As I reported back in August on Fox 29’s Good Day Show, Bradley Cooper began filming The Silver Lining Playbook in Ridley Park, Pa. Friday. (About 5 miles from Philadelphia) The movie, which is based on the novel by Matthew Quick (which was set in Collingswood, NJ but maybe moved to Pa for the tax credits.), stars Cooper as a former high school teacher who is committed to a mental institution for depression. He is later released and begins wooing his former wife, but instead falls for her neighbor. Jennifer Lawrence is attached to play the neighbor, while Robert De Niro will play his father. Chris Tucker has also signed on to the movie. (A photographer friend sent me these shots of Bradley Cooper filming in Ridley Park, Pa. The scene consisted of Bradley running up and down the street in a plastic bag outfit, check out additional shots at www.splashnews.com.) You’ll recall DeNiro and Cooper filmed “Limitless” in Philadelphia in 2009. Guess they like us, they really like us. This week filming location is on 200 block of Madison in Upper Darby, PA. Tomorrow I will have lots of details from Tuesday’s film shoot. (I also see that PhillyFilmGirl is all over this movie. Follow her on Twitter, check out her site)
Earlier this week I attended the “Lights for the Cure Turns The Skyline Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, held at the Hyatt at the Bellevue on Broad Street at XIX. In it’s 10 year, Lights for the Cure can boast over 100 buildings in the Delaware Valley will be turning Pink for the entire month. Erika von Tiehl, Natasha Brown, look on as CBS3’s Jon Hitchcock, president and general manager of CBS3 and The CW Philly Heather Seok, Executive Director at PA Film Industry Association (PaFIA), Laurel Fairworth, and CBS3’s Pat Ciarrocchi. Laurel is excited for the “Little Smiles” Dr Hughes Spooktacular at the Curtis Center on 10/23. I was hired to shoot that event so I will definitely be there and look forward to seeing you. For more information visit: www.drnewyou.com or call 856 751 4554. Christie Banlotti, CBS3’s Jim Donovan and Donna Massanova. Donna also does work for the Linda Creed Foundation, which I photograph every 1st Saturday in December at their annual event at the Crystal Tea Room.WOGL’s Valerie Knight and producer Jamyra Perry Lindsey Rueppel, CW’s Matthew Nadu, Mac Francis, Megan Stecher and Shelley Hoffman, CBS3’s Public Affairs Manager, Breast Cancer Survivor and today’s fashion icon: Dawn Jones Richard Bartlett, Victoria Calliari, Event Coordinator The Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Neil Stein, and Elaine I. Grobman, Executive Director of the Komen Phila. Tell me that the Pink Tie 2011 Gala is going to be spectacular at Vie on October 15. Plus this year there’s a young professionals After X Party. The roving party begins at 9:00 PM with cocktails and lavish appetizers… then progresses into the main ballroom where Mix 106.1 DJ Robbie Rob spins everything into high gear with fun and dancing into the early morning hours; and
The Entertainment, a Night of Legends: including a mini concert by the Crystals, Marvelettes & Shirelles and all-night music by Tony Grandberry & his Big Fun Orchestra. Entertainment sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Partner in the Promise of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate.
(Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it as The Good Dog/Bad Dog folks hired me to shoot their gala the same evening) “Lights for the Cure is a beacon of hope for millions of people and demonstrates the dynamic that makes the breast cancer movement so powerful locally and globally,” says Elaine I. Grobman, Executive Director of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. “Thanks to amazing partners like CBS 3, light by light, building by building, community by community – we are generating awareness and saving lives.” A complete list of the buildings and landmarks participating in the LIGHTS FOR THE CURE campaign is available at www.CBSPhilly.com/cure.
I don’t think I’ve followed any chef more in this City than Jennifer Carroll. I met Jen when I worked for Philadelphia Inquirer’s Michael Klein and he took me over to the hard hat 10 Arts party hosted by Jen and her boss at Le Bernardin, Eric Ripert in January 2008. We became fast friends, and I’m so excited to see what’s next for her. Last night she 86’d herself from 10 Arts to set out on her own. Above Jen Carroll and Jeff Black, president of Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner Series benefiting The James Beard Foundation greet the guests who have gathered to participate in the $180 dinner that included dinner, tax, wine pairings and a historic night in cuisine, which benefited the James Beard Foundation. I saw a few familiar faces in the crowd at the cocktail party including Gary Cardi and Clayre Cardi on the right with friends Brian and Molly Harrington. Clayre reminded me she has the Flyers signed hockey stick that I won at a charity auction earlier this summer, which I will in turn auction off at the Gilda’s Club of SJ event in honor of my sister at Fleming’s Steakhouse Marlton 11/21. I also got two menus signed from the chefs at last nights dinner. So if you have anything you would to donate to this good cause just drop me an email at buzz@philly chitchat.com and I’ll come by and get them. Thanks. OK on with the story of Jen… Norman and Suzanne Cohn. You’ll recall we went to a wonderful charity dinner at their penthouse in Old City earlier this year in support of the Kimmel Center. Top Chefs in the house: Chef Scott Drewno of Wolfgang Puck’s The Source, Washington DC, Chef Victor Albisu of BLT Steak, Washington DC, Andrea Litbin, and Chef Eli Kirstein of Atlanta, GA, Mixologist during the cocktail party before the dinner included Katie Loeb, Oyster House, Phoebe Esmon, The Farmer’s Cabinet and Christian Gaal, formerly of Noble Chefs prepping hor’douvers for cocktail hour Jeff Michaud, Osteria, Nick Adjintettdy, 10 Arts, Ian Thomas, 10 Arts and Akiko Moorman, 10 Arts,
Wine Chat
Chef Michael Solomonov, chef/owner of Zahav, Percy St BBQ, Federal Donuts10 Arts Pastry Chef Monica Glass, and Christopher Curtin, Chef/Owner at Eclat Chocolate These were delicious, but you have to watch the video to catch their name and explanation on how they make them.
Christopher Ken and Michelle Lee, R2L guests toast to the beginning of the dinner, there in the foreground on the right is Kelly Morrison, Chair of Taste of the Nation Philadelphia Jen preparing her last dish with the help of her sous chef, Steve Delorean center. The dish a Yellow fin tuna, orange ginger white miso and it was delicious. Michelle Ranieri, Phila Style Magazine Publisher John Collabelli and Jill RizenSecond course by Chef Victor Albisu, a fermin iberico pork, California caviar, greek yogurt dish was served with a Segura Viudas Brut Rose wine.
The Line – At one point Jen yelled for me to get the moishe or something like that. I had no idea what she was saying and finally she came to my side of the kitchen and her best NE accent, I’ll get it myself. – I think she just wanted to see if she could make another boy stressed enough to cry in the kitchen again, like she mentioned when she was on Top Chef.
Jen with Sarah van Aken. Sarah tells me that she’s doing the uniforms for Chef Kevin Sbraga new restaurant, Sbraga, which opens next week. She also did the clothes for the new Stephen Starr restaurant Il Pittore.Then it was back in the kitchen as Jen inspected dishes before they left the kitchen, something she’s always done. When she received a few unexpected visitors Top Cheftestants Kevin Sbraga, Kenny Gilbert, Nippels Beach Grill, Andrea Curto-Randazzo, Creative Tastes and Casey Thompson, Casey Thompson is from Miami and was on Season 3, plus the All Stars. She was in town coincidently as she appeared at a private event at the Loews with other Top Chef contestants Kevin Sbraga, Sbraga, Kenny Gilbert, Nippels Beach Grill, Andrea Curto-Randazzo, Creative Tastes. Afterwards they headed over to 10 Arts to help out, and wish Jen well in her new adventure.Shoula stopped by too Each of the chefs came out to the dining room to discuss their dishes. Jen’s greeting her diners, Ruthanne Geib, who came up from Baltimore, MD to attend the dinner with her nephew Alex Ballooon, who lives in Philly.
Jen and Eli on the line
Monica Glass working the line. With 120 plates all served at once, it was all hands on deck. A love for Bravo’s Top chef and a chance meeting with Jen in Las Vegas, Matt and Kim Angell traveled all the way from Denver, Co to have a chance to meet and chat with some of the Cheftestants on the show. Eli with his trademark look Jen and her family, with mom Joan Carroll making a toast as sisters Jessica and Sunny Carroll and London Grill’s Terry McNally look on Jen thanks everyone for all their help, and closes the kitchen at 10 Arts for the last time under her watch. Monica Glass and Jen have one last big good-bye in the kitchen
The end, and now the beginning. It’s gonna be in Center City, but was there any doubt?Contact her manager for details. Chris Cabott, Esq. (215) 575-3803
If you want a throwback jersey you know to go to Mitchell & Ness, when you want something current and cool head on over to Pro League Authentics in Midtown, at 137 S. 13th St (in the old Absolute Abstract Pop Shop [they’re next door now.]) Ray (above), who used to be with M&S, and a few associates including The Roots Frankie Knuckles, are excited to supply all your Phillies, Flyers, Union and Eagles needs. Plus they’ll have other sports related items including posters and things. So if you’re looking for something from Slapshot, this would be your place. The grand opening party is in a few weeks with Big Daddy Graham spinning. Is this thinking ahead?Yogorino’s coming along, not as quickly as I was told so I don’t think they’ll be an opening this week. The store next to it looks like it’s underway too If I were that food cart, I might think of going somewhere else. About 2 months ago a car drove through the Burger King, and now the other night a car drove through the news stand.
Saturday October 1 kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month. In the evening I went to King of Prussia Mall to check out the Chambord Liqueur party hosted by the Betsey Johnson boutique, for its national ‘Pink Your Drink’ campaign that benefits breast cancer charities. The Chambord event was titled ‘Cocktails and Cupcakes’ and held at twenty Betsey Johnson boutiques through out the country that evening. These mini celebrations will support Betsey’s limited edition line of breast cancer awareness products, which will raise funds for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC). Cianel Palmer, Steve Schuster and Kristin Conrad greet the guests who arrived for the special event. The crowd was a little light as we were competing with the first game of the Phillies, but the people who did come in enjoyed the sweets, treats and delicious Chambord cocktails. Above the two Jacqueline’s who are both married to Joe’s and are sister in laws. Tongue twister puzzle. Jacquline told me that she’s gonna to buy a bottle of Chambord and host her own “Pink Your Drink” party. A lot of the women who came in on Saturday night were looking for prom or holiday dresses. Alicia, Stacy and Mary were more than happy to help them out. CHAMBORD PINK-TINIIngredients: 1 oz Chambord 1.5 oz honey vodka .5 oz lime juice 3-4 raspberriesDirections: Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass or crushed ice-filled rocks glass. Top with more crushed ice. Garnish with raspberries. Emem enjoyed the treats, and says she loves shopping at Betsy’s boutique; she’s now a proud owner of a “Pink Your Drink” shirt.Chambord’s Pink Your Drink program has already generated more than $50,000 in donations for Breast Cancer Network of Strength in 2010. (Source) Devan has had Chambord before and like’s the sweet tasting drink. Now she loves this cute “Pink Your Drink” T-Shirt too. Helen Lee loves the boots at Betsey Johnson’s boutique. Heidi Beth loves Betsey Johnson, and wanted to support the cause. She and Astro bought one of Betsey Johnson’s limited edition line of breast cancer awareness bag which came with socks and a tank top and at the same time raised funds for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC).
Betsey Johnson celebrates her 68th Birthday Spring 2011 with Chambord
“CSI: The Experience” Exhibit at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia kicked off on Saturday, October 2. CSI: The Experience immerses you in hands-on science while leading you through the challenge of solving a crime. The hands-on exhibit brings to life fundamental scientific principles, numerous scientific disciplines, and the most advanced technology and techniques used today by crime scene investigators and forensic scientists. Through hands-on activities with real equipment, as well as multimedia presentations, you will sample the following science fields and understand their role in cracking crimes. (Source) Sela Ward is with Anne-Marie Green of CBS3, who is preparing a special piece on the exhibit for TV on Oct 20 I wish I realized what she was wearing when I saw her as I would have asked her if it was on purpose, I would say yes, she had to know. All I kept thinking was this is an odd combination of clothing. (Color blocking in fashion is when a garment or outfit is composed of definite blocks of color.) What are your thoughts? I checked out the exhibit last Thursday and found it fascinating, and I’ve never seen the show. It was fun reviewing each of the crime scenes for clues, going over the forensic science and then at the end trying to solve the crimes. The exhibit is at the Franklin Institute until Jan 1, 2012
St. Luke and the Epiphany church for St. Francis day, the blessing of the dogs. Sherman leads the parade. My guy Mike, and Susie Celek with Bruiser. Sampan –
Mmm… Kobe Beef Slider — only $2 @ our famous Happy Hour until 7pm!
Have you tried our pork banh mi?Only $4 during happy hour!Boots sneakers Zac Efron got the wind knocked out of him Dan Cirucci and family Opa restaurant, love the turf Vasiliki Tsiouris, of Opa Philly Street Chic Scarlett and mom Check out those nails Erin Elmore Laura Burkhardt has gone into the consulting business with Lab. Time had a great stage Philly Street Chic Wow McGillin’s – It’s Like St Patrick’s Day Tony, Rob & Val State Court overturns Fergies Tower approval as Mark and Tonya Did you see my Philly Mag column today, it’s about the Eastern State Pen haunted house. Check out Cecily Tynan looking Purrrfect!!
Ladder 15 is always a hot time, but last week is was fiery hot with the launch party of Southern Comfort Pepper! Ladder 15 held a party for the new cocktail and the event was also a benefit for the Philadelphia Fireman’s Widows charity. Rob Sirota of Capital Wines and Spirits, Carol Drumstas, Brown Forman and Dave Franke with Southern Comfort Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper—a collaboration with McIlhenny Co.’s Tabasco hot sauce brand that aims to deliver a “sweet-heat” taste profile. By mixing the well-known lime partner with Tabasco chilies and other natural pepper flavors, SoCo has created a literally intoxicating mixture of bite and smooth drink-ability that’s sure to demand a new variant of bloody Mary in which to use it. SoCo isn’t known for its fresh breath powers, and neither is Tobasco, so mixed together they might make for some eyebrow-searing exhalations. Dana and Eric are fiery hot, but love the taste of the new So Co Bloody Mary’s Gus working hard for his UpcomingEvents. He had a photographer on the scene and check the photos out here.By 9PM the place was packed Philly’s own band – Burnt Sienna heating up the stage, with songs like “Burning Love”, “Light My Fire” and other hot tunes. Sisters Toni and Trinidad ham it up in the photo booth. These girls had a fantastic time, at the party and in the photo booth. They must have left with a dozen photos. So much fun I had to pull the curtain back to join in on the good times. Most of the guests that were at Ladder 15, which by the way had a delicious spread, enjoyed the Bloody Mary, a drink Samantha told me that isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Frank and Chris enjoyed delicious bites from Chef David AnsillAnother popular drink was the:
SoCo® FIERY PEPPER Margarita
Ingredients:
2 OZ. SoCo® FIERY PEPPER
4 OZ. Margarita Mix
Pinch of Salt
Squeeze of Lime
Glass: Margarita Method: Stir Garnish: Lime Special Directions: Combine ingredients in a rocks glass with ice. Stir con mucho gusto. Garnish with a lime wedge. Helen and Lee loved the party favors as well as the Make sure you have your friends become a “Fan” of Philly Pours so they too can get super-special invites to private parties like the Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper Launch Party in the future!
Yesterday in Philadelphia Center City Fans gathered to wait for the Phillies Rally Trolley to pass by near City Hall and Love Parkaround 1PM the trolley stopped at the Northwest corner of City Hall to let on a special Phillies Fan me
then this guy got on behind me Thanks Phillies & Michael Harris for inviting me along to ride in the Rally Trolley. So much fun.
Video of the funtastic handing out rally towels & signs at City Hall
Big Rube out getting his style photos for the Daily News Rittenhouse Square
Jennifer Lawrence is attached to play the neighbor, while Robert De Niro will play his father. Chris Tucker has also signed on to the movie. (A photographer friend sent me these shots of Bradley Cooper filming in Ridley Park, Pa. The scene consisted of Bradley running up and down the street in a plastic bag outfit, check out additional shots at www.splashnews.com.)
You’ll recall DeNiro and Cooper filmed “Limitless” in Philadelphia in 2009. Guess they like us, they really like us. This week filming location is on 200 block of Madison in Upper Darby, PA. Tomorrow I will have lots of details from Tuesday’s film shoot. 
