Philly Chit Chat

Last week The Shops at Liberty Place was packed with budget conscious women out with their besties for a fun night of shopping, spirits and prizes from Ben 95.7
The Ben 95.7 winning spinner had a long line the entire night as shoppers won anything from a pen, DVD’s, to concert tickets, to a bag of chips.
Amy D’Aulerio, Kara Karpink and Randyl Case enjoyed the night out

as did Maria Gallagher, Kelly Breslin and Nancy Harmer
After about an hour of prizes, snacks and spirits, the girls were given a list of discounts at the various shops at Liberty Place to pick up a few bargains. If they spent over $75 they were to bring their receipt back and pick up a nice canvas bag with the beaded words
Eat, Shop & Enjoy as Jill Scarlett is wearing, with her sister Liz Scarlet of Scarlett Alley in Old City.
Nancy Landon, Sharon Phillips Waxman and Ruth Ann Bishop-Sotak. Everyone in Philadelphia should be thanking Sharon for being so innovated over 15 years ago by starting Phasion Phest, which I consider to be one of the first events that helped drag the City into the 21st Century of fashion and big event planning.

Jill Scarlett, Maria Hatzivasili, Victoria Beckham, Debbie and Lynne Marsdale and Theresa McErlean.

Carmen Miller, Shelby Walker and Christina Wilson were glad to do something fun after school with Shelby’s mom
Casey Crowe and Anna Schilawski represent Victoria’s Secret. Anna says the big push is focused on Mother’s Day in May and one of the popular scents you can pick up at Victoria’s Secret is “Heavenly Flowers.” Casey agrees it’s smells memorable. I’ll take their word for it, what do you think?
Chik-Fil-A’s Eric *Big E* and Heather Masse, Cafe Coco in the Mellon Concourse. During the month of May on Monday & Friday’s, 10% of all checks will be donated to the Leukemia Foundation.

This kid was enjoying himself, which is good practice for when he gets a girlfriend and she drags him around all the stores saying “honey how do I look in this?”
Many people mentioned they saw the ad in the Metro that day promoting the event. The Metro was one of the sponsors and sure enough the ad worked as the crowds were strong. The event started at 5:30PM and I took this picture about 7:15PM and there was still a crowd.
The girls from Adolf Biecker: Kristen Miller, Gina Lees, Ashley Richmond, and Jenn Harrigan.
Lynette Smith and Jacqui Tobler often get together for “girls night out”, and when Lynette saw the ad in the Metro she saw it as a sign to get out and get shopping with her BFF Jacqui. She especially like that this was a one stop shopping destination with lots of choices in stores to chose visit.
The Team of PunchMedia James Zeleniak and François Pierre with James friend Annette want to make sure you check out The Shops’ other events this spring, including the Spring Sidewalk Sale, May 6-8.
Random Odd Shop, but not so random is the fact that Thursday is the Kick-off Party for Rittenhouse Row at the Shops of Liberty. Starts at 6:30PM in the Rotunda. I went last year and it was really fun, a really who’s who of people that live, work and play in the Rittenhouse square area. See below for info:
Rittenhouse Row invites you to please join us on Thursday, April 22 from 6:30-9:00 at The Shops at Liberty Place
For the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Kick Off Party

*Cuisine and Cocktails from Alfa, Alma de Cuba, Barclay Prime, Butcher and Singer, Capogiro, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Continental Mid-town, D’Angelo’s, Devon Seafood Grill, Di Bruno Bros., Du Jour, Fado, The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company, G Lounge, La Colombe, Lacroix, Ladder 15, Le Castagne, Marathon Grill, Metropolitan Bakery, Parc, The Raven Lounge, Rouge, Shank’s Uptown, Square 1682, Village Whiskey, The Walnut Room and Zama

*Diageo Cocktail Competition with mobile phone voting from XIPWIRE

*Chairman’s Selection wines

*Raffle from Govberg Jewelers

*Music from DJ Joey Blanco

*Silent auction from Rittenhouse Row boutiques, spa-salons, hotels and restaurants

Tickets are $75/per person or $125 (VIP Patron)
Download response card at www.rittenhouserow.org

StrongBOX was redesigned by The Nouveau Image design and consulting team. “The space needed to open up. The new design will free up the space and also make people more comfortable. I really like the new colors and new decor. It feels like a whole new place and the perfect setting to go with friends for drinks and good music.”-Michelle Miller, CEO
The space is open for business after the VIP party for the Grand Re-opening was shut down for a mix up with permits on April 7, and a lack of food menus…all of this has been resolved. StrongBOX was 100% up to code on State standards but had a very small mix up with a city rule. A few small changes and a revaluation of the space by city workers got Strongbox re-opened the following week, April 16 with a clean bill.
Tonight the Cool Kid’s Reggie Barry & Jackim “Jackie” Wright will be throwing down their popular Tuesday Night Party. To get in on the action, you have to know the right people. Tell them PhillyChitChat sent you, maybe it will help out. (Dropping Brett Perloff’s name won’t help as he sold his interest in the club last year. Someone didn’t realize that when they lifted parts of my blog for their site last week.)
I love the new designs, the peach color, the mirrors and lowering the VIP wall has certainly made the space fresh and spacious.
So now when you get the late night munchies, you can order a personal pizza, hot dog of chicken fingers to satisfy your cravings.

Last night’s 2nd Annual Dancing With The Philadelphia Stars, “Philadelphia Dancing with the Philly Stars“ benefiting the Sickle cell Disease Association of Philadelphia, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter and taking place at the Hyatt Regency at Penns Landing was a huge success!
People were decked out

Congratulations to Nadia and Jimmy Maransky who are expecting a baby in October, with her is Wire 96.5’s G-N Kang, Erin Elmore, Sabrina Tamburino and Dana Spain. Stanley A. Simpkins, Executive Director of SCDAA/PDVC greets his guests
Alethia Goins, Dionne Jackson, Damian S. Jackson, Esq., Chairman of the Board, Benjamin Goins
Krystal Souvanlasy, Gillian Lankford, Federica Consolazione, Shana Vitott, Claire Jarvis, Audrey Julienne, Delphine Evenchik
Nikki and Eric Collier, Tracy and David Merrick
Carol Tamburino (cream dress) sold over 6 tables for the event filled with family and friends. Then bought a full page ad in the program wishing her daughter good luck. This is what it’s all about, thanks Carol the proceeds will go a long way in helping fight Sickle Cell Anemia.
Peggy and Ashley Elmore came all the way in from Pittsburgh, to support the organization and Erin Elmore, last year’s winner of Phila Dancing with the Stars.
Japonica Edwards, Tracy Merrick, Alexis Merrick and Anessa Lloyd

Lauren D’Orisio, Sabrina Tamburino and Nicole Cashman. Nicole’s mother was also on hand to enjoy the festivities.
Edward Goldstein and Lesley Kozloff Goldstein are always in it for the fun
Andrew Henning and Jill Rizen crossed the bridge to join us. Jill tells me that Andy did the sweetest thing by converting one of the smaller bedrooms in their house to her closet. Now that’s a closet.


Congratulations to Lauren Beloff and Anthony Sembello for their recent engagement. He popped the question while they were off on a romantic trip in St. Barts.
Sabrina supports, Craig Robinson, from the upcoming 6ABC’s “The Bachelorette” contestant coming up in May, Danielle Poe, Stephanie Rybczyk, Ashley Elmore “The Bachelore” contest that just past, and Heather Fish
Megan Smith and Zemoria Brandon, SCDAA administrator.
Blondell listened to this song more than 1,000 times and even slept with it the night before the big event.

Honorable Blondell Reynolds Brown and her Cha Cha

Wine Connoisseur Brian Freedman with dancing partner

Someone I admire a lot: Dana Spain is the founder and President of Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society
(PAWS)

Emmy Award Winning host of Television Series Christina Cooks, Christina Pirello

the strippers at Delilah’s left more to the imagination than the fellas in this entertaining dance number at half time.

G-N Kang gets carried away
Maxx Stoyanoff-Williams, lead singer/MC of Black Landlord

Dorothy Johnson-Speight, founder of Mothers in Charge

Jason Evenchik, owner of TIME, Vintage Wine Bar and Bar

Socialite and PhillyChitChat “It” girl Sabrina Tamburino Thorne, finance and budget coordinator at GPTMC.
This might be hitting close to home for

Erin Elmore, who was the 2009 Philadelphia Dancing with the Stars champion. Bad Romance looks good on her. She’s single and ready to mingle guys.
Thanks to all the participants who interrupted their lives to take over 8 weeks of lessons to participate in this years contest for charity.With guests including Senator Larry Farnese, Councilwoman Marian Tasco, the Bachelorette’s Craig Robinson, auto parts magnate Steve Thorne, and 2010 Miss Philadelphia Andrea Helfrich, to find out who the winner was read my blog entry at which should be up shortly at:

http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2010/04/19/on-the-town-with-hughe-dillon-3/

Funds raised for the event topped the $6,000 mark from last year.

For further information, contact Megan R. Smith, Brownstone PR, 215.410.9879, megan@brownstonepr.com

My co-worker/boss/friend Steve Steingard turned 60 yesterday. I rarely, ever talk about my day job, and most people don’t realize I have one, but I do and I’m very honored to work for such a prestigious law firm as Kohn, Swift & Graf. We specialize in Class Action, Securities and Human Rights cases.
Delicious cake I shouldn’t have, did I mention I will be going back to Fusion Cross Training this week?
The best reaction, not sure if it’s Oscar level quality though.

The LUMEN LASER CENTER BEAUTY BASH held a reception on at Fleming’s of Radnor on April 14, 2010. The evening included wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres and information about the newest in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Proceeds went to The Steppingstone Foundation. Dr. Andrew Kwak, Founder and Director of LUMEN, presented new techniques for fat and cellulite loss, Botox and skin damaged by the sun. Event proceeds benefit Steppingstone Scholars who will be having their annual gala The Step Into Spring Gala on April 30, 2010 at the Please Touch Museum.Ferrari was also one of the sponsors of the event, unfortunately they couldn’t fit one in the gift bag so it didn’t come home with me. In the background, in the shadows on the right was Pat Croce. He declined a photo.
Dr. Andrew Kwak, Founder and Director of LUMEN and his team, Gina Lee, LUMEN Laser Center business manager,Theresa Forty, Priscilla Rubin, Jessica Goerig, Genevre Kane and Kristine Casal
Dr. Eric Ricefield and wife KellyAnn.
Debbie Schwartz and Blair Rosen – The Jewelry Maven
Shanell Greene and Jason Trego of Makeup Artists at NARS
Wine Tasting
It used to be that the talk of cosmetic surgery, a session of Botox or other cosmetic improvements was some what of a secret, but now a days society has embraced these procedures, and are even proud that they are taking the steps to ever lasting youth as they also embraced healthy living in the past decade. A great crowd from the Main Line came out to celebrate their future. (I need to get to the gym.)
Eric, GM of Fleming’s, addresses the crowd, thanks them for coming. Hughe’s Note: BTW the food was delicious.
Dr. Andrew Kwak addresses the crowd, reviewing a lot of concerns women may have about their appearance.
The raffle prize was sessions of Botox, skin peels and other cosmetic procedures that I entered to win. I could use a little refreshing since I barely take time to sleep.

Linda Brajer and Heidi Geffen
Jeannie Cohen, Jennifer and Albert Simmons
Linda Berman and Lucy Hepp were excited to catch up
Cori Moskow, Gloss PR announces the winners of the raffle
Nina Weisbord, president of Steppingstone Scholars, Inc. and Kendra Kirk, Director of Development. Nina told the crowd “Every dollar you spend makes a difference in our kids life.”
Donna Caramenico, Linda Jackson-Bradley, Terry Lamson and Dr. Albini Veys
John and Amy Korman, with Andrew Schlessinger and Ashley CofoneAlaina Lackman and Caroline Kallman of Govbergs. Caroline tells me everyone is excited for their move to Walnut St which will be happening at the beginning of July. Yenna Santore and Llana Waber or as I like to refer to them as “Cori’s Crew”, man the check in table and sell the raffle tickets

Last week I attended the Cevallos & Wong, LLP 1 year anniversary party at Public House, Phila, Pa. (I guess they took this pix for their blog last April/May as the Equality Forum flags are hung along Broad Street.) It was well attended. Cevallos & Wong LLP was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the vision to make the practice of law a means to serve individuals with grave need for quality, honest and efficient representation. Here’s Danny Cevallos with Hayley Curry and Amanda Murphy.Jessica Wong, guest and Jeff Wong. Danny Cevallos and Jeff Wong were each independently recognized and honored as one of “Pennsylvania’s Rising Stars” in their respective areas of practice in Philadelphia Magazine’s Pennsylvania Super Lawyers – Rising Stars Edition (Dec. 2008).
Jessica Wong, Mark Palmero and Shannon carson

Kayla Gillin, Cristins Lopez-Moreno, Amanda Liptock and Guy in Yellow Shirt who jump in picture at the last minute, then disappeared. Twinckle Vaidya, Jeff Wong, Alyson McDonald, Zoe Stout, Erica Homko, and Jen Labows

Stir. Sip. And Socialize at the years most anticipated cocktail party. Philadelphia magazine had its annual Martini Madness event on Wednesday, March 31. For $50 guest could sample unlimited cocktails featuring over 25 different brands of vodka, gin, tequila and rum plus enjoy food from Philadelphia area restaurants. If you missed this party, then you missed a real good time.
I was wondering why a Philadelphia Magazine drinking party was being held in such a gigantic place. Little did I know that this was some party.
Regina Dodds, Kelly Carter, Deborah Cabassa, Katie McCabe and Deana Yokimcus. These girls know how to party and they come every year.
food was served in Martini glasses too, like at this gourmet potato station
Renee Hamilton enjoys a Blueberry Martini, Monica Cooley, Cherry and Jannell Barr Cantaloupe Martini
beautiful night at the Constitution Center
great crowd
DJ, put a record on
I like the flower in her hair
Ed Hardy makes a vodka?
Stephanie Sutsko and Kristin Cipolla
Jeannie Acri, Jill Ott, Jen Carter, Heather Beck and Nahreen Ahmed
Jacquelyn Merrin and Jessica Procini
Mary Beth Hallman and Tara Thune Davis This two lovelies are organizing a Murder Mystery in Philly. Finally it’s making a comeback. Thurs Lippencott Housese Uwisunu has a good write up http://tinyurl.com/ybwg6yc or go directly to the Lippincott House for information here: http://www.lippincotthouse.com/murdermystery/Isabella, Buffy E. VaraneseMarketing Director of Delilah’s and Alyssa. Remember a few weeks back I was a judge at Delilah’s and I was disappointed that Lady Gaga didn’t win because she really was the most talented, well here she is on the right.
Today I had a special entry on my Philly Mag column about Abbie Cornish and Dark Fields (I got a photo of her last night near the set at Butcher & Singer; Bradley Cooper was on set too.) http://tinyurl.com/yynqe3b

Zanna Roberts Rassi, Italian Trade Commission looks on as Marie Clair’s Sr Fashion Editor Aniello Musella greets the crowd at Boyd’s and explains about the exciting new Italian fashion and Style
Jeff Glass, Co-Owner of Boyds, with Alexa Wilson, Marketing Director of Marie Clare Magazine, Zanna Roberts Russi, Sr Fashion Editor of Marie Claire and Aniello Musella, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Commission
Samantha Sclueltz, Lauren Hering, Fran D’Ambrosia, and Jessica
Kristen Foote and your name is on the tip of my tongue darn it. None the less, hot fashion. I love what Kristen is wearing mixing it up black and white like a fine milk shake.
My milk shake brings all the boys to the yard,
and they’re like,
its better than yours,
damn right its better than yours
Matthew Vlahos who is working very hard on the 20th Anniversary of Dining Out For Life. Check my column in the Philadelphia Magazine Online Thursday for a special dinner on April 29, 2010. Guest, Diane Johnson, Nina Tinari, Jimmy Contrerars, and Mia Tinari. Not picture, Christian DiCicco as he was chowing down at The Oyster House. Have you been there lately. Beautiful. What a huge difference it was when they opened up the place and got decent windows.
Donna Coughlin, always very generous in keeping me in the loop, and her beau Charlie P
Jen Utley and Nicole Cashman. People Jen did not pose for Playboy nor does she live in Haddonfield, NJ. Please leave those poor people alone and refrain from sending them jersey’s to sign.