Philly Chit Chat

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.

Check my Philly Mag Posts for updates on Dark Fields with Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro:
http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2010/05/11/on-the-town-with-hughe-dillon-9/

What is filming in Philadelphia today?

Follow us on Twitter for the latest sighting of Bradley Cooper and the Dark Fields filming in Philly
@iPhillyChitChat: I just passed the Dark Fields set. They r just setting it up. I imagine it will b shot mid-afternoon @ 1818 market st.

Check out Online Location Vacations for daily filming spots and follow them on Twitter.

@olv The Dark Fields is also filming at Bank at 1139 Chestnut St in Philly today

Here’s the list of the major actors that will be roaming the streets of Philly for the next 6 weeks.

	Bradley Cooper	…	Eddie Spinola & girlfriend Renee Zellweger
	Robert De Niro	…	Gennady
	Abbie Cornish
	Anna Friel

Earlier posts: http://www.phillychitchat.com/2010/03/renee-zellweger-and-bradley-cooper.html

http://www.phillychitchat.com/2009/08/renee-zelweger-bradley-cooper-update.html

Actor and comedian Bill Cosby was honored with the Marian Anderson Award for his work in encouraging academic achievement and calling for parents to raise responsible children. Cosby received the award and an unrestricted $50,000 prize at a ceremony Tuesday at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Pa Marian Anderson Foundation An African-American, Anderson became an important figure in the struggle for black artists to overcome racial prejudice in the United States during the mid twentieth century. In 1939, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) refused permission for Anderson to sing to an integrated audience in Constitution Hall. Their race-driven refusal placed Anderson into the spotlight of the international community on a level usually only found by high profile celebrities and politicians. With the aid of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson performed a critically acclaimed open-air concert on Easter Sunday, in 1939 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to a crowd of more than 75,000 people and a radio audience in the millions.
Reporter Kristie Gonzales from ABC6.
Maria Papadakis and her mom look stunningRich Przywara and Meredith Sossman
The cocktail reception was held in the grand hall lobby of the Kimmel center. It’s the pre-event like this, and the dinner that usually makes up the bulk of the money for the prize money.
Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds-Brown’s assistant Jason Lewis puts down reading material at her table for her guests. The dining area was designed for this event by Evantine Design
Blondell had two tables full of guests, which helps offset the costs of the event.
Girl rocking some color, with lots of blues in the audience too. Many of the cocktail guests were politicians, business owners, executives, representing local colleges and spouses.
Council women Jannie Blackwell
The Tinari Clan: Nino, Carol, Mia and Nina with Dave Fisher who will officially be part of the family when he and Mia marry next month. Carol and Nina are both on the Board of the Marian Anderson Foundation.
Guest, Tricia Wellenbach, Karen Lewis, Executive Dir. Of Avenue of the Arts, Melanie Johnson, CExec. Dir City Representative Office and Judge Majorie Rendell

CBS3’s Natasha Brown was on hand to do the reporting
The press lines up in preparation for their shots of Bill Cosby. The other guest performing in the show do not walk the “red carpet”, which is disappointing. The press was impressive, representing Snapglow, Philly.com, Daily News, Metro, Black Pro Network, Dateline Philly, Suburban Paper, Tribune, Getty, Splash, Philly Style, Philly Magazine, CBS3, ABC6 and NBC10 (& me Philly Chit Chat, Photo Agency WENN, Philly Inq Michael Klein’s column, and my new column in Philly Magazine “The Philly Post – On the Town with Hughe Dillon”.)
Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds-Brown and her guests
I met this sweet women who was so excited to be at the Kimmel Center for the first time ever. She had seen the write up and was so excited to see Bill Cosby in person again. The last time she had seen him was when he spoke at Central High High School, a school they both graduated from a year apart. Lois Kukcinovich. She has a facebook page too, it’s a wonderful means to keep up with all her grandchildren’s activities. so sweet and stylish too.
Cosby gave special thanks to Gavin White, longtime Temple University track and football coach whom he credits with giving him an athletic scholarship to Temple. Here he is on the left as Bill Cosby, who’s sporting at Temple Univ tshirt
Bill Cosby addresses the crowd before dinner. It was an odd placement for the podium, but makes a great picture. Pamela Browner White in a fabulous dress by Melani von Alexandria, who we met last year at the Philadelphia Fashion Show.
The Cos meets the press. For Philly it was like shooting Madonna and the press turn out represents this, unfortunately outside of Philly these photos did not get picked up. (As promised soon I will discuss the business of photos and which ones sell, get placed or die on the vine.)
Mr Huxtible is done his remarks and heads back to his dressing room for his big night. As I reported in my first column for Philly Mag, which appears Mondays & Thursdays, Bill Cosby skipped the fancy dinner and had a primo hoagie and Avian water for dinner.
Former Mayor John Street
Dinner is done and Nicole Cashman thanks her associates for a job well done running the dinner event and bringing in the press to cover the first half of the big night. Pictured Left to Right. Susan Norcross, Nicole Cashman, Ellie Kosarek, Ashley Schaeffer and Casey Cashman
James DePriest after conducting The Philadelphia Orchestra. Mr DePriest is the nephew of Marian Anderson.
Denyce Graves. So amazing and gracious. She travels with a humidifier and whenever she’s in her dressing room it is on. Before the show she chowed down on fruit and Avian water.
Lizz Wright performs for Bill Cosby. The first time he heard her was at the Playboy Jazz Festival in 2003, reports Michael Klein.
Thomas Wilkins is Music Director of the Omaha Symphony, a position he has held since 2005. Additionally he is Principal Guest Conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Friends with Bill Cosby he was honored to conduct the Philadelphia Orchestra at this special event. (Please support the Philadelphia Orchestra. This weeks program is the Rite of Spring, and seats are as low as $40. Treat yourself.)
David Brenner’s famous profile
Boyz II Men, so hot, so good
“I want to pay tribute to the guys who have stayed at home as opposed to guys who went on the road.” In quick order, Moran impressively landed tenor sax man Bootsie Barnes (an elementary school classmate of Cosby’s), alto sax man Tony Williams (also a buddy), drummer Mickey Roker, bassist Lee Smith, pianist Don Wilson, and tenor sax man Tommy Grice. (via Michael Klein) Drummer Mickey Roker still plays every weekend at Ortliebs in Northern Liberties.
Mayor Nutter awards Bill Cosby with the Marian Anderson Award. Having the telepromters on the podium convinced me to take the photo not from the front of the stage but from the side where many of the photographers were standing for the past 3 hrs. The white puff of hair is Bill Cosby’s daughters Erin.
The crowd at the Kimmel center
Bill Cosby during his long winded 45 minute thank you speech covering his childhood, living in the projects, aspiring to do something with his life. (The speech was neither inspirational or very funny. I felt sorry for Pamela Browner-White and Chita Rivera who stood throughout the speech.)
But I was glad I stayed cause in the end I got some of my favorite pictures of the entire night including this one.

What is this bug? We picked it up along the Skyline Drive in Virginia; I recommend you take lots of Dramamine before you embark on it. I had Mike turn the car around after the first 10 miles of hairpin turns as there was no way I was going to make it the next 80 miles like that.
I did get this one shot before I turned around and left. I miscalculated Spring. Since the Appalachians are a tad higher than sea level Spring had not arrived yet.

Spring along I-81
Taken at 75MPH, not bad. I really should stop and smell the roses & take some pictures.
I love this shot. Often I forget there are men and women fighting for our country around the world. Thanks, you’re in my prayers. This is in New Market, Va
Almost there. 10 hrs from Philly, to Lancaster Pa to pick up my niece then to Charlotte, NC

My other niece (Judy’s daughter) was already in Charlotte visiting. Before her mother became ill, Colleen was living and going to school in Charlotte, working as an aupair and getting her LPN. Boy did that LPN come in handy when her mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Colleen gave up her schooling and her friends to return home to care for her mother. I am grateful, and admire her a great deal.Oh my little pride’s & joys. Crista’s kids Michael Jr & Bo
The boys visit Grace down the street. They’ve never met the owner, but everyday on the way to the park they stop by to say hi. Woof!!!
The dollar goes a long way in Charlotte, NC; it is definitely a great place to raise a family too. Very diverse, preppy, church going peeps, families and shopping. Every development has their own upscale shopping center.
Easter Breakfast at the Bateman’s
Mike & baby bo
greatest shot

It was the first time I got to see The DeFeo Family Inline Rink. My sister Janine and her hubby Tom wanted to give back to the community so they bought them an inline hockey rink for their local YMCA. Tommy’s been with Microsoft since it’s teenage years. Here’s Janine and son TJ, who is an championship ice hockey player.
Dad Michael and baby bo on the swings. Michael is originally from Cinnaminson, NH

After Easter dinner. Munley cousins, Crista and Tommy.

Cousins different but close. Nicole is edging, artistic and loves shopping at Hot Topic. Kelsey girly girl whose favorite color is pink. Athletic and high spirited.

Everyone should do their Easter Egg Hunt with prepackaged eggs. $14 for 50, damn where were you all my life?
Did I mention the dollar goes far down there?
To relieve the stress of a day at the office Tommy has taken up lego’s and he is a serious builder. Did you know this summer LEGO animals will be part of new exhibit at Philly Zoo? I’ll get to hang out with Tommy & my sister Janine. So excited.Crista and Bo
I gave each of my sisters key chains for Easter from John Wind. Proceeds got to fight AIDS. The fight not over yet. I miss my best friend Shaun Conley, and close friends Wayne Cohen, Michael Root and a handful of wonderful people who died before their time.
The Boys on their rockers. These will be the only dogs in the house for a couple years.
I told my sister she needed a picture of Michael’s clothes because he’s not going be this size forever, and you know when you buy your kids clothes they are really thought out. Then each outfit worn at an event holds a special meaning.
My niece Kelsey’s kicks. She’s so cool
Everyone says Michael Jr is mini me. He chats alot, is very curious and is a night owl. I gave him this Phillie’s hat that I had gotten from a Cole Hamel’s charity event. He’s adorable and he calls me Uncle Chewy.
Have a great weekend. Thanks for all your support and readership this past week.

Last night Strongbox was to have their 3rd Re-Grand Opening or this time a new and improved opening since initially opening in 2009

But the crowds were turned away shortly after the VIP Grand Re-opening Party on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 9pm as L&I closed them down.
My source tells me that the permit for the club is for a restaurant, and as Strongbox serves cocktails and no food, it doesn’t even have a kitchen, well L&I shut them down until they get their paperwork in order. (Could be for crowd control too, it’s a small club with a huge following)

When Strongbox first opened it branded itself as an exclusive VIP Douchebag kinda club, but then the economy collapsed and the folks they were aiming to attract couldn’t afford that kind of luxury and the club closed for a few months last summer to rethink their strategy. Last September, it was re-branded and the welcome mat was out for all to enjoy, and the no douchebag sign symbolically went up on the door.

As they found their footing they tried lots of different theme’s and special nights, but it wasn’t until the “Cool Kids” Jackiem Wright and Reggie Berry created a fun party on what is usually a dead night, Tuesday. It was hugely successful, and has now spilled into other nights. Earlier this year I wrote about the “Cool Kids” party, and how you can gain admission to the popular party. It’s back to the VIP status, and it has to be as the club really only holds about 100 people, think Bungalow 8 in NYC; now you have to know the cool kids and get on their VIP list. I don’t consider it backsliding because now they have a cool kids, no douche bag vibe where even ?uestlove (Questlove, I’m not that cool I have to spell it out) would go to party. Now with a new PR Company The Nouveau Image and a new look, big things are in store for Strongbox.

Ryan Howard-Phillies DeSean Jackson-Eagles LeSean McCoy-Eagles Jeremy Maclin-Eagles Andre Iguodala-Sixers Allen Iverson-Sixers Todd Herimans-Eagles Royal Ivey-Sixers Lou Williams-Sixers AO-And 1 Alex Thomas-Eagles Akeem Jordan-Eagles Alvin Williams-Toronto Raptors Asst Coach Farnsworth Bentley Marsha Ambrosious-Singer Chad West-Music Producer Charlie Mack D.J. Augustin-Charlotte Bobcats Nazr Muhammad-Bobcats Desagana Diop-Bobcats Larry Hughes-NY Knicks Nate Robinson-Knicks Jordan Hill-Knicks Chris Duhon-Knicks Al Harrington-Knicks Shavlik Randolph-Portland Trailblazers William Wesley-“Uncle Wes” JJ Hickson-Cleveland Cavs Juwad Williams-Cavs Jason Thompson-Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings’ Jason Thompson (center), raised in Mount Laurel, joins friends Jackiem Wright (left) and Reggie Barry at the Strongbox club in Center City. Thompson was there on the eve of Friday’s loss to the 76er for his Welcome Home Party. The Public Grand Re-opening Party will be Friday, April 9, 2010. Doors will open at 10pm at which time you can see the new interior design done by The Nouveau Image, a Philadelphia based firm. Located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square at 2029 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.
(I may be giving the love to those two guys, but they were not one of the 3 sources I talked to)

WARNING TO MY REGULAR READERS THIS ENTRY IS ABOUT PORN STARS, FAMEBALLS AND FAMEWHORES yes Philly’s Famewhore Arthur Kade was in the house too.

We interrupt our regularly scheduled famewhore Damon Feldman‘s celebrity boxing press conference between The CBF Female Lightweight Championship contenders Jon Gosselin’s ex Hailey Glassman vs. Porn Star Gina Lynn to bring you more than 15 minutes of their fame.

As I twittered at 9PM the Bombshell dropped @ boxing bombshell media circus @ South Philly Bar +Grill. This will be all over the national jerry springer news tomorrow about 4 hours ago via web (I should stop twittering these things cause someone jumped right on it and created a story from it, although it’s is missing a few key points, like the knowledge that Hailey wrote a letter and her lawyer read it
“I told you I wasn’t coming and I don’t support this. I have obligations due to the contract and I will attend the event because it’s for charity. I stand strong for my belief in equality, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin (hmm she skipped us gay people, I’m doubly offended, once by Michelle “Bombshell” Nazi McGee & now this!!). I will not stand to be associated with anyone who is a Nazi, Anti-Semitic or racist. PERIOD THE END. HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY YOUR EVENING. MUCH LOVE TO ALL, Hailey Glassman.
Hailey it was publicized that Michelle Bombshell McGee wasn’t going to be at the press conference so you should have shown up and dropped your bombshell, then tomorrows headlines would have your picture instead of say your BFF Kate Major, a women you have more in common with then just being attractive girls, attracted to douche bags, you’re both exes of Jon Gosselin (both girls say he has a small penis, classy.)
So now the match on May 7, 2010 will be between Kate Major who one day might be Lindsay Lohan’s step-mother and Gina Lynn an actual celebrity of sorts (but hey what am I talking about I’m out here covering this and now writing about it and there is an audience. What charity is it for?)
Other folks participating in Damon Feldman‘s last Celebrity Boxing event in Pennsylvania (he’s put us on the map for these outrageous boxing matches, that seem to be as authentic as the WWF) CBF Champion Danny Mills, future Hollywood Star Tom Walton (but you could insert the name Arthur Kade here), Jesse James (not to be confused with that dog Jesse James who Bombshell slept with) and Shaunie Stylez (stars on his shirt to the left), Gina Lynn, Kate Major and Jenny Jenn from the Rad Girls.

50 year old Michael Lohan better cut back on the smoking if he plans on staying alive half as long as his 27 year old future bride Kate Major who he just got engaged to. Just in the news yesterday too, well blogs. I respect blogs.
Gratuitous shot of Gina Lynn

Was this mele during the press conference caused because
Michael Lohan was trying to bone Gina Lynn earlier in the night

Nah, it was all about Lindsay’s father mouthing off again to Porn Star Gina Lynn’s Porn Star hubby Travis Knight
things got hot and heavy and a smiling Michael Lohan rips his shirt off
again to show us what he’s been up to on his off time,
pumping iron, nips and tucks, vitamins? He fought Danny Bonaduce once didn’t he?

Things calmed down and things got back to business. Youtube.com reality star Shaunie Stylez and Jesse James will meet up to fight out the title which is represented by that belt, but I don’t follow sports. But one of them will be wearing the belt. Probably the less prettier one cause really do you have suffer for style that much for a belt?Later the girls make nice and pose
Gn Kang interviews sexy Gina Lynn
Hot Jenny Jenn ran across the street to Pat’s for a cheesesteak. They’re her favorite.
The attorney representing the Boxing Organization was nice enough to give me his script which was made during the press conference. It reads: “I am Kevin R Consolo, Executive Producer for CelebrityBoxing. After monitoring certain statements publicly made between Hailey Glassman and Michelle “Bombshell” McGee I feel it is in the best interest of both parties that a change be made. I make this change to protect the show and the Main Event but mainly out of respect for Ms Glassman. I do so honoring her family, heritage, and her beliefs. I will however offer Ms Glassman a chance to defend herself in the CBF ring in a Main Event Match against Michelle “The Bombshell” McGee (hughe’s note that must be in the contract that you have to call her “The Bombshell” in every statement.) in which a contractual stipulation with make Ms McGee cover her tattos that offend Ms. Glassman. The contract will be waiting for her on May 7th at the Polaris Concert Hall.
The End
Oh wait Michael Nise the founder of “Dancin’ on the Air” a show in which Haley Vaughn er I mean Kelly Ripa was discovered. And the notorious Arthur Kade. Who said to Nise, hey I wanna do a video with you, but I’m not old enough to remember your name, what is it? (someone had too much make up on)
(Secretly, you have to admire these folks, in the tradition of Howard Stern, WWF and Jerry Springer, this tight knit group of friends and colleagues have cultivated a cult, celebrity status, even though nowadays it doesn’t seem like that’s too hard to do with the rash of reality TV shows, people making asses of themselves and well Arthur Kade.

Kudo’s to Celebrity boxing promoter Damon Feldman who wouldn’t be up to number 19 if these matches didn’t bring in money, we wouldn’t be covering them, the glossies and blogs wouldn’t be picking up these pictures & stories, you wouldn’t be reading this either.

PS I am offended by almost all of this entry and a few of you will no undoubtedly leave me hate comments that might never see the light of day, unless they’re funny. I am especially offended by Michelle Nazi Lover “The Bombshell” McGee, and I hope Hailey Glassman kicks her ass.) Also check out my new weekly gossip column at Phila Magazine Online http://tinyurl.com/y9vvhp5

On April 18, 2010 Kevin Federline rolls into town to host Celebrity Sunday’s at Adelphia in Deptford, NJ (This would make you 1 degree from Britney Spears if you went!)

I’ll be at Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars watchingGN Kang, Sabrina Tamburino, Dana Spain, Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds-Brown and others hoof it for this year’s title. But it sounds like fun, I like Adelphia’s, especially the restaurant.

Accepting Reservations for Arrival on or After May 6, 2010 (Also debuting on May 6, 1706 Rittenhouse has their ribbon cutting, as well as The Launch of the 2010 Where Magazine Guest Services Book, which may very well be in each of the rooms at the Le Méridien Philadelphia)

Originally a YMCA, the hotel is housed in a 10-story Georgian revival-style structure with intriguing historical flair, located in the heart of the city’s business district and less than one block from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Incorporating the Philadelphia theme there are two small meeting rooms called The Barnes and The Rodin (named after the museums), and a reading library called the Abele (named after African American architect Julian Abele (pronounced “able”) who played a key role in the design of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. )

The view from the Abele Library
and the Trumbauer Ballroom provides a stately yet original setting for any gathering, featuring views of Philadelphia’s renowned City Hall. (Horace Trumbauer was a prominent American architect of the Gilded Age, known for designing among other things in Philly, The Art Museum, The Ritz-Carlton and Keswick theater.)
Because of it’s proximity to Love Park, many of the themes for the new boutique hotel were influenced by LOVE
Including this LOVE mirror in the new restaurant AMUSE.
I love the tall ceilings in the lobby, but they’re not overwhelming as the light fixtures bring just the right balance to the space. Plus they’re a hip, stylish 60s flair.
Striking features and architectural detail awaken the eye: a skylight allows for the play of natural light to our 75-foot central atrium courtyard, while an airy restaurant/bar with graceful archways and classic woodwork brings endless possibility.
Another view of the lobby, and part of the concierge desk


They are hiring. Look for the ribbon cutting on May 6, 2010.
(I was just staring in the window yesterday and someone was nice enough to invite me in)