Philly Chit Chat

Quiznos Subs across the street from City Hall has closed as well as the little Italian Lunch Spot 2 stores down. What gives?
The Rittenhouse Square Ball is June 16, 2011. This year the Ball committee wants to offer you the use of the tent for your event if it can be held on the following two days. It’s a bargain. Nothing makes an event more memorable or special as a night under the stars in this truly stunning white party tent! And on June 17 or 18, it can be yours to hold an event of your own. Perfect for weddings and special occasions. Please call 267-586-5675 or email kate@friendsofrittenhouse.org. for more information.

Questlove is the new cupcake, he’s everywhere:

Tonight: Questlove “Live in Philadelphia” @ The Blockley, Weds, 5/11, 9PM. $15. RSVP to @215Chris for Discount Tickets/Guest-list

Sunday: Laiya St. Clair “Inside The Studio” with Ahmir Questlove Thomspson 7PM at Warmdaddy’s

6/14/11 – The Vetri Foundation for Children and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation announces ?UESTLOVE of The Roots as the official DJ of the Sixth Annual Great Chefs Event AFTER PARTY! To attend both the Great Chefs Event and the After Party, which is for the chefs, sponsors & VIP ticket holders For all ticket purchases check out www.vetrifoundation.org.

After the Marian Anderson Award on Tuesday night where Mia Farrow received this years honors, a few of the participants, Mia Farrow, Carly Simon, and Esperanza Spalding hung out at the Liberté bar in the Sofitel Hotel.

Q&A/Lunch With Flyers Legend Bernie Parent At Morton’s Steakhouse Philadelphia! Morton’s has been hosting a series of “Lunch With The Legends”, and Tuesday May 10 brought out a nice crowd, some wearing vintage Bernie Parent game shirts with his number “1”, which was retired October 11, 1979.
Monday night Steven Spielberg, Founder of the USC Shoah Foundation Institute, presented Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation, with the USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s highest honor—the Ambassador for Humanity Award. Roberts was recognized for his visionary leadership and philanthropic works in education and technology at the Institute’s annual gala, held May 9, at the Philadelphia Loews Hotel . Jon Bon Jovi, a longtime supporter of the Institute and of Comcast and Roberts’ philanthropic work, was special musical guest for the evening. Serving as gala Co-Chairs are Stephen A. Cozen, Founder and Chairman of Cozen O’Connor, and longstanding member of the Institute’s Board of Councilors, along with his wife, Sandy. Sharon Moore of Moore Events decorated the room.
Jon Bon Jovi and Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie
Bon Jovi performed a few songs solo
Steven Spielberg, Brian Roberts and Jon Bon Jovi at the event. (Filmmagic took these shots as the media was limited to this event per Spielberg. But Team Derek tells me that he was gracious at the Jewish National Museum and signed autographs and posed for photos for fans and press there.)

Saturday I was walking by much anticipated new restaurant Fare in Fairmont, which co-owner David Orphanides told me about last year when I met him at the Red Cross Ball.David is looking forward to the day the long planned restaurant is finally opened, pencil the date in your calendar as May 26, 2011, “along with my two business partners, Savvas Navrosidis and Andy Siegel. Also have a terrific chef, Tim Bellew, and GM, Robert Amar, without any of which the execution of the concept would not have been possible.”
According to their blog the restaurant is going to be very simply, simple. “We decided to keep things simple. Tim was right all along. He usually is. Healthy. It is all about eating healthy and balanced. And David is right. It is about using organic, local, sustainable and crafted. And, yes, we agree that this will be a restaurant with a good bar.”
The dining room is beautiful and simple in design
To read more about Fare check out their website HERE

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I stopped by my favorite pizza place in the world, including Ray’s in NYC, which used to be my favorite b4 Luigi’s, anyway the powers in charge tell me that they will be opening a Luigi’s in Margate at 9414 Ventnor Ave in the coming weeks as well as taking over Bocca 236 in Old City and will be opening an Italian restaurant called Lulu. Look for them to do a little remodeling first. In just a few short years they’ve opened restaurants in Marlton, Philly and Burlington, soon Margate and Old City will be on the menu.

BRADLEY COOPER was in town Sunday (MOTHER’S DAY) through Tuesday visiting his family and promoting his new movie Hangover 2. I love love love that a celeb of his stature comes back to Philly to promote his movie for our local stations and god knows he hit them all Monday. I decided to sleep in since I had just photographed him 2 months ago for Limitless, which I loved.
Monday he ate at R2L and chatted with Chef Daniel Stern. Thought you might like this sexy tussled look. Wait is he slouching, OMG he is not perfect, it’s just like what Us Magazine says, he’s just like us, well me. Mom always said HughE stop slouching.
The next day, Tuesday I got a tip that Bradley Cooper was eating lunch at Stephen Starr’s Parc, outside, with his mother, but he was actually eating with
mom, friends and his driver. This was about 1PM. That is a long table he is at, if you know Parc’s that is about 3 tables as they are such cute intimate settings. He definitely called ahead for a prime lunchtime spot, these spaces just don’t open up on a beautiful day.
Yoga moves. Bradley pays the check and gives the waiter a big ass smile and probably a big ass tip cause he had to pull out his calculator to figure it all out. He’s just like me, I can’t add for nada.
What up with this jacket Bradley? BTW I love shooting paparazzi style. Normally I would have gotten a little closer, but in all honesty he was with his mom and I just didn’t want to disturb their lunch so I shot with my tele-lens. I got a few good shots later as you will see that I sent up to my agency, and I will send the story to my contacts at the glossy gossip mags, but there was no reason for me to shoot in a way that he could see me and I would ruin their time together.
I couldn’t figure out where they were going? Were they waiting for someone to drive up with the car?
Nope he was going to walk in the park. Maybe for old time sakes. This was about 1:10PM.
Opps he saw me, I guess I’m kinda hard to miss. I watched where he was going, was he walking to the Rittenhouse Hotel? Again I didn’t do anything crazy, the park was PACKED and I really didn’t want to disturb the beauty of the day.
As you can see, he walked passed the packed benches with a lot of lunch goers and nobody noticed him, especially with that ugly WINTER JACKET ON! I guess 75F is cold to this transplanted California boy.
That guy in the red had a perfect shot had he just noticed the A List star wandering by. His mom and sister have now dropped back. There’s a good chance he told them thatThe driver looks over and gives me a smile. Probably thinking “I might be on TMZ tomorrow”, cause he sees me juggle my little video camera too. (I’m saving that for my NBC Philly Non-Stop TV show cause he did something & I’m holding that little nugget back.)
So no one was near him now, there’s a good chance he saw me and wanted a solo shot cause he’s a pro at getting press (it could all be in my head too.) By this time I could tell that he was going to walk right by where I was standing, and most photographers would have run out in front and shot. Again I just really didn’t want to disturb the park or him. I got a couple shots that I felt were unique and told the story, and heck I really just was enjoying the fact that he was walking through the park undisturbed. (The artistic side of me loves this shot as it’s solo, besides him is the statue “Tribute of Love”, and there are two lovers on a park bench. He’s solo these days. Anyone wanna date him?)
As you can see by this picture he really did set it up so I could get solo shots. Now the Boyfriend is walking behind him to his left and everyone is spread out. I’ve discussed this before when I shot Sammi Jo, Jamie Foxx, Dev Patel and Kendra in other shots where their entourage steps to the side so that I could get a solo shot, but again I really just didn’t know what would happened if I started shooting him and people would notice it was him. Would the girls start running after him like the Beibs? Although for him to walk towards me like that it might have been a missed opportunity. What do you think?
He seems to be wondering what kind of paparazzi was I? “Smuck, I need some press man cause my film’s gonna drop and well you know how sequels go, they are usually just cash cows cause folks didn’t want to see the first movie end; we just hope the first weekend cleans up or we’re gonna be the next SATC Part 2.”Wait is it me or is Bradley wearing the same shirt as yesterday? Such a guy, I think he is wearing the same blue shirt as the one in the R2L photo from the day before? Well, maybe he knows he looks hot in blue and has a dozen of those shirts? (I have a dz black shirts.)
Now the slow speed chase takes itself near 19th & Walnut. Let’s go over this, they entered in the middle of the block on 18th Street, hung a left towards the center, made a right through the center, made a right towards 19th Street and walked along Walnut Street towards 18th Street
and stopped near the SUV across the street from Barnes & Noble. Hmm
This shot was kinda heart breaking as he says goodbye to his mom. He’s now in Toronto promoting the film which drops May 26. PS Ohhhh sorry to my lunch date for being 30 minutes late. PSS Those celebs like Parc, R2L & Del Friscos.

Last week I attended the Habitat For Humanity “Building Hope Luncheon” held at the Loews Hotel where over 600 gathered to celebrate the dream of home ownership for those in need.
Terry Ruggles from NBC10 MC’s the event. Giving the history of Habitat for Humanity, and thanking everyone who came out to support them today. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is an independently chartered affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Locally, Habitat Philadelphia is on a mission to transform lives and our city by building quality homes in partnership with families in need, and uniting all Philadelphians around the cause of affordable housing.
My friend Danielle Triplett, CMP American Association for Cancer Research, who is also on the Board of Habitat for Humanity encourages volunteerism. (You might recall that Danielle and I met when I was covering the 2008 Rock for Fashion in NYC which benefited cancer organizations.)
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Director of Development, Corinne O’Connell greets the guests and tells them about the organization, and the fulfilment of dreams for those in need.

Frank Monaghan, Executive Director at HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PHILADELPHIA welcomes the guest and talks about “A Habitat ReStore” which is a retail outlet that sells quality used home improvement goods like furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances at a fraction of the normal price. The proceeds are used to help fund the construction of Habitat homes within Philadelphia, and is located at 1829 North 19th Street Philadelphia PA 19121. To donate at item to our ReStore Emily Pratt at 215-765-6000 x16 or emilyp@habitatphiladelphia.org Before calling, please see our Donate to the ReStore page for information on items we accept, tax information, and scheduling a pick-up.Terry Ruggles of NBC 10 and his wife Maryjane Ruggles at the event
Winston Justice of the Philadelphia Eagles was on hand speaking to the guests about his community work both here and in Haiti last year, after the earthquake. Above he’s assisting in building a home for a lucky Philadelphia family.
L – R: Eric Coleman, Danielle Triplett, Winston Justice, Kevon Glickman and Audreyelaine Coleman. The Coleman’s are in line in getting a home in the next year. They told a heart-wrenching story of what it was like to be a family of 6 living on two incomes and at PHA. Thankfully Habitat for Humanity exists and

Over 640 guests were inspired by one of our current 2011 partner families and educated on the work of Habitat Philadelphia. Our guests collectively raised over $160,000.00 critical dollars to help Habitat Philadelphia continue building affordable homes in partnership with families in need!

RAW: natural born artists is an independent arts organization, for artists, by artists. Our mission is to provide independent artists of all creative genres, with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity. RAW educates emerging artists through seminars, workshops and insight to further the knowledge of their industry.
Every two weeks G Lounge at 111 S. 17th St. Philadelphia, PA, hosts RAW and my friend NBC10’s Erin Como is the hostess with the mostest. Check out her outfit this week. If you know Erin she’s a prim and proper little black dress girl, it’s good to see her get her wild on, well besides have her wild hot boyfriend who you will meet in a minute. Above she’s with G Ultra Lounge GM Waylon Nelson, who just celebrated his ONE YEAR anniversary as GM. Christine Mỹ Linh made the dress and Mari Nunez did my hair and makeup

RAW is about Art Fashion Music Film Photography Performing Art, Models, Hair & Makeup showcased all in one night at one place. Who knows the next Lady Gaga could walk among us at these events.

RAW hand-picks and spotlights local artistic talent in film, fashion, music, visual art, hair & makeup artistry, and performance art. With artists from all genres in each showcase, RAW events come together to form an amazing circus of creativity.
Anne Nikolaus and Tina Lamsback
On the catwalk with a cat checking her out. He’s fly in his cardigan, but P Diddy with those sunglasses on, he’s not.
Sometimes when you are in the VIP section it’s not the best view in the house.
I love that a band is performing in the VIP section, meaning G Ultra Lounge really thought outside of the box was they incorporating Raw into their Ultra Lounge as an alternative night. Assistant manager Gary Thorp tells me that the crowd that RAW draws is well behaved, creative and they love having them. Usually they are out of there by 11PM when the dancing crowd starts trickling in, but a lot of people linger and it turns into one great dance party for the evening.
But before that time RAW usually showcases a few fashion shows on what I always called the runway at G, the central walk way.RAW is a community of artist and events. The RAW season runs from February to October every year, hosting a multi-faceted arts event every month in 17 different cities nationwide. RAW currently hosts monthly showcases in: Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Nashville, Austin, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

Nice dress
Erin and Danny – As mentioned earlier “local designer Christine Mỹ Linh made the dress I was wearing and Mari Nunez did my hair and makeup.”
Ellen Rohlfing was a featured artist who thinks RAW is Exciting. Energetic. Surprising!

Over 200 people participated in the annual event which raises funds for Local CBS Radio chief Marc Rayfield and David Dinenberg, of Grasso Holdings, co-chair the fifth annual Poker and Blackjack Tournament on May 4 to benefit the Jewish National Fund of Eastern Pennsylvania, at Del Frisco’s (15th & Chestnut).
The event began at 5:30 with a cocktail hour, silent auction and dinner. The tournament at 7. Tickets were $200 with advance reservation and $220 at the door. It’s only $80 if you don’t want to participate in the gaming, which features cash prizes. Over the past 109 years, JNF has evolved into a global environmental leader by planting 250 million trees, building over 210 reservoirs and dams, developing over 250,000 acres of land, creating more than 1,000 parks, providing the infrastructure for over 1,000 communities, bringing life to the Negev Desert and educating students around the world about Israel and the environment. Click here to learn about our 2010 Highlights and Accomplishments.which no doubt the guy in the blue left with as I took this picture towards the end of the night.
Steve Gartner had a winning night too.
Abby Feiner and Allison Freedman were just a handful of the ladies on hand that evening as it was a testostorone driven, scotch drinking, cigar smoking night. OK cigars were consumed outside on the sidewalk.
Justin Fine #Winning?
Ron Jackson, President of Frank Muller, and Richard Jigarjian, also of Frank Muller show me the $11,000 watch they donated for the live auction.

– Zee Bar is celebrating its fifth year as Philadelphia’s premierclub on Thursday, May 12th 2011 beginning at 10pm with a one-hour VIP preview and select open
bar, sponsored by Grey Goose. Known for its unmatched propensity for hosting breath-taking
events with unforgettable indulgence and commemoration, Zee Bar knows no bounds; this year’s DJ line-up is unprecedented. Guests will be seduced by the sounds of five of the nation’s most revered DJs hailing from Miami, NYC, Las Vegas, DC and Philadelphia.
DJ Konflikt, known for his Sirius XM show and residencies at Louis, Set, and Mansion, is the
reigning king of South Beach, sure to be a crowd pleaser by adding globally-inspired masterpieces to the evening. New York City’s best-kept secret from the Hamptons to the couture runway, Claudius Raphael aka DJ Serious, is one of the most sought after DJ’s in NYC nightlife, notorious for flawlessly flaunting his unique sound – a cross between DowntownHipster and House music.

• 51FIFTY , hot off the Las Vegas Strip, is comprised of DJ Presto One, of the famous Rock

• Steady Crew, and drummer Dustin J. This dynamic drummer/DJ combo has been dubbed as

• “THE HOTTEST SINCE DJ AM-TRVS”. Madonna’s onstage DJ, production guru, and all-around

• Washington, DC wonder, DJ Enferno, will be igniting the dance floor with his much-lauded Live

• Remix Project. Completing this star-studded roster is Philadelphia’s own Josh Wink – creator of

multiple renowned albums under Ovum Records; a true pioneer of techno, house, and allied styles of music. Never understated, Zee Bar will entertain invited guests, including local celebrities and Philadelphia notables alike. Zee Bar’ s beauties, professionally styled, courtesy of Travis Walters along with Suzie Celeck and Julie Dorenbos of Skin Palete, will be available for European bottle RSVP’s are mandatory at zee5rsvp@silenciallc.com. Dress is upscale and fashionable, as always.

To view the invitation, go to http://www.heyphilly.com/zeebar. For additional event information simply
contact Buffy Morgan, Director of Marketing at buffy@zee-bar.com

(Sponsored Advertisement)

Every year when the Horticultural’s Flower Show rolls around in February, in our hearts and minds we say that it’s the kick off to spring, and then a few short weeks later & after a little more snow, it is Spring and time for the Pennsylvania Horticultural’s Annual Party in The Garden.

Drew Becher, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society President and Kate Wilhelm, Senior Vice President of Business Development at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society greet the guests as they enter The Garden Party. For the first time ever the Party was held in the garden and it was breathtaking beautiful with it’s see through tent, which was a good idea since it had rained all day.
as the party time approached the Skies seem to clear just in time. I always look at this event as the key kick off Garden Parties for the ones like the Radnor Hunt on May 21 and like the Devon Horse Show May 26.
Adam Lambert, Beth Lambert and Noah Stein
Michael Ford and his cute baby surrounded by the beauty of the room
Where Magazine editor, Kristina Jenkins, with Where Magazine alumni Will Klein concierge Sofitel, and Laura Burkhardt. Laura has recently accepted a job with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society as Director of Business Development. “So excited to work with this esteemed organization and the amazing team there!” Two beautiful things in Philadelphia, Laura and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. XOXO
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1827. Under the leadership of Drew Becher, PHS provides great events, activities, and publications for novice gardeners, experienced horticulturists, and flower lovers of all ages. Our Mission: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society motivates people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture. Allyson, Kris Paulet-Northeimen and Kathryn

Derek Freres and Alex Balloon

Barbara Chance was spotted with a pretty Iris outfit
Drew Becher greets Middy Dorrance, Tim Boyle and Jennifer Sheppard
Deputy mayor Alan Greenberger was on hand
The park was in full bloom beautiful
David Elliott and Bradley Richards
Royce Yeager and Britt Miller. Check out Britt’s paintings which were just hung at at newest restaurant in Philly, the 1518 Bar & Grill.Christine Madden and Jen McGowan. No doubt one of the best things about the garden party is the hat and the bright color outfits. You know how I like the ladies stylin’ a little color.
Kathryn Ott Lovell, Executive Director of Fairmount Park Conservancy and Jeanette Arthur, Development Associate Fairmount Park Conservancy. The 2011 Centennial Celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 17th at The Horticulture Center in the Centennial District of West Fairmount Park.
Every year there are horse drawn carriages that take you in and around the garden
I left as the party was still in full swing to head over to the Jewish National Fund which was holding it’s annual poker night at Del Frisco’s.

Yesterday I wrote about the Meister family from Pocono, Pa, Shawn, Lori, Jessica & T.J. Meister who were waiting in line at Barnes & Noble to get a guitar signed by Nikki Sixx. The folks at B&N said they wouldn’t allow the guitar to get signed as Sixx was only signing books. They wanted to get the instrument signed for their son Andrew who was being deployed to Afghanistan shortly.
Mr Meister writes me “We Finally made it in to meet Nikki Sixx and yes he did sign the bass for my son Andrew Meister who is currently driving the M1-A1 Abrams Tank & the new Stryker armored personnel carrier.
He is in Fort Benning, GA. And awaiting his orders for Afghanistan.

Nikki was very gracious and remembered us from the last time he was in town signing his Heroin Diaries book.
He remembered my son because last time he didn’t ask for anything to be signed, he just wanted to shake his idols hand, from one bass player to another.

Nikki and his entire crew also said to tell Andrew thank you for what he is doing and for serving our great nation.” – What a nice ending. Thank you Andrew, God Speed. Happy Mother’s Day Jessica, and thanks everyone for this story.