Much has been written about regarding the new Café Cret; According to Inga Saffron, Cope Linder Architects’ design for Café Cret, under construction at 16th Street and the Parkway, can trace its roots to Laurie Olin’s work at New York’s Bryant Park. (BTW every year I photograph the celebrities that attend Fashion Week atBryant Park. This is where I will be 9/4 – 9/12, so I won’t be covering anything in Philly that week)The Philadelphia landscape architect, Laurie Olin, rescued the derelict public space in the late 1980s, when he reinterpreted its neoclassical plan and installed food kiosks around the perimeter that were designed in a Gilded Age style.
He hopes that the design and placement of the new Café Cret will do the same to kick off the revitalization of the Parkway. Although the Center City District and The Fairmount Park Commission owns the land they will be leasing it David Wagaman of Capriccio’s who won the bid to run the cafe about 2 years ago.
Capriccio’s Café Cret is named after designer Paul Cret. Opening is pegged to Labor Day. It will dispense tourism info along with java.
Café Cret will also serve the usual sandwiches we loved from the Warwick location, but also bring to the table two of Philadelphia’s favorite sweets Bassett Ice Cream and Lore’s Chocolate
According to Phoodie (http://tinyurl.com/6pxbuz ) “Like the past Capriccio locations both food and drink will be offered at the Café, however the new location will offer lots of outdoor seating and an in-laid tv screen on the outside of the building featuring Center City sites. The new location hopes to welcome existing customers as well as the commuting and tourist crowds and simultaneously create a relaxing area on the parkway.”

So look for an opening around Labor Day. Tentive hours are 7 days a week, 7Am til 8PM, and a bit later in the Summer months.

[Note to some of my readers: I might have photographed you at one or two events Thursday night, those photos will be up early next week. If you are a long time reader you know why, look for my photos in INQLings on Sunday B2] Family Soul Pride – dad, son, dad, son all with the #7 on for Tony Graziani, who returned to Philadelphia for his fourth season as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the Arena Football League. (Also wasn’t that Ron Jaworski’s #?)
Everyone loves a parade, even if it was a motorcade, they didn’t shut the streets down, but thankfully we are not NYC and I was able to get a few good shots

This scene really deserves a video. This guy was swinging his arm around, clenching a fist and punching it into the air. It was just what the business crowd needed to wake them up.
Hey there’s Pierre Robert, what’s the cane for? I thought it was perfect I shot him in front of the Hard Rock Cafe, don’t ya think?

When did Kathy Griffin become a cheerleader>
Hello, is he the pin-up boy for the Soul, #16 Connor Hughes, Kicker. He was blowing kisses, giving shout outs, he’s one wild dude. Girls form a line to the right, he’s single.
Chris “Money” Jackson (hmm what’s with the name?)Ron Jaworski
The crowds lined Market Street for the motorcade

The Cup Returns to Philly, er well a CUP returns to philly; and this guy is going to make sure he gets a photo of it no matter what.
The crowds lined both sides of Market. People pulled out their cell phones and shot a few. I wonder what those babies look like?
Oh I already mentioned Kathy Griffin on the cheerleading squad right?

Phil BogleThat photographer is determined to get a shot, now hold still. Seriously I am obsessive, but do you really have to follow the cup up Market Street and take more than 50 shots, I mean the light changes as you pace the cup, but the cup remains the same.

This guy on the left looks so grouchy; Why so grouchy, do you have a wedgie like #65?

It could be worse, you could be stuck in this traffic mess.
watching the parade as it passes you by

Over at the Rally, the fans take their positions

#11 Mike Brown, WR/DB is one crazy dude
Come on are you going to tell me that someone didn’t sign up to vote yet? geez

#81 Chris Jackson, gives some skin to Jon Bon Jovi
Although I am going to have to say this is one of my all time favorite photos. Jon Bon Jovi is totally connecting with that kid in the forefront and smiling for his camera. If I were a mind reader I would think he is thinking to himself “I remember when I was a kid and I had a dream and here I am.” I’m sure after this championship for the Soul their attendence will shoot up, as I hope mine will after the 1400 folks that googled Philadelphia Soul Parade yesterday arrived at my site. So please come back again.

Last night I attended an event that I was really looking forward to – The Philadelphia Magazine “Best of Issue” Party. I mean I have been reading that magazine since I was a kid and was aware of the “Best of Issue” when my classmate at my Cherry Hill elementary school, Sharon Saline’s mother was on the very first issue – Carol Saline. My mom got this magazine every month. It was the source that really excited me about Philadelphia while I was growing up in the sleepy suburb. It’s not my parents magazine anymore. I’ve been getting the magazine for the past couple years, and this year it has really step up to the plate. It’s contains a plethora of info, not only a bit of eye candy, but interesting stories, some of them like the Andy Reid story in January’s issue making news. For a monthly magazine in this day of the Internet instant news, that is amazing. Maybe it’s because they have a little competition in town, in fact a lot of competition that they have stepped up their game. Well we are better for it, because like the NY Times it is our old lady and I would like to see it around for a long time. Others feel the same respect for her I mean who else could draw such a diverse crowd to party together with the likes Dan Gross, Paul Rosen and half the KYW staff all in one room. The pink elephant in the room was that Alycia Lane wasn’t at the party. At one point Dan and friends were standing right next to Paul, and had I known who Paul was, that would have been the ironic shot of the night.I was greeted at the door by Melissa Bizzak and Kate Pierce. Who check the folks in, and gave the winners a little blue box, no not the color blue, that had an emblem with “Best of Philly” and the year on it.

“Classic Cake” won the best cake category and made this delicious cake, that I had a piece of, which probably wasn’t on my Nutrisystem plan.

Someone I admire a great deal, I don’t always agree with him, but he has moxie which is probably why he won “The Best Stunt” award, which I wish I had asked him about when he walked in. Mark Segal, Owner of the Philadelphia Gay News. Google him you will see the moxie.Larry Platt and David Lipson welcome the crowd, and tell them that there are photographers out there that will be shooting up a storm and they will all be in the Philly Magazine site tomorrow. OK well I knew I was in trouble, everyone wanted to be in the “Magazine” imagine the bragging rights, I am sure it’s just like when I get my photos in People or Rolling Stone magazine, well at least the first time. That was the first problem, the 2nd problem was some of these folks were down right rude when they found out I wasn’t with the Philly Magazine folks, and thirdly some never asked but treated me as if I was ok bluntly, and “G” rated word, dirt. I was thinking to myself, ok you won “Best of” something in Philly magazine, but that wasn’t a license to think you were better than me, or could basic turn on your heels and walk away from me while I was in mid-sentence. Andrea Planco, Salon Vanity, Nanor Arabatliana, Sun Myst with owner and winner Marilyn Kellmer
The bar was beautifully set up, the magazine covers were cleverly lined up so that a person waiting for their drink could review the years. I wish I had asked who the decorator was as the pudding was in the details.
When I got my mag in the mail, I checked out the winners and wasn’t surprised by the inclusion of Landmarks TOURS‘ Architecture Walking Tours of Philadelphia and the Region take place in more than 50 locations throughout Center City; an organization where I volunteered for about 6 years before my photography took hold. Please check them out you won’t be disappointed. http://www.philalandmarks.org ; Here Paula Spilner, PHd, Landmarks’ Director and Executive Director Frank Vagnone toast to their win. Actually they were both very modest and believe the win is for the whole organization and the success they have had. In fact Frank couldn’t stop gushing that Paula was a tireless advocate and proponent with the tour, and with that I would agree 100 %. You really must take the lecture that is given during the cold nights of winter. It’s something really worth wild to get you going during those dark days.

This is a real feel good story too, you have got to go to their website to read about the wonderful place they have created for kids, and for handicapped kids. It’s no wonder they won for “Best Place for a Child’s Playspace” http://www.kixandgiggles.com/

As I am a fashionista voyeur, Nicole was nice enough to indulge me and tell me who designed her fab dress by having her husband check the label of her dress (did I mention I am shooting fashion week NYC in less than 30 days, ok guess I do brag a bit) I thought the dress was Marc Jacob, but it is in fact Jessica McClintock. It’s HOT as Paris would say. He look dapper too, but can’t recall his suit, hmm begins with a B I think.

the catering was done by the Restaurant Association, which I never heard of, but they do the Kimmel, The Art Museum and a couple other places in town. The food was great, although I really didn’t eat too much, I like to concentrate on my photo taking. I did have some of these desserts after most of the guests left. They were too pretty and since most people took advantage of the open bar, I had a few tarts so they didn’t go to wasteSexy babes, don’t you think. Aggressive and willing to pose for the chit chat. Annemarie Alessi, Kathi Thomas, Lauren Harris, Deanna Frost – “Style of Man” Best Business Concept – OK who wouldn’t want to go there and pick up a little style

Style of Man

Donna O’Brien “Beautiful Blooms” Its hard to see, but Donna has three daisies magically affixed to her shoulder. There’s no doubt she is making a fashion statement, and one I haven’t seen in Philadelphia. SO stop on by to Beautiful Blooms, pick up a few and maybe she’ll tell you how she did it. Love her taffeta orange dress, I guess she got the memo that that would be the party colors this year.
So you need to pick up some tax free diamonds, Philly Mag thinks AR Morris Jewelers is the place to go. www.armorrisjewelers.com Here’s Inga Khaitman and Wendy Morris enjoying the fruits of their labor. Gossip legend Dan Gross, who I think btw is doing his job and his numbers show it. Last night I had a chance to talk to a few of his subjects, and although they may despise him, they all agree that it’s his job, people want to read that trash and they just try and avoid him or anyone associated with him. Its nice they don’t avoid me, even though my stuff has appeared in his column. I self edit. When someone says “Off the Record” to me, well it’s off the record.

With Dan is PFF media person Matthew Ray and Troy Cassell

Jim Donovan and Stephanie Stahl. It’s true I did try and angle a shot of these folks, maybe for the blog, maybe for the Inquirer where some of my photos are published, maybe for my national photo agency because you never know when they might allegedly hit a cop. I don’t care what the hipsters say people in Philly do want to read about the people they see on TV, why not, we see them everyday, they convey the news to us, and we’re a fascinated bunch. I remember growing up and going to get an autograph picture of Dave Roberts, I was a huge fan of weather, still am. I mean who thought that up, it was genius and you know there was a line too. It’s some of these same people that make fun of our adulation of news people that will be the first in line to get Chase Utley’s or Pat Burrell’s autographs. How many of them will be at the Soul Parade today just to get a glimpse of Jon Bon Jovi, or how many wish they were there to catch Alyssa Milano at the Phillies game or Kate Moss at Johnny Brenda’s or anyone at playing there. Pat Ciarrochi and Mary Stoker Smith. I wish I had seen Edie Huggins in person.
Looking as fabulous as ever, Jennifer the Kinky Quizzo queen holding court every Tuesday at @ Valanni in Center City at 11pm, with her is big fan Natemoving right to burlesque Peekaboo Revue http://www.peekaboorevue.com/ “Best of Philly Winner” Lulu Lollipop and Ginger Leigh (I wonder if Dita Von Teese has stop by)

The night did get better as I came upon people I have gotten to know over the past year and photographed, or one of the 500 people that read me each day. Here is the winner for “Best Local Designer” Rachel Breeden (or what I like to say Mrs. Brad Maule – congratulations!!), Suzi Morris is in the middle doing performance art and on her right jewelery designer at the same store Typhaney Shanker. They are all from the Conspiracy Shop http://www.conspiracyshowroom.com/blog/

Upstairs I found WOGL’s Jamyra Perry and Mark Bagley. Mark works at Drexel and says that the 2008 applications are breaking records. The school is in the middle of building a dorm which should be ready in 2009. So in the meantime Parktown should expect more pizza deliveries at 2AM; I told Jamyra that Philadelphia Style Magazine reads my blog and picked out a photo of hers at an event I shot last week, to be in the September issue. So congrats to us both.

Henri David must be very good with faces; sure I have been going to his Ball for the past 15 years, but I have only photographed him professionally about 3 times. Super nice guy, came right over, said hi. It was a treat since I have long admire him, and his partner Paul Struck. We need to be facebook friends. These girls were so much fun. Peri Lei Boutique – Candice Caprice & Bruce Middleman with Kellie and Joseph Gagllotti – Joseph Anthony Retreat, Spa & Salon. These girls were the life of the party, no pretension and I have no doubt were living life relaxed and in love with guys that really seem to revel in the joy of them. On the right is the Philadelphia attorney Paul Rosen (his Firm does a lot of work I admire.) I had no idea who he was though, just a guy with a wife who was dressed beautifully that I thought would look nice on Philly Chit Chat – the Social Diary. But after his wife asked me “Do you know who he is”, and I said no. Well with that his wife said where’s the Philadelphia Magazine photographer? I was disappointed & embarrassed that they didn’t want to be on my site, because I really thought he and his wife looked so Philadelphia Classic with their tailored suits. (This is not his wife, it was a candid photo I took earlier in the night, because I vaguely remembered his face and was going to ask someone later who it was)
the XIX people. Jeffrey Miller and his gang were voted “Best Dessert in a restaurant” an honor they rightly deserve. r – l, Jeff, Molly & Jason. Joing them is Randi from Philly Magazine who does the Wedding Magazine, that I love reading every season.

Ju Ju Spa Best Holoistic Day Spa 2008 – Renee Bruskoff http://www.jujusalon.com/
Stephen Corlino and Dennis Fee (Tavern on Camac – Best Piano Bar). At one point during the night I remember talking to someone who’s had a familar last name. I went into a story about how I had gotten them a bit of PR that made the newspaper. No excitement, I look perplexed and the women said that she was no longer married to the last named person that I thought she was, and basically was not interested in anything more I had to say. I guess she realized she wasn’t going to be in Philly Magazine too. Well after taking the photo, as a “celebrity” friend of mine was with them, I went to collect the names and her friend gave me her maiden name. The friend spoke up and corrected her and said no, “Here I am using my married name ******”. I guess she was willing to give up years of bitterness for name recognition instead.
My sincere apologies to Deanna Durante and friends. I should have gotten all your names, I screwed up as I was being pulled in another direction.
Ahh Kelly Boyd looked fabulous. Just enough time for an air kiss and she was off to tuck the girls in to bed. Nice to see Ashley Kramer too

Mary Patel with her guy Michael D’Addesi producer/film maker; Mary has just joined Michael’s production company “Make U Famous” http://makeufamous.net/ I know of a couple projects they are working on and they are going to be great for Philadelphia.

Tigre Hill and Arthur Fennell. I had just caught Arthur the day before on TV, so I was honestly able to tell him I enjoyed his work over the years and as recent as the day before. He looks completely different on TV.
Anne Taulance, Philly Mag Wine Editor who has a shoot in about 5.5 hrs as it’s 3:30AM and I have a desk to report to at that time too. With her is her sister who gets to hang out with her older sister as Anne’s husband is travelling. Mary Kate promises to be a new reader, and I am going to hold her to it.
Hello readers of Philly Chit Chat – I love you, thanks, I feel validated. I guess getting my name out there to every corner of Pennsylvania is tough, I mean it is called Philly Chit Chat, not Philly Suburb Chit Chat, I would call them the bridge and tunnel crowd, but well its the same thing. OK back to my new best friends, Erin Elmore and Dr. Shareef Jandali, who knows a thing or two around a pretty face. Thinks Erin is as beautiful as the day she was born.
Ok more loving from these folks, I guess my night wasn’t all that bad. There really are only a few bad apples that spoil the stew, and they were toasted. OK maybe it’s just the mood I am in lately. These folks are some of my new favorites. Charles Peruto, Nina Tinari, Sabrina Tamburino (GPTMC), Steve Thorne, Mia Tinari and Carol Tamburino of Tuner Construction Company.Time to go to G Lounge with Matthew Ray, Matthew Vlahos and Troy Cassell

Gift bag time. Great towel, another magazine, key chain, small bottle booze, salt & pepper all and all a mixed bag this hump day.

Look for additional photos and the Photo Album to be added in a new entry on Saturday

Last week, Velo+City: The Social History of the Bicycle opened at Rittenhouse Square’s belle epoque-era gallery and gift destination – Lisa M. Reisman et Cie. The show presents a diverse and compelling collection of original prints, vintage posters, and ephemera. This exhibition visually details the rise of the bicycle over its 150-year history. The works follow the bicycle’s development from a dangerous object of ridicule and plaything of aristocrats to a democratized form of leisure and transportation for all

The curators for the show, Campbell and Michael with gallery owner Lisa M. Reisman. Michael tells me his favorite bike is a Flying Dutchman which was a gift from his dad. Campbell doesn’t ride, but she loves the culture of the bike and celebrates it. She did a lot of the research of Victorian women and their relationship with bikes, as they weren’t really allowed to ride them until the 1900s because of safety issues, and well skirts. The culture of the bicycle is so true. To me the bicycle is a tool I use to get exercise, perhaps to get from place A to place B, but not as much. Who loves the bicycle more than the bike messengers of Philadelphia; they were in the majority of those enjoying this opening night.
As a photographer I have always been fascinated by bike messengers, often trying to sneak a photo here or there, but scared that like in the movie the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” one of them would turn and point and let out a scretch. A closed culture, rebels, nomads and what I observed as a bit crazy as they weave their bikes at tops speeds through city traffic trying to make that run. They were in fact a bit suspicious at first, but then welcoming as they opened up telling me about their favorites bikes, as many own more than one, and explaining what the bicycle ment to them.

Rachel Gagliardi and Josh Beaver. Josh’s bike of choice = a Fixgear red/white/white. They loved the exhibit and learning about the beginings of the bikes history. The advent of the bicycle in the 1880’s stimulated great controversy about women’s proper role in society. Questions of “how they should ride”, when they should ride, who they should ride with” were considered by commentators, and”wheeling’s” many critics were certain that bicycle riding threatened women’s health, morals, and reputation.
Skirts made riding the Ordinary (a bicycle with a large front wheel) virtually impossible. Tricycles, however, were designed to accommodate full skirts and allowed women to ride without adopting the bloomer outfit, which many women opposed for its politically radical associations. Like nearly every other aspect of life in the nineteenth century, tricycle riding had a specific set of rules and regulations. The rule against women riding alone in fact generated a new profession: the professional lady cyclist as chaperone. Tricycles were commonly used for touring, and the tandem tricycle was popular with couples. Chris & Ashley Sue enjoy the exhibit
Ashley Steigerwalt and Megan Barbour. Although not bike messengers, they enjoy the culture and their messenger bags to carry their stuff.
Ashley has a custom messenger bag he designed himself The first bicycle was two equal-size wheels and a dropped frame with no crossbar was the Victor, first manufactured in 1887. With the addition of pneumatic tires (invented in 1889) and enclosed gear, women were able to ride comfortable without their skirts becoming entangled. The final dramatic improvement in bicycle technology was the coaster brake, invented in 1898. These features enabled women to bicycle safely without having to wear bloomers.
Nadja & Tom, a bit cautious of who I was, but smiles that lit up the room. You know how I like a good smile.
Stewy, KHS with fellow co-worker at Trophy Bikes, Natalie and Dan
I did spend a good deal of time talking to a one Paul Glover who resided in Ithaca for many years, and well was an activist, a member of the Green Party, and started his a newsletter that launch Ithaca’s own currency and influenced the government on several issues. You have to read about him, he is fascinating. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Glover

And then in all too short of time I had to leave and go to the next event. But I will be back before the exhibits last day, as it runs through Aug. 14, it’s free and you have no excuse not to stop by and see this fascinating exhibit of prints and lithographs. They are all for sale too!!

Lisa M. Reisman et Cie, 1714 Rittenhouse Square (between 17th Street and Rittenhouse Sq), 215-735-2781, lisart.com.

Red Tettemer Spinster Matthew Vlahos invited me over, well upstairs as we work in the same building, to take a few behind the scenes photos of a photo shoot the ad agency, where he works, was going to do in honor of its love for AMC’s television show about NYC advertising agency, Mad Men – which premieres its second season this Sunday, July 27 at 10PM. Every month RT changes the photo on their home page. In the past they have done a tribute to the infamous Annie Lebowitz Miley Cyrus photo shoot, some of you may remember the nearly infamous groundhog campaign (& Paris Hilton scandal which I got a little press on 11/7/07 entry), I love the viral campaign of the ground hogs running down Broad Street because it’s simply bizarre and abstract, which makes it a cult classic, the Valentine Day campaign and my favorite a bike team called the Weavers (you have to see the vid on their site). A gallery of their shoots for the site is found if you click “The Lobby” at the lower right of the screen.
I was excited to see the floor where Matt works, as it used to be the offices for the Independence Foundation in the 1990s, I knew someone that had worked there and they invited me over to shoot City Hall from the terrace one time when the boss was out of his office, funny story there but will save for another day. Originally this space was where Rodman Wanamaker built a penthouse residence for himself and the misses in the 1930s, he didn’t get to live there long. After the bell was installed his wife insisted they move due to the noise and reverberation. So the bell you hear on the hour, is not in City Hall tower, like many people think, it’s on top of the PNB building. His aunt did move in and lived there for about 20 years rent free. The ad agency pretty much left Rodman Wanamaker’s penthouse apartment intact, but altered the color scheme and subdivided one of the larger rooms. The employees seemed to be a cool bunch of people and have produce some really creative stuff. I often chat with them when sharing an elevator ride to my floor and they are always friendly. I found the lobby to be a sweet place to hang out.

The Elvis Room. Here you will find a few Elvis objects including a bust of Elvis. I mean really if Elvis can’t get you thinking out of the box, who can? Hair + Makeup: Margaux Perichon, Natasha Hallahan (getting her hairs did), Betty Lanza (hair stylist), Kelly Barnes (seated on arm of chair, partially blocked)
Margaux Perichon helps Jeff Gonick prepare for the shoot
(l-r) Rachel Timmerman, Natasha Hallahan, Jen Eisler getting into character in the primary colored reception area wearing their vintage clothes and teased hair.
This was a serious shoot, with serious equiptment, and experience. It was fun to watch Chris at work as well as I tried to figure out which of the models/employees were depicting which characters, and it wasn’t really too hard, even though I had only seen the show once. I love this colorful replica of Philadelphia’s City Hall and did chuckle as I watched the 1960s photoshoot begin. I have got to show my friend, City Hall Tour Director, Greta Greenberger this replica. RT occupies at least 3 floors in the building, and each lobby has some kind unique item in it. one floor has a large Remington Statue, cowboy on horse, and I think another one has tiny balls, each floor has the same crazy, bright color scheme as another friend works there and I was on her floor once too. The photographer, Chris Sembrot (agency photographer), sizes up the situation. Jen Eisler (seated), Jeff Gonick, Ty Burrowbridge, and Steve Red, president and chief creative officer. I can totally relate, he has the vision in his head and wants to see how it can play out in real life. He is even particular about the position of the typewriter, which I guess is just a tad out of place for his taste. Carla Mote, Jen Eisler (seated), Jeff Gonick, Ty Burrowbridge, and Rachel Timmerman,
OK ready, and he’s off. BTW I asked isn’t smoking indoors illegal in Philly, well the cigs weren’t lit and the smoke was added via photoshop, so no fines are necessary. Chris Sembrot (agency photographer), Steve Red (president + chief creative officer), Michael Barker (Executive Creative Director), Natasha Hallahan (seated), Greg Spiker (partially blocked)
The final results, and if the shot was larger you would see the smiles on their faces. What I like is how Natasha Hallahan (seated) stays in character. I guess she’s a pro having been in M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Village.”

To see the final results check out: www.redtettemer.com

Happy Weekend, I am not even going to promise to post this weekend like I do every week and then never get to it. But tune in next week as I still have to post a few more PIGLFF events, an art gallery exhibit I went to that was really interesting, Snoop Dogg’s visit, a party at Denim and info about a couple of new places about to invade our City. Thanks for visiting, I really appreciate it, I appreciate your emails, and for the brave ones your comments. It seems most people like to email me. Thanks for the birthday wishes too. – Philly Chit Chat – HughE