soul Football Team.
please, please vote for me
Christina D. gives the lonely bartender a show
Philadelphia Soul Arena Football Player Nyere Aumaitre and Eagles Julian Vandervelde. The two guys used to play ball together at University of Iowa.
Andrea W. (Yep that’s Shady in the background)Natasha T.
Paula Lisenbee (soon to be Vandervelde in June 2012), Tiffany Tapp and Julie Dorenbos
Antoinette G.
What’s not to smile at…a perfect job after a winning week.
Did you know the Eagles play, well you probably do know, I didn’t, but they play on Christmas Eve and on New Years Day. WOW. Now that will be a tail gate party, New Year’s Day!Julian Vandervelde, Daryl Tapp, Paula Lisenbee, Julie Dorenbos, Jon Dorenbos, guest, Clay Harbor, guest, Chad Hall, Owen Schmitt, and Tiffany Tapp. There were intermissions every 10 girls. We needed it in the audience too because each girl performed to the same exact song, ugh.

97.5 The Fanatic’s Sean Brace
introduces the Soul Mates
for 2012
and they are excited
I could not find the opening date for the Philadelphia Soul, but I believe I heard them say March 2012. Here’s the link to the site.
Then the same group that went to Eastern State Penn a few weeks back, hung out in two of the “play rooms” upstairs at Chickee & Pete’s. OMG so much fun I can’t wait to go back. It’s more fun than Dave & Buster’s but without the view. Next week we’re all headed there again.
Julian Vandervelde

Check out Fox 29’s Good Day Philly to meet the ladies the 2012 Soul Mates

Rumors of the sale of the Rittenhouse Hotel were sparked with this piece in the Philly Inquirer last week (and an email sent to employees.) I say: People of Rittenhouse Hotel, do not get nervous. I hear, Hersha Hospitality will keep the name, keep the team as they have always done at all the properties they’ve invested in before. They want the consistency, the continuity of your service, you’re smile. The Rittenhouse Hotel has been a AAA Five-Diamond Award (1991 – 2011)
Highest distinction for accommodations and service, and Hersha Hospitality would want to maintain that level of course. I’m sure they know you are the best at what you do, that is what The Rittenhouse has always been, the Jewel of the City. I’m sure they just want to add this jewel to their family of hotels, all within driving distance of Philly. Their headquarters is here in Philadelphia. Hersha Hospitality has an outstanding reputation, they could get a “With Love” GPTMC billboard cause they love Philly so much. So relax. Did you see my photo in the Philly Post today, it was taken at a Hersha Property.
Borders, so many rumors and speculations, mostly by me, sorry. I reported in the Spring that a Forever 21 wanted to move in there, and they were this close. It all fell through, as did several other places because of the darn
mezzanine. Sources tell me that none of the companies, some of which have been wooed by the City, can swallow the mezzanine as usable space. (Guess they never heard of storage, employees lounge, dressing room or maybe even putting the kitchen there.) Yes Cheesecake was going to sign, I learned this week it wasn’t the parking that was the deterrent but that mezzanine was, and then that long trek to the 4th er I mean 2nd floor.
Now Walgreen’s wants it and they aren’t bothered by the mezzanine (I first heard about this on PhiladelphiaSpeaks.) The City has rejected it twice, but Walgreen’s came back last week with another proposal. You might be saying to yourself, but the Border’s space is too big for a Walgreen’s? Well I have news for you, they are going after a lot of the old Borders stores, they want to build Walgreen Super Stores, where you can get everything there but gas. Which really is a good idea as there are no supermarkets in the area. Walgreen’s wants later hours, maybe 24 hrs, then it will be an active corner. The facade of the building makes it upscale, but PLEASE Walgreens don’t cover up the windows like you do at all your stores.Walgreens takes over the largest Borders in Chicago, and in NYC an over 20,000 square foot retail space at 100 Broadway formerly occupied by the bookselling chain Borders has found a new taker – Walgreens (11/21/11). A 42,000-square-foot former Borders store sitting vacant on East Liberty and Maynard streets, Michigan is also vying as a Walgreen’s Superstore. The space next to Borders I hear is slated to become a bank. I had no idea about why the Marathon’s were closing, but I did know that some of them were being shown )real estate wise) to many people since at least early October (I contacted the people involved and they asked me not to go public. Now that it’s out there I had & have some tidbits). The 13th & Broad Street Marathon, which closed last week, is slated to become a bank I hear. Wachovia owns the building. I remember when I told someone a few weeks ago, they said, but Wachovia owns a bank down the street, 1 half block away. That’s true, but my thoughts are there is no bank near the 13th Street corridor, near Lucky Strikes, close to the Arts Dorm across the street, and it would be the closest bank to City Hall’s east side. (You may recall me tweeting in October @iphillychitchat in one of my famed “blind items” that “an iconic restaurant would be closing soon.”) I do here they will be keeping at least 2 of them opened, you’ll be surprised which ones.Tuesday: City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program officially opens a new public space, Mural Arts at The Gallery, the place to tour, shop, learn, and create with the largest public art program in the world. The new space is on the third level of The Gallery at Market East and will allow for a variety of uses including tour box office, retail store, museum, and studio. Mural Arts at The Gallery is a 3,500 square-foot multi-use space that will operate year-round.

It’s official “Free People” is coming to Walnut Street, as I first reported in August. I know all about Free People as they have had a store in Stone Harbor for years now, and that’s all my baby sister wore throughout the summer. Did you know that Urban Outfitters, Free People and Anthropologie, are all owned by Urban Outfitters Inc.? That makes Urban Outfitters like Marcie & Val (13st Biz owners) cause UOI now has 3 stores within blocks of each other.

A Dollar store replaces the Consignment Shop on the 1900 block of Chestnut Street, next to the temporarily closed Kiva. I thought there were rules about what can go near Rittenhouse. Although in this economy I welcome a Dollar store. Looks like it has nice gift wrapping too.Burnz Cigar Vault & Lounge in Lawnside, NJ is an establishment that caters to those who enjoy premium cigars in a relaxing atmosphere, men and women, young professionals and titans of business. Cigar Store: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-5pm Cigar Lounge: Mon-Thur 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun 11am-Midnight My buddy Gervase Peterson , (Survivor 1st Season) is a partner in the project.Santa Paws at the Sporting Club at the Bellevue. Santa looks a lot like my boxing coach Clif. Jimmy Rollins gets a Slice at 1740 Sansom St on Saturday. No word on whether he’s gonna miss his favorite Philly Pizza place.
Langhorne’s dining scene now has a new hot spot in town as Bonefish Grill opened its doors at 500 Oxford Valley Road. (Off Route 95, Exit 46A. Just before Sesame Place in the Plaza at Oxford Valley). The ZAGAT award-winning restaurant brings its wood-grilled fish, seafood and chops, innovative sauces and indulgent desserts to Bucks County. The restaurant features great-tasting food, extensive craft beer selections, and an adventurous wine list. http://www.bonefishgrill.com/
(The last 3 pixs I did not take, they were provided by the subjects. Bonefish: Mike Hirata)
Hughe Dillon – Could you vote for me on the Philebrity Awards. I would like to break 400, especially since I have 5,000 readers daily. He doesn’t want your email like other “Hot List” sites that I would never send you too. Thanks HughE

Recently the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) honored Comcast Corporation’s Executive Vice President, David L. Cohen with its prestigious 2011 Gold Medal Award
The PPRA Gold Medal Award honors individuals and organizations whose accomplishments have left a lasting impact on our community and brought national recognition to Philadelphia. These luncheons are always fun to go to as it’s filled with the who’s who of PR and the people behind the scenes pushing and pitching newspapers, blogs (me), and the media to get stories out about their clients.
You be surprised about how much of the information you read everyday was presented by these people behind the scenes (PR) who represent companies, charities and individuals who want you to know about them, their products and the good deeds they do. I love going to these events, and all events so I can get to know them a little better myself. It takes real know how and a bit a moxie to get the news out as you can imagine with all the great companies and happenings out there. Above Renee Chenault, from NBC10 Philadelphia. She reads the final product on the air, whether it’s a car accident, or a Linda Creed Foundation luncheon. Although she is influential in getting a story on the air too.
Mayor Nutter reads a proclamation in honor of David Cohen.
I haven’t seen Larry Kane since Michael Klein’s wedding. He’s a legend.
David L. Cohen is Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation, one of the world’s leading media, entertainment and communication companies and the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal. Mr. Cohen has a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including corporate communications, government affairs, public affairs and corporate administration, and serves as senior counselor to the CEO. Before assuming this position in July 2002, Mr. Cohen served as a partner in and Chairman of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, one of the 100 largest law firms in the country. From January 1992 to April 1997, Mr. Cohen served as Chief of Staff to Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell.
Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) President Chris Lukach presents David L Cohen with the 2011 Gold Medal Award
Kevin Feeley presents a funny presentation about David, no doubt influenced by the 1960’s TV show Bonanza or Gunsmoke. Check it out, turn up the volume.

In Philadelphia Saturday, the annual “Running of the Santas” began in the morning with hundreds of Santas bar crawling in the Old City and Northern Liberties neighborhoods. Then at 4PM the Santas were to gather at Finnegan’s 3rd & Spring Garden and run to the Party with the Santa’s at Festival Pier about a half mile away.

I had a feeling I was on the right path when I spotted these folks at 5th and Spring Garden Sts. on SaturdayIn Philadelphia Saturday, the annual “Running of the Santas” began at 10 a.m. with hundreds of Santas bar crawling in the Old City and Northen Liberties neighborhoods. At 4 p.m., the Santas, began to run 1/3 a mile to the Festival Pier to see live performances by 10 bands. Proceeds from the event, which included a “Hottest Santa Contest,” go to the Ellie Koerner Leukemia Fund and the FOP Lodge #5 Survivors Fund.

Started in Manayunk in 1998, the Running of the Santas is an annual bar crawl where participants dress up in Santa costumes, drink and go for a short run to the “North Pole,” a closing party. Over the years, the Philadelphia Running of the Santas has moved from Manayunk to South Street before settling at its current Northern Liberties location. Now there are over 100 runs across the country included Naked Santa Runs, Santa Speedo Run to sizzle on the streets Saturday afternoon in Toronto and in Boston.

Geez what happened Philly, it’s not that cold? Why don’t we have a naked Santa Run?

Although I was impressed by this guy on crutches, he was more impressed. I ran into him an hour later, and he was so proud he made the 1/5 mile run, and barely spilled his beer from his special cup holder. Can you see it?I was glad a lot of people recognized me even though I didn’t have my Santa outfit on
Like Brittany Bernard and her girlfriends
Who wears short shorts. Hey I went to see Jersey Boys this weekend. Loved it. Go see it, it’s for all ages. You’ll recognize a song or two.

Todd “Heat Miser” Burnside and friends.

#OccupySpringGarden

The folks coming off the El were a bit confused

by the leprechaun cause he’s at least 4 months early. Yes there is going to be “Running of the Micks” in March 2012

At least he’s telling you up front

Fire Hydrant must have reminded him of something

Santa down

Snowflake?

Marlon Brando lives

Check out the gal with the tree on her head. Both are a little wobbly.

busta move

Drinking water? Somethings wrong here.
Elf downMac Demy and Doc with two strangers

The 1% looking down at Festival Pier Tent. The other view, Sugarhouse, just sayin
Wait I know I’ve seen some gift wrap somewhere

The three wise

There were two tents, one with the band, and one with a DJ. Beers were only $3There was dancing and shenanigans outside the tents too.

Did I mention that Delilah’s opened a new bar. It’s called Rock and Roll, and it’s at the end of their strip fronting Spring Garden.

Let’s twist again like we did last summer

They were giving out the bows to all the nice girls. Seems like everyone was naughty this year.

He’s minority Santa he told me

Marilyn Russell from Ben FM. I have to tell you I’ve been listening to it lately, and I like it. Good mix of young and middle age stuff. Just like what they play at D’Angelo’s. BTW readers who always write me about a dance night just for you, the 60’s – 80’s Dance music. Well I finally convinced a restaurant to work with me on hosting a monthly, maybe weekly event just like that. More to come in 2012. Maybe Ben FM could host it?

Hot!

Let’s do the Time Warp Again?

E*A*G*L*E*S , finally

He thought there was a chair there.

Rockette Reject?

YMCA, it’s fun to go to the YMCA

Do you think they exchanged stockings or are they always alternative?

Feliz Navidad

I was on my way home to attend a friends holiday party, but the stream of people kept coming. Such a fun event. Hey do me a favor.
Update: Tuesday Entry: Check out the tryouts of the Soul Football Team Dance Squad Here.

Go over to Philebrity and vote for me in this category.
Hughe Dillon – If my vote goes up by 500 I’ll put all the photos I took this past month in a free online album for youse. (I don’t want to win, I just would like to have a solid 2nd or 3rd place.) I think Tammy Faymous is fabulous, and probably not afraid of talking in front of a large audience.
Then support my advertisers, cause I have to make a living. Thanks.
Check out what’s going on at the Shops of Liberty this week.
Rick’s Steaks Free soda with the purchase of any sandwich.

The David Akers Kicks for Kids foundation has been helping kids at C.H.O.P. since 2001. This year the foundation held a Wine Dinner at the Cescaphe Ballroom on Wednesday December 7th to benefit the Little Rock Resource center for visually impaired and blind kids at C.H.O.P.
As David Akers was out of town, this years event was hosted by Philadelphia Eagle Jon Dorenbos. For Jon it marked a welcome return to the location where he and Julie Dorenbos got married. Julie could not attend as she needed to work at her spa Skin Palette, she’s heading to Miami with Kiajfa Frink (Vick) and the girls to crash on South Street before the big game Sunday.
Vance “The Vanimal” Worley of the Phillies with host Jon Dorenbos of the Eagles. Who has the better hair?Kyle Miller with his wife Birthday Girl Alison Miller and former Eagle Mike Mamula (right).
Kicks for Kids board member Jim Calla, with Phillies Jimmy Rollins and Jerrold Colton.
Philadelphia Eagles Jon Dorenbos with car Dealer Gary Barbera and his son Gary Barbera Jr.
Eagle player and singer Julian Vandervelde with girlfriend Paula LisenBee. (I think she owns a lot of yellow, since there’s a bee in her name.)
(Thanks to Mike Hirata who shot this event for PCC, as I had another gig in Center City)

Thanks to my advertisers this week: Secrets Limo ; CTO Entertainment;
Recess Lounge; Teuscher Chocolates; The Shops at Liberty Place; Del Frisco’s – Book your holiday party now, and get $100 gift certificate with every booking. The LAB; Anne Woodford Reserve; The Sporting Club (I’ve started training with Cliff there.) Fleming’s Prime Rib Steakhouse and
Hair of the Dog Ms Tootise

Last night I headed over to the 3rd Annual Varga Bar Calendar launch. It was dreary outside, but that all changed when I walked through the doors to
the warm glow of Miss January…
My friend Erin Como, here with her colleague at NBC10 Doug Shimmel, and Erin’s dad, Mr Como.
George Anni (r) and Val Anni are big supporters of the USO and last year, began donating 25 percent of all calendar proceeds to the Liberty USO (the local chapter). On the left is Joseph Brooks, President & COO, Liberty USO of Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
Danny Schuyler with RAW: natural born artists Showcase at G Lounge host Fred Calang
Out on the town last night, former cad turned celebrity interviewer Arthur Kade will be seen on the Biography Channel at 10 tonight night as a commentator on a special called “Never Satisfied: Why Powerful Men Cheat.” Kade, discusses philanderers such as Jesse James, Anthony Weiner, Brett Favre, Tony Parker and Ted Haggard. Hanging with the Kade is Marissa Magnatta, producer from the Preston & Steve Show on WMMR, and Kate Ryan, Kate Ryan PR, who reps Varga, Valanni and Mercato restaurants. Michelle – Miss September, George and Dawn – Miss August
Linh Dang – Miss April 2012 and Gennifer Whiston – Miss March 2010
Doctors in training from Brazil. These folks are at Wills Eye Hospital for a few classes, and return home next week after finals. Varga bar is a fun hang out, and they love Philly. Adding NYC is nice, and everything, but the history and quaintness of Philadelphia can’t be beat. The people are so nice. (GPTMC let’s get these folks in a Love Philly campaign.) L-R Roberto, Fernada, Monique, Moe and Gustavo.
Did I mention it was packed? the sponsors were: Dollface Studio-photography
AMS Salon-hair, Just B Beautiful and Shelah Layton-makeup, Velvet Lily-wardrobe
Bill Callahan-graphic design

Hmm pork and meat loaf sliders
Erin Como and her beau Danny Schuyler
Miss May, but I think it should have been Miss June as an homage to Gay Pride Month since she’s wearing an outfit with the Rainbow Flag colors on them.
Varga Bar Chef Evan Turney, guest Michelle Demsky and Chris Pesotski
Check out my Philly Mag column on The Girard College Screening that happened at the Independence Seaport Museum the other night. Thanks. Here

This post is dedicated to my friend Sarah Jo Robinson. Right before I attended the Varga event, I received a letter from her parents telling me she had died a few weeks earlier of a heart attack at her home in Colorado. She had beaten the meth addiction 2 years before, begun to rebuild her life, working with a charity drug & outreach program to help others who were in her situation, but the damage to her heart had already been done. She was 43.

Update:
I should have picked a happier song for Sarah, like Walking on Sunshine or Simply Irresistible. The Susan Boyle song reflects how I feel, she was more like this song.

We were together when it first played on the radio, I was shocked and she was like Hughie embrace it. It’s about women being in charge. Over the years we would sing it to each other cause it was such a one hit wonder. She was a lovely girl, from a good family, she had class, she was grounded even during those years I though I had lost her (I had a lot of patience during those years), and she was a great friend. In the past few years I had less and less time to chat with her, and she understood. I have a card on my desk from her that was sent in July. She had just moved into a new house to be closer to her son, who had been placed in foster care. It was my reminder to write or call her, I never found the time, but I knew it would be soon as I just bought stamps yesterday to send her that card. I wish I had called instead. I’ll miss her.

Yesterday Joe Jonas stopped by Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania to visit with the kids. Jonas was in town to participate in the Q102 Jingle Bell Ball at the Wells Fargo Center. He arrived in town on Tuesday night, and bunked at the Omni Hotel over looking the historic district. In the evening he headed up town with 2 friends, and had dinner at Whiskey Burger. A few people recognized him, but he ate in peace. (Twitter Photo)Surprise, surprise Eagles player, and I mean player, Desean Jackson did show up at G Lounge on Sunday night to celebrate his birthday. But you know a contract’s a contract whether it’s on the field or playing the field. He’s been a trooper (ie signed a contract to appear) and has made appearances at nearly every Sunday night party held at there since the beginning of the season. The party was hosted by Draya of VH1’s “Basketball Wives”, who stopped by Geno’s Sunday afternoon. (Twitter Photo)The following night DeSean attended the 10th Annual Philadelphia Sports Fans Choice Awards, with singer, Dancing with the Stars contestant, Mya. (Now why did I skip that event, ugh. I went last year.) Check out Crunktastical.net for another shot of D-Jac and his birthday cake.

A few weeks ago I headed out with my bud Hadas Kuznits, of KYW Radio to explore the fabulous fall colors of Tinicum Park.
Hadas had just received a camera for her birthday from her husband Dan Reinherz. So now I have a photography buddy.
who likes a good adventure too.
The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is administered by the Department of Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is located in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania, about 1 mile from the Philadelphia International Airport.We explored the far side of the park, an area I had never been to before.


OMG the sun began to drop and we lost our way on the trails. Poor Hadas had to lead us out of there. I was crippled with fear of the bogey man chopping us in pieces.

Random Fall Shots in The City
Franklin Square
Fairmount Park, across from the Art Museum
Visit PMG creator Isaiah Zagar Philadelphia Magic Gardens on South Street.

Tonight check out the Varga Bar (10th & Spruce) Pin Up Calendar Girl Party 9PM for open bar & snacks.
Today Check out my PhillyMag column, I’ll post a link when it’s live. Thanks and please support my advertiser today: Miss Tootsie and Secrets Limo

Thirty-years ago this December 9th, Philadelphia Police Officer 4699, Daniel Faulkner [aged 25] was killed outside 1234 Locust Street. Today, the burgeoning district is one of the country’s fastest growing nightlife and dining destinations and is the home of The Independent Hotel and the soon-to-open Fish restaurant.

To honor the memory of the fallen officer— Chef Mike Stollenwerk, his team and those from The Independent Hotel have joined forces to purchase and donate a police bicycle to the Sixth Police District. The bicycle, which will be used to patrol the neighborhood, will be given to Philadelphia Police brass in a special outdoor ceremony outside what will soon be the new location of Philadelphia’s best seafood restaurant — Fish. The ceremony will take place at 4pm. Stollenwerk and the crew from the Independent Hotel — including General Manager Jim Evans — will pledge to keep Faulkner’s memory alive outside their respective businesses.
City dignitaries, those close to Faulkner, members of the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police and prominent Philadelphians will be in attendance for the press conference.

“We want to honor Officer Faulkner on this 30th anniversary by doing our part to make the district a safer place,” Stollenwerk says. “We thought supporting the local police here in the neighborhood would be the best way to do that.”

The new police bicycle will be put to use immediately in the Sixth District. The cost of a police bicycle is approximately $900-$1100. The bicycle was secured from Jay’s Peddle Power in Fishtown.

Fish, Philadelphia Magazine’s Best New Restaurant [City], 2010 Best of Philly® issue, continues to make a splash by combining culinary innovation, sleek sophistication and imaginatively astute flavor combinations. Fish patrons have come to expect exceptional and knowledgeable service, an accomplished wine program and advanced offerings at the bar. Fish earned a “Three-Bell” [Excellent] rating from The Philadelphia Inquirer’s food critic Craig LaBan and has been featured in The New York Times, among other prestigious publications. Fish will soon be moving to a much larger facility at 1234 Locust Street, the corner of 13th & Locust, at the Independent Hotel.