Philly Chit Chat

Thanks to many years of degradation one of the worlds most famous and influential cocktails, the daiquiri has become lost and buried by frozen faux fruit concoctions. So Philadelphia’s Rum Bar wants to celebrate the original daiquiri, which even predates the strawberry smoothie at Amazon Juice or my favorite place Jamba Juice. Last night The Rum Bar threw a little soiree to bring attention to this almost extinct drink by gathering the concierge of the city together to celebrate and drink a few as well as try out some of the new menu items that can be found there. (I serious love the music on the Rum Bar website, so mysterious)
Bernadette Dolan and that wild and crazy PR guy Tom Stanley (You know he just went crazy when the Philles won)
Kevin Logan of Smart Sports and Laura Burkhardt negotiate a deal on a scooter. Unfortunately I missed Laura riding up to The Rum Bar wrapping her legs around Kevin as he navigated the “Streets of Philadelphia” (I love Springsteen). Girls I didn’t see a ring on his finger, so he must be single; maybe if you stop by Smart Sports he’ll take you for a test ride, or better yet you can take him for a test ride, if you really want to save money in these trouble times, a scooter will help you get there faster than a car and they are only about $3,000
Punch Media’s James Zeleniak and Meredith Lindemon – Daily Candy Philadelphia (who’s favorite candy is gumballs [mine too])
I think it’s Laura’s business card?

James Zeleniak and David Wagaman of http://capricciocafe.com/enjoying a little Chilean Sea Bass that Executive Chef Patricia Paler prepared is Harriet Ayers (which reminds me did you see Obama kick some butt last night?), also Louise Castellauo, Cheryl Fasset and Where Magazine’s Zelinda O’Hara
Owner Adam Kanter is joined by concierge’s John LeCompte (Park Hyatt) and Charles Gordy (Rittenhouse Hotel). Two guys that work with the well heeled visiting our fair city assisting them in any need, in the wish to make their stay a pleasant one.
Gift bags!! Sponsored by http://capricciocafe.com/and Lisa M Reisman Gallery

A few weeks back I took this photo of Madonna going to the Kaballah Center on Rosh Hashanah in NYC. I have had many opportunities to photograph Madonna over the years, but I am not one to hang out by someone’s house and I didn’t want to go to the Kaballah Center. (I did see her in concert 5 times)

But when I heard that it was at the Kaballah Center she preferred to be photographed, as it gives them publicity and she usually allowed herself to be shot there, I changed my mind. When I was in NYC a couple weeks back, someone told me she was in town; I mentioned it to another photographer that she would probably go to services the next morning, and we went the next day. After about 3 hrs he began to doubt my hunch, but then her cars pulled up.
This is my favorite photo from my series. I love the eye contact she and David have. That’s the bodyguard behind them.

Sandra Bernhard was there too; her daughter is the spitting image of her mom. One congregant told me that Sandra and Madonna sat next to each other and their kids sat next to them.After waiting an additional 2 hrs for her to exit, another photographer came along 15 minutes before she left the Kaballah Center. He chose a spot closer to the door, I thought it would be too crowded as she left and I went closer to the entrance of the SUV. I was wrong, she wanted to be photographed and her bodyguards walked a few steps in front of her and Luis got this excellent shot. It was near the car that the people were close to her as she handed off the baby to them so they could strap him in. Bummer! But there will be another time, now with the news that Madonna and Guy Ritchie are divorcing, no doubt Madonna will be all over Manhattan the next few years where she resides, and isn’t that where A-rod lives?

I stopped by Kimberly’s Boutique last night to catch up on a few things with owner Jimmy Contreras and my facebook friend Lauren Jacobsen. Tomorrow night we’re going to the 2nd Annual Celebrity Casino Night that benefits Variety – The Children’s Charity. It’s at Jason Matthew Salon beginning at 6PM until cashout or when I leave as I have a debate party to attend, and I do hope to catch the Philles game.
Star Anise Schultz was in for her fitting as she is participating in the Valanni Fall Fashion show being held tomorrow night, Thursday 10/16/08. She will be modeling clothes that can be bought at [insert plug] Kimberly Boutique – Where Style Begins 123 South 16th Street, Philadelphia PA 19102 215.564.1066. Star is styling a Jerry Han top with Alice + Olivia pants. I like it, and of course Lauren is helping Star accesorize ’cause that is one of her talents.
I do like the accesories. Laura Burkhart has this fabulous, well it’s says “Fabulous” necklace that she got here a bit back. Now Star is rockin’ it with a Tibi green dress. If there’s something Kimberly does excellent, it’s the Tibi dress.
So Thursday if you are out and check out “Big Time” will feature more than two dozen looks from Kimberly Boutique, Monaco, Bus Stop, Un de Six, Crash Bang Boom and Zivile Pupinyte with hair done by Ettore.
Valanni – the medi-latin restaurant located at 1229 Spruce Street; Show starts at 10PM. Specialty drinks will be served.

Beginning October 14, residents in the Delaware Valley can kick off their holiday season right with a heart-warming Philadelphia tradition – a gourmet MANNA pie. Marking its 12th consecutive year, the Pie in the Sky is MANNA’s largest fundraiser with a goal of selling 14,000 pies. From now until November 19, a selection of five gourmet pies will be on sale for $25 each, with all proceeds benefiting MANNA’s mission – to deliver nourishment to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Delaware Valley.
Pie in the Sky embodies the spirit of MANNA’s services. Each holiday meal is lovingly prepared and delivered to MANNA meal clients on Thanksgiving Day by MANNA’s highly dedicated volunteers. Pie in the Sky makes a substantial difference in the lives of MANNA’s clients nourishing both the body and soul during the holiday season. (I forgot my pad, so the only person I know in this photo is Jimmy)
For only $25, you can provide a MANNA client with three nutritional meals and in return take home a delicious Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin, or Sweet Potato pie. For $35, you can select the new SkyPie, a little bit of gourmet heaven with a rich dark chocolate ganache atop a creamy cheese cake center. Through Wednesday, November 19 MANNA
$25-$35 to buy pie = Call 866-759-7437 to order p/u on Tuesday 11/25/08
Helping out with this years pie promotion are the folks over at Commerce Bank. Big surprise for me as I ran into someon I went to high school with eons ago in NJ, Rob Chandler (on left). I remember Rob as the Alex Keaton kinda guy in high school, very level headed, street smart and intellectual. It was fun to go down memory lane with him. We even chatted about the few that have passed away too soon, and I remembered another one Bill DeFeo, who I grew up with in Audubon til I was 9 and moved to Cherry Hill. It’s always sad when a life is cut short, but with your help, the help of Rob, and all the volunteers we can save some lives this year by buy a Pie in the Sky from Manna.
I can’t get away with anything. I read this on Twitter tonight:

(There are 3 entries today, I took last night off from event coverage)

Every year after the first cold front passes I travel to Stone Harbor to witness the thousands of migrating monarchs. My parents owned a house 3rd from the left from 1978 til 2003. Sometimes I miss having a house down the shore, but not the summer months with the crowds, although my younger sisters would disagree, they had a ball. On Saturday I went with my friend Bob and BF Mike. I guess at some point this year they put a bench on the SH beach at the point. Now how long is that going to last there? It wasn’t even high tide yet?
First we stopped off at the Wetlands Institute across the bay from where I lived (in the summer)

Did I mention I was going on a diet?Sometimes the seagull’s just do the right thing and fly into your frame…
Sadly it didn’t seem cold enough for the butterflies to come down from Canada on their journey to Mexico. Maybe after Thursday or next week. It really is an amazing site to see them fly along the beach sometimes numbering in the thousands. But I did see an amazing sunset Saturday night.
Now I can see some of you are looking for the Cashman’s 7th Anniversary Party, which I photographed Friday night. Those photos won’t be ready until later in the week. I will also be covering a few other events, don’t forget to check the Philly Chit Chat calender to see what might be around that interests you!

Love Park Skaters
Ok this is just wrong. I watched this kid about 5 minutes
not once did he make a clean land. Often he laid in the middle of the street after the impact of the 5 foot fall. I gues he doesn’t have a safe place to skate since the older kids are at Love Park and the skate board park promised so many years ago at Fairmount Park isn’t built yet? How’s that coming along?
The other kid was smarter, but not much. He skateboarded on to the sidewalk.
Also saw a dozen skate boarders at City Hall. At least it keeps the pigeons away.

By visiting my condo which is 90% Jewish. Rendell says Obama is a friend of Israel, does he agree 100% with the Hawks (Hughe notes: I don’t know what that means?), but he agrees with guaranteeing peace in the Middle East and protecting Israel. And he supports the issues we support here in the USA. Lists them off….
He said McCain is a friend, and someone he admired in 2000, but back then he wasn’t a friend of the majority of the right wing party, in fact they threw him under the bus to support George W, but now McCain is kowtowing to the Right, and he is no longer someone Rendell recognizes as the Maverick from 2000, instead just a puppet. As for Palin, he knows her, knows her from the Govenor’s conventions. She smart, she’s a nice gal (at this point the crowd boos, I guess they feel like the Flyers Fans), Rendell goes on to say, but she is not qualified for the job of VP. She just doesn’t have the experience as of yet. If she goes back to Alaska, works hard, does good things for her state, then in the future she will be someone of stature, currently she’s just not qualified. The current hostility from the McCain crowd is a result of the negative campaigning of the McCain/Palin ads running currently. It has got to stop.
Barrack Obama is my friend, he is your friend, he is our friend. As another barrier falls, someday there will be a women president, and maybe then at some point a Jewish president, “But it won’t be me” said Rendell. “After Obama’s two terms, I will be 72, and 72 is entirely too old to run for president!”
There was a representative for the Republican party, but he only accepted at the last minute. I asked him why the GOP was dragging their feet so much, I mean here’s the Pa Gov willing to come to talk to our community. He tells me he didn’t expect much of a crowd. “Look you have 1,000 tenants and what only 200 showed up, where are your young people?” Geez more than ever I am convinced not to vote for any republican’s with that attitude. I think it says something when Rendell stops by for only 200 ears, that probably have a lot of friends.
VOTE FOR OBAMA

Obama Urges His Supporters to Vote Obama, Not Boo McCain

TOLEDO, OH – Barack Obama broke from his debate preparations this afternoon in Ohio to deliver a speech on the economy. The crowd began booing at the very mention of John McCain.

Last week the Center City Residents Association (CCRA) held their kick-off party for the annual CCRA Fall House Tour coming up this Sunday 10/19/08; A delight for those who enjoy architecture, decor and design, this popular walking tour includes a number of diverse residences, plus breathtaking churches throughout beautiful Center City Philadelphia.
The kickoff party was held at the Lippincott House which lies in the heart of Philadelphia, one block from Rittenhouse Square. For decades it was a private home, but in the last year the owners, who have been in the house for the last 12 years, decided to convert it into a Bed & Breakfast. Our hosts are Jack Eldridge and Mary Beth Hallman. I didn’t have a chance to chat with Mary Beth too much as shortly after this picture was taken she had to hit the hay to prepare to get up about 5AM to prepare breakfast for the 5 guests that were staying at the B&B that night. She does a lot of the work, but after a few months did agree to get a linen service to do the laundry. I hear the sheets are 1000 thread count, sounds soft & supple.
Upon entering the Lippincott House, the foyer leads to a pgraded kitchen with pantry and dining room with beautiful hardwood flooring. On the first floor is also a small powder room that is opposite the laundry area and a door that leads to a back porch with a tiny backyard access. The basement is accessible through a door near the kitchen. A staircase leading to the second floor is in the main foyer where you will find the living quarters. Complimentary wine and cheese is served between 5pm – 7pm each day to give you a chance to mingle with fellow guests. Please admire and enjoy the features, a lounge clad in antique Brazilian rosewood, a wall mural painted in 1902 and a grand piano from 1887 which is a delight to play.A beautiful period room with an en suite Bathroom with bidet and whirlpool tub, The Adams Room is available for $225 per night.

The Adams room has an artisan King bed, fireplace, and comfortable sitting area makes this room a delight to stay in.
A beautiful room with a fireplace and fine pier mirror. The Bathroom is original, including a claw footed tub and rain shower The Morris Room is available for $175 per night.
A charming room with an attached bathroom still adorned with original sink and wall tile.
The game room has a room with a view so that all the guests can enjoy it. (Looking towards Rittenhouse Square)
In addition, the house offers a banquet room, games room (complete with an antique Brunswick pool table). Pictured here is Jennifer Fitch, owner of Jacinthe ( Jacinthe is Philadelphia’s best source for designer vintage and consignment fashion. We also sell the work of local designers and design students, and feature a small, well-edited selection of vintage and antique items for the home. )
Mary Beth tells me that a women in her 90s stopped by not long ago to see the house saying that she was born there and wanted to see what had been done since she moved.
Through the years the building has been professional offices, including an attorneys office. But for the first several decades it was a home, from 1897 til a few years into the 1900’s one couple shared the home and were newlyweds who in 1900 commissioned this beautiful mural to adorn their dining room. It shows them after their wedding in England or Tuscany, leaving their wedding chapel on horses and going through the woods (now I may not have this story down completely, so you are going to have to get a ticket and tour the Lippencott yourself to get the story. Buy Tickets HereJack relates magnificent stories to Thom Cardwell and Mary Patel
Fran Levi, J.T. Christensen, Pam Thistle, Kate & Kathleen Federico and Vivian Seltzer enjoy the festivities
The Rosenbach Museum & Library will be a featured stop on the 2008 Center City Residents Association Historic House Tour, and we’re opening our doors to the public. Free admission is available from 1:00pm-5:00pm to anyone who would like an opportunity to peek inside the Rosenbach walls, see our dyamic new exhibition There’s a Mystery There: Sendak on Sendak, or go on one of our intimate historic house tours. Buy Tickets Here
When I came through the doors of the Lippencott house, I was greeted by the friendly Jennifer Kopp Lewis (caregiver of the house) Jennifer says to me, I know you, of course I was do you read Philly Chit Chat, ok that’s not what I would ever say; I actually said “You do?” and then she told me her name. Well there’s no way I would forget that name. When I moved to Philly back in oh it was a while go some of you probably weren’t even born, anyway I lived at 13th and Spruce in the Wellington Spruce, which is now the University of the Arts dorm. The building was made up of really large studios about 800 sq feet with 15ft ceilings and amazing views of the city from my 8th floor apt. Jennifer lived down the hall in a corner studio apt that was really a labyrith of rooms she created with furniture, drapery and beads. She had an artistic flair, as many of the folks did, like Bart who lived next to me, who often paid his rent via his art work, or Doug who lived near the elevator, he was a fomer priest, now gay and collected Nun dolls, oh I wish I could find those photos that I took; of John who had tourette syndrome and really did randomly shout out a curse word here or there, I could go on, but it was a great cross section of ecentric, caring people who still make up the fabric of a large city.

The Park Hyatt at the Bellevue recently revamped its restaurant XIX (Nineteen). Located on the 19th floor of the hotel, XIX offers all-day dining, exquisite views, and an expanded menu.
Last week the restaurant threw a shindig for the unveiling of the newly restored 15ft windows. Years ago before the American Music Theater relocated to the Prince, they would have their cabaret in an adjacent room. I remember that I had to walk through this room to get to the cabaret room and it was always dark as their were bookshelves that lined the far wall which hid these beautiful windows.

It was there on the 19th Floor that we found Andrew Perekupka and CN8 Jennifer Ruiz, who filled me in on the live show that takes place at the Loews. It’s there I could photograph celebs visiting the studio, but the show is taped from 6 AM to 8 AM, a time I am barely awake. Hmm guess I will just have to catch them out and about or at the Luxe Lounge of late.
Three types of complimentary XIX signature martinis were being passed around during the party featured Courvoisier Exclusif, Cruzan Estate Light Rum, and Starbucks Cream liqueur. They are apart of the new cocktails list that they just created for the fall season. They looked delicious. Striking a fashionable pose are Nam Lee & Courtney Fefer who wanted to pose near the fire place, which was roaring because, unlike tonight it wasn’t 68F at 1:30AM as I write this.
The view from the newly restored windows are fantastic; they were restored by A. Robert Torres of Studio Torres LTD with the help of Jamie Roslie (on left). Jamie tells me that the windows are waiting for a few more things, a light shade, as the sun can be brutal while one is waiting for it to set, a valance and a sheer that can easily be pulled back. (The flash doesn’t do the view justice as it’s reflecting the equally breathtaking decor)
XIX went all out serving delicious hordouvres and oysters, none of which I partook in as I am still trying to stay honest on my Nutrisystem. Now tonight I have two events, I give you permission to slap my hand if you see it near either of the parties I am covering. Happy 25th Anniversary Mural Arts Saturday in between the Obama rallies please attend

MURALPALOOZA! Family Celebration

Saturday, October 11 · 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Benjamin Franklin High School, Broad & Spring Garden StreetsJudy Ellis-Taylor, Park Hyatt GM Jeff Miller and CN8’s Lynn DoyleOught oh, did I learn a lesson from these folks. No matter how crowded or how much someone wants to go back to talking, if you take their photos make sure you pay attention that they write their names in order. Wednesday this shot was published in my weekly “On the Scene” column for the Metro and they were a tad out of order, it could have been worse as the photo editor caught Mac’s name out of order, but then I didn’t catch the other two til it was too late. (Thank God they have facebook as I was able to put it in order for Philly Style Mag. Megan Stecher, Jill Schoenfeld, Mac Francis and Danielle Sheller (I think that’s right)
Nice place for a drink. And you can also get a late night snack.
The Cafe overlooking the city and is as romantic a rendezvous as you can find in Philly. The best buy here is brunch and lunch with a $30 fixed price for 3 courses. Great burgers, lobster club sandwich, fries, and the best iced tea in town. The Restaurant is classically beautiful with a wonderful raw bar, try the cucumber, mint gimlet and even the pierogies are great.
Damian Kohn and author Karrie Gavin, she wrote Moon Philadelphia. She says “For a special occasion, XIX Restaurant (on the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue Hotel) cannot be beat for romantic atmosphere and amazing views.” She’s right!
It’s always a joy when I run into friendly faces, and these three will always be right up there with people I admire. Mary Patel, Phila Inquirer Photographer Eric Mencher and his love story continues with his wife Kass Mencher . I always get nervous talking to him, he’s right up there with Madonna who you know I photographed for the first time last week, having passed up many opportunities before as silly me I know they all put their pants on one leg at a time, but I am such a fan of some people.
Laura Burkhardt someone else I really admire, who has really blazed a trail, and I apologize for standing her up the other night, I was going to cover a newsworthy event for her, but when I finally had a chance to look at the Philly event schedule, I saw the Barrymore Awards, which my agency wanted me to cover, and I wanted to cover it ever since I didn’t last year, I really want to promote Philadelphia Theater and the actors and the productions; I’m sorry if I caused you a bit of distress Laura, I love ya. Come to think of it the company she keeps have also blaze a fiery trail Jimmy Contreras of Kimberly Boutique , and Red Tettemer’s Matthew Vlahos who is spearheading two events coming up next Thursday at Vlanni’s a Fashion Show with hostess Brini Maxwell and then the following Wednesday “Rumble in the Kitchen” at the Loews.
And if you’re not receiving the newsletter “Inside The Bellevue” from Anna Iredale, PR for the Bellevue, then you are out of the loop. Did you know you can meet domestic diva Martha Stewart on 11/7/08 at Williams-Sonoma. Also with Anna are Meredith Corlett and Paul Banegas.

In conclusion I recommend a trip to XIX , especially the cafe to check out the views, catch a sunset, propose to that special someone or just hang out with friends. Sadly in this spectacular town of ours, with so many buildings being built, besides the City Hall observation deck, which is not opened in the evening, no other public space has captured the view like the Park Hyatt – XIX.