Stacy Stec, Marketing Manager at LOL Entertainment (the parent company of Museum of Illusions) , Job Itzkowitz, executive director of Old City District, Rob Cooper, CEO of LOL Entertainment, ,Sheila Hess, City Representative for the City of Philadelphia and Jason Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at LOL Entertainment
A magical mystery museum opened this past weekend in Old City, the new 5000 square foot Museum of Illusions officially opened at 4th and Market ; it boasts 80+ visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereo-grams, optical illusions, immersive rooms and special Philly installations unique to this location.
Jonathan Benjamin. Chief Executive Officer at Museum of Illusions, Councilman Mark Squilla and Jason Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at LOL Ente
“We are very excited to be bringing the Museum of Illusions to Philadelphia and happy to be able to provide the city with such an engaging and exciting new museum concept,” said Rob Cooper, Philadelphia native and founder of LOL Entertainment, the parent company of the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia. “We are confident that people of all ages will love seeing and experiencing the Museum’s unique illusions and exhibits.”
I had a ball
Job Itzkowitz, executive director of Old City District is just hanging around in the Anti-Gravity Room
Michael Newmuis, COS Visit Philly “climbs” a Philadelphia row home at the Museum of Illusions.
The Museum of Illusions MOI is for all ages and offers visual and educational exhibits designed to tease the senses. Visitors will learn about vision, perception, and the human brain and experience firsthand the science of how the eyes can trick the mind.
Janelle Burrell the morning and noon co-anchor of CBS3 Eyewitness News hung out for a bit.
We weren’t sure how this exhibit worked, until Ray suddenly ran into the adjoining room and crawled through a tunnel popping up for a feast for our eyes.
According to Variety…. Philadelphia born Lee Daniels will direct “Demon House,” based on the story of an Indiana family (Ammons) that has claimed to be a victim of demonic possession. Several Hollywood players, including MGM and Miramax, were vying for rights to the Oscar-nominated director’s upcoming project. Netflix’s $65 million price tag — a hefty sum covering the film’s production budget and buyouts — secured the sale, according to Deadline Hollywood, who broke the news of Netfliks purchase.
I had mentioned in December Lee Daniels would be filming Demon House in our area after attending a Phildanco event where Daniels was to be honored, but wasn’t able to make it. At that event Sharon Pinkenson announced he’d be back in our area to do this film. Thanks to the GPFO and all the work they do to secure these projects.
Idris Elba in Concrete Cowboy starring Caleb McLaughlin which filmed in Philly August 2019
Demon House reunites Daniels and Andra Day, who recently worked together on Hulu’s musical biographical drama “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” Rounding out the cast includes Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Rob Morgan, “Stranger Things” actor Caleb McLaughlin (who filmed Concrete Cowboy in 2019) and “King Richard” breakout Aunjanue Ellis.
The Bagan family moved into the house after the Ammons and did a documentary on their experience. This was their promotional poster.
Here’s my scoop: Look for Demon House to begin filming in our area at the end of April and continue until June. It’ll be filmed in Philadelphia, Sun Studios and my sources tell me in New Jersey.
The Philly Home Show March 18th through 20th and 25th through 27th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Discover. Plan. Do. Two weekends only for great deals, new ideas, and practical advice, with trusted, local experts that can make your dream home a reality;
provided
Bugsy Drake of “The Queen of Theme” is widely known for her role as Chief Stew on Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean, Christine “Bugsy” Drake, can be seen dazzling luxury yacht guests with her signature tablescapes and over-the-top theme parties.
Bugsy will be appearing in the Affinity Furniture booth (#824) Saturday, March 26 from 12noon-1pm. She will be signing books and meeting fans. While there you can admire her beautiful tablescapes created using Affinity Furniture tables Philly Home Show
Top of the Morning To Youse My Friend…. St. Patrick’s Day is this week and the celebrations are underway at River’s Casino Philadelphia. There’s plenty to do, see, and enjoy on the property to celebrate.
The Young Dubliners (sometimes shortened to the Young Dubs) will get you in the mood as they perform Wednesday March 16 at the Event Center. The Young Dubliners is an Irish rock band formed in Los Angeles. Purchase your tickets in advance starting at $25 and enjoy a bar and live entertainment!
AllMusic.com states, “Their live shows a jam-like appeal, similar to the vibes of Phish and the Dave Matthews Band.”
Stop by Jack’s Bar + Grill for special St. Patrick’s Day Specials all month long: Irish Nachos $10 Guinness Burger $11 Shepherd’s Pie Soup $6 Corned Beef Reuben $12 Draft Green Beer $4 Guinness Bottles $4
The BetRivers Sportsbook will feature college basketball jersey drawings during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Guests who place wagers of $50 or more on college basketball will be entered into drawings to win old-school NCAA jerseys including James Harden’s Arizona State jersey.
On the screens you’ll find Flyers 7:00pm vs. Nashville, March Madness first round: 16 games .
Trae Young Oklahoma jersey drawing will occur.
Sportsbook Drink Specials Celebrating St Patrick’s Day All Month Long inlcude Draft Green Beer $5 and Guinness Bottles $4
Pick Up Your Free Swag at Jack’s Bar + Grill
Jack’s Free Swag include beads, hats, T-shirts, and Souvenir mugs
Galentine’s Day was celebrated at both Autograph Brasserie in Wayne and Louie Louie in University City, both part of the Fearless Restaurants group, are throwing events with cocktails, shopping and giveaways.
Jennifer Miller, of Radnor, Lisa DiLello, of Wayne, Sandi Woods, Sarah Henry, Melanie Britton, Jeanine Robinson, of Radnor
Stacey Halstead, Jennifer Keener, of KOP, and Laura Scalise
Jeremy Gibson of Gladwyne, and Shelly Furman, of Bryn Mawr
Amy Fink , Merion Station, and Kimby Kimmel, Radnor selling pieces from Ilyan Jewelry
Kathy Romano, Preston & Steve Show was on hand selling her jewelry The Kathy Romano Collection and Megan Hutchinsonm,
Roman Anthony Barksdale and Cameron Murray
Stephanie Moyer, Devon and Nancy Ahlum, West Chester
Ava Myers, Berwyn and Darci Henry, Malvern
Join Fearless Beverage Director and Sommelier, Michele Gargiulo for an educational wine tasting with horsoeuvres at 6pm.INFO
I’m back. Mike and I enjoyed a quick trip to Florida last week. We headed to my favorite national park, the Everglades. I’ve probably been there about 20 times. Life is getting back to normal. I am getting booked up, and I am very excited about it. I realized over these past two years that I love my job. I love Philadelphia, the people, what happens here, the events and I love to share all of it with like minded people. Let’s see who’s been where, what’s been happening and what’s on social media you might not have seen.
Spotted at Minella’s Diner in Wayne, Rupert Gilbert in town to film M Night Shyamalan’s Servant. He was nice enough to pose with the owners on his way out.
A few days earlier Friday March 4, David Boreanaz dined with his dad former 6ABC’s Dave Roberts and soon to be retired Jim Gardner. The night before Boreanaz took in James Harden’s first home game with the Sixers.
Speaking of Sixers, it was a packed house with celebrities last Thursday as Will Smith’s sister Ellen was there. She spotted Jabari Banks, and Morgan Cooper, of Bel-Air on Peacock (re-imagination of the beloved sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” set in modern-day America through a new, dramatic take on Will Smith’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel Air.) and Philly Freeway
Bruce Crews, Warren Crooks, Andrianna Acosta, Philly Pr Girl, Anthony Tigano, Kevin Lambert, Elizabeth Ward (CHOP), Michael Chapman, Tony Woods and Lincoln Overholtzer
Friday I photographed a check presentation at Chapman Auto Stores.
“On behalf of Chapman Auto Stores we are proud to continue our support with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Here are some stories from people close to Chapman:
1. Joe Casey has been at Chapman for 32 years. When his son was born with half of a heart the team at CHOP was there and continued to care for him throughout his life. If it werent for them Joe Jr. would not be here today
2. The Fitzgeralds: (Friends and Customers of Chapman family) At just 7 weeks old, the amazing team at CHOP repaired multiple defects in Sloane’s heart – and gave her the most incredible care. We are forever grateful to all of our Heart Heroes
Thankful to partner with Andrianna & the incredible team @philly_pr_girl to hear her story & be able to support such a great cardiac unit close to home
We are proud to support charitable organizations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey!”
Thanks to an anonymous reader who sent this to me #westandwithukraine
Help Me Dance My Way to A Lot of Fun, I love to dance but I have to say learning professional dancing is not an easy feat. Fun though.
I’m super excited to participate in the Dance for Character presented by CITRs charity event on March 19. I’ve worked with the folks at CITRs over the years, learned about their program, which is very unique. They have programs to re invigorate teachers suffering burnout. The workshops tap into the reasons they chose this field. It also helps them with the tools they need to convey to the students to help them build character to grow into productive adults. You can learn about their programs here
You could attend the event and cheer moi and my fellow dancers on to victory, or just fun.
We are midway through Main Line Today and Today Media delicious and cost savings 2022 Main Line Today Restaurant Week which runs hrough March 6th, 2022. The 14-day culinary celebration brings together and showcases the talents of top chefs, restaurants and purveyors in Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties. Where you going to dinner tonight?
Cocktail at Amis
Peg DeGrassa and Marguerite DeGrassa
Nate Weaver and Taylor Brooke
Pat Druhan, Director, Montco Hunger Solutions at SHARE Food Program and Liz Peteran, Montco Anti Hunger Network
“Thank you to Main Line Today magazine for including the Chester County Food Bank as part of Restaurant Week,” said Chester County Food Bank CEO Andrea Youndt. “This partnership helps to bring awareness to the Chester County Food Bank and its mission to ensure access to real, healthy food. We hope that as people dine to support our local restaurants, they will also consider supporting hunger relief efforts in their community.”
Anne Shuniak, West Chester and Michelle Stewart
Graham Major and Fred Worthington both of Manatawny Still Works
Main Line Today Restaurant Week is supported by sponsors Firstrust Bank, Comcast Business, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Visit Delco, PA, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, Chester County Chamber of Business & Tourism, The Main Line Chamber of Commerce, and partnering with Metro US, Yelp Philly, Philly Chit Chat and Aversa PR.
Carol Henderson, Marketing Director · Main Line Today and Marie Edwards, Associate Publisher Mainline Today
Main Line Today Restaurant Week is supported by sponsors Firstrust Bank, Comcast Business, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Visit Delco, PA, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, Chester County Chamber of Business & Tourism, The Main Line Chamber of Commerce, and partnering with Metro US, Yelp Philly, Philly Chit Chat and Aversa PR.
The list for 2022 Main Line Restaurants includes the following participants:
Waibel Dentistry is redefining dentistry in Philadelphia. With cutting edge technology and spa-like amenities, it is clear why patients are traveling from all over the region for this destination dental experience. Their new office space in Ambler at 545 N Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, PA 19002, built during Covid, is both modern and luxurious with state-of-the-art technology that is second to none.
After graduating at the top of her class from Temple University’s School of Dentistry, Dr. Lana Waibel set out to open a practice unlike any other. With her talent in General Dentistry and her passion for Cosmetic Dentistry, she has created the ultimate luxury dental experience where the level of care and thoughtful attention to detail are unmatched.
Dr. Waibelis regarded as one of the area’s top providers and is partnered with one of the country’s most renowned ceramists to create porcelain veneers. Together, they produce results for patients that are truly a work of art.
As an expert in vascular structure of the head and neck, Dr. Waibel also offers Botox injections to patients for both cosmetic and medical reasons.
With every new patient, Dr. Waibel donates to Welcoming The Stranger, a charity very close to her heart, as the non-profit helped her get acclimated to the United States by teaching her important language and life skills when she first moved here.
The Cordish Companies celebrated the first anniversary of Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, last week. The festivities included an official proclamation from the City of Philadelphia presented by Sheila Hess, City Representative, declaring the anniversary date of February 11 as Live! Day. On hand for the celebrations were Cordish Chairman David Cordish, (center) The celebration also featured special appearances by former Philadelphia Eagles long snapper and magician Jon Dorenbos (right of the cake), and Mummers champions, the South Philadelphia String Band.
ECONOMIC IMPACT Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, which represents an investment of more than $700 million, was pleased to announce contributions of more than $325 million to the local and state economies during its first year of operation, including:
More than $91 million in taxes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Team Members were compensated with $51.9 million in wages
The opening of the facility created over 1,300 new, permanent jobs, with over 54% of Team Members residing in the City of Philadelphia.
Local businesses have also benefited, with Live! spending over $100 million with local, minority- and women-owned businesses.
Guests were also on the winning side with more than $81.7 million in total jackpot payouts. Live! continues to invest in facility upgrades and is constantly incorporating customer feedback to ensure the casino has the newest, most exciting games.
Guests enjoyed lunch, cocktails and catching up before the speeches and proclamation ceremony.
The Cordish Companies has long embraced a culture of giving and community service and their entry into the Philadelphia market was no exception. Charitable organizations across the Greater Philadelphia region received more than $454,000 in contributions through cash donations and in-kind support, with Team Members volunteering over 500 hours of community service.
Among the many beneficiaries were Philabundance (Loree Jones, executive director of Philabundance was on hand – right), American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, Jaws Youth Playbook, Darren Daulton Foundation, the Delaware Valley and Southeast Youth Athletic Leagues, and more.
During its inaugural year, the property was awarded the prestigious ‘Best Overall Gaming Resort in Pennsylvania’ by Casino Player Magazine readers, and received top accolades by USA Today readers, naming the Live! Rewards customer loyalty program and the award-winning steakhouse The Prime Rib as one of the Top 5 in the country for Best Players Club and Best Casino Restaurant in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Jon Dorenbos, Sheila Hess, City Rep and Cordish Chairman David Cordish,
This past year: Live Casino was Voted Best Overall Gaming Resort in Pennsylvania by Casino Player Magazine, Live! Conveniently located off I-95 and I-76, the facility features more than 200 luxury hotel rooms that are Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide, a FanDuel® Sportsbook and Lounge, over 2,100 slots and electronic table games, and 150 live action table games, including a dedicated poker room. Head over to Live Casino to learn more about the property, and the delicious restaurants, ones I frequent often, especially Luk Fu, serving authentic Asian cuisine, which is open late night serving food til 2am. I’ve been there at midnight, it’s lively. As well as the 10th Street Market, a unique food hall featuring Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint and Guy’s Burger Joint; Philadelphia-favorites Lorenzo and Sons Pizza, Termini Bros. Bakery and Sang Kee Noodle Bar & Kitchen. INFO
Hope you had a great weekend. It was chilly, but things were heating up at the Kimmel, on the Kimmel Cultural Campus. The Philly Pops never disappoint in entertaining the crowds, and we never want the show to stop. Note: You must still show your vaccine card to enter the Kimmel Cultural Campus buildings.
I received lots of tips of a Stevie Wonder sighting at the Philly Pops. Close, he’s a Stevie Wonder impersonator, it was fun to have him there, but the real stars were on the stage all weekend. featuring Shayna Steele, vocalist Chester Gregory, vocalist Michael Lynche, vocalist
The Real Deal Spotted
ralphsitalrest Look who stopped by for dinner! Sports Radio Host Glen Macnow and Flyers Goalie Bernie Parent!
Harry Potter is another hot, hot, hot ticket at the Franklin Institute and interesting menu items are popping up all over town including Evil Genius with their Harry Potter inspired cocktails or at Craftsman’s Row in Washington Square has these delicious shakes which come with cool potter specs for you to keep.
Just up the street, still in the Washington Square area, a new restaurant Mabu Kitchen has opened, well had a soft opening, closed for a few days and will open again on February 24 for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, including brunch on the weekend. Formerly in this spot for years was Ristorante Aroma. I spoke with him over the past two years, as he was trying to hang in there, but couldn’t. I’ll miss chatting with him as he was always outside washing down the sidewalk. But I’m excited to try out Mabu Kitchen. I had walked by 2 weeks ago when they were putting up the sign. New beginnings.
Drop It and It’s Hot
Speaking of new beginnings. Going forward at 6:30pm Fox 29 has you covered for local news, neighbors, and stuff you want to know as their anchors launch new shows:
Congrats are in order to Bill Anderson, who debuts his new show on Fox29 tonight called “The Pulse.” It’s set up like a radio station on the set, but it’s an over the air show, with a podcast. Bill’s first guests include Iyanla Vanzant, Wallo and “America’s Top Psychic Medium” Matt Fraser. Not only does Bill have a new show; Mike Jerrick, Good Day and Breland Moore, sports anchor are about to launch a new show on Fox29 called “The 215” they’ll do arts & culture stories. It’ll air every Tuesday at 6:30pm., The “ClassH-Room” is back March 9th with teacher-turned-TV-show-host Richard Curtis, but this timeit’s the Clash – Room Family edition. Where families go head to head. and on Thursday’s there “Kelly Drives” Bob will take a ride each Thursday and hit places to go around our area, restaurants, happy hours, things to do with the kids. Friday Night at 6:30PM Props & Locks – Fox29’s Sports gambling show sponsored by Fox Bet airing every Friday at 6:30pm.Then every night at 11:30pm there’s The Feed with Alex Holley and Thomas Drayton!!
Congrats to my friends Geno Vento and Andre Gaspar on their engagement over the weekend. (They met in Vegas, what happens in Vegas…) They were dining with our other friends Tony Luke and Maria (no last name, just like Madonna) on a mini vacation in Annapolis when Geno popped the question. But there’s so much more to the big night, head to Geno’s Steaks instagram for the rest of the story. So happy for them. Chit Chat tomorrow.
