Philly Chit Chat

On November 5, 2009 the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter held its 16th annual Spectrum Awards Breakfast at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue to honor women for their contributions to the Philadelphia community. Kathleen Hall Jamieson of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania received the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors the overall accomplishments of a community leader. Shelly Yanoff, Executive Director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), received the Clara Barton Outstanding Humanitarian Award for Community Service. The ceremony also honored Franklin Learning Center senior Stefany Matthews with the Twinkle Star Scholarship Award. Anita Hill, professor of social policy, law, and women’s studies at Brandeis University, delivered the keynote address, and CBS 3 news anchor Pat Ciarrocchi hosted the program. From left: Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Stefany Matthews, Anita Hill, and Shelly Yanoff.

Tom Foley, CEO of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross, shares a laugh with Marie Forish of Philadelphia (left) and Anita Hill during the 16th Annual Spectrum Awards Breakfast at the Park Hyatt Bellevue last month. The event honors women for their contributions to the Philadelphia community. Kathleen Hall Jamieson of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania received the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors the overall accomplishments of a community leader. Shelly Yanoff, Executive Director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), received the Clara Barton Outstanding Humanitarian Award for Community Service. The ceremony also honored Franklin Learning Center senior Stefany Matthews with the Twinkle Star Scholarship Award. Anita Hill, professor of social policy, law, and women’s studies at Brandeis University, delivered the keynote address, and CBS 3 news anchor Pat Ciarrocchi hosted the program.
As u know I don’t usually carry other people’s photos as I think it’s better if I am there to cover the event, but because of my sister’s illness and passing away I have missed a lot of events and have the space. Thanks to the Red Cross for providing me the shots above. I will have fresh new Hughe content tomorrow though.

Chef Al Paris is now with Public House and has tweaked the menu. I’ve eater there before having the standard burger and fries, in their dining area. A few weeks ago I was invited to tasting I thought, but with Chef Paris everything is always grand and on done in a big way. (These were cell phone pixs and a tad dark)
We started off with pulled pork sliders as an hors d’oeuvres; they were delicious.
Then moved onto the PHILADELPHIA CHEESESTEAK SPRING SPRINGROLLS, then we had crab, corn & chimay chowder, which was out of this world, but I highly recommend the LOADED NACHOS.
Dinner was this THICK-CUT GRILLED RIBEYE Hot Garlic Butter Baste, Potato-Spinach Toss,
Crumbed Blue Cheese, Fried Onion Rings. OMG so delicious. You don’t have to go to a steakhouse to enjoy a really good steak.
There were an array of desserts including these cheesecake popovers, which were delicious.
I was pleasantly surprised at the various menu changes the Chef Paris created, and it really opened my eyes that one shouldn’t assume that a popular bar hangout would only serve bar type foods like the ever popular burger & fries. Also I want to thank Public House for their generous donation to both the Linda Creed Annual Luncheon to Benefit local women with Breast Cancer and the Lisa Reed non-smoking Lung Cancer Silent Auctions. I mentioned it on my blog, and they generously offered.

Public House’s NYE party this year will be a VEGAS theme. Tickets cost $125 per person and include: 8pm-2am top shelf open bar, grand buffet, and champagne toast. There are also group discounts available. For tickets, contact: Shannon Kennedy at skennedy@publichouseusa.com.

Thanks to my friend Laura Burkhardt, Publisher of Where Magazine for taking me to the 1st “Dry Run” of the hottest restaurant to open Michael Schulson’s Sampan, an Asian-Fusion place, on the hottest street in Philly South 13th Street in Midtown Village. A “Dry Run” is like a “preview” or “Dress rehearsal” and the restaurant owner, investors and publicist invite friends, other business owners (I spotted folks from Capogiro, owners of many of the eateries on the corridor, Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, plus Laura Price, QUAKER CITY MERCANTILE and her fiance [who I also broke bread [w/Kate Ryan] at lunch with Tues, that’s when I took this shot below of about 3 workers sprucing up Sampan’s windows as I left El Vez]) and influencers to come in so that they can try the place out, it helps the servers practice their trade and then the guests can give feedback if the have any suggestions. And it’s anything but a “Dry Run” as the Saki was flowing on this night, as well as some really delicious food. (This wall changes 4 different colors that I could tell, and I have a feeling that with each season it changes too, no one said so, but I have a fairly good intuition about these things. Although I love the bare trees. Am I right, anyone?) Also I cannot wait until spring to see the outdoor space, I hear the garden dining is going to be an oasis of visually delight. (Originally this was towards the end, but you need to listen to it while reading/reviewing pixs cause it’s so funny)
Did I mention the unique bathrooms, someone like’s movie quotes and thought that while we’re doing our business it would be fun if we recognized a few of the quotes ourselves. (It was Michael’s idea)

Cooked up by Philly’s latest celebrity chef Michael Schulson. Celebrity chef and television star Michael Schulson is returning to Philadelphia to open Sampan, a modern Asian restaurant, set to open 12/18/09. Sampan features a variety of small dishes including items such as: Edamame Dumplings, Tuna Tataki Summer Roll, and Skate Wing Sandwich, among others. … also go to Schulson’s famed Japanese pub Izakaya in Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, which was named one of the “50 Best New Restaurants, 2009″ by Travel & Leisure magazine (May 2009). With him here is his GM of Sampan Randal Mrazik.
Our servers for the evening were Warren & Faith, who were terrific. Chef Schulson really wanted a relaxed atmosphere, and for the servers to be comfortable, he’s achieved that. A comfortable server is a confident, happy server I think. They get to accessorize with belts and their jeans.
First up:
Crab and curry fritters with cucumber raietta (OMG an explosion of tastes, spicy, texture and then the “cool” cucumber raitta is a great balance)
The interior is beautiful. Michael was going for something very simple, unadorned, but thru many discussions with biz partners and the designers, UrbanSpaceDevelopment who co-created it with Sparks Design, they came up with a compromise of what I think is a clean, simple look that was also very stylish and unique.

Yum Edamame dumplings. I was not familiar with Chef Michael Schulson and told Laura how creative I thought it was to have edamame in a dumpling. She told me this was one of his signature dish at his other restaurant, Izakaya at The Borgata. (So we’re on the same wave length) The bar is centrally located in the middle of the room, but you really don’t notice it as there is no need to walk thru it to get to your table, those spaces are to the left or right as you walk in the door. If you walked thru the bar you would end up looking into the open kitchen.
A few movers and shakers in the City were there enjoying the “Dry Run”, including Meal Ticket’s Felicia D‘Ambrosio , Kar Vinekanathan and Kenneth Espejo
Philly cheesesteak. We braise short ribs, pull the meat and then sauté it with some ginger, jalapeno, scallion and cilantro, then layer it with sharp provolone and pickled spicy shallots. It tastes like a cheesesteak.
As a kid I never like Brussels Sprouts, who really did. As an adult I like them a little more. When you have these Sampan’s Brussel Sprouts you’re gonna want them everytime you step in the place. Everyone I talked to LOVE them!!
as well as the braise short ribs, with the pulled meat and then sauté it with some ginger, jalapeno, scallion and cilantro, then layer it with sharp provolone and pickled spicy shallots.
hmm salad always a good Hughe choice
After a couple hours of laughter and good times it was time for Laura to go home. As we walked out the door we ran into Jennie Hatton, ProfilePR and Lauren McCutcheon, Philadelphia Magazine. So I stayed and chatted them up for a bit.
They had the prime “VIP Seats” where you could watch on the chefs prepare the meals.
Especially Chef Michael Schulson, who I did not know had a fan following of adoring women and I am sure a few good men. Again I wasn’t really familiar with him before as I rarely have time to watch TV, but that was not the case for every single women I ran into this evening.
Earlier Laura & I had the braise short ribs in a bowl, but Jennie & Lauren enjoyed them on these skewers and they were just as delicious.
I don’t know what this is, but it looks good doesn’t it?
We finished the night off with Soy Chocolate Ice Cream Cones. Chef Michael says most meals will be affordable in the $20 to $40 range. Our bill was $110 total, which included a few drinks.
As I was leaving I ran into yet another super great person, Drew Milstein, who was enjoying the night with real estate giant, entrepreneur & businessman Allan Domb, Tony Rim of Raw (Check out his recently opened Sumo Lounge for private parties. It’s so private you have to walk thru the kitchen to get to it) and Tim Shaaban of UrbanSpaceDevelopment who co-created Sampan with Sparks Design (responsible for the color changing wall among other elements.)

What a joy this place is, I felt like I was in a secluded cabin in the woods with a bunch of my friends. What an improvement to the 13th Street Corridor too. Before it’s transformation this was considered a “temporary” metal contraption building that housed a clothing store and a greeting card store. The building has now been re enforced and fortified ensuring the longevity of the building, and no doubt Sampan as it will remain one of the hottest restaurants around for a long time. The menu is eclectic, the tastes surprising and the atmosphere lively, but not overwhelming. Enjoy.For further in depth reading you should check out these sites for interviews and tidbits about Sampan. Philadelphia Grub Street; The City Paper’s MealTicket and Michael Klein’s Inqlings

This is a tad long, but it’s a grainy video of Sampan to the tune of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” which was playing in the background.

Thanks to the couple of PhillyChitChat readers for their condolences, well wishes and for reading PCC, that I ran into tonight.

These cupcakes are delicious. I always try and coincide my cupcake purchases with a trip to my gym, which is on the opposite end of the block Fusion Cross-Training Fitness Stop in and they will give you a free workout. Last summer I did their Boot Camp and lost 22lbs in 10 weeks. They are great with nutrition help too. Tell Gavin I sent you, but don’t tell him you read it on the cupcake page.

Support Gilda’s Club Here

Ever since Sex in the City featured the West Village Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes (they sux, too dry) on the little screen, cupcakes have become the hottest item. (I updated this post with pixs from the next day too, like these delicious cupcakes.)

I remember about 6 years ago a popular cupcake franchise out of NYC called Buttercup opened on Walnut Street without much fanfare, it never really caught on and within a few years it closed. But now the popularity of cupcakes has arrived again, and this time with a vengeance. There must be about 3 cupcake places in Center City, in addition to the very popular Buttercream Mobile. Today another one joined the ranks Philly Cupcake at 12th & Chestnut is finally opened today at 8AM;& it’s adorable.
It used to house Blue in Green coffee shop where I would sometimes pick up an egg & cheese sandwich in the morning after leaving Fusion Cross Training which is located down the street. Last night I wandered by the place as I was heading out for the night of too much eating and just enough chatting with good friends. So I peeked in
where I saw owners Johnny Columbo and Michael Lewis, along with their friends and a construction crew, readying the place for today’s opening.
The guys told me that they would be preparing about 1,000 cupcakes a day. The selection will include chocolate, vanilla, lemon, Red Velvet, pumpkin and carrot. They will also offer La Colombe coffee, and will have a great gift section. They take large orders for events and have professional seasoned staff who can help create around a theme or occasion. La Colombe even made a special blend of coffee for them, Coffee Cake Blend. Cupcakes are $2.75 classic, and $3.75 for specialty flavors. Today’s Feature Cupcake is the brownie peanut butter. Each day they will offer a limited custom blended rich dark hot chocolate mix for $2.25 as packaged below.
Did I mention almost everything in the store you can have for a price. Johnny owns Forbidden Planett Women’s Vintage Boutique’s at 10 N 3rd Street, so look for some of the vintage clothing, knick knacks and other goodies to make an appearance in the store.


This chandelier from Classic Lighting can be yours for $10,000. The boys tell me that Tommy from Classic Lighting did all the work and they are ecstatic at the results. Having been a customer of Blue in Green I can tell you all the work that went into Philly Cupcake is terrific. Blue in Green may have had delicious cheap eats, but it was not a place Felix Unger would have hung his hat.
The hours of Philly Cupcake are Mon – Sat 8AM -7PM; Sunday 12 – 4PM.
They may be closed on Monday, but no doubt will be cooking up something delicious for the following week.
Like this scrumptious looking Jewish Apple Crumb CakeAah it was time for me to leave, but I just couldn’t resist taking this shot thru the windows as the boys went over a few more details, and talk about details look at the colorful cupcakes on the window. Not only am I looking forward to trying out one of their wares, but I am excited that a store of this caliber has located in the neighborhood in what will be another chip in the decay of Chestnut Street, especially at 12th & Chestnut Streets.
My only complaint would be the prices are not marked, and some cupcakes are $2.25 & $3.00
Oh BTW that’s Isabella and the dress she’s wearing, it can be yours for $850; I had the Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake it was delicious. Kate Ryan read about it on PhillyChitChat, she told me when I ran into her the next day buying a 1/2 dozen. Tell them PhillyChitChat sent you…

The Holiday Season moves into overdrive at the 9th annual Champagne & Snow Ball Saturday night, December 12, 2009 beginning at 8:00 PM. This year the party was held at the Stotesbury Mansion on Rittenhouse Square! The mansion is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1870 by architect Wilson Eyre, Jr. who had been commissioned by Thomas McKean to build a spectacular home for his son, Henry McKean, as a wedding present. Thomas McKean was the namesake and descendent of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The spirits for the night were provided by Justine Fine and the Premier Hospitality Group providing the Korbel Champagne and as well as Dave Sheckart, creator and owner of Quay Vodka. (pronounced Key Dave told me) As the guests entered they were served by beautiful girls
but it wasn’t this trio consisting of Lauren Beloff, Kristen Foote or Sabrina Tamburino-Thorne, who just returned from her month long honeymoon. These two took care of the needs of the guests serving them a bubbly when they arrived. The party was hosted by Chris & Patricia DiGeorge (below), Robert Marcin, John Westrum and Craig Drake. The Champagne and Snow Ball is also a charity event beneffiting children in an orphange in Columbia, where Patricia is from. The proceeds raised by the silent auction will gift about sixty children with their holiday wishes they wrote the baby Jesus; the gifts will be delivered personally on Christmas Eve by Patricia’s family in Colombia. Diana Bogrette, Gabriel Lozano and Elvira Aslanova joined Aly Green, Brett Perloff, Anthony Sembello, The Nouveau Image founder Michelle Miller, Lindsay Furman, Freeman Interior’s Renee and Don Freeman as well as many more to the joyous evening.
The most festive of all Mary Heine, with Dr. Erwann Michel–Kerjan Managing Director of the Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at the Wharton School, and Sandra Au Pfrang
Agustin and Elvira Legido with Marcela & Ignacio Valencia. Dr. Agustin Legido & Ignacio Valencia are Pediatric Neurologist.
Quay Vodka receipes
Artist Caryn Kunkle and her beau Drew Milstein, you couldn’t meet a nicer couple.
Justin Fine of Premier Hospitality Group with a bevy of friends gather near the food provided by Beatrice.
Thanks to the sponsors and folks who donated their services: Lagos; Chef Eric Rippert of Le Bernardin in NYC and 10 Arts in Philly; Garrett Miller & Union Trust Steakhouse; Harrah’s; Scungio Borst Associates; Resorts Atlantic City; Antoine Amrani Chocolates; Trump Entertainment; Ancestro Imports; Craig Spencer & the Philly Ritz Carlton; Nicole Cashman and Cashman & Associates; Hacina Saadi; Steven Starr; Entertainment Attorney Justin Wineburg and Cozen O’Conner; Rower Michele Baymor; Don & Renee Freeman of Freeman Interiors; Photographer Sonya Tokarchyk; Ace Pilot Bernie Bittner; The D’Angelo Family of D’Angelo’s Ristorante; Sharon Pinkenson & the Greater Philadelphia Film Office; Dr. Nelly Silva of Advanced Dentistry; Jason Hsiang and Morgans Hotel Group; White Dog Cafe; Giovanni & Pileggi Salon…. and hopefully more coming! Uber Photographer Hughe Dillon of PhillyChitChat. Many of the items went for over the stated value as folks were thinking of others.
(Which reminds me I have another Charity I would like to collect donations for “Donors are Heroes” Please contact them at Donors r heroes gol @ aol DOT com (no spaces) and tell them PhillyChitChat sent you. The event is 4/16 at the Park Hyatt Bellevue [as I like to call it])
The parlor was on the third floor, which was also the smoking lounge. So if you could make it up there, you deserved a smoke.
Krista and Christopher Gabello. Chris just finished his Varga Girls calendar for Varga Bar (10th & Spruce), It features photos of 12 models made up to look like the “Varga girls,” painted by artist Alberto Vargas, after whom George Anni named Varga Bar. The calendar is available at the restaurant for $15.Janelle Kozyra, Kat Hinkel and Sonya Tokarchyle were dressed to the nines. All are staying close to home for the holidays & are single; I asked about their fav holiday gifts they ever received: Janelle’s fav gift was her first Phillies cap, now she has added plenty of Phillies memorabilia to her collection; A former beau of Kat’s gave her a series of watercolors of their relationship, and Sonya received a favorite doll as a 6 year old. Thanks to Sonya to for a photograph of the City she donated to the silent auction tonight.
Amy Klumpp, Ben Cowen and Rhonda Carlson. Someone’s having a big birthday I overheard one say, and is jetting off to somewhere warm and exciting for the holidays. Wish I were invited.

Julianne Glatz and Noah Hoffman. Julianne needs to wear more of her hats out, I love a stylish hat wearing women.
Noah is looking for a nice girl to take home to mom, someone that’s about 5’8 ++, there must be someone out there for him. Jessica how tall are you?
Zara clad Stephanie Rybczyk brings a little style to the night. With her was sneaker clad beau hottie William Isen, who can get away with that hip style. Sneakers were electric blue.
The dance floor was pretty hot too, there was one couple that I thought I was going to take a hose too but eventually they took the party elsewhere. Guest, Shawn Murray, Owner, Twenty Two Gallery, Photographer Colette Oswald, Will Parker, Lillian Ribeiro, founder of the performance aspect of gaia, a collective of women artists that work actively to support and promote the creativity of local women. and Olha Jmolynets. Olha is heading to Puerto Rico for the New Year.
Erin Elmore and her beau. Reported this week, Erin auditioned for the Danny Bonaduce Show on WYSP. I believe she could be a real contender and she should be, if you have been following along she’s a blast.

Ok off to bed, will finish this in AM after gym if I make it since it’s 3AM right now. Jessica Matthews and Sarah Cooper-Bobersky
Linda and David D’Antonio looking spiffy for the holidays
Looky here it’s my often search Dorothy Krysiuk. Sorry folks I know you often write me or search on her to find out what she’s been up to, but it was NO Comment, but I can tell you she was out with FOX 29 alumni George Mallet, who is currently with TMJ4 in Milwaukee, Wi. Also Billy Becke, Hacina Saadi and Brett Rosenbloom.


Glenn and Maureen Smith, Karen and Al Seiberlich, President at Freedom Enterprise, Inc. All will be hanging with their families for the holidays, although Karen said a last minute ski trip could be in the works.
Making the scene after a night out with the girls at Rouge, Kristin Foote, Michael Smith, guest, Chuck Peruto and Jill Rizen.

Girls I didn’t get your names as you were running out the door to the Del Frisco saturday night party
Lauren Beloff tells me that she picked up this little number at her favorite boutique of late, our friend Sarah Van Aken’s SaVa
Co-Host John Westrum with buddy Justin Wineburgh. Justin tells me that in the coming weeks he will be taking his show on the road to Miami Beach for the winter, he will still be able to carry on his business from that location as it’s only a couple hours from the East Coast Cities and same amount of time from the West Coast. Good luck Justin.

About Midnight I had to call it a night. All in all it was a fantastic night, great crowd, even with the competition of the Pennsylvania Society’s Annual gathering in New York City. If you were lucky enough you caught my play by play action on Twitter under my name iPhillyChitChat ;–

Macy’s Holiday Lights. It’s perfect combination to see the Macy’s light show at the top of the hour then as quick as can be go to the THIRD FLOOR and catch
The Dicken’s Show or the official title of “A Christmas Carol.” and see Santa.For Michael, being 3, it was a little frightened at the Dickens event. Perhaps the figures were too close to the Halloween Scarecrow, or it could have been the skeletons hanging from the ceiling, (if your kids aren’t afraid of these things, including a grave yard, then this is a fascinating tale of Charles Dickens.)We did get a really great “Family” picture, which is taken before you go into the exhibit, and trust me for $13 it was worth it for the memory of this day. Then it was over to the Comcast Holiday Light Show (Aren’t these ladies precious. They were all from a senior home in Havertown, Pa)
The kids really enjoyed that too, as did Michael Sr. Crista loved the Macy’s Holiday Light Show. So you really should put both of these on your lists of things to do. Then we had lunch at City Garden across the street, but I would recommend Public House, Elephant & The Castle, or at Liberty Shops. At Liberty Shops you (17th & Market), you will be able to see one of the largest trees in the City, plus they always seem to have a concert going on in the center court. Plus you might be able to pick up a few items for the holidays. (Michael Jr loved the Comcast Light Show)
We leisurely strolled over from Macy’s and checked out the Christmas Village at City Hall and the what the heck happened to this years City Hall Christmas Tree. Are we channelling Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree?
Chase and Jen Utley do not own this house in Haddonfield. I asked Jen a couple months back, she said it’s not there’s. My brother says it’s a Phillie’s relief pitcher. I don’t know who’s house it is, but it’s beautifully decorated for Christmas. It’s located on Kings Highway, Haddonfield. It’s little above the Haddon Hts/Audubon border.
Haddonfield, New Jersey is so beautiful during the holidays. Tonight and next Friday night you can shop by candlelight.
Philadelphia City Hall, another beautiful stop. I know it’s illegal to talk on the cell phone while driving, what about taking pictures at red lights?
XIX, Hyatt at the Bellevue Christmas Tree
7 in the past 10 years it has snowed on December 5. 12/5/02 was the date of my grandmothers funeral. Guess what, schools were cancelled, but not the funeral.
Springdale Farms (Cherry Hill, NJ on Springdale Road) has the largest selection of Pointsetta’s I have ever seen.
Bayard’s Chocolate in Cherry Hill is one of my favorites, as well as the best decorated.
TMW at 12:30 @CamposPHL will introduce the “Flying SUBmarine” sandwich in honor of the ARMY/NAVY game!It’s a patriotic RED, WHITE and BLUE!!
Are the parking attendants at my garage trying to tell me something?
So funny. This is going to be a great holiday party gift for one of my friends.
Happy Hanukkah tonight!!
West Point and the Navy are staying at the same hotel!! Hopefully on separate floors.
My sisters and their kids got together one last time before my little sister Crista flew back to NC where she lives. They are doing the “Chicken Dance” with baby Michael, who calls me Uncle Chewey. Dancing between Crista and Margaret is Kelsey.
The Christmas Tree at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City NJ (This is a very NJ entry today). If you are looking for a live Christmas Tree, I hear that Linvilla Orchards is a great place to go out and “CHOP your own down”, which my dad like to do with us when we were kids. I love Linvilla cause with every season they make it a memorable experience and they don’t disappoint with Christmas either. The Farm is decorated for Christmas. See our Christmasland display and visit with the animals in their winter coats. The Farm Market features wreaths, freshly cut trees, greens & holly, decorations, fruit and gift baskets, Christmas gifts, hot mulled cider & children’s crafts.

Visit with Santa

Saturdays & Sundays 1 – 2 PM
Bring your camera!

Caroling Hayrides

December5,12 & 19 ~ 4:30 PM
The Avalon Sunrise on 12/8/09; Thanks to Colleen & Dave for letting some of us stay at her house between the viewing and the funeral earlier this week.
And you my readers, friends, family, thank you for all your support, prayers, comments, notes and letters. Thank you for letting me share my pain of loss, and my sisters life with you. I really appreciate it.

Vote For @TopChefJennifer as your FAN favorite on Top Chef until Noon today http://bit.ly/5KsZuN

Jennifer Carrroll is still the Top Chef as far as I’m concerned, as well as the Ritz-Carlton, her family. and of course her mom. Last night I joined the Carroll/Lynch family one last time to enjoy Jen on Bravo’s Top Chef show for the Finale.
Jennifer Carroll with her Dad and Mom Joan celebrate the ending of the series at 10 ArtsOver the weeks I’ve had a chance to taste many dishes and I wanted to mention a few standouts. Last night I had the Chicken – OMG so many flavors, so delicious. You receive two, but well by the time I got around to remembering to photograph it I ate one.Holy Mother of God how did Michael win was my thought last night, not sure what Joan Carroll was thinking at that same moment.Jen Carroll signs the new Top Chef book for fans.

The Cobb Salad was always a winner with me. It came in a nice size bowl, although this looks like a dish.Jen thanks the patrons of 10 Arts for coming. Her lookalike sister Jessica is to her left. Mom Joan to her immediate left.
The Salmon and Trout were my favorites too. Here we see the salmon.
Octupus as a side dish was delish, not so visually appealing to me though. I also enjoyed the fried calamari on the other nights. Vote For @TopChefJennifer as your favorite on Top Chef until Noon today http://bit.ly/5KsZuN Korbel champagne was the sponsor of the party last night and did this nice ice sculpture. I didn’t get there til late so I missed the set-up.
Braised Ribs on bed of pureed potato. I also had the steak, which was outta of this world, and I love steak.

The Rabbit was my hands down favorite dish. A variation that she made on Top Chef will be on the new menu when it comes out in the next few weeks.I reported a few weeks back that Mr. Carroll had been keeping a list of requests for his daughters hand in marriage from the guys he meets when he travels the race track circuit. It is no longer needed as she has met Mark Czerniak and is happily dating; with her are friends and co-workers on her left, Martin Mariano Director of Food & Beverage and the Ritz-Carlton’s GM Mike Walsh. (Check out Michael Klein’s Inqlings for story and another great shot I took. )

To finish off each night Pastry Chef Monica Glass would prepare a sampling of delish. Here she prepared tiny sweet potato nuggets with vanilla ice cream. YUM! ! (update from Monica in the comments section of what exactly I was eating)
Hmm after weeks of Jen’s delicious food, a lot of stress and no exercise I will be again following the Fusion Cross Training Fitness program to lose the 100 lbs Judy asked me to do before she passed away. So by next 12/3 I will reach my goal. I will also be joining Weight Watchers so when I go back to 10 Arts I will know what I should eat, and how much.

This is the song I picked to remember my sister for her funeral today.

Thanks to the Philadelphia Inquirer and those involved in doing such a great job with the write up for my sister Judy. I will be gone for the next three days attending to family. Thank you. Hughe

http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/20091207_Judy_Dillon_Wilkins___Nurse__49.html

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?n=judith-m-wilkins-judy-dillon&pid=136899809

Donations can be made in honor of Judy Wilkins to where she sought comfort in their counseling groups, crochet groups, and by traveling the scary cancer path.
Gilda’s Club South Jersey
700 New Road
Linwood, NJ 08221
609-926-2699 phone
609-926-2688 fax
info@gildasclubsouthjersey.org

Thank you all very much for your support, prayers and love these past 18 months or so. Around 10PM tonight (Thursday) my beloved, brave older sister Judy said good bye to this world. One of the things Judy told my family this morning was that she would be with the angels and then she said “I’m leaving now.”
A few hours later she passed away surrounded by her family Husband Walt, daughters Colleen & Lauren, two of our sisters and our mother, who held Judy’s hand as she passed on to my father and grandmother who were waiting for her. (Today was the 6th anniversary of my grandmother’s passing.)Her BFF Beverly was with her every day for the past year or so. They met working at Children’s Hospital in Atlantic City where they were both nurses. (We all went to the Phila Flower Show earlier this year together. No matter how ill my sister felt, it was important for her to attend the show. She was an avid gardener. This year Beverly did Judy’s garden for her.)
Special thanks to all who supported us in the Ovarian Cancer Walk we did in September, also for those who left messages on the CaringBridge Page.
Recently, she told me now you’re going to be the oldest now, please take care of our brother, sisters, Mom and the Family. Oh and lose some weight. (She never lost that older sister maternal instinct.)

Services will be private. PhillyChitChat will be dark for the next few days, but please visit some of the many wonderful charities I have covered over the past two years, and support them if you can. Thank you, Hughe Dillon

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?n=judith-m-wilkins-judy-dillon&pid=136899809

First I have to apologize, I misplaced the note pad for this nite. I remember it was a really emotional event for me to cover, I wasn’t going to go, but I thought it was very important that people see this story. So if you are in one of these photos please email me so I can ID them correctly. Thanks Hughe
The Little Smiles Stars Ballwas held on Saturday, November 14th at the Please Touch Museum from 7 PM-Midnight. The Stars Ball is a black tie optional gala modeled after the Oscars. The only difference is the actors are replaced with people much more important; the children in our region battling cancer and other chronic and terminal diseases.
This evening includes the red carpet debut of our “Stars” with the Oscar presentation and filled with fun, food and an open bar.

One of the special guest for the evening was Celebrity Apprentice 3/Philly’s Dancing/Street Talkin.com’s with the Stars winner (and my friend who told me about this great event) Erin Elmore with new beau Nick
Little Smiles mission is to help kids escape, at least for a little while, from their treatment rooms into a land of fantasy. We respond to the needs of the children and provide whatever we can to make their world a better place. Little Smiles was Co-Founded by Steve Grandizio (Friendly Mortgage) who is a past chair of the YPN board.
Each of the kids walked the red carpet
looking stunning, blinged out
and signed autographs. It was so cute Little Smiles pre-prints
Tutu cute
Thanks to all the sponsors and the folks who donated items for the silent auction
Which was a huge success

Thanks to the ladies who came out to support the eventWally Zimolong, Mara Toukatly and Scott Sigman (Scott’s recently started a new firm Sigman & Rochlin)

Fusion Fitness bootcamp friend Kristy on right and her friends.

Philly Chit Chat fans supporting the cause

One of the little stars of the night and his familyChelsea Nodeland, held by mother Liz, got a “special Oscar” from NBC10’s Dawn Timmeney during Little Smiles Stars Ball at the Please Touch Museum. (I’m always excited when I can get a charity shot into the Inquirer giving it a few more eyes and perhaps another donation towards reaching it’s goals).

So adorable… Chelsea Judith Nodeland was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The next day she began chemotherapy. The 1st spinal tap took all of the leukemia cells out of her spinal fluid. As of April 18th, the chemo portion of her 1st stay ended and now they are working on building her immune system enough for a 1 week stay at home. (Taken from a FB page posted last spring)
Please take a few minutes to watch the event from 2008 at www.littlesmiles.netdrivein.com.
Little Smiles is able to create little smiles thanks to the support of generous individual donors like you. We welcome all levels of donation, whether it’s a one-time gift, a monthly donation as part of our Friend of Little Smiles program.