Philly Chit Chat

The sixth annual competition CITY OF HOPE’S LET THEM EAT CAKE is open to all professional cooks or culinary students who love to create wedding cakes. The event took place at the Loews Hotel in Center City.
I arrived during the judging period when local chefs, Philly Famous and pastry chefs taste the 35+ cakes and votes on tasty, display, creativity, peoples choice and student favorite.
Chef Brian Duffy formerly of Kildaire’s now of Seafood America judging the tasty treats.
The cake has to be big enough to feed 150 people. The chefs were also required to make an additional cake, to feed the guests. But before the doors opened they set out a few slices for the judges to try. Not in this picture is a bowl of forks for the judges to use, a clean fork at every station. Just a forkful was enough for the tasting.
The theme this year was: The 2011 theme is “Historical Romances — Love in Any Age.” This cake listed the great loves of history Romeo and Juliet, Anthony & Cleopatra and Adam and Steve, er I mean Eve.
Pretty I think we had this wall paper in our dining room growing up. You may have heard me say this before, but it’s because my mom was always redecorating our house.
10 Arts Pastry Chef Monica Glass tasting other peoples treats.


The Taj Mahal is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love
Benny
I was curious why are people so fascinated by cake that over 500 people would pack the Loews to get a slice
Marc and Benny from City Cakes in New York CitySome were brides, some were fans of desserts, others were wedding planners who would check out the designs, and also make sure they tasted delicious. Often a cake might look fantastic, but taste just terrible. Or as I found the opposite was true. There was one cake that was the evil apple that Adam gave Eve. I wasn’t impressed with the design but it was delicious. Then there was the Princess Grace cake, very plain looking, but oh so good.
A collaboration: Kathy Wolper, Kathy’s Just Desserts and Brittany Snyder, Splendora Cake & Tea Co.. Sue Serio was in love with this cake. Deep chocolate with chocolate chunks.
City of Hope’s Harry Giordano, Mark Kingsdorf, Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultant and co-founder of “Let Them Eat Cake” and Fox29’s Sue Serio
Brides Philadelphia Mary Ruegg, Regional Mgr and Heather Lee, Phila Editor (Not to be confused with Philadelphia Magazine Brides)
Jay, Sherry and Kim McCay http://www.BestDarnKettlecorn.com
Catherine Sliman and Valerie Johnson
Ben Franklin and JB Braun, Publisher of Mainline Today
A cake dedicated to soldiers at war
Best Theme #16 Piece a Cake ~ Colleen Lakey located in Macungie Pa


The Loews Cake
Judges in today’s competition Chef Kathy Gold, Dawn Elyse Warden, Sarah Doheny, YUBPR, Thom Cardwell, Aliza Green, Chef/Cookbook
Simona & Vernis are getting married and looking for the perfect cake
Ana and Luis Colome. Ana tells me she likes to go home and recreate the cakes for her family. Luis says someday Ana will be entering a cake into the competition.


Erin Como and Jillian Millee arrive as I make my departure over to the Opa Greek restaurant grand opening party.

Peoples Choice #33 Bredenbecks bakery ~ Danielle Martin

Best Theme #16 Piece a Cake ~ Colleen Lakey located in Macungie Pa
Best overall#22 Truly Custom Cakery Stacey Hill

Student Baker ~ #7 Kayla Slenbaker. The Restaurant School at Walnut College

Philly PAWS Donor Reception was held last Wednesday Friends and supporters of our furry friends gather to celebrate the First Anniversary of the PAWS Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at their offices in Southwest Philadelphia.
Hostess Dana Spain certainly can smile with pride as her pet project has turned into more than just a hobby, but a life saver for many of our four legged friends, with her is another important friend Eric Cahill.
Claire Morrison says hi to a furry friend that you can adopt as PAWS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. PAWS is the city’s largest rescue organization and only no-kill shelter, and is working to make Philadelphia a place where every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home. Through its adoption locations, special events, and foster care network, PAWS finds loving homes for thousands of animals each year.
Adam Mons and Arielle Morris, of Clays for Strays.
Rachel and Erin
Little Red Dog Studio shots
Claire Morrison, guest, Dana Spain and Steve Morrison.
Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn and wife Nadine
Philly Paws is looking forward to their new mobile adoption trailer which should be on the road soon. Many folks might not be able to make it to an animal shelter or maybe it makes them sad. How to avoid it, a mobile adoption trailer will allow PhillyPaws to bring the pets to you. You’ll be able to visit the shelter pets at various locations throughout Philadelphia while the animals rest comfortably in air-conditioned kennels with fresh water and full lighting. Come in, visit and adopt a pet.
Barbara Brown-Ruttenberg and John Ruttenberg
Donna Bright, Brittany Durphy, Kelly Cannallay, Sara Schoenleber, Alicia Pharo and Sue Durphy
Jim Cartin, Holly Mahr and Michele DiVeterano

Remember to come out to the event of the year, and I mean that as I cover a lot of event. Save The Date: Monday, June 27th for the big PAWS dinner.
It’s time for the 7th Annual Chefs’ Dinner for PAWS, the singular event of the year that brings chefs and patrons together for an interactive evening of food, fun and fundraising. On Monday, June 27th, more than 40 of the region’s best chefs will create an extraordinary gastronomic experience at The Union League of Philadelphia. What: Chefs creating 4-course food and wine pairings tableside for 12 guests in decorated pods.
**Click here for a current list of participating chefs/sponsors.**
When: Monday, June 27, 2011, 6 PM
Where: The Union League of Philadelphia
Why: All proceeds benefit PAWS’ lifesaving initiatives, including adoption and foster care programs, spay and neuter surgeries, low-cost vaccinations, and more.

2HR OPEN BAR – Must RSVP – RSVP@thenouveauimage.com

http://www.facebook.com/DelsPhiladelphia

Hope you had a great Weekend. I have some new sponsors this week. The Philadelphia Horticultural Society and Arrow Swim Club. Please click on them and support them if you can. It’s because of my advertisers I can bring PhillyChitChat.com to you 5 and sometimes 7 times a week. Thanks….

Sunday night I headed out to they Hyatt Penns Landing to check out the 3rd Annual Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars. I was greeted by a sold out, wait list line as the event was an overwhelming success again this year packing in over 350 peeps into the 2nd floor ballroom with the view of the Delaware River.Created by Megan R. Smith, Brownstone PR three years ago, the Dancing with the Stars fun competition has earned thousands of dollars for Sickle Cell Anemia. Zemoria Brandon, administrator/social worker and media relations liaison for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware and Samaria Brandon
I ran into Keeya Bransen Davis, Delaware River Waterfront Corp, Earl Harvey, Black Professional News, and Andrea Robertson, Esq
City Representative Melanie Johnson with dancing instructor Nick. Tuesday Melanie will tell us all who will be the big entertainment for the July 4th celebration.

Kristin Haskin Simms and Autumn Adkins Graves backstage looking at their food cause everyone was a tad nervous

Autumn Adkins Graves

While out front the room was filled with folks dressed to the nines, in the center Warren and Meridel Peterson with Marie Simpkins and Stanley Simpkins ( BS -Executive Director of Sickle Cell Disease of America/Philadelphia Chapter), with their tablemates. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder, characterized primarily by chronic anemia and periodic episodes of pain. SCDAA/PDVC’s mission is to serve as a vehicle and resource center for the psychosocial and social service needs of children, adolescents, adults and families affected by sickle cell disease. SCDAA/PDVC seeks to develop, manage and allocate resources in partnership with hospitals, charitable organizations, community based organizations and social service agencies.
Alexa Krepps, Rebecca Clothey, Lefteris Kritkakis, Ellen Clay and Mary Jo Grdina
Having a ball were Kristyn Aldrich and Jamyra Perry
Snooping through the door I found KYW Radio’s Hadas Kuznits and Shari Williams, Senior Communications Specialist at PA. Public Utility Commission
Robb Reichard, Executive Director of the AIDS Fund. The judges said that they couldn’t tell which of the two was the professional dance cause he was so damn good. And the dips went onas Maria Papadakis gets dipped after her sexy flamingo dance

Do the Hustle is exactly what Kristin Munro, and a cartwheel too. Very impressive old skool

Kristin Munro

Autumn greets her mom

Dan Gross first time up- Sumba

#WINNING Philly Daily News’ Dan Gross. Well he didn’t really win, but his belly dance was a winner and a hoot too. Is the judges tally was based on crowd reaction, then Dan would have won all three years.

Bottoms up, bottoms up, put your hands up. bloo bloo bloo bloomers. I didn’t even know they sold those hoochie momma’s anymore. Such a hoot, and an awesome executed jive Hadas Kuznits
Christine Hanhausen, Eliana Papadakis, Maria Papadakis, Demetra Panidis, Susan Beard and Jennifer Eckhardt

Rob Richerd Ellen Conaway, Shari Williams Cuthbert, Rachel Seopro, Jessica Milton, Denise Berry, Felisha Harris and Bill Slofer. It’s always fun to run into Felisha cause she always teaches me a thing or two about my Android.
The Chris Gabello Studio: Zander, Chris and Mike. Chris Gabello shot all the promotion shots with the contestants. Here’s one I shot with Chris’ set up of Hadas and him.

Congratulations to Dan and his wife Holly. He may have come in third but this year is going to be memorable and special.

The Dance Competitors – Autumn Adkins Graves, president of Girard College; Dan Gross, gossip columnist for The Daily News; Kristin Haskins Simms, strangefruit designer and contestant on Season 8 of Project Runway; Melanie Johnson, City Representative; Hadas Kuznits, reporter for KYW Newsradio; Lorina Marshall-Blake, VP of Government Relations at Independence Blue Cross; Kristin Munro, editor in chief of Philadelphia STYLE; Maria Papadakis, media contributor and noted philanthropist; Robb Reichard, Executive Director of the AIDS Fund; and Shari Williams, model and wife of Senator Anthony H. Williams.

Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall–Blake Vice President of Government Relations for Independence Blue Cross, Philadelphia and her dance partner from Society Hill Dance Studios who came in first. Second was Hadas Kuznits, 3rd Dan Gross and 4th Robb Reichard. But everyone was a winner, especially since all your efforts will go to help countless others battling Sickle Cell Disease.

Thanks to this years Sponsors Too!

This year’s event boasts an amazing silent auction featuring luxury items from LAGOS, Distante Clothing, The Bridgette Mayer Gallery, and a wine tasting for 10 with noted wine educator Brian Freedman, along with items from the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Brown-Forman, Glaceau/Vitamin Water, Fusion Crosstraining Gym, Rittenhouse 1715, The Philadelphia Theatre Company, Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa & Salon, and Philadelphia International Records. For those interested in getting their bids in early, we will begin posting select items at the top of March!

In a Paris-inspired runway show located in the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza, nine top local designers and the best student designers showcased their work on a 60ft runway. And I say Bravo, what an awesome show and location. I’ve gone to NY Fashion Week for five seasons and there is no doubt that whoever executed this event has experienced a first rate run event as the ones that happened in Bryant Park and transferred it here to Philadelphia. Under the shadow of the Philadelphia International Festival of Art’s Eiffel Tower nine designers including: Carmelita Martell, Sarah Van Aken, Jaames Nelson, Katie Ermilio, Bela Shehu, Kristin Haskins-Simms, Priscilla Costa, Janice Martin & Lonni Rossi and Melanie Brandon. Along with local designers but students from Drexel University, Philadelphia University, The University of Delaware, Art Institute and Philadelphia University participated in the student design portion of the show.

Before the first model hit the catwalk, for $100 VIP ticket folks enjoyed a John Colabelli Philadelphia Style Magazine sponsored cocktail party where the guest of honor, Philadelphia native couture designer Ralph Rucci, was present (RR is on the cover of the Spring Issue of Philly Style Magazine.) Later in the evening he would receive the Visionary Award for Fashion. Above: Ed Salvato, PIFA, Jeff Guaracino, Vice president, communications of GPTMC, Drew Becher, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and Aaron Stella. I want to take this time to welcome The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society as a new advertiser to PhillyChitChat.com. The PHS is Having A Party in the Garden May 4, 2011 6 PM – 9PM

WMMR’s Marisa Magnatta and NBC10’s Erin Como

Pretty in Pink.Lynsie and Evan Solomon

The one thing I failed to do this evening was size up the seating arrangements. I love shooting front row, but usually from across the runway. Right before the show started is when I noticed there was no across the runway. There was only shooting at the end of the runway, boring for me, or from above, much better. I’m not shooting fashion I am shooting moments.

Applause arose from the audience after these beauties walked by. I love these prints, I hope to see them out and about in the City.

Bruce and Michelle Shannon, always fashionable.Behind the scenes

an American In Paris. Is this not fabulous. Monday night is The PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS WELCOMES CONTINGENT OF RENOWNED FRENCH CHEFS
FOR SERIES OF CULINARY EVENTS 5:30PM to 7PM at Kimmel Center

Sarah Van Aken, of SA VA bringing on the color

Carmelita Coulture I wish more ladies wore color in the winter. I love that the organizers kept mannequins with red dresses on the stage.

I haven’t seen green for a long time, it’s beautiful and it’s byJaames Nelson

Matthew Vlahos, Vlahos Pr and Will Ball of Wilhelmina Models, the models that are being used in today’s show.

Hats let’s bring hats back. Not just as a worship accessory or at Easter.

Stunning

Lite dresses; UPDATE Monday: I found out that Sharon Phillips Waxman and her SPW Productions did the fashion show. That would explain the fabuosity of it all. She has been putting on Phasion Phest for the past 2 decades. Ralph Rucci and Anne Ewers, CEO Kimmel Center. Ralph Rucci, the man behind the luxury line of clothing known as Chado Ralph Rucci – and this year, in honor of Rucci’s connection to French haute couture, the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts honored Rucci with its Visionary Award for Fashion.

Let’s hope the Kimmel Center will consider more fashion shows on the plaza, but with assigned VIP seating, because even though it’s a good cause for $100 people want a seat when they return from the cocktail part. Surprisingly I did see two women leave their Coach Bags to save their seats as they went off to enjoy the pre-show fun, but I heard from one too many people who had to choose between the cocktail party and a decent seat. No biggie just a thought for future bookings. OH and one more thing, can we keep the Eiffel Tower. Remember all the buildings that were dismantled after the 1876 Exposition and how we regretted that? It’s perfect there, and I bet we can find funding to change those light bulbs. What a fabulous memory of a wonderful moment we would treasure a lifetime. (I’m a PIFA Blogger: Check out more info about PIFA at PIFA.org, and on the Twitter and Facebook page. Events are going on until May 2, 2011. I know there is something you’re gonna love.)

I dropped the ball on this Ball. It happened over a month ago, I kept planning to write about it but breaking news, hired gigs and other events just kept pushing it out of reach. Hosted by: Loraine Ballard Morrill and The 2011 “White Tie Humanitarian Award” Honorees MoShay Laren Ukee Washington E.Steven Collins
Also a Special “4.0 Celebration” for Media Guru and Social Innovator – Shelton Mercer – and Celebrity Photographer – Bill Andrews
This event was dope, it was great it had legs. There were at least 5 PR lists operating together to get the word out, and boy did the word get out.
Folks from every walk of life were there, social status, and age level. Everyone was dressed so beautifully. You can’t quite see it, but that is a huge ice sculpture behind them with all the sponsors’ names carved into it. Above: PHL 17’s Damian Muziani and Adriana Alveario
I spoke to a few of my peeps and they told me they loved the diversity, and The CTO Band (Voted BEST OF KNOT® 2011), I think they are awesome.
Black is still kicking as the color of choice but a few embraced the next seasons colorful drag and I applaud them.
Jamyra is going for that glamour goddess look with her hair styling, Amber and Melony very chic. I still have to write about the Jr League’s fashion show last week at the Piazza in which Amber modeled on the cat walk. That will come up this week or maybe next Sunday. It was a great event, great space, but again I’m in the weeds with entries.
Red pumps
Dancing to the beat of your own drum is encouraged
It was called the White Tie Ball and some peeps did adhere to the theme. It was a hugely successful night, very crowded and a lot of money was raised for the Variety Club.
Bringing back the gloves. As a gift to you all I will put these photos in my online album tomorrow and you can claim them for free since I was too late and lazy to put all your names down. There was a fun photo booth, which is all the rage at parties these days no matter how many cell phone cameras are out there.
Stylistic! I was really impressed by the ladies. Down and out Hollywood glamour.
Beautiful colors
Guys gone wild! There’s a lot of off the record going on with these boys after hours, let’s just leave it at that.
An Amazing Evening of Dancing, Designer Cocktails, Live Entertainment, Style, and Charitable Giving. Proceeds will benefit Variety, the Children’s Charity. A stylish evening of Fun & Excitement awaits you at the inaugural White Tie Ball, taking place on March 11, 2011. Enjoy beautifully prepared food stations. Discover true Grandeur, and service at Iconic Downtown Philadelphia hotel – The Bellevue.
The VIP section looking on as Lorraine Ballard welcomes the guests.

Ron & Marisa and Peter Breslow
Kharisma and my reader Tom Fisher. Thanks for saying hey!!
There was an awesome fashion show. After the show was over the runway was dismantled and the dance floor exploded with dancing shoes until the wee hours of the morning.

I remember months ago when the Michaels – Michael Schulson and GM Michael Wirzberger told me about their new Dim Sum Brunch they were starting in the Spring. They had me come in and look at the material they were going to use on the cart, told me of their plans, then hooked up with Silencia to created a fun atmosphere on Saturday and Sunday’s for the brunch. And now they are ready and I am so excited for them….

Starting tomorrow Sampan and Silencia have teamed up to bring you the hottest new brunch.

Dim Sum Highlights

Corned Beef Char Sui Bun with sauerkraut and smoked mustard General Tso Soup Dumplings with soy, ginger and scallions Pork Bao Bun with spicy shallots, mint and sweet chili Shrimp and Scallop Shu Mai with cilantro, citrus and soy Chicken Feet with black bean, soy and ginger Steamed Ribs with chili, black beans, and five spice

Plates Highlights

Spanish Octopus Satay with lemon, arugula, and soy-balsamic vinaigrette Crab Rangoon with cream cheese, scallion and wonton Steak and Eggs, a filet, sunny-side up and fries “Eggs Benedict” with Berkshire pork belly, spinach, and sriracha hollandaise Beef Chow Fun with short ribs, green chives and chili. P Chef Schulson is proud of his newly assembled management team which includes Chef de Cuisine Khamla Vongsakoun who worked as Sous Chef at Philadelphia’s Buddakan and under Chef Michael Mina at SeaBlue in Atlantic City. Together, the chefs created the new Dim Sum Brunch which includes: Corned Beef Char Sui Bun with sauerkraut and smoked mustard; General Tso Soup Dumplings with soy, ginger and scallions; Pork Bao Bun with spicy shallots, mint and sweet chili; Shrimp and Scallop Shu Mai with cilantro, citrus and soy; Chicken Feet with black bean, soy and ginger; and Steamed Ribs with chili, black beans, and five spice. All dim sum are just $6. Plates will range in price from $12 to $21.

Special Brunch Cocktails

Yuzu-Rosewater Mimosa with yuzu, rosewater and Champagne Togarashi Bloody Mary with fresh wasabi, fish sauce, lemon juice, and roasted tomatoes with Ketel One and a Togarashi rim