Philadelphia Celebrity Sightings: Actress, recent Oscar hostess, the next Catwomen in Batman, super sweet Anne Hathaway popped into the Joan Shepp Boutique on Walnut Street along Rittenhouse Row in Philadelphia on Friday afternoon around 2PM. Seems she needed a dress for a wedding she was attending, IN 2 HOURS. (Crazy girl, she’s just like us waiting til the last minute.) She was with her boyfriend Adam Shulman. She spent about 40 minutes looking for the right dress finally deciding on a blue one by Junya Watanabe. After trying it on a quick eyed Joan Shepp clerk noticed it was see through, so Anne bought a slip too.

UPDATE: The wedding was for Anne’s Cousin. Anne’s mom, actress Kate McCauley was from the Philadelphia area. Her parents met while going to LaSalle University. Her grandfather, Joe McCauley, was one of Philadelphia’s most popular radio personalities, known as “The Morning Mayor”. He hosted “The Dawn Patrol”, the nation’s second all-night radio program, on WIP-AM beginning in 1942. The wedding was held at the Crystal Tea room, and the after party was at the Palomar Hotel where Anne, her boyfriend, parents and many guests from the wedding stayed. I took the above shots in NYC 2008. In the first photo she’s making a gesture to her mom who is standing behind me. They just had dinner at the Waverly Inn in Greenwich Village, owned by Graydon Carter of Vanity Fair fame. It’s NYC’s Ivy, you show up there then expect to be paparazzi’d. For Philly I think it’s safe to say that celebrity hangouts are Stephen Starr restaurants, Del Frisco’s and R2L. The guy she’s leaving with above is her last boyfriend, Raffaello Follieri, who is now serving 4 years in jail for pretending to be a representative of the Vatican to con wealthy investors out of millions of dollars. Ah but that’s old news and she’s happy now with Adam Shulman who has Philadelphia ties. (Thanks to the reader who tipped me off to this story, I really appreciate it. Tip me off about celebrity sightings at Buzz @ PhillyChitChat.com [no spaces]. When possible I can send you a gift bag I got from a cool party, sometimes get you on the list of a cool party or send you a 5 photos I’ve taken of you. Just ask to be put on the list and as they come up I can send something your way. Sometimes people just send me tips cause they like my blog, but either way I appreciate your support. Over 5 people tipped me to this report and just wanted a big THANK YOU!!)

The great financier Stephen Girard left the bulk of his fortune to the City of Philadelphia to build and operate a residential school for needy children from single parent households. His vision is Girard College, which sits on Girard Ave at the edge of North Philadelphia.
For more than 160 years, Girard College has provided excellence in residential education for children from single-parent families of limited financial resources. We have been able to remain tuition-free since we opened in 1848, thanks to the Girard Estate, which provides most – but not all – of the funding needed to cover the costs associated with educating and housing our students in grades 1 through 12.Last Friday evening Girard College held their annual “Good Friends Gala” honoring Willie F. Johnson with the Corinthian Award for his support and dedication to Girard College and it’s mission to provide a good education for limited financially challenged kids from a single parent home. Willie F Johnson above with some students. Above Diana and Murvin Lackey walk the red carpet into the party. I love when an event has a red carpet as it sets the tone that this is a special event.
The catering and decorations were done by Cescaphe Event Group, entertainment by EBE Talent, and a special performance by Philadelphia’s Tymes.
The students of Girard College greet the guests. The money raised at this event benefits the school and programs that enhance their learning.
Rick and Gloria HawkinsPamela Browner-White, Philadelphia Eagles Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations, Jeremiah White, Chairman, Osiris Group Inc of Osiris Group Inc”s.
Andrew Greenblatt, Executive Director / CEO at The Philadelphia Film Society and Melissa Grimm.
Mia Tinari, Dave Fisher and Nina Tinari. Mia is branching out into the entertainment field at the law office that she shares with her dad, Nino V. Tinari & Assocs. so if you’re in the entertainment field and you need representation give her a call. It’s coming up to a year since her beautiful wedding to Dave Fisher at the Curtis Center, which is a great place to have a wedding with one of my favorite caterer Cescaphé . If I weren’t so tired I could have had some delish Cescaphé last night at the Addys, where my friend Annie Heckenberger picked up one for an advertisement she created last year. Congrats babe.
Brian Seaman and Jeff Kummer, you’ll remember this duo from the Wilma gala a few weeks ago. Jeff and his biz partner Mike Reid (Gray Space Decor), decorated the Doubletree Ballroom as Moulin Rouge.
A super turn out to help the kids achieve their educational goals turned out in droves.
Christian DiCicco, Sen Larry Farnese and Diane Johnson. Christian has one of the best URL’s for an attorney that I know of http://www.myphillybankruptcylawyer.com/ succinct and to the point. So if you need to see a bankruptcy attorney you know where to go.
William Darrah and Ashley Via. I believe these two need to photographed throughout the summer for PhillyChitChat. Very stylish and mysterious. I can tell a lot of fun too.
John Egan, Sen Larry Farnese, Carol Tinari and Bernard Smalley
a Shareholder at Anapol Schwartz, is known for his personable style, which allows him to represent his clients effectively, and in a spirit of cooperation. John, Carol and Bernard were co-chairs for tonight’s gala.
After a decent cocktail hour with signature drinks and the delicious food that is always served in abundance by Cescaphé (lot’s of seafood, and the largest shrimp I’ve ever seen.)
John Egan, Co-Chair of the gala, addresses the crowd
Renee Chenault-Fattah was the mistress of ceremonies for the evening. In the three years I have been PhillyChitChat this was the first time I saw her. She’s usually low key, but this event is very important to the future of the education for these kids and she was gracious enough to appear.
Willie Johnson after delivering a spirited speech on how important education is to achieve the goals in your life. President of Girard College Autumn Atkins Graves (Who will be participating in Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars to benefit Sickle Cell Anemia on April 10)
Co-Chair Thomas Leonard, co-chair Bernard Smalley, Honoree Willie Johnson and co-chair Carol Tinari
Carol was given flowers for all her tireless work in putting on this event. Asking many of her friends and business associates to support this cause that she truly believes in. Everyone from the caterer to the band to her friends immediately said yes and were on board.
Standout students Damon Diggs class of 2011 and Aaliyah Ahmed class of 2012. Aaluyah came to Girard when she was in 2nd grade as her mother thought it would be a safe environment and encourage them to go to college, and she was right. Aaliyah says that Girard has instilled in her passion and determination. Damon came to Girard in first grade “Girard made me beomce more independent and self-motivated,” and he doesn’t think he would have been able to discover who he really was if he hadn’t been educated at Girard. Both of them assisted at the live auction where
An excellent job was done by auctioneer Jeff Hammond who through his skill was able to raise over $50,000 in the live auction. One of my favorite moments of the auction was when services were auction off, for example health insurance for the kids is nearly $3000 a month and two people bid to that amount to cover a month each. Or $250 for art supplies, about 20 people could meet that need. $100 for something else and nearly 30 people met that need. Very clever and a great idea for other charities to think about doing.Dinner. Surf and turf. I was able to sit with the Tinari’s which is always a treat.
Joann Bell, Len Ward and Maxine and Linton Ward visit with each other
After dinner it was on to dancing and dessert
This was the first year that they held the event at the College and I think it was a smashing success. I’m sure for the guests it adds value to their experience to have the party in the historic Founders Hall which was the original classroom building for Girard College. Today this National Historic Landmark houses two museum collections and the archives of Stephen Girard.Some of the staff of Girard College were a great help that evening

You can help Girard College out by having your next event here. There’s parking, a lot of space, several rooms and it’s historic. A great event space to have a wedding too.

These are just random thoughts of where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Any Philly bar is good, but ones with Irish names are best like The Irish Bar, McGillan’s, Fado, Moriarty’s, McFadden’s and and the honorary Irish cause everyone is on St. Patrick’s Day: like The Field House, Kokopelli, The Corner or even Del Frisco’s. Here’s a few other suggestions:

Kicking off the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
http://barcrawls.com/philadelphia#/Philly-Bar-Crawl-312
March 12th – Pub Crawls Erin Express, Craft Beer Express, and Running of the Micks.***************On Sunday is the traditional Philadelphia parade. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the city’s largest parade, with 20,000 participants representing more than 150 groups including marching bands, dance groups, youth groups, Irish associations and floats. Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Sunday, March 13, beginning at 11 a.m.
Where: Begins at 16th and JFK Boulevard
Cost: FREE
More info: www.philadelphiastpatsparade.com

CW PHILLY 57 TO AIR ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE LIVE, SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 12 NOON – 3 PM

Coming this St. Patrick’s Day to a 3D theatre near you, Michael Flatley returns as LORD OF THE DANCE! Filmed over five nights in glorious 3D, the film includes interviews with Flatley along with behind the scenes footage. This unprecedented access to Flatley’s performance will give you an unparalleled sense of the scale of the show. FOR ONE WEEK ONLY (That’s odd where is it going then?) Check out their FB for details. http://www.facebook.com/lordofthedance3d

McGillin’s Olde Ale House: For the holiday (and in the days leading up to it) McGillin’s is serving authentic O’Hara’s Stout, direct from Ireland, O’Reilly’s Stout from Sly Fox in Phoenixville, as well as Chocolate Leprechauns. Plus, the historic tavern has added hearty Irish fare to the menu, including Bangers & Mashed (Irish sausage and mashed potatoes), Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Lamb Stew and Corned Beef with Cabbage. Plus, you’re covered in the event of crummy weather: get free soup with any lunch order!
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All I can say at this point is St. Pattys day the most super tits “drink” in philly will be at the bar @adsumrestaurant… Trust me says Matt Levin

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Don’t pub crawl with the masses this St. Patrick’s Day. Instead, beer lovers can quench their thirst at City Food Tours’ (www.cityfoodtours.com) one-day-only St. Patty’s Beer and Cheese Tasting. This second annual event will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011 in the comfort of a private dining area at Triumph Brewing Company in Old City Philadelphia. Advanced reservations are required and can be made online by visiting www.cityfoodtours.com or by calling 800-979-3370. Tickets are $49 per person. Participants must be 21 or older.UWISHUNU has a good summary of a few other fun bars to get your Irish on!!
Friday

Fashion at the Philadelphia Museum of ArtRain doesn’t deter her fashion sense
Who decides how these boxes are placed. I took this photo at 3PM, 20th & Chestnut is not moving papers today
Talk about getting the job done. Riding a bike in the rain, carrying an umbrella making a food delivery and going against traffic, WOW
Sophy Curson. I asked if he entered the window in to the The Philadelphia Flower Show contest. He said no, he just wanted to do it. Now if only Anthropology or Diesel jeans could have that community spirit.
Rittenhouse Square
Styling it
Peeping Tom
Is that George Washington on his horse?
Barnes
Rocky has dirty knees
Spring has sprung

In 27 Days something spectacular is going to happen here in Philadelphia. Something you can be a part of, and you should be a part of…The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), inspired by the Kimmel Center.
Nearly a year ago at the Le Méridien hotel we were first introduced to this massive movement of art, expression, and performance with hints of greatness to come. I was a little confused by what exactly PIFA was all about, but now as it is upon us I see it’s a celebration of art, cultural and people. It’s really very excited. I look forward to little sleep trying to catch as many exciting events as possible. April is a busy month too, there’s the Film Festival, Anne Ewers, CEO and President at Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (above)

For three weeks, from April 7 through May 1, 2011, the festival will feature an array of one-time, only-in-Philadelphia productions by some of the region’s top talents — many of whom will partner with or present international performers.
Based on the philosophy of collaboration, innovation and creativity, PIFA’s programs represent every arts discipline and include more than 100 partners.
Above City Representative Melanie Johnson expresses well wishes to all the cultural leaders who worked so hard in achieving the goal of having such a wonderful event come to Philadelphia. The dream of recreating the spirit of Paris in the decade between 1910 and 1920, the music, theatre, visual, dance, design which inspire a new art movement across the Atlantic 100 years later. Melanie mentioned she just got back from visiting Paris recently, and I suspect she brought a little of the Parisian fashion back with her via this lovely red coat which I mentioned a few weeks ago when I first saw her wear it. Ahh a rose by any other name.
Last week I attended the unveiling of the iconic cube which brands the series of spectacular events. The cube is located at the North West corner of the building and the LED cube on top lists a calendar of the upcoming events which can also be found here.
After the I attended a VIP tasting of some of the menu items that will be served at the gala on 4/7/11. Where you will be able to experience The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Pennsylvania Ballet, on stage together in a newly choreographed performance of Stravinsky’s Pulcinella. Dinner by Wolfgang Puck in honor of Chef Georges Perrier, featuring a pre-dessert performance by Grounded Aerial. There will also be the first lighting of the 81 foot light-filed Eiffel Tower. PIFA Vice Chair Dottebob Andes (left), Steering Committee co-chair Toni Garrison (center) and Despina Page (right) at the tasting.PIFA Steering Committee co-chair Louise Reed addresses the guests
Louise Reed, Despina Page, Bob and Ronna Hall, Ronna and Bob have served on many boards and Mainline Health recently wrote this tribute to them Louise has served as co-chair for many galas, and has worked tirelessly for charitable organizations. Louise and her husband Alan received the Annual Volunteer of the Year Award from the Arts and Business Council of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
Despina Page, Kim Balaschak, Director at PositivelyRussia and Jim Balaschak. There have been only 14 presidents of the Volunteer Committees in its almost 100 year history and Despina served 2003-2006.
Marianne Raphaely (left) and Louise Reed (right) with Executive Chef, Will Brown.
One of the performances I am looking forward to is: The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) production of “The Green Fairy Cabaret,” from Thursday, April 14, 2011 to Sunday, April 17, 2011, at the Kimmel Center’s Hamilton Garden, at 10:00pm daily, and 12:00pm (Noon) on Saturday and Sunday. The show will feature performances by top circus artists in fabric (tissu), aerial ladder, trapeze and acrobatics. This new original production, part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, marks the first-time PSCA performs on the Avenue of the Arts and Center City. Tickets are on sale now at the Kimmel Center Box Office, by calling (215) 546-PIFA or by visiting www.pifa.org.
Honorable Judge Midge Rendell arrives for a private concert preview of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) commissioned Hope Oratorio with Jonathan Leshnoff at the Kimmel Center after the VIP tasting was over.
Jonathan Leshnoff, one of the nation’s most exciting young composers, was commissioned by PIFA to write a sacred work that will feature texts from a variety of spiritual and worldly sources, sung in several languages. (Behind the scenes of the composition.) Jonathan Leshnoff before the VIP preview of the Hope: An Oratorio which will be performed 4/24/11 tickets can be bought here PIFA was made possible by a grant from the late Leonore Annenberg, who always wanted a citywide celebration of the Arts. (I will be working for PIFA over the next couple months attending and writing about these events. Personally I can’t stress to you enough to check out the schedule and find something that interests you. The last time something of this magnitude happened in Philadelphia was The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, the first official World’s Fair in the United States. People still talk about that event today, as I think they will PIFA.) P.S. I can now say I performed on stage at the Kimmel Center, cause right after I took this picture I did a little tap dance.

You’re tune for the day filmed last night at Tendenza

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Before heading out to capture the Mardi Gras mayhem a reader tipped me off that Actor Luke Wilson, the Hollywood B-lister, was seen walking near Rittenhouse Square Tuesday afternoon about 4PM, but I was getting ready to go out and well half not believing such a random sighting, I tweeted the sighting. I received more sightings from my tweeter followers, and as my mentor always told me 2 sources does the trick. On Monday he was seen at the Four Season’s Hotel; Tuesday one female fan followed him up 18th Street towards the Four Season’s hotel. (not recommended in following celebs unless it’s Madonna, Lady Gaga or James Franco) Another women Tweeted me that her husband and their puppy saw him at Parc. Later he was seen on South Street where he blew two young fans off. So beware of approaching cranking celebrity, his brother Owen was cranky when he was here too. I then posed the Tweeter question to Dan Gross & Michael Klein to find out what he was doing here; today in Gross’ column he stated he doesn’t know and neither did Wilson’s talking head. Guess he made friends here when he made that movie “Tenure” last year. Did it ever come out? BTW I hear Gov Corbett saved the Film Tax Credit in the budget he released yesterday, it’s still off a few million dollars but it’s great that he recognizes the dollar value that making films in Pennsylvania creates. Thank you. Now about those schools?
Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. (Spring forward on the Clocks THIS WEEKED TOO) It is also known as Mardi Gras Day or Shrove Day. It is a day when people eat all they want of everything and anything they want as the following day is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of a long fasting period for Christians. Nowhere on the planet is Fat Tuesday celebrated more than on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but for those folks who couldn’t make it to the French Quarter, Tendenza on North 2nd street located in The Piazza at Schmidts was just the ticket for friends of Philly2Night and Southern Comfort. Anchoring the southernmost point of the Piazza at Schmidt’s in Northern Liberties is the Cescaphé Event Group’s third incomparable venue: Tendenza. I wrote about Tendenza back in December when it first opened, but I hadn’t been inside yet. The space is really beautiful, modern, great lighting and I’ve already told you before that Cescaphé has some of them most delicious food in Philly. I spoke with maitre d’ Michael Erace on right (If the name sounds familiar it’s because his son Adam is a fantastic food writer for the City Paper.) and he tells me that the space can accommodate any event and holds up to 350 people for a stand up event, like tonight or 250 people for a sit down wedding. Jason Caruso on left.Above Carol Drumstas, Brown Forman Beverages and Brian Nagele, President and Founder of Cities2night.com welcome the guests.
Corey Novak, Janelle Quick and April Novak
Kyle Cuffie-Scott, Mike Morrow, Check out his Philly Social Status Site, Yasmin Hines and Selina Carrera

The most popular drink served at this Mardi Gras party was:

Southern Comfort Hurricane

1 1/2 ounces Southern Comfort
1 1/2 ounces dark rum
2 ounces orange juice
2 ounces pineapple juice
3/4 ounce sweet and sour
3/4 ounce lemon-lime soda
Splash of grenadine
Orange slice, maraschino cherry and lime wedge for garnish Pour liquids into shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a tall tulip glass. Garnish with orange slice, cherry and lime wedge. Makes 1 drink.With each drink you finished you racked up a few more beads. By the end of the night I had to save one lass from choking herself with all the beads around her neck.Rhonda Clark Carlson, Andi Pesacov, Kate Bailey, Carol Drumstas and Dana Spain were tearing up the dance floor about 30 minutes later.

Kate Beaver, Arthur Kade and Courtney GrantI wonder where these two Irish peeps will be next Thursday? Maggie Mahoney plants one on Bob Biddle.
Dustin Kaplan, Raelle Katlin, Uri Jacobsen (my soon to be new advertiser – Bare feet Shoes) and Allison MooreDennis Gauidenzi, Paula Stafford and Erica Drebreeh recall seeing me at the Red Ball. “Did you see us dancing with CTO on stage singing our version of “Living on a Prayer.” Ahh no, but I wish I had taped it.
Comedian Nick Z www.ihatenickz.com (I think he’s on to something?) and Guns Tim Burr
Southern Comfort hospitality and the Mardi Gras spirit of street performers
Steve Christine founder, president and inventor of the AWD technology who recently launched Christini AWD (All Wheel Drive) bikes, Blaze Pestcoe, Lauren Richmond, Jason Zitter and John Fairey.
See if you can spot Dana and the girls tearing it up. It was a nice crowd, kept at about 277 people, and as the night wore on lots of mingling commenced among the groups. Unlike New Years eve when folks go crazy, those moments occurred most every time someone did a shot of Scarlett O’Hara
Harry Spivak and Jon Spivak tell me there’s an H.A. Winston’s Facebook Page for Alumni. There family owned HA Winston’s and I worked at the one in Cherry Hill for about 3 memorable years. It was a party everyday, and burgers for lunch, dinner and after work. It’s probably why I love burgers more than anything. Here’s the link
Megan Usefara and Kevin PetriAmit Gabai, Photographer for Philly2Night, massage therapist and launching a wedding photography business. Hit him up.
Food did I mention it, delicious. Burger and Crab Cake sliders, and the crocodile gone in a minute. I guess these days with the crocodile explosion down in the Everglades this could become a delicacy. Above Roger Figuera, Thiago Lopes and Morella Tele with friends.
Ryan Dorsey, owner of Recess night club in the house. Can you spot him?
Things started getting crazy fun near midnight with Kevin Arrell, Jenna Leigh and Dennis Protsouk
Lisa Smith, Kristin Feerst and Lisa Smith were enjoying their Scarlett O’Hara they tell me. Although no chests were bared for beads, everyone seemed to get into the fun of wearing silly fun hats and wearing lots of beads.
Party On Girl
(Thanks to Southern Comfort for hiring me to shoot this event. The editorial part was all my own.)

http://www.thephillycorner.com

This Thursday.

The Corner Restaurant

Presenting a BRAND NEW Thursday Weekly – THE COME UP with Brendan Bring’em . Each and every Thursday, starting this Thursday, March 10! $5 after 11. $6 signature cocktails and $3 high lifes til 12. Let’s bring sexy back.
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=195212963833735&ref=ts

THE COME UP with Brendan Bring’em

Location: the corner

Time: ‎10:00PM Thursday, March 10th

(The Corner is one of PhillyChitChat.com’s premiere advertisers. The real disclaimer is I love their food and eat there at least once a week. I’m about due tonight.)

If the Philadelphia Flower Show were competing in an awards show they would be a shoo in for The Oscar. It is the best show I have seen in my 15 years of going to the show. Sure there have been standout’s before, I loved the Orchid year, and the South American year, and there have been displays that were outstanding like the Survivor display 6 years ago, Avatar and the African elephant last year, but this year the entire show is a consistent Parisian theme to compliment the upcoming PIFA event to be held in Philadelphia 4/7 – 5/1

Drew Becher must have had strict guidelines on what could be used in the display cause the entire space is right on target for capturing the spirit of walking through the City of Lights down to the cobble stone paths.

I went to both the opening gala night and also the GLBT Happy Hour night. This year there are a whole bunch of family events and happy hours. Although just looking at this years show should make you happy enough.

Chris Chimicles and Kate Wilhelm, Senior Vice President of Business Development of PHS
Brian and Maud Tierney. Brian tells me I’m doing a great job and he enjoys my blog. Thanks.
Mayor Nutter flips on the switch to officially open the Flower Show as Drew Becher President of PHS and the committee look on. (Lisa Nutter wasn’t there, I had just left her at the Nicole Miller Fashion Show at the Bellevue)
The show is magnificent. Thank you to all the participants, I can see how much work goes into creating such a magnificent show. This is a stage where many performances go on through out the day. It can be found at the main entrance after you walk under the Eiffel Tower
Mr and Mrs Donald L Felley enjoy one of their many flower show galas together.
I love the many people who come to the show. Here’s a women taking notes about the varieties of dafodils entered in a contest for individuals, in the background is Claire Thom and Jane Santogrossi smelling the essence of the flowers. The women say that they are huge admirer’s of Mrs. Samual M.V. Hamilton as she had some of the most beautiful flowers that won many ribbons.
Richard and Kelly Wolfington
Flowers
The Green Carpet was chock full of notable people and some of Philadelphia’s best photographers including Olivia Jamilah Manning and Rick Fitchett. This year they did something different by hiring 4 photographers to capture every guest who attended and will then send them a thank you card including the photo.
I love the table settings. There weren’t as many this year, which actually was nice.
Cecily Tynan and Adam Joseph prepare for their FYI TV Show
Earlier I found their script. Ever minute is written out as to not make a mistake and to get the timing down for the hour long show.
Barbara Christ, Senior Associate Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences & Professor of Plant Pathology at Penn State and Elwyn Stewart. Elwyn tells me the car in the background is the NSU Prinz is an automobile produced in West Germany by the NSU Motorenwerke AG. The car was built from 1957 to 1973Talking about shows, QVC will be broadcasting from the Flower Show Wednesday. QVC hosts Carolyn Gracie, Pat Dementri and Antonella Nester check out the shopping at the Horticultural shop on site.

Felicia D’Ambrusio, Bailey Hale, Thomas McCurdy, and Michael Persica. Bailey and Michael make up Moda Botanica which created the 10,000 rose display below.
The Moda Botanica exhibit: Looking through Rose Colored GlassesLiz Van Leer and Derek Freres
Monday night I returned to the Flower Show to attend one of the many events occurring there this week. Above are a few of the volunteers who are the front line in greeting the guests directing them to the various exhibits and locations.
When you think of a flowery person Donald Carter is right up there with Thom Cardwell.
THE GLBT night was sponsored by the new Phila Magazine G-Philly and Mark Segal’s Philadelphia Gay Newspaper (Happy 35th Anniversary). It was held in the grand ballroom and that is where I headed first. Kevin Rosen, Jeff Snyder, Ellen Thorn and Rich Mrosky get their wine on.
Perry Monastero, Hector Colon, Martin Jakubczak and Mark Tarasiewicz
Marie Kinback serves some Chambord Vodka to Lubu, Bill Sigmund and Brian Astrup.
Free, regularly scheduled special lectures and demonstrations on horticultural topics are held in rooms near to the show exhibition hall. Above Eric Schellazk, Robertson Flowers with Jenine and David Neff. We all watch for awhile as Eric created some amazing flower bouquets. You can find him in the back on the right of the show room. You will be amazed.
Hours Sundays, March 6 & 13: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, March 7-11: 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12: 8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Click here to purchase ticketsChloé Smith and Kimberly Winarski. Chloe loves Paris, and when I told her about the upcoming Pennsylvania International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) with it’s 145 different artistic events, she said she would be there.

Be sure to shop at the Marketplace — featuring more than 130 vendors — for the perfect tool, book, plant or other garden gift. All the photos I took over the past two days at the show can be found HERE for purchase. Sorry if I couldn’t find a place for your picture in this entry. Hope to capture you next time.Mike Toub and Tim Young in front of the Eiffel Tower. Embrace the Eiffel Tower as you will be seeing many more Parisian inspired sites over the next two months as the City and Kimmel Center kick of the once in a lifetime Pennsylvania International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) (PIFA) For three weeks, from April 7 through May 1, 2011, the festival will feature an array of one-time, only-in-Philadelphia productions by some of the region’s top talents — many of whom will partner with or present international performers. PIFA will focus on collaboration, innovation and creativity among Philadelphia arts organizations, producing music, dance, fashion, fine arts, poetry, cuisine and more — all generously flavored with the essence of Paris, circa 1910-1920. All of it was inspired by the Kimmel Center. Follow PIFA at http://www.twitter.com/PIFAPhillyand like them at http://www.facebook.com/PIFA.Philly

Now that the Jersey Shore sighting has appeared on my site and in Michael Klein’s column Sunday, I just wanted to give you the rest of the story which I think is very clever. I found out about the appearance of the Vinny, Sammi and Deena through a reader. I arrived at the entrance to the restaurant at 5:30PM for the 6PM arrival. Both Vinnie & Sammie arrived together at the same time, but in separate cars, not very green. Then they were escorted into the building about 5 minutes apart. I wonder if that would have happened if I weren’t there. Either way they were polite and when I asked for a photo complied. Maybe Deena was late or went in a separate entrance I’m not sure as I needed to get to the Arrow Swim Club party, which by now you must have heard of it received unprecedented press coverage in the City. Anyway…
They spent the first hour (6-7pm) in one of the private rooms that was set up as a green room for them. They joined the party from about 7-8:30pm, took some photos, and then departed around 8:45pm There was a photo booth set up with a beach scene, including pool inner tubes and beach balls. FUN
Each Jersey Shore celeb had (and drank) their own specialty cocktail for the event: · Vinny – Staten Island Ice Tea (like a Long Island Ice Tea, but with pineapple instead of OJ)
· Sammi – Seaside Swetheart (raspberry vodka, triple sec, OJ, sprite) · Deena – Blast in a Glass (tequila, triple sec, club soda, Ruby red grapefruit juice)
The cast members didn’t eat, but here’s what Chef Dan Stern put together for the party: · Passed hors d’oeuvres: o crab cakes o crisp risotto o cocktail reubens o shrimp cocktail o crostini with fig jam and blue cheese o mushroom flatbread · Stations: o cheese o salad o sliced beef tenderloin o chicken breast o roasted salmon o pasta primavera · Boardwalk-themed desserts: o spun cotton candy o funnel cake o candy apples o peanut brittle o caramel cornI work with a couple of the national glossy magazines. They might put the appearance in their “VIP Sightings” section, but for the most part they weren’t interested in pictures of these two as they aren’t the “breakout” stars. Now if Vinnie and Sammi had come in the same car and exited the car holding hands, that would have been newsworthy I was told.