Philly Chit Chat

Decked out women and men hit the cobblestone of Rittenhouse Square last night to attend the 28th Rittenhouse Ball on The Square, was held last night, Thursday, June 17, 2011. The prestigious evening of glamour is always held on the third Thursday in June where the proceeds raise funds to make significant capital improvements to Rittenhouse Square. The gala event was co-chaired this year by Nicole Cashman, Barbara Eberline, Audrey Claire Taichman and Richard Vague, here with the committee.
The decor was done by Stephen Starr Catering, decor by Evantine and lighting by Eventions. When I arrive at an event done by Brian Kappra and his crew I immediately run to the dining room as he is a genius is decor. This year he did not disappoint, the theme must have been jeweled of bedazzled because there were jewels in the table cloths, hanging from the guard house, in the table runners, on the centerpieces. Really beautiful. The Starr menu was 4 courses and included lobster and fillet. The lighting was dramatic, subtle and playful.
Pretty in pink Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Film Office, outfit was complete with pink pumps for the garden black tie party.
I ran into my friend and former “boss” from my former life as a paralegal, Charles Goowin, Esq. He’s a partner at Berger Montague and my firm assigned me to work on a case with his firm for 2 years. I actually went to work there everyday, which was a joy since it was only a block from Rittenhouse Square. His wife Nicole Galli is also an attorney, but at a different law firm.
A.J. Marsico and Annie McCormack. AJ just got back from a trip to Pittsburgh and checked out one of his favorite stadiums PNC Bank, which has a really great view of the City.
Rich Castor and Mary Parenti. Mary owns one of the beautiful private homes on Rittenhouse Square, what a treat it must be to have the park as your front yard.
Dr. Whitney Pollock and Harris Bock. Dr Pollock, Pottsville, was recently named national spokesperson for a NovaSure medical procedure.
Kelly Boyd was a stunner in her glimmering gold number with Fabio Granato (Owner Serafina NYC & soon to be Philly 6/24) and James Scott.
Nicole Melchiorre and Nina Stanley. Behind them was where the table place-cards were located, among beautiful white roses and lilies. As the guests first walked in they would pick the place card up telling them which table they were sitting.
Rittenhouse Square unofficial mayor as opposed to Wendy Rosen who is the official mayor, Sal D’Angelo and his beautiful wife Inga. You want to learn the history of Rittenhouse talk to Sal.
Nigel Richards, Nicole Cashman, Sabrina Thorne, Lauren O’Dorisio, guest, Noel Bruno and Matt Noone
Our FEASTIVAL pals Liz Trasmundi and Jason Norton. The 2011 Feastival is September 14.
Matt Wolf and Rebecca Quinn-Wolf. You can’t see it very well in this shot but Matt is sporting his Phillies bow tie, “representing he said.”
Todd Drake and Denelle Green–Drake. Love her Philip Lim outfit that she picked up at Neiman Marcus
Dave Maser and one of the evenings co-chairs, Barbara Eberline
Nicole Cashman, Brian Kappra, with David Hall and Creg Oosterhart
Former senator Bob Rovner makes his way through the crowd
Senator Larry Farnese with Jin Hee Park, was one of the few “official” politicians under the big tent as the city officials like Councilman-at-Large James F. Kenney and Mayor Nutter were ironing out the budget in City Hall. Nancy Alperin Regni and Dr. Jerry Regni.
Chris Sellon, Debra Hamilton, Linda Richardson and Dr Paul Richardson
Others spotted were John Colabelli, Robert Stern, Carol Tamburino, Steve Thorne, David Lipson, Linda Johnson, Eileen Kennedy, Peter Madden, Kate Wilhelm and Chris Chimicles, Laurie Phillips, David Schwartz, Carol and Joe Shanis, Irene and Fred Shabel, Joel Koppelman, John Westrum, Justin Wineburgh and Judie Weinstock
Diane Johnson and Christian DiCiccoTamar Olitsky, Co-owner of Table 31 (have you tried their new menu yet?) and Brooke Dillon. Both woman’s outfits came from Brooke’s boutique where she specializes in vintage clothing.
Anthony Casey, Nina Tinari, Mia Tinari and Dave Fisher
co-chaired this year by Nicole Cashman, Barbara Eberline, Audrey Claire Taichman and Richard Vague with Rittenhouse Square President Betsy Hummel, CBS3’s Chris May and Susan Barnett looking on.
Dinner then dancing was on the menu as the Young Friends of Rittenhouse Square made their way over from Smith & Wollensky at about 10PM. More on their party on Monday.

The Eddie Bruce band performs
Kate Kosarek, Friends of Rittenhouse Square Park and Scott Barnes, Starr Catering
Ralph and Suzanne Roberts, stunningly dress and a great way to end the entry with style and class. (Scott Barnes is helping Mrs Roberts navigate the cobblestones and rain.

Chris Brown is coming to Philly on Father’s Day. Then he’s gonna party at Whisper’s 1712 Walnut Street
The party gets started at 10PM Sunday night, but I don’t expect he’ll roll in til an hour after that. I remember J-Woww all too well. She was about 2 hrs late. See you there.

Last weekend was the Philadelphia Pride Parade and also the last time Q Kitchen at 13th & Locust was open for business. I went by Monday night and it had a closed for the evening sign, but now things seem more ominous cause when I drove by Tuesday night at midnight the place was dark leaving only the hookers on the corner keeping it warm. I talked to a friend and he tells me they have closed for good. Bummer. Hope something fun opens there.
Tonight packed your vehicle with as many friends that can fit and pay only $50 for the whole group to see the Philadelphia Soul in great lower level seats.
I received this email two days ago from Cliff Stevens Co-founder, Lokadot, LLC, which explained this guy with the sign “What Are You Listening to?” I photographed on Monday on my way to the Brent Celek event: “Just thought you’d be interested in an Internet meme developing that Philadelphia is now a part of, thanks to a YouTube video we published today called “Yo Philly! What Song Are You Listening to?” – available here http://goo.gl/Xb2OG – Filmed Monday June 14, 2011.”

Something tells me that the sign outside might say Shears, but look for the name Swanky Bubbles to return soon. (Maybe after the new Spike TV series, Bar Rescue airs?)

Noah Wylie was recently in town to promote his new TV Series on the former ER star will play Tom Mason, a history teacher forced to lead a band of survivors in the aftermath of an alien invasion in Falling Skies on TNT at 9PM Sunday.

The meeting was held at The Four Seasons Hotel where I participated in a round table interview. It was cool and fun to do as each reporter brings with them their angle of the story and asks questions that others might not even think of.
Noah told us that he took a step back from Hollywood to focus on raising his kids. Now the time was right to his career back on track, plus he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with Steven Spielberg.

Noah discusses how he took a step back from his career to concentrate on his family. Then choose this project as the timing worked out well, plus it was working with Stephen Spielberg. He just had to do it.
Noah Wylie’s view during the interview, although he was very attentive. I was just thinking how wonderful the view is from the Four Seasons.
Fallen Skies kicks off on Father’s Day June 19 at 9PM on TNT

Monday Night I headed over to the Loews Hotel to check out the Brent Celek Take Flight Foundation’s charity event. Established in 2010, the primary focus of the Take Flight Foundation is to provide seriously ill and physically challenged children throughout Greater Philadelphia with daily support and life changing experiences.

The theme of the night was World Tour of Food and beverages with breathtaking views
Zach Waxman and Brad Waxman, both from Southern Wine and Spirits
Bob Gomberg, Bob Coorey, Tom Keebler, Rob Heckler and Maureen Heckler enjoyed the VIP cocktail party which was held before the main event.
Dave Mills, Alan and Annette Simmons
The VIP party was held in a room off of Sole Food, and was a singles women’s paradise since it was male dominated.
Ashley James and Christine Mills. Christine tells me she is not related to David above.
Then it was up to the 33rd Floor for food from around the world
paired with spirits
I love the JOY on this kids face. A moment he won’t forget with Philadelphia Eagles players Jamar Chaney and Eldra Buckley.
Sherita Rooney, Rebekah Starr and Ariella Bradley hang out upstairs on the 33rd floor where the main event was held. The VIP gift bags included a official white NFL football so the guests could get autographs from the players. Good time, good cause and a great people.

Yesterday at Penns Landing a press conference was held to release a few more details about the 11-day Wawa Welcome America! festival kicks off on June 24 and continues through July 4 with a full day (and night!) of patriotic festivities.I think I’ve told you in previous posts that the July 4th Holidays are my favorite. For years, even before I was PhillyChitChat, I usually try and make it to at least half of all the events that the City has put on regarding this great birthday celebration for our nation. After attending the press release and reading all the material I can honestly say this year is going to be the best year. This year there are dance contests, free entertainment venues all over the City, iconic performances including one by Nancy Wilson at the Dell (fee because it is the Dell after all and we need to support the venue.) THREE Fireworks Displays, three. WOW, love that. My favorite of course is at The Philadelphia Art Museum, that’s why I moved into the high rise across the street so I could enjoy it every year. And I do. Lot’s of kids activities including Go 4th & Learn, Ice Cream Festival, Festival on The Parkway and did I mention fireworks?This year since I am doing blogging full time nothing is gonna stop me from attending even more events, and I hope I see you there too. Just call out “Hey PhillyChitChat” and I will be over to photograph you and get a little story on July 4th and your favorite events during the Wawa America’s Birthday Celebration. City Representative Melanie Johnson spent a good half hour telling us about the new events going on this year, as if what was provided in the past wasn’t enough they sure did add more to the agenda. Kicking off the 10 day celebration is The Taste of Philadelphia. A three day free event where restaurants, vendors and food trucks (Tuesday I saw a new cupcake truck.) will be sharing a little taste of Philly. There may be a fee for some of the tastings, but Wawa will be giving out free samples of their new signature smoothie. And Wawa will be having a contest to see who has the smoothest dance moves in Philly.
Peter Nero (on right) and the Philly Pops perform a free concert at Independence Hall on July 3. Behind Mr Nero is one of the guys from the Strongman competition. They’re returning again this year. You’ll recall I wrote about them in 2008 here. People love this competition and to this day I still get a dozen hits on this entry weekly.
A new event this year is a singer-songwriter competition for unsigned talent. The winner gets to perform on the Parkway and cut a demo with Grammy-winning Philadelphia producers Carvin Haggins and Ivan Barias. The singer must be unsigned, unrepresented and the work must be original. Here’s the link to the contest for all you future Justin Beiber or Carrie Underwood’s http://www.welcomeamerica.com/contest/
After the growing success of The Wawa Welcome America!’s Independence Day Parade it will expand two additional blocks to accommodate the more than 4,000 participants from a dozen states, 16 marching musical groups, nine floats, five military branches and special guests. The Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on July 4 and winds through the nation’s most historic mile.
A few of the food trucks that will be participating in the Taste of Philadelphia event. I’ll also be tweeting all the events and giving you ideas of transportation, the crowd size, events going on and answering any questions you might have so follow me on twitter @iPhillyChitChat or follow the July 4th folks at @July4thPhilly
The Wawa Hoagie Day is Wednesday June 29, noon-2 p.m., Independence Visitor Center Lawn. The first Wawa Hoagie Day was held at this same location in 1995 (I was there and have photos somewhere I’m sure. It was the last event held there before they started the construction on the the Independence Visitor Center and The National Constitution Center. BTW the NCC is having a great exhibition on George Washington that kicks off on July 1, right in time for the July 4th celebrations.
ABC6’s Lisa Thomas Laury and Wawa’s Lori Bruce, Wawa Director of Public Relations. Party on the Parkway: July 4, noon-6 p.m. Music, dancing, cultural activities, arts and crafts and live entertainment make for an afternoon of (free!) family fun. Stick around for the 4th of July Jam and Fireworks (see above).
“The Fourth of July on the Parkway should be (to Philadelphia) what New Year’s Eve in Times Square is to New York,” Questlove said in a statement. Did I mention that Wawa America’s Birthday culmnates in a gigantic party on the Parkway with a fabulous concert that ends with the most spectacular fireworks. This year Philly 360 creative ambassador Questlove of The Roots is this year’s musical director, and he’s selected a stellar lineup of musical headliners. The Roots will be joined on the roster by special guests Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles and DJ Jazzy Jeff with even more to come.

(The last photo is by G. Widman for GPTMC)

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Follow Welcome America on Facebook and Twitter to stay in-the-know about all the latest happenings and special promotions. I’m excited to be a Wawa Welcome America Blogger for an event that I truly love.

The Vetri Foundation for Children once again hosted a fantastic foodie event in the Urban Outfitters Headquarters in the Navy Yard. This year’s event brought almost 40 chefs ( Tom Colicchio, the Top chef judge couldn’t make it. One Top Chef fan said to me that there’s a good chance he was afraid to show his face in Jen Carroll’s Philadelphia), and a dozen mixologists, wineries and breweries from around the world. The event was a sell out, drawing a record crowd.
I thought this years set up was so much better than last years, but because of the record crowd there were a few times I swear I got goosed to move me along as I was taking in the beautiful sights and happy people.
L-R: Michael Steinberg, Cashman & Assoc and Jill Rizen. Jill had a lovely party for her dog Ruby’s 1st birthday at Rouge the other day. Which reminds me congratulations to Maggie and Rob Wasserman, husband and wife owners of Rouge on the birth of their son Asher yesterday.
Musician Phil Roy, Jennie Hatton, Profile PR and Arthur Etchells, Foobooz.Com. Jennie tells me that She rode a camel with Phil in Israel.
Anna Schneider, restaurant 1682 at The Palomar. Anna tells me she’s a big supporter of Alex’s Lemonade and this event. It’s a great time to see people who you’ve worked with before, or admire, and support a charity that helps children.
Tom Buonanno and London Grill’s Terry McNally. Remember to come out for Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary, July 14, where Terry takes on the persona of Marie Antoinette with her own dramatic flair.
Spotted in the crowd was Stephen Starr chatting with former Philadelphia Inquirer writer Rick Nichols. Starr is collaborating on a restaurant called Alla Spina with Marc Vetri on North Broad which is slated to open sometime in 2012.
Top Chef Winner Kevin Sbraga tells me his new restaurant, Sbraga, will be opening in late summer. He tells me he’s going on vacation and then in July he’s going full speed ahead for the development of the new place at 440 S. Broad St., which is in the Symphony House. Kevin tells me that meatloaf and duck will be on the menu, and for me to look for squab as a special. I had attended a special dinner at the Omni hotel in the Azalea Restaurant last year where he served squab (pigeon) and it was delicious. Above with Michael Schwartz
Michaels Genuine Food & Drink, Miami, Fl
Stylish Barbara Hilsee, Lissa Hilsee, Nancy Schwartz and Todd Hilsee.
Chef Hiro Sone, Terra, 10 Arts Chef Jen Carroll, Pastry Chef Monica Glass and cook Ryan. Ryan explained all the levels of cooks to me last night and I feel educated. Jen told me it was a thrill to work along side the folks from Terra, and that Sone’s was the first cookbook she ever read – Terra: Cooking from the Heart of Napa Valley (2000) I think to further my understanding of the foodie world I will pick it up.Jason Ohlsen and Erin Monteiro you will recall met while working at the ESP and were married there a few weeks ago. Congratulations!
Evelyn Fleisher, Sarah Starr, Laura D’Erosmo and Alissa Kur. I loved Alissa’s dress and it turns out that it was created by Urban Outfitters and is sold at Free People.
my Fairmount neighbors: Tom Kehoe and wife Judge Linda Carpenter, owners of Yards Brewery
Owen Rothstein Director of Business Development at Multi – Flow Industries and Paige Marmer
The VIP Room. There were comfortable seats, and a large screen that reflected the going bids of the silent auction. This year they did something new and very technical an electronic bidding systems. It’s call BidPal and automates the whole system. If you look really closely on the left you can see Comedian Wanda Sykes and wife Alex. You’ll recall I wrote about the women eating at Amis about 3 weeks ago after a reader sent me a tip. The reader was sitting near them. I was eager to get a pix of them tonight since I passed on shooting them that night so they could enjoy their night out. She lives here I figured I would see her eventually. It was easier said then done, she was shy with the big camera, not only with me but others I hear, but very gracious whenever a fan approached her, which was great. She told me I don’t have any make up on, I thought what crazy, you’re beautiful as is Alex. But I complied until my bud Brett came along…
Who else was in the VIP room: Wendi Tow and Suzanne Kane; Also spotted Collin Flatt, Danya Henninger, Larry Platt, James Zeleniak, Michael Klein, Susan Miller, David Lipson, Kiong Bahn and so many others my head is spinning.
Greek-American brother-sister team Vasiliki and George Tsiouris who recently opened one of my favorite restaurants OPA Check them out Thursday nights when they have their artist/musician nights. Last week they had a great fashion show MC’d by G-N Kang and Thom Cardwell featuring fashions by Matthew Izzo and others. Tomorrow night check out El Malito and AfroTaino Productions present “Platypus” at 10PM
Brett Rosenbloom, Director of Business Development at Multiflow Industries and Wanda Sykes. Every time I turned around these two were together, laughing, giggling like old chums, but I know they just met last night. I had to break it to Brett that Wanda was already married and Alex could kick his butt.
Mina Sabet, The Ten Show producer and friend Jan Shaefer, Executive Director at St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children
Lauren Richmond, Scott Holtermann, and Kimberley Anderson, Kimberly’s Boutique Congratulations to Scott and Kim who are having a sibling for their 4 yr old daughter December 26. BTW I chatted with Zavah/Percy Street’s Michael Solomonov who tells me that he didn’t fare so well up against the mechanical bull that was at Percy Street last week during his beer week party. Congrats to he and his wife who in less than a month will become proud parents.
The Fuji Crew, now selling Justin Wine. Michelle Ranieri, Doug Crusler and Antonette Borromeo
Dino Minelli and Carri Nork Minelli, with Nicole Cashman and Nigel Richards. Christopher Nork was also spotted. He tells me it’s his last hurrah as wife Tiffany is about to give birth to their first child in NINE DAYS. So exciting!!
Kelly Gerrity and Francesco Logozzo . Kelly and Francesco are engaged to get married in November in Mexico. Neither of them have been there, but they are high school sweethearts and both grew up in Shenandoah Valley, but the one in Pennsylvania and not the one in Virgina. Kelly is director of marketing for Parx Casino and Francesco runs a family restaurant in his home town.
Allie Harcharek, Chef Jose Garces and Michaelangelo IlaganAbbey Alpert of Partner at The Flour Pot Cookies. Yum and practically the only thing I ate because I was shooting up the room.
The after party was at Marc Vetri’s newest sensational restaurant Amis, where the chefs, sponsors, and VIP’s celebrated in the street, on the sidewalk and in the restaurant. Above Erin, Addie and Melissa. It was the after party, everything was low key, I didn’t bring my notepad in, but did bring my camera and snapped a few shots just so you could see what goes on in case next year you want in on the after party. If you are a fan of chefs, good food and a lot of fun, the Great Chef’s after party is for you.
You will definitely see more than a few celebrities. Questlove was spinning and was killing it last night. That’s why the party was never ending. He moved from the 90’s and settled into the 80’s for a long time keeping the make shift dance floor packed. At one point the bartender, George, moved from behind the bar and boogied with Wanda Sykes for a bit. Then Wanda went up and hung out with Questlove for the remainder of the evening, but she did go to the rails and pose with fans until all were satisfied and then dancing took over the evening.
One interesting note, no men were allowed on the “stage” where Questlove was spinning. In this picture if you look closely you’ll see Wanda, my bud Jen Carroll and Monica Glass, Barbara Lynch, Boston, MA and Jill Rizen.
Questlove will be appearing July 4th on the Parkway and also at Voyeur for a pre-Fourth of July night gathering of some of Philly’s most well-known DJs: Diplo, Jazzy Jeff, and ?uestlove, plus SoCal’s J Rocc and New York’s DJ Spinna. Tickets go on sale today
Yesterday I attended the press conference for the July 4th Events. Check it out here and look for my write up of things tomorrow.
Anne Burrell the host of the Food Network show Secrets Of a Restaurant Chef, enjoys one of Tony Luke’s most delicious pork sandwiches. Right before she left she grabbed a couple to go to eat back at her hotel.
The party really rocked into the wee hours of the morning, but I left about 2AM. It was a lot of fun, and great to see so many old friends reunite and celebrate a very successful Great Chefs event. I can’t wait for next year, you should be there. Plus support all the Alex’s Lemonade. And prayer for a cure.

Last week I attended the Career Wardrobe’s annual event which was held again at the Hyatt at the Bellevue again this year. This year’s theme Sweet 16, as in 16 years since it was founded. I am always amazed at the various set-ups the 2nd floor ballroom transforms into. Monday night it was a gala reception for the Philadelphia Theater Company (Which by the way brings a Jerry Seinfeld’s directed play into town on June 28 – July 10 starring Colin Quinn. There will be Jerry Seinfeld sightings I’m sure. Knowing him though I bet he commutes everyday back to NYC.) Then Friday night the room was set up like a concert hall for the Frankie Valli concert, which I mentioned yesterday.
The Career Wardrobe event is a cocktail party and fashion show with the Philly Phamous doing the honors on the catwalk, along with the clients of the Career Wardrobe.
Plus they have this fabulous celebrity handbag auction. Through out the year they solicit autographs from celebrities on pieces of fabric, and then adhere the signature to the inside of the bag. They then auction the bags off at their annual event. You wouldn’t believe some of the generous bids they receive, $650 for a Debbie Reynolds, $400 for a signed bag by Dame Helen Mirren, and many other great prizes. I have to disclose I left midway into the auction to attend the Opa restaurant fashion show.
Colleen and Christine Doyle watch over the Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten’s bag to secure the winning bid. But I later found out that that’s not always the case, sometimes if there is a lot of activity on a bag it is pulled for the live auction later in the night.
Co-founder Abby Siegal Greenberg, with mom Shelly Siegal and Sheri Cole, Executive Director, The Career Wardrobe

Opening remarks by fashion show emcee Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison.

NBC10’s Monique Braxton has walked in everyone of the Career Wardrobe’s fashion shows.

The women of Fox 29 – Good Day: Jennaphr Frederick, Sheinelle Jones and Sue Serio

The ladies of the catwalk included: Monique Braxton and Jillian Mele from NBC10; Sue Serio, Sheinelle Jones, and Jennaphr Frederick from Fox 29; Mary Caraccioli and Alicia Vitarelli from 6ABC; Erika Von Tiehl from CBS3, and Marian Conicella, publisher of Philadelphia magazine. Surrounded by the lovelies is fashion show emcee Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison.
Here’s Marian Conicella on the runway. See those cans, those are for coin drops and were in all the gift bags. What a clever idea, the containers are wrapped in info about Career Wardrobe and encourages you to save your pennies and higher domination’s, in the containers to then return to the organization for a donation. Plus all the clothes the media personality wore on stage came from their personal closets and were later donated to the organization.
Celebrating 16 years of serving Philadelphia’s women in transition, The Career Wardrobe celebrates its tenth annual premier fund-raising event. Tonight was the presentation of the first annual “Fashioning Futures for Women Award.”
Presented to Chrissey Ladd, Assistant VP of Audubon Savings Bank, here with Sherrie Cole. Chrissey is a living example of overcoming diversity and creating a life of joy and opportunity. Read here story here.
The next big event for the Career Wardrobe: June 15 and every 3rd Wednesday of the month 5pm – 7pm The Wardrobe Boutique 1822 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia No appointment necessary during donation hours Curbside assistance available Tax forms