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.
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
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!”
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.
You could attend the event, or vote for me with a donation HERE
BUY TICKETS HERE
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?
“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.”
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.
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:
333 Belrose Bar & Grill
333 Belrose Lane, Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 293-1000
Alessandro’s Wood Fired Italian & Bar
133 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087
(484) 580-6786
Amis Trattoria
138 W. Lancaster Ave., Suite 140, Devon, PA 19333
(610) 590-4782
Antica Italian Restaurant & Bar
1623 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
(484) 770-8631
Avola Kitchen & Bar
625 N. Morehall Road, Unit 5, Malvern, PA 19355
(484) 328-8584
Autograph Brasserie
503 W. Lancaster Ave.
Wayne PA 19087
610-964-2588
Azie in Media
217 West State Street
Media, PA 19063
610-566-4750
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
200 Main St., King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 337-4810
DiFabios
1243 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063
(484) 444-0850
Estia Taverna
222 N. Radnor Chester Road, Radnor, PA 19087
(484) 581-7142
Founding Farmers
255 Main St., King of Prussia, PA 19406
(484) 808-4008
Fox and Hounds Pub at the Desmond
16 Great Valley Parkway, Malvern, PA 19355
(610) 251-9229
Fox Barn at Twenty9
16 Great Valley Parkway
Malvern, PA 19335
(610) 999-8410
The Greystone Oyster Bar
7. N. Church Street
West Chester, PA 19380
(610)-241-3369
Jasper’s Backyard
101 E. 7th Ave.
Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610) 897-8212
Limoncello
9. N. Walnut Street
West Chester, PA
Lola’s Garden
51 St. George Road, Ardmore, PA 19003
(484) 412-8011
Mikado Thai Pepper
64 E. Lancaster Ave.
Ardmore, PA 19003
610-642-5951
Walk in
Pizzeria Vetri, King of Prussia
150 Main Street
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(267)-422-4201
Reservations: Walk in only
Pomod’oro
200 Chestnut St., Downingtown, PA 19335
(610) 873-0405
Rosalie
139 East Lancaster Avenue
Wayne, PA 19087
(610)-977-0600
Rye BYOB
112 W. State St., Media, PA 19063
(610) 263-7832
Ryan Christopher’s BYOB
245 Woodbine Avenue
Narberth, PA 19072
(610)-664-9282
Savona
100 Gulph Mills Road, Gulph Mills, PA 19807
(610) 520-1200
Terrain Café
138 Lancaster Ave., #110, Devon, PA 19333
(610) 590-4671
The Blue Elephant
152 E. High Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
(484) 949-9084
Verbena BYOB
102 E. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348
(484) 732-7932
Village Vine, Wine Bar and Bistro
6 Park Ave., Swarthmore, PA 19081
(484) 471-3997
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. Waibel is 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.
Christie Mandia is a patient of Dr. Waibel
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:
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.
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
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.
Mike and I escaped to Lititz for an end of the week re fresh and attend Lititz Fire and Ice Festival 2/18 – 2/27. We had been to Lititz in 2020 to visit friends who had an Air B&B near a cute cover bridge in the countryside, but Mike and I stayed at the Wilbur Hotel that time. You might remember that trip report, the air inside the old chocolate factory smelt of chocolate. By the time the trip ended I ate an entire box myself. It was so good. Sorry mom no gift that year, I ate it.
This time I stayed at Rock Lititz Hotel. You might recall this little nugget, Rock Lititz as Justin Beiber stayed there a few weeks ago while he was readying his tour , which kicked off on Thursday.
Justin Beiber spotted in @discover_lancaster county yesterday!! H/t @q102philly He’s here staging his tour @rocklititz again.
The Rock Lititz campus is a series of huge sound stages where musical tours, Broadway shows, or any large staging needs to be produced, constructed, and in this case for Beiber, rehearsed so the user gets a feel for how it will be when used in public. “Tech” rehearsals include operating a show’s audio systems, lighting and staging. Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones, and Lady Gaga have all staged here I hear. They’re very secretive so no confirmation given.
They also have an onsite hotel for the acts, roadies and people who need to assemble said staging. I met a few while staying there. Very cool atmosphere.
We really enjoyed the hotel . To the left is the bar/eatery Per Diem. Justin Beiber ate there several times I hear a townsfolk told me. The rooms are adorable, with refrigerators and a microwave. All the comforts of home. We would definitely stay there again. It’s about 5 minutes from downtown, in the countryside. They have a pool table and shuffle board, pool and exercise room, which Mike enjoyed.
Thursday night Mike and I headed to the kick off party of Lititz Fire and Ice Festivities
Thanks to Ed Harris, Executive Director of Discover Lancaster for hosting Mike and I. Congratulations to Rebecca Branle, Executive Director Venture Lititz on such a cool event. We had a great time.
Lititz Fire and Ice festival is a 10-day celebration, 2/18 – 2/27 featuring ice sculptures, food from local restaurants, food trucks on Friday & Saturday, and my favorite shopping,
Tomorrow: Monday it’s a kid-focused day with activities, including a scavenger hunt specially prepared by the Nittany Lion, a special Maker’s Market Day.
On Friday Mike and I headed out to enjoy the ice sculptures and all Lititz had to offer.
They have a very informative Visitor Center right at Lititz Springs Park, in the center of town, near the Wilbur Chocolate store.
After checking out the ice sculptures, which will be created through out the week, Mike found a great vegan eatery at the Market Place, and I went shopping. I can’t wait to go back with an empty trunk and buy more from Cherry Acres and Atlas General Store and so many adorable shops downtown.
Through out Lititz you will see the ice sculptures.
Thanks to Discover Lancaster for hosting Mike and I for this much needed staycation. We can’t wait to go back to Lititz and all Lancaster County has to offer. It’s so close to Philly too. Only 1.5 hours away. My parents used to take us to Dutch Wonderland, and the Host hotels when we were kids, and I forgot how beautiful it was, and how much there was to do in Lancaster County. It’s really a great area, now even better than when I was a kid. Can’t wait to return soon to discover more of Lancaster.
This season, Latin American Chef Jose Garces hosts emerging, minority chefs from around the Philadelphia region for six-week residencies. Chef Jezabel Careaga is an entrepreneur, chef, woodworker, designer, and community leader from Palpalá, Jujuy, NW Argentina. In addition to her degree in Tourism & Hotel Management focusing on international languages and business, she received a progressive education encompassing climate change, sustainability, and mental health – issues that she cares about deeply today.
Chef Careaga’s menu includes Picada, Escabeche de Berejena Toast, Empanadas, Tamales Saltenos, Vacio con Papas Estrelladas, Estofado, Locro, Queso y Membrillo and Panqueque Con Dulce De Leche.
According to Metro Philly: Careaga is well known throughout the city. Hailing as an entrepreneur, chef, woodworker, designer and community leader from Palpalá, Jujuy, in northwestern Argentina, her impact is shown in Philly’s culinary community and beyond.
When at Volvér under Careaga’s residency, patrons can indulge in her picada (featuring mortadella, giardineira, goats milk feta, iberico chorizo and toasted sourdough), empanadas (made with braised beef, chimichurri and salsa criolla), estofada (a wild mushroom ragu with creamy polenta, parmesan and toasted pine nuts), vacio con papas estrelladas (a butcher’s steak with crispy salted potatoes, celery aioli and chimichurri), panqueque con dulce de leche (crepes with caramelized milk and sweet cream flan), and more.
About Chefs in Residency
This season, Latin American Chef Jose Garces hosts emerging, minority chefs from around the Philadelphia region for six-week residencies.
Throughout each residency, we will raise funds to support the inaugural line-up of chefs and their current and/or future projects. Donations can be made, similar to tipping a server, when the dinner check is presented. The Garces Foundation will match up to the first $5,000. The matching grant will be donated by the Garces Foundation which offers medical and educational resources to the hospitality community.
Just opened in Old City the new restaurant Frame at 222 Market Street. When you first see the facade of the building it reminds you of an exclusive lounge with it’s wooden frame and large curtained window. Step inside and that vibe continues; but you’ll discover it’s really a restaurant with next level dishes and innovated cocktails with it’s tabled booths, four tops, two tops, but still maintains an intimate vibe with it’s purple hue and exposed brick walls.
The new restaurant Frame hosted an exclusive Grand Opening event featuring a bite sized menu tasting
with a global fusion of flavors and influences says executive chef and Philadelphia local, Brianna Wellmon who brings her love of global cuisine and artistic presentation to the Frame menu. From “adults only” versions of foods you loved like PB&J, berbere-spiced filet mignon served in a jus of sherry and caramelized onion, and numerous vegan and gluten-free options like stuffed mushroom, a tofu dish that is a vegan spin on beef with broccoli. Most days Frame opens for dinner at 4:30pm, on Sunday’s at Noon. Frame’s late-night menu, kicks in at 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday as the DJs start spinning.
“Frame reflects a sense of consistent change, reminiscent of the evolving city and people of Philadelphia,” said designer Jeff Low, “the intentional design reminds us that change is inevitable, how we frame ourselves and experiences is ever-changing, and that growth is meant to be discovered and celebrated amongst friends.”
Ian Paterson and Allie Volpe (my former editor at Philly.com)
Kate Rubey, and Sarah Leonard
Mike Jerrick, Good Day Fox 29, Wayne Shulick, owner, who you’ll recall had the hottest nightclub in Philly in the 00s, Denim on Walnut Street, and Breland Moore. Fox 29 Sports Anchor. Mike Jerrick and Breland Moore are about to launch a new show on Fox29 where they’ll do arts & culture stories. It’ll air every Tuesday at 6:30pm.
Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at AIA Philadelphia and Dave Silver, Co-Founder & CEO at REC Philly | Forbes 30 Under 30 – Social Impact Entrepreneur, 2021
The secret garden
Reunited and it feels so good as Carrie Nork Minelli, Parx Casino, Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Assoc., and Scott Barnes, Comcast, pose for a photo. Carrie and Scott are both alumni of Cashman & Assoc.
Head on over to Frame to chill, for the vibe, to check out the secret garden, but make reservations first.
Open Table
