Philly Chit Chat

I stopped by The Corner last night for a bite to eat with my friend Megan Smith. Megan is working hard on The Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars event which is coming up on 4/10/11. Congrats to Megan who was on the cover of Phila Biz Journal last week in an article on small businesses run by women.

I chatted with John “Chainsaw” Taus. He tells me that he is taking over the kitchen and prepping some of his signature dishes ready for the new menu which is going to reflect the kinda food he made that made us all first fall in love with him from his Snackbar days. Don’t take my word for it ask Craig LaBan, the Inquirer Restaurant Critic who always gave him high marks. I had my fav Calamari and also a new dish Mussels. The photo didn’t come out that great so I can’t show you it, but they are from Blue Bay; they come in a red sauce and were really good and succulent. Only $12 bucks for 20 of them. Bargain.
A few weeks back I stopped by Egan Day (260 S. 16th Street), which is owned by Kate Egan and Cort Day, to check out the first in a series of fund-raising program to raise necessary dollars for an arts-focused summer workshop in partnership with Arise Academy, a Philadelphia-based, public charter high school that specifically targets students in foster placements and offers them much needed support and resources to keep them in school and engaged. Above Kate Egan, multimedia artist Leah Singer, Cort Day and Mary from Arise Academy. Singer’s work will be on display at the retailer through March 12, 2011 says Meredith Lindemon of Meredith Communication
Zelinda Barnes, Where Magazine, is having a baby. Where Magazine and friends held a baby shower in her honor at Square 1682 recently. Congrats to the Barnes’!!
Speaking of the Barnes, it’s coming along. They had a Christmas Tree and flag posted on the highest beam, as is tradition when they top off a building, but it’s gone now either because of the wind, or maybe they are planning to do a ceremony.
Philadelphia’s Gay Business and Career Development Network (GPPN) and the Independent Business Association (IBA) held a joint networking event at Kokopelli. Above founder of GPPN Thom Cardwell and Michael Williams, Sr Construction Manager at Hill International, network. Thom tells me that The Philadelphia Cinema Alliance is proud to announce the return of Philadelphia CineFest. From April 7th thru the 14th, across 5 venues, and featuring over 60 feature films (including numerous U.S. and World premieres). This year they will be holding two large scale outdoor events. The CITY WILL BE BUZZING as the film festival falls right at the beginning of PAFIA which begins 4/7 and continues til 5/1
A gift shop in the Bourse bought this replica on Ebay.
Another gift shop at the Bourse sells smaller Liberty Bells and the Statue of Liberty? #Fail What are the chances NYC sells Liberty Bells?
Splenda must be hurting Sweet & Low as it’s been eons since I have seen them advertise. I’ll switch to Sweet & Low if they want to advertise with me!
Is doing renovations per

I haven’t been to Recess to dance lately. I feel like I neglect them. Sorry. I do love this club at 2nd & Walnut. Plus there’s parking right above the club. Great dancing, but get there early, it gets packed and it’s a pretty intimate place.
I was there during the day a few weeks ago when I did my test tape for the reality show that I’m not supposed to talk about that will be filmed in Philly. The email said it was “socialite” based, but I ask you do these glasses, keys and CVS Value Card look like they belong to a socialite, just sayin’
Window Shopping: This week I will be one of the judges for the Philadelphia Flower Show decorative windows. This is not one of them. This is at Diesel, and for

Great seeing many friends and readers Saturday Night at the Reading Terminal Market’s Valentine Party. I took over 300 photos at the event, I only used a small percentage of photos in today’s entry as the photos will be distributed to the media for the local press and monthly magazines so that is why you might not see your photo here as the mags often want exclusive shots, but that doesn’t preclude the photos below either.

I will be featuring the story & some pixs on my NBC Non-Stop Channel segment Ch 248 or Ch 10.2 Thursday night at 9:30PM, so tune in.

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Have you ever wanted to be a kid trapped in your favorite toy store after closing, well that’s what it was like for most of the folks who attended everyone’s favorite farmer’s market Saturday night. You want Metropolitan bread, Old City Coffee, something from Flying Monkey, dinner at Dinic’s, salad from Tootsie’s dinner to mojito’s at the 12th Street Catina, well it’s all there for you and you can have as much as you want it can only be describe as a foodgasm at the black tie optional event at the “Valentine to the Market party.” The ticket was $125 for general admission and the proceeds are going to benefit the Reading Terminal Market Preservation Fund and will be used to preserve and enhance the historic Reading Terminal Market for future generations.

Paul Steinke, with Sophia Demas and Frank Mallas Owner at Friday Architects/Planners Inc. It’s Frank’s firm Friday Architect that will be doing the RTM renovations beginning shortly. (which I wrote about last week) Which include streamlining the “D Street” corridor, including a larger demonstration kitchen as well as multi-purpose rooms. Did you know each aisle in RTM has a letter designation.

The night kicked off with a wild cook off with local personalities paired with celebrity chefs including (Chef Joseph Poon and 6ABC’s Alicia Vitarelli. Also on hand 6ABC’s Sarah Bloomquist, CBS 3’s Jim Donovan and Dave Huddleston; NBC 10’s Lu Ann Cahn; Mix 106.1’s Donna Storm; the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Rick Nichols, Where Magazine’s Laura Burkhardt, and cookbook author and former news anchor Janet Zappala)

Michael Schulson, Joseph Poon, Delilah Winder, and Daniel Stern in an aphrodisiac mystery-ingredient cook-off. (The mystery was solved as the cooks were given red hot candies, heart shaped marshmallows and coco-puffs that had to be incorporated into their dish.)



Which two chefs break out into a food fight?

Delilah’s dish pictured above looked beautiful and was tasty Donna Storm told me. Delilah successfully used all three secret ingredients & it tasted delicious to boot.



The Winner (s) are….

Juliet Sardoy, Laurel Fairworth, Delilah Winder, Sarah Bloomquist and Jacqueline Marcia, Brazil Productions. We met these girls back in August at Joselio Hanson’s bday party at Tequila’s if you recall.

After the VIP party cook off it was out to the main floor to enjoy the festivities of The Heat of the night, above Kristen Holahan, Catherine Holahan and Crissy MacDonald decide where they should go next.

Where Magazine Publisher Laura Burkhardt and my Mike Toub.

Dan Marino and Tiffany Brower. I said to Dan, that name sounds familiar. He said “it’s a football players”; If I’m recalling it I imagine he gets it all the time cause I am not football fan outside of the Eagles.

Robert and Cheryl Swinton; also seen in the market Sharon Pinkenson and Joe Weiss, Paul Levy and Carrie Rickey, Lee van de Velde, Albert and Joanne DiSanto. Mayor Nutter was unable to attend as it was his daughter’s birthday.

Maria D’Ambrosio and Edward Glover with Jimmy and Terry Iovine in the background. Their faces were done by Peanut Butter’s Bacon (Becca Craig) and Ohh La La (Jennifer Vessells)

Tootsie Iovine (sister of the Iovine Brothers) and Kristen Holahan (her parents own Pennsylvania General Store where you could have any cookie or chocolate delight in the glass case). Tootsie owns the salad bar, which was fully stock for your choosing.

Behind the cash register is a photo of Tootsie and her 11 siblings, as well as a photo of their parents wedding – Molly Malloy and Mr Iovine who’s first name I didn’t capture, silly me.

You will recall that Molly Malloy is the name of new Gastro Pub the Iovine Brothers are opening in the market replacing the long standing Beer Garden. Jimmy Iovine tells me the space will be bigger and Chef Bobby Fisher will be created a farm fresh menu with produce from the Iovine Market.

As well as provide soup, salads and plenty of dishes to satisfy a carnivore.

There was also dancing at the market.

Michael Boghosian, Lorraine Gimblett, Jonathan Hudson and Joanne Jordan. Thanks for reading PhillyChitChat.com everyday. If you are out and you tell me you read PhillyChitChat.com I will make sure your pix appears on the site if you want. Sometimes folks are shy.

PhillyChitChat’s contest winner for the ticket to the Gala: Gena and Anthony Hennessy

Mark Beyerle of Specialty Productions executed the concepts and ideas from the committee members that work on the “Valentine to the Market” gala. Here he is with committee member former DA Lynn Abraham. It was an honor for me to meet her for the first time. We were 1 degree separated as she was my biggest client buying my Philadelphia photo note cards, which sold at the General Store on 20th Street in the early ’00’s (I told her I would be producing those cards again.)

Joan Rivera and his niece. Joan works for Specialty Productions and a lot of the decorating touches came from ideas he had

like the draping of the cabaret room where Karen Gross and Pat Robinson entertained the guests.

Keri White and Claire Batten from PhillyFoodLovers.com

Brian and Diane Rodgers with JoAnn and Brian Bongart. Later JoAnn, from Holiday Inn Express, and I would recall the 1950’s in dance as we boogied to “Runaround Sue” and “Buttercup.” I think I spun her entirely too much to the point of exhaustion.

Dave Onesti, George Flowers and Kathy Lens enjoy their Bassetts ice cream.



David H on Yelp describes the Reading Terminal “Like the Liberty Bell, cheesesteaks, and that pesky city wage tax, the Reading Terminal Market is one of those things that makes Philadelphia uniquely Philadelphia.

Yes, it’s a historical site, but more importantly, it’s full of vendors selling delicious food. There’s something for everyone: Amish sellers are there part of the week, and you can pick up groceries or get your grub on if you’re in the mood for a cheesesteak, Thai, Indian, ice cream, oysters – you name it.”

Susan and Jerry Rosenfeld enjoyed the evening with Susan’s sister and committee member, Phyllis Halpern.

Sandra Toney, Charita Powell, with Betty Thomspson and Bobby Iovine who both work at Tootsie’s Salad Bar.Rachel Shaw and Peter Hara. Black tie optional doesn’t always mean black tie, it also means sharp dressing and these too look fantastic in threads.

Ross and Dara Donolaw

Bassetts is for lovers: On the left Roger Bassett met his future wife Mary when she applied for a job at the famed ice cream place over 20 years ago, and more recently Roger and Mia Caulfield met his wife as they worked side by side at Bassetts.

(Disclosure I was hired to photograph this event and I had a great time.)

This is going to be a short contest since it’s on Saturday. Sorry for the delay but I was running 2 other contests at the same time. I love this event so even if you’re not getting married you might want to go to do a little window shopping, plus theTICKETS are affordable at $35; $50 at the Door. (PS I will be posting the Reading Terminal Market Party Pixs later this morning.)

Internationally recognized fashion designer Nicole Miller! Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres! High energy fashion show featuring Nicole Miller’s Bridal, Formalwear, and Spring 2011 collection hot off the NY Runway to the sounds of EBE Entertainment!
A truly all-inclusive wedding event experience for the most fashionable brides-to-be at the 19th Floor of the Hyatt at The Bellevue. Sip signature cocktails courtesy of Chambord Flavored Vodka and Little Black Dress Wines, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres by XIX Restaurant.

Our choice merchants will uniquely display their services for the bride and groom, and contribute items in an exceptional goody bag. TICKETS
Send your name and email address to buzz @ PhillyChitChat.com (I’ll enter it in the daily subscriber list, unless you already signed up. Then on Wednesday I will do a random drawing for a pair of VIP tickets to the event. Thank you Nicole Miller in the Bellevue for the donation of these tickets)

Wednesday night I stopped by the Pennsylvania Film Industry Association Town Hall Meeting, which was more like a rally of the troops to save the Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit at the Pyramid Club in Center City before heading over to Philly Cooks. The guests included lobyist for the film industry, a few politicians, notable people including Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office and concerned friends of film in the state.Which according to today’s Philly Inquirer & Philly.com has been saved for one more year. But that doesn’t end our support, or your much needed to support. One thing you can do is write or call your congressman, and Gov Corbett to thank them and urge him to support the next time the PA Tax Credit comes up in the budget:
Governor’s Office
225 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120 Phone: (717) 787-2500 Fax: (717) 772-8284
E-mail the Governor’s Office
John Mitchell, George Bruno and Karla Kay Shatz.

George Bruno just finished a Sly Fox Beer commercial that is pretty funny. (Sly Fox is served at Starr’s new place Dandelion)
Meghan McCullough, Film Incentive Group and Michael Yom
Actress Leah Ann Cevoli just moved back to her home town of Philly from LA, to catch up with family members, work on a few projects here and in NYC. Her new project is associate producing/consulting/PR for @GameOverSeries shooting in April @SunCenterStudio

Bridget Schilki and Nicole Somers volunteer for PFIA and were checking in the folks for the cocktail party/rally.
Sharon, Jason Currie, Vanessa Gutin want to work next year in Philly on film projects.
Heather Seok Executive Director PA Film Industry Association greets the guests and tells them a little bit about the background on what will happen if Corbett doesn’t support the budgeted tax credit. In addition to encouraging people to join PaFIA now. Which will support their efforts, in addition to keeping you informed on what is going on with the Tax Credit, and how you can help keep film jobs in Pennsylvania.
The panel consisted of Robin Ross, PaFIA Lobbyist, David Haddad, PaFIA Chair & President, Haddad’s Inc., Ray Carballada, PaFIA Vice Chair & President, Shooters, Inc. and Mike McCann, PaFIA Treasurer & President, Film Incentives Group. Haddad, yes that Haddad, stated that some industry may be dead in Pennsylvania, but what the State doesn’t realize that the movie industry is alive and well. “It’s an industry of content.” Then

But there’s still work for you to do, for us, for the economy of Pennsylvania. Support Pa Film Tax Credit and call you congressman and elected officials. You talking to me? Guess who this guy “stood in” for this past year?

Now that I am doing my blog and event photography full time I snuck away to the Phila Zoo on Wednesday to photograph the animals in what I hope will be the last snowfall of the year.

According to UWISHUNU:
National Geographic Entertainment and the Philadelphia Zoo have joined forces to focus on seriously declining international lion populations. (I realize this is a tiger, but I didn’t see any lions when I was there on Wed)The famous lion statues at the entrance to the zoo will “disappear” temporarily when they’re covered in a bright yellow tarp starting today, February 22. The lions will then be re-introduced in a ceremony on February 28 at 10 a.m., when the zoo’s curator of carnivores will share some of the alarming facts about this decline and what the Philadelphia Zoo is doing to aid in this cause. For more information on what you can do, and to see the “Last Lions” film, check out UWISHNU But first check out a few photos of some of the animals that I photographed on Wednesday when I spontaneously went to the Zoo.
It was great to get out of the house, and or obsess about “What’s going on in Philly”, “What Stories I should be writing next?”, reading my endless emails and press releases etc
I don’t go to the Zoo enough, and I really have no excuse it’s only about 3 miles from my house within walking distance. I love animals and they are fun to shoot. There were about 3 dozen people there when I arrived about 1:30PM. Winter rates $14; Trolley $2; I walked home.They don’t mind if I shoot them candidly or if their mouths are open,
tongue hanging out and drooling.
Remember making those shadow kangaroo ears or was it rabbit ears on the wall?
This is a panther, and these scary beasts can be found along the Western States, and Mexico.
Duck, duck, penguin (ok there’s only one duck in this picture)
Here’s the other duck (The zoo has a big bird cage, which is open air between two doors and a roof. The Docent told me that she has only been crapped on 5 times since August. Consider herself luck.
Cat nip. I swear a minute before this the kid was running up and down passed the glass enclosure and that panther was following his every move. The family thought it was funny, I’m sure the panther thought it as it’s food was teasing her. I had my video camera rolling just in case the pather could break through the netting.
The squirrel monkeys were fascinated by their tails. This one is playing hide and seek.
The other polar bear was lying in the grass. She didn’t want anything to do with the snow.
Kiss me once, kiss me twice, kiss me once again. Tomorrow night Valentine Comes to the Reading Terminal. We have a winner for the ticket. Next up the Flower Show tickets. I have about 10 people who guessed Bette Midler was from Hawaii. Do you know what next year’s theme for the Flower show is? That drawing will be decided Monday. Then we have The Bellevue gets Engaged contest. Ck on the link for info and tickets. It’s a fun event.
nice
Parrot
Don King inspired no doubt

Adorable!! Friday touch up at the salon.
Last night while I was eating a Kokopelli Restaurant and Tequila Bar (They’re a new PhillyChitChat.com advertiser so note the live link cause it’s a benefit when you’re an advertiser.) Any who I had too much delicious coffee there and am rambling. But last night while I was at dinner, tennis great Andre Agassi was speaking at The Wharton School of Business and then had dinner at Pod.
I have 5 fingers. Yep we originated from apes I believe. Of course god created those apes, so please no letters or emails.
I spoke to Thom Cardwell last night. He tells me that the Prince Theater’s Oscar Viewing Party was canceled because the guys from Comcast couldn’t run a cable to broadcast the show on the large screen in the theater. I don’t know of any Oscar Viewing Parties this year, and that’s a shame.
Person on cell phone nature is occurring right under your nose and you are missing it
Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks to my sponsors & advertisers: PIFA, The Corner, Del Frisco’s, Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars(43 more days til competition!!), CTO Band who was just voted best wedding band 2011 by The Knot, and The Sporting Club.

In the Shadow of City Hall there is a Church where all of God’s people can come and celebrate his life: Arch Street United Methodist Church is a community of faith-keeping and faith-seeking people who embrace diversity in our congregation and community, and affirm the dignity and worth of every person as created in the image of God. We celebrate and give thanks for all of the gifts of God among us. Our welcome knows no boundaries, whether of age, racial or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, economic or marital status, or physical or mental ability. We welcome all to share in the ministry, fellowship, and blessings of full participation as members of Christ’s body.
And every Sunday Grace Cafe* operates in the basement of the Church from 5:30PM to 7:30PM featuring local musicians, a simple meal and shared stories. All of the congregation’s neighbors, especially center city’s most vulnerable citizens, those currently experiencing homelessness, are welcome to attend, volunteer and share their talent.
A few weeks back I visited Grace’s Cafe when my friend Andrew Heckenberger came to prepare his monthly meal for the homeless and hungry a volunteer job that he had taken on a year earlier. Each week Grace’s Cafe has church groups, students from area colleges, and other volunteers come in and make dinner for the 100 – 140 guests that come for Dinner.
Rev. Reinhard Kruse and his wife Sue review material with Annie Heckenberger, Andrews sister. Rev Kruse told me that Grace’s Cafe used to be a homeless shelter, but years ago the City limited it’s use because of certain rules and regulations, then finally because of funding. He and others decided to hold holiday meals for some of societies outcasts, and then it grew into every Sunday. He said the men and women who come for dinner aren’t looking for anything fancy and are just grateful to have a home cooked meal and some sense of normalcy. Andrew made their favorite meatloaf, scalloped potatoes and then cookies for dessert.

It takes a village to feed 100 to 150 homeless and hungry people every Sunday. On this particular Sunday we had Annie Heckenberger and Andrew Heckenberger; every Sunday you will find Rev. Reinhard Kruse his wife Sue Seated:Ken Dorsey in the middle and Raymond Wilson on the right. Next week it can be you helping out. Send them an email and volunteer, it will be rewarding.

There are several volunteer opportunities that will support the Grace Cafe ministry:

1. Volunteers arrive at 5:00PM to set up the room; prep and set out the food.

2. Volunteers provide a hot meal for about 100 guests. Coffee, tea and other beverages are provided by ASUMC.

3. Volunteers provide musical or other entertainment for at least a 1/2 hour.

4. Volunteers collect and deliver blankets and toiletries for distribution.

5. Volunteers meet, greet and share with Grace Cafe guests during the Sunday Evening program.

6. Volunteers assist with distributing flyers announcing the program on Sunday Evenings from 5PM to 6PM.

7. Volunteers with graphic arts skills are needed to develop posters, flyers and other materials that promote the program.

Parking is available on Broad Street during Sunday Evenings and by arrangement at other times through the church office (215) 568 6250. Volunteering at Grace Cafe is a great way to gain first-hand knowledge of homelessness – its root causes and sustainable solutions.

Contact the church office at secretary@archstreetumc.org to schedule your volunteer adventure!