Categories
Uncategorized

ChitChat: Bella Hadid & Dua Lipa Spotted; Weekend Recommendations and Boo at the Zoo

Bella Hadid was spotted at Nina’s Waffles & Ice Cream in New Hope PA to get her go to cup of homemade ice cream and was happy to pose for a few photos for her friends, here with store manager Heather Lacey. She’s no stranger to the popular spot at 31 W. Mechanic St. as Bella has been staying on her mom’s Yolanda Hadid’s lavender farm in nearby Solebury with her sister Gigi who confirmed her pregnancy with boyfriend Zayn Malik, in April. While no one has seen Gigi or out and about in town, she has posted photos of herself at the farm on her Instagram account . Bella is due this month, some fans speculate she’s had the baby already as Bella posted a cryptic message the other day saying she can’t stop crying, and Gigi responded with lots of smile emojis.
Songstress Dua Lipa was just spotted at Liv & Charlie’s Real Food in New Hope today. I wonder if she brought a baby gift to Gigi? How is Dua connected to the Hadid’s? Well, the ‘Future Nostalgia‘ star has been dating Gigi’s brother, Anwar, since 2019.

****************
To Keep Up with who’s in town, and what’s happening in town:
DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO PHILLYCHITCHAT TOP Left
Also Accepting Advertisements

I do love so much about the New Hope area, especially in the fall. Did you know that Zac Posen’s family has a farm nearby as well. He goes there nearly every weekend. Another hot happening in New Hope is the Bucks County Playhouse. Last year we attended their gala hosted by actress and board member Marilu Henner who brought along her friend Tony Danza who performed a song and dance for the evening. This weekend they’ve pivoted to an online variety show show which looks terrific.

“Playhouse Live!,” the 30-minute, free Virtual Variety show produced by Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA, streams again this Sunday night, September 20 at 7 p.m. with an all-new program and added musical performances.

Hosted by the Playhouse’s trio of Tony-award winning producers (Producing Director Alexander Fraser, Executive Producer Robyn Goodman and Producer Josh Fiedler), this week’s installment will be co-hosted by television, stage and film actress, Didi Conn (“Grease!”). 

Highlights of this week’s show include an interview with Conn about her experiences filming the blockbuster musical “Grease!” Tony-winning actress, Linda Lavin, will introduce you to her latest character, internet sensation Yvette Slosch.  “Frozen’s” Mason Reeves and Playhouse favorite Sky Seals (“Million Dollar Quartet”) will provide musical performances. Richard Riaz Yoder (“Hello, Dolly!” on Broadway and the Playhouse’s “Ain’t Misbehavin”) will tap to Fats Waller’s “Honeysuckle Rose.”

“Playhouse Live!” is line-produced by Jeremy Ehlinger and Michael Traupman and made possible with support from the Playhouse Annual Fund and Re-opening Campaign donors. The Playhouse is especially grateful to season support from Bank of America.  Please check the website for upcoming dates and the Virtual show at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org;  on Facebook @BCPTheater;  on YouTube @BCPTheaterinfo.

Speaking of Grease !! Enjoy a modern take the classic movie (OMG classic I remember when it came out, my parents wouldn’t let us go see it because of a word in one of the songs, anyway) at Willow Grove Park’s, “Park and Play: Dinner and a Movie,” event. Engage in a night of family friendly fun, featuring food and drinks from Cheesecake Factory, Yard House, TGI Friday’s, Kamp for Kids, Cheesesteak Champs and Royal Zarasa; Music by Curran Entertainment; and a main feature that viewers of all ages will love – Grease! The $20 per vehicle ticketed event is sure to sell out,   Saturday, September 19th – Parking lot opens at 6pm (The drive-in will be located in Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s parking lot (Easton Road side), movie begins at 8pm reserve your spot today: eventbrite.com/e/park-and-play-grease-tickets.

Congrats to local PR maven Sharla Feldscher, President
FHPR – Feldscher Horwitz Public Relations on her new book KIDFUN book (KIDFUN: 401 Easy Ideas for Play). With all this free time we adults have, we could definitely use some ideas of fun as well.
Variety-the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley would love to be considered for one the 20 spaces that you are donating. Variety works to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational, and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence, and prepare them for life.
Speaking of fun things to do:
The Philadelphia Zoo announces the return of the annual Halloween celebration Boo at the Zoo – presented by Chase. This annual fall favorite for families and kids of all ages will take over Philadelphia Zoo this coming October for three weekends in a row.

On October 16-18, October 23-25 and October 30-November 1, families are invited to enjoy Philadelphia Zoo and enjoy a socially distanced Halloween celebration that features fall plants and foliage, spooky kid-friendly decorations, a COVID-friendly Halloween parade, not-scary extinction graveyard, photo opportunities, and special treats. Come dressed in your favorite costume and get ready to enjoy a not-so-spooky safari at America’s first Zoos right here in Philadelphia.

New for this year, post your families favorite photo on Instagram and tag @philadelphiazoo and hashtag #booatthezoophilly for a chance to win great prizes – and have your photo shared on the Philadelphia Zoo Instagram. One or more photos will be shared each day during Boo at the Zoo for an online, virtual costume “parade” via Instagram Stories.

Speaking of animals, local animal rescue group, Philadoptables, has released their 8th edition of the Hunks for Hounds charity calendar. All models posed with rescued pets from the Philadelphia metro area. All proceeds from the calendar help Philadoptables support Philly area animal rescues, especially the city’s open intake animal shelter, ACCT Philly. The calendar is produced at no cost to Philadoptables because everyone from the photographer, videographer, models, graphic artists and printers donates their time and services.  This year’s photographer, Alison of Alison Dunlap Photography, donated her services and is also an animal rescue volunteer. This year’s notable models include Jaxon- radio personality on 93.3 WMMR radio, Libre- puppy mill survivor and anti-cruelty mascot, and Suzy Pupman- local injured senior dog who walked into a home with an open door in the middle of the night. The shoot location, Thistle Dew Farm in Quakertown, offered their space at no cost to Philadoptables. Calendars are available for purchase at Philadoptables.org

Philly New Food and a fun spot to sit and dine

Now that the Philadelphia Museum of Art has reopened its doors to visitors, Constellation Culinary Group will operate its signature food and beverage offerings at the Espresso Bar located in the North Vaulted Walkway. The brand this week has also launched Prepped, a new outdoor food truck offering easy bites and prepared foods, which will live on the north side of the museum. HOURS: Wednesday and Friday 11am-6pm Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 11am-3:30pm All Hours are Weather Permitting Closed Monday and Tuesday – In accordance with safe standards the art museum is now offering small, intimate events. For more information about how to book an event or to learn more about event capabilities, visit www.philamuseum.org/entertaining or contact entertaining@philamuseum.org

Next week a new, thought provoking exhibit opens at the Barnes Foundation, Elijah Pierce’s America. See life, faith, and politics through the eyes of an expert woodcarver. Check out their website for the safety measures they’ve put into place, as well as all the information you’ll need to visit their new exhibit as well as their wonderful collection.
Check out this years Fringe Festival before it ends: The Philadelphia Fringe Festival is a 4-week long, city-wide celebration of innovation and creativity in contemporary performance. Each September, the Festival explodes into every nook and cranny of Philadelphia with more than 1,000 artistically daring performances, including national and international performances curated by FringeArts, and works that are produced by independent artists and promoted by FringeArts.
This year’s festival will be predominantly virtual, featuring over 120 works across genres and platforms. A handful of events will take place outdoors, and follow all city and state guidelines around social distancing and public health measures.
Except for the first and last photos, all of them were provided

It was good to see the Rocky Statue get a little love last week. Normally on any given day before the pandemic there’d be a long line to see the most famous movie prop in Philly, but for the past few months barely a raised fist. Best news, everyone was wearing a mask and nearly social distancing. Hope to see you around town this weekend, if not on Social Media. DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO PHILLYCHITCHAT TOP Left
Have a safe, memory making weekend. Best HughE

Categories
Uncategorized

The Coventry Deli Closes Because of Coronavirus Pandemic

Before there was Corner Bakery, Naf Naf Grill, Nooks Bakery, Mama’s Vegetarian, Wawa, or any number of eateries on Market above Broad Street there was The Coventry Deli. Located at 2000 Market Street. David Rovner said the pandemic killed his business. I was lunching there today with my friend Michael, and we were reminiscing about all the times we had eaten there especially while working at our first jobs in Philly,

David Rovner says they are closing on Friday after 26 years in business. I asked him what happened and he said they just couldn’t make it work because everyone is working from home these days. When a customer heard Dave and I talk about the closing she ask was it true, would it be forever. Dave said it might be, but he doesn’t want to rule out anything in the future; right now he plans to be back in 2021. Hopefully in January but it depends on on the virus and restrictions; would people come back to the office or would they work from home permanently? Let’s cross our fingers that this will happen. Here’s what is special about the iconic deli.

The Coventry Deli has been the premiere Mom & Pop Deli in the city for 26 years! Open Monday thru Friday from 6 am – 3 pm, The Coventry Deli is a center city staple for breakfast or lunch, as well as take out and catering. Their slogan of “If we don’t have it, you shouldn’t eat it.”
All of their food is made from scratch onsite, using the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Every order is made to order, and is made fresh before your eyes. The lines were long, but the wait was worth it.
BPHL fest 9/15 – 9/17

Everyone went to The Coventry Deli from executives, to secretaries to people who worked in the file room like I did at my first job. I have so many memories going there, I always got the tuna salad with tomato’s or the BLT, which I had today.

Besides a great place to dine, The Conventry Deli catered many of the business meetings and lunches for the tenants in nearby buildings. No doubt the missing office workers hurt his business. Have you had their pickles?

Dessert options include decadent cakes, cheesecakes, butter cookies, pastries, water ice and more.

If you’re downtown in the next two days, stop by The Conventry Deli and thank Dave for all the years of delicious breakfasts and lunches. Cross your fingers that next year people will return, and maybe he will too.

Categories
Uncategorized

Things to Discuss: The New Normal Thanksgiving Day Parade, Celebs Dining Out, How to Watch the Local Emmys

It’s Wednesday. I still get confused even though now I am back to work. Over the past few weeks business opportunities have come to me and I’ve been trying to get back in the mode of working. It’s much harder than I thought as I’ve grown accustomed to having very little responsibility. Let’s discuss:

The 6ABC Dunkin Thanksgiving Day Parade has made its way down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and into the hearts of the community for 100 memorable years. Hundreds of thousands of spectators traditionally line the streets of downtown Philadelphia to watch as the Parade marches by. Last year I was fortunate enough to get a behind the scenes and see how the parade was put together as my friend AJ Matia was the strategy producer for the 100th 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade.

2020 continues to be a special kinda year:

InBox: Thanksgiving Day Shoebox Parade

This year, to ensure the health and safety of the community, the 6ABC Dunkin Thanksgiving Celebration will replace parade.However, make no mistake, the 101st installment of everyone’s favorite holiday tradition will be the most innovative show yet!

As part of the 2020 Thanksgiving celebration, 6ABC will host its first community Celebration Shoebox Float Parade. The Celebration Shoebox Float Parade is a wonderful way for everyone to get involved and celebrate the holiday together.
Use your imagination and get creative – submit your photo and don’t miss a minute of the broadcast as you just may see your float pass by!! We are so excited to see what our Scouting Family creates, and even more excited to come together in spirit to celebrate Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season.

Step 1 — Pick a theme: This is your chance to create whatever you can dream! Be as innovative and collaborative as possible and use your imagination.
Step 2 – Gather your materials Start with a shoebox or any similar shaped box as your base. Add clay, paint, markers, crayons, craft supplies, feathers, sequins, flowers, seeds, toys, photos pretty much anything to bring your vision to life.
Step 3 – Watch the 6ABC Dunkin Thanksgiving Celebration. Gather your family, friends and neighbors and grab your front row seat in the comfort of your own home and watch the Celebration and Philadelphia’s FIRST shoebox parade!
Visit COLBSA.org/parade for full instructions.

Pennsylvania has a massive shortage of poll workers that are needed for safe, in-person voting on Election Day. If we don’t recruit more poll workers, voters could face long lines at the polls and voter suppression.
The Voter Project is partnering with the national organization, Power the Polls, to recruit poll workers right here in Pennsylvania.
We need your help! This election matters and your participation will help people vote.
****

Saturday Night is Alright, now you can enjoy the local Emmy Award ceremony.

On Saturday, September 19, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ (NATAS) Mid-Atlantic Chapter will host the 38th Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy® Awards. This year’s ceremony will be entirely virtual and streamed on the chapter’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy® Awards celebrates the professional accomplishments of the visual media community in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. This year, the Chapter received 743 entries in 78 Emmy® categories, of which 348 entries received nominations.

During the ceremony, NATAS Mid-Atlantic will induct seven individuals to the Silver Circle Society, a prestigious honor that recognizes individuals who have outstanding service in broadcasting for a minimum of 25 years, with the majority of it being spent in the Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Those who will be inducted at the 2020 Emmy® awards are Carl Abraham of WNEP; Charlene Horne of CBS3; Ralph Iannotti of KDKA; Brad Nau of CBS3; Dave Rupp of WGAL; Vai Sikahema of NBC10; and Renee Wallace of WPXI.

Crystal Pillar Award winners will also be announced, recognizing the talented video production work of higher education students.

Tuesday night I headed back to Steak 48 for opening night. The steak was as good as I thought, and I stand by what I said yesterday. It’s the best steak in the City. It was a busy night with notable Philly out enjoying Philly’s latest steakhouse.

Spotted dining near me was Herb Lusk, former American football running back who played for three seasons in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles and Seth Joyner, is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos. Joyner is currently a football analyst on FS1 and on Eagles Pregame and Postgame Live on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Categories
Uncategorized

Steak 48 Opens Today, and it’s Delicious

Steak 48, an award-winning, upscale steakhouse concept brought by James Beard Award Nominated restaurateurs & brothers Jeffrey and Michael Mastro – officially opening for indoor dining TODAY, September 15th

Rakim Young and Zaakirah Lewis will greet you as you arrive

Designed by Judith Testani of Testani Design Troupe, the warm, contemporary steakhouse will feature an upscale and energetic environment with a comfortable, yet sleek, sexy and stylish atmosphere. The 12,000-square-foot, ground floor restaurant will house a collection of intimate dining rooms and cozy corridors, including a spacious mezzanine with an impressive view of Broad street. Additional highlights include a vibrant bar, a floor-to ceiling glass expo kitchen, intimate dining kitchen suites and multiple private dining rooms featuring eye-catching architectural detail. At its full capacity, Steak 48 offers seating for up to 450 people.

To ensure Covid19 Safety Standards, they have reformatting the restaurant design and using stunning floral arrangements to ensure parties maintain at least 6’ distance apart from other parties, including while seated and while waiting for their table
Saturday night Dr. Thanuja Hamilton, Nicholas Perugino , Mike Toub and I were invited to dinner on Saturday night. What a treat. Everything was delicious.
Thanuja had the bone in filet small $77. I had the Waygu Petite $84. Mike had the Ribyeye $59 Mike had the Bone In Large $71. The steak prices are comparable to nearby places.

Steak 48’s extensive wine program features a large collection of expertly-chosen varietals from around the world, including more than 48 wines by-the-glass and 650 wines by-the-bottle, spanning a wide range of options all best in class. Exclusive to Philadelphia, Steak 48 has partnered with Blanton’s Bourbon to select a signature single barrel of whiskey – curating the spirit’s flavor profile and aging sequence to pair with select Steak 48 menu items. A full menu of vibrant craft cocktails rounds out the beverage program boasting a broad selection of spirits hand-picked to perfectly pair with any meal.

At the helm of the kitchen is Philadelphia-native Executive Chef Robert Watson (previously of Dominick’s Steakhouse and Steak 44), with support from Chief Executive Chef Marc Lupino, who leads Steak 48’s culinary program and has been part of the team since the early 2000s. Together, the dynamic chef duo presents a bespoke menu of Steak 48’s signature USDA prime steaks, ultra-premium wagyu beef and locally-sourced seafood. Complete what’s sure to be a great meal with shareable appetizers and side dishes, creative salads and desserts guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.


Steak 48 is located along the Avenue of the Arts at 260 S Broad St (corner of Broad and Spruce Streets), ideally positioned adjacent to the world-renowned Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and on the ground level of The Post Brothers’ new luxury apartment building, The Atlantic.
Head over to CBS3Philly for more photos, and at the end of the week at PhillyStyle Magazine.

Definitely the top 3 best steakhouse in Philly. It’s beautiful. The service was impeccable. Serious about social distancing. The bathrooms are individual. Seats 400, but during Covid no more than 100 per dining experience. Very impressive layout. Steak 48 is vibrant and a desirable place to be. If you’re afraid of heights, Steak 48 is going to be the next hot social scene in 2021 to be see and be seen, while enjoying the best steak served in Philly. Sorry Hugo’s Frog, if you’re a long time reader you know that was my king of steak for years.

Categories
Uncategorized

InBox: ROSALIE Opens In Wayne Featuring Authentic Italian Comfort Food

Fearless Restaurants’ Rosalie opened on September 10, 2020, at the Wayne Hotel, 139 Lancaster Ave., offering Italian Soul Food. It is a labor of love deeply rooted in the formation of the restaurant for owner Marty Grims and Executive Chef Merick Devine that you can taste in the food!

Rosalie is currently opened for dinner only and opens for lunch on Saturday, September 12, 2020. Devine said, “Our goal is to cook real, Italian, comfort food. Food that has a soul, that just makes you feel good to eat. I am perpetually fascinated by the hyper rationality of Italian Cuisine and we plan to celebrate that. From Sicilia to Friuli, we are going to hit it all.”

The bar features a custom mural emulating the look of an old Italian street scene and trattoria styled booths in the bar dining area.

Rosalie is named for owner Marty Grims’ mother, a second-generation Italian immigrant. “The story of “Rosalie” is first and foremost about family. It is about generations of many families that have come together to bring Rosalie to life. It is about the families that will dine with us, that we will nurture, and treat as if they are our own. The notion of family is reflected in everything we do. The origins of the name and food, the way we treat our guests, it is ALL about family,” explained Grims.

Pizza Per La Tavola Fontal, Tallegio, Fig, Speck

Rosalie features 60 seats in Sala Grande, the main dining room, 60 seats on the Portico, the porch, and for private events, there are 32 seats in the Salotto, 30 seats in the Sala Piccola, 100 in the Atrio, the Lobby Lounge for cocktails or 150 in the Sala Grande. Rosalie is also available for buyouts and can seat 200 reception style.

“Rosalie will offer an international wine list of 120 bottles with a focus on Italian wine, the beer list will be a combination of local craft and international favorites and there will be Italian inspired versions of classic cocktails,” according to Fearless Director of Beverage Len Boris.
**I had a chance to eat at Rosalie last week with a few dozen friends in the media, and it was delicious. The food was fabulous, but the decor and ambiance of the newest mainline eatery was outstanding. I predict Rosalie will be the hot spot of 2021, but the expansive patio will be a big hit even sooner during this temporary new normal. As I told a reader on FB: It’s very nice. Peaceful. Beautiful decor, and it’s from the Fearless Restaurant group so we know it’s delicious. **
Make a reservation on Open Table for your next dinner.

Categories
Uncategorized

Rittenhouse Row Reopens

Hello it’s Thursday and gloomy, but the news I’m writing about showcases a bright future for Center City. I’m happy to report that Rittenhouse Row is ready for for your return. So many stores are open now, restaurants are open, the oppressive summer heatwave has subsided and the streets and park are clean and inviting. Some of our favorite stores have closed, a few closed because of the riot, but the majority were affected by the pandemic. Some did close before the pandemic like Intermix, I know a lot of people are sad about that store. A few new stores opened after the pandemic. I will do a comprehensive post next week after the ribbon cutting for the reopening of Boyd’s and Joan Shepp.

After weeks of cleaning Mac Cosmetic store at 18th and Chestnut Streets will be re opening tomorrow. M-S 11-7; Sunday 12-6 (It’s not reflected on their website or Instagram, but the managers have reached out to me to give me the good news) . Nearby Sephora re opened last month at 1714 Chestnut St. Unfortunately superstore Ulta Beauty has closed for good on Walnut Street, but they have a nice store in the Fashion District on Market Street.

More good news, Butcher & Singer has opened at 15th and Walnut Streets. Now what’s going with Alma de Cuba down the street as it’s still closed?
Welcome back Swarovski, 1421 Walnut St, and Pandora at 1613 Walnut St. Tiffany’s Jewellery is opened across the street, and will be moving into their new space in late fall in the space which was Zara’s at 1715 Walnut.
  • Club Monaco
  • Brooks Brothers
  • State & Liberty
LAGOS Jewelry on 1735 Walnut St is has re opened and Janice Waitkus and associates are excited to welcome you back.

Tumi looks to be opening soon as they have re stocked their store.

Nearby H&M on Walnut St. is still closed but they’ve finally painted their boards black after lots of my online complaining. Rumor has it that either this H&M or the one at 16th & Chestnut might close as they feel they’re competing with each other. Plus they’ve just opened a beautiful new store in the Fashion District.
Two weeks ago I reported the Wells Fargo bank on Walnut closed for good. Sadly the buildings at 1706 – 1712 Walnut St have been condemned as unsafe by L&I after the fire set on May 30. The wall and roof of the buildings have collapsed and their are notices on the building. It’ll be interesting to see what will happen with these four buildings.
Since that post someone reached out to me to tell me that Wells Fargo has signed to go in the former Lucky Brand space at 1634 Walnut Street in 2021, which is next to the Chase Bank, across the street from Capital One and the nearby Citizens Bank store. I’m good with that, We will now refer to the area of 17th & Walnut as bankers corner.

Opened and waiting for you. Blue Sole Shoes

Kids Foot Locker has opened at 1510 Chestnut Street, but across the street Foot Locker has closed for good the store clerks have told me.
Stuart Weitzman 1711 Walnut St has closed, and as I reported weeks ago Allbirds is now open.

Center City is getting back to business, and is looking forward to seeing you. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news these past few months, but I want you to know that things really are looking good and opening up. I feel that it’s safe to come into the City, but of course always be aware of your surroundings. Be extra careful after dark, a lot of stores seem to close by 8pm and foot traffic is lighter at that time. The restaurant areas are packed, and when possible park as close to them, take an Uber or a cab, again it’s just because a lot of folks are still working remotely so there’s not a lot of foot traffic after dark. Wear your mask, if you can eat out, try and tip at least 25%. When a server comes to your table if you remember wear your mask, protect both of you. Be considerate, and kind. We’re all stressed out in this unprecedented time. See you social. Twitter and Instagram. Stay in touch with what’s going on on Rittenhouse Row here.

Categories
Uncategorized

This & That: Bradley Cooper & Ben Simmons at the Jersey Shore; Adam Sandler; Sarah Megan Thomas, Movies in Philly

It was a lovely, strange summer, which actually might be endless for sometime for some of us. Our weekend in Lancaster was fantastic and I’ll write more about it on later this week.

Bradley Cooper was spotted several times this past summer at the Jersey Shore in Ocean City, and again in Longport and Margate this past weekend. Friday night he was at Catch in Longport, and Saturday at Steve & Cookies in Margate. Friends tell me his mother has a summer place in Brigantine and he is often spotted there as well. For most of the summer Cooper was renting a home in Fairfield Connecticut where he and his pal, another perpetual bachelor Leonardo Dicaprio were spotted sailing one afternoon. TODAY Cooper was spotted handing off his daughter to his baby mama and ex girlfriend Irina Shayk. Ben Simmons was spotted at the Longport beach, without on again, off again girlfriend Kendall Jenner. Seems she’s moved on SOURCE.

Congratulations to food journalist Alexandra Jones on the publication of her first book ” Stuff Every Cheese Lover Should Know.”

Congrats Ary Modesto and Robert Santorsa on their engagement. Robert popped the question on September 1 while dining at their favorite restaurant Tequila’s in Rittenhouse Square. The duo has been dating for several years, and I was blessed to watch their love grow over the years. In 2017, they were chosen as one of the Best Dressed at The Academy Ball not only because of their fantastic threads but for the love in their eyes for each other. So happy for them. Super nice couple.
Congrats Alexandria Hoff and her husband Nathan Calvert who are expecting their first child in December.
Congrats to Vinnie G Radio who starts working as the host of the red eye shift at Midnight on PopRadio77. Travel back in time, relive memories. Tune to PopRadio 77 for the most “pop”ular music from decades past. Work hard, and be flexible and your dreams will come true. Happy for you buddy!!
Heery-Loftus Casting is looking for a few good people for the Adam Sandler/LeBron James Netflik’s flik filming in our area next week. Head on over to their FB page for specifics on what they’re looking for as well as the COVID19 precautions they’ve put in place to keep everyone safe.

Congratulations to Dr. Thanuja Hamilton, MD who was chosen by her peers as a top doc in South Jersey. I’m not surprised, Thanuja is not only a top doc, but an awesome friend to many.

Award-winning actress, producer, and writer Sarah Megan Thomas is about to debut her new film October 3, “A Call To Spy.” It’ll be the third film shot partially in Philly by the Havertown native. Her other films were Backwards (I was an extra) and Equity (I spent a day on the set).
SYNOPSIS: In the beginning of WWII, with Britain becoming desperate, Churchill orders his new spy agency – “SOE” – to recruit and train women as spies. Their daunting mission: conduct sabotage and build a resistance. SOE’s “Spymistress,” Vera Atkins (Stana Katic) recruits two unusual candidates: Virginia Hall (Sarah Megan Thomas), an ambitious American with a wooden leg, and Noor Inayat Khan (played by Radhika Apte), a Muslim pacifist. Together, these women help to undermine the Nazi regime in France, leaving an unmistakable legac in their wake. Inspired by true stories, this original screenplay draws on SOE, OSS (pre-cursor to CIA), and CIA files, as well as interviews with living relatives.

Sarah Megan Thomas and Alysia Reiner took a break from filming their new movie “Equity,” which is about women on Wall Street, to stop by the Best of Philly party 2015.

Producing a WWII drama on a low-budget was daunting, and it took me four years, states Sarah Megan Thomas. We shot “London,” “Scotland,” and parts of “France” in the greater Philadelphia area — where I grew up and where I have shot all my films (fun trivia: for the “stately home” where these spies historically trained, we shot inside the home of the family that inspired “The Philadelphia Story” – Ardrossan). For the richness and texture of 1940’s France, we shot for a shorter time in Budapest. To read more about the upcoming film head to the IndieWire story.

Thanks for stopping by today, see you on Social. My best HughE

Categories
Uncategorized

Cape May Summer

Unofficial summer ends this weekend, and I’m so glad. As I get older, the summer goes by so much faster, just as my mother always said would happen. This year I’m not as sad it’s over, in fact I’m ready for 2021.

That being said, I did have a wonderful summer spent with friends, family and meeting new friends; I traveled to beautiful places, ate entirely too many good meals, all outside during one of the hottest summers ever and now with Lantern Flies, and experienced moments of joy, beauty, awakenings and terror (If I never see a fireworks show again, ok who am I kidding). One of the places I traveled often was Cape May this summer, a beautiful spot.

Although I had been to Cape May many times over the years for dinner, bird watching, the monarch butterfly migration which is from mid September to mid October, and for a quick shopping trip, but I had never stayed there. This year it was on my bucket list, and it was cemented when I found out my nephew TJ would be working at the Chalfonte Hotel. The photo above shows the Chalfonte during the 7PM nightly concert which takes place on the porch. People from all over Cape May come to enjoy professional entertainers every night, as well as locals on Thursday nights where anyone can join the band. (I’ll write more about the hotel in a future post.)

Today I am focusing on the beautiful gardens of Cape May. So many beautiful gardens and porches.

Exit Zero a delicious late lunch, dinner spot.

I love my flags, and Cape May didn’t disappoint.

Natures front porch to the Atlantic Ocean

Happy Labor Day Weekend. See you on Social Media, and back here at Philly Chit Chat blog on Tuesday. I’ll be writing about my trip to Lancaster, another area you know I travel to often for day trips but have never stayed over night. Excited to see what else is there in addition to the beautiful scenery and the Amish who I often photograph, but only from behind as it’s not polite to capture their face. Have a safe weekend, be kind and thanks for reading PCC> HughE

Categories
Uncategorized

Eagles offer fans the chance to purchase cardboard cutouts for games at the Linc to support Eagles Autism Foundation

On Monday, the Eagles announced that they are offering season ticket holders and fans the chance to buy cardboard cutouts in a seat at Lincoln Financial Field for a $100 donation, with the proceeds going to the Eagles Autism Foundation.

“While we wish we could pack Lincoln Financial Field with 70,000 screaming fans every game this year, circumstances will require us to be Together Apart for at least a portion of the season. But, you can still be a part of the gameday action with an Eagles Fan Cutout at Lincoln Financial Field. Put on your gameday best and upload a photo of yourself so that you can still join us on gamedays, even while you’re watching from the comfort and safety of your own home. Eagles fan cutouts are only $100 each, with net proceeds benefiting Eagles Autism Foundation. Purchase of a fan cutout will also waive the registration fee for the 2021 Eagles Autism Challenge event, if you choose to participate.”

Fan cutouts will remain at Lincoln Financial Field during the 2020 season, as long as governmental guidelines continue to prohibit fans from attending games. If fan attendance guidelines change, cutouts may be removed from the seating bowl to accommodate in person attendees. Head over to HERE for step by step instructions as well as FYI.

Categories
Uncategorized

This & That: Wanted Poll Workers, Balloon Bocce, Bernard Hopkins & Other Philly Good News

I only took this photo on this post

I’ve never been more excited for September 1st in my life. We’re that much closer to the event of the pandemic, the election, the future, and I believe it looks bright. So much news happening, good news, and I’m happy to bring it to you. Also if you’re a subscriber who gets the blog delivered in full in your email, if you want to see the Instagram photos posted on the blog, click the link at the top and it will take you to my blog. For some reason they don’t show up in the email blasts like all the other photos. OK Let’s get started… although the first post is a nationwide outreach, the Ovarian Cancer charity is run by my sister Janine, in Charlotte, but she’s from the Philly area.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, statewide, Pennsylvania is in need of 15,000 new poll workers to work on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, to work what has traditionally often been a job fulfilled by citizens of a more advanced age.   It is essential that our polling places are adequately staffed with helpful and passionate community members. Enter The Voter Project, a non-partisan organization that seeks to recruit community-minded citizens (such as you!) eager to work the polls and ensure a smooth, seamless, and safe election day.

Potential poll workers (a paid position) can sign up viawww.thevoterproject.com

Inbox: With live sports attendance on hold, Philadelphia is hungry for a big game we can all get excited about. This Labor Day weekend, LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice is serving up a brand-new sport we call Hot Air Balloon Bocce that is sure to satisfy every Philadelphian hankering for a new pastime. Launching from a TBD location, our custom-designed hot air balloon will set flight at dusk and dawn on Saturday, Sept. 5th* and Sunday, Sept. 6th*, bringing the beloved backyard game of bocce to the skies as we float directly over the Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Square. Should we navigate the winds successfully, everyone in Philly wins free LUIGI’S! The catch? The only thing guiding us toward a win is luck itself. That’s right, we’re turning the city of Philadelphia into a larger-than-life bocce ball court and only the winds can decide if we’ll hit the mark.We’ll be sharing the balloon’s coordinates in real-time on our social channels, so fans can follow along and post, using #LUIGISInTheSky.

I’m always losing my mask, John Wind has come up with a good pivot for the chain which usually holds my glasses.

Sad to see PBJ Soft Serve move away. They really built up a nice business over the past couple years. They even served treats to the many movies who filmed in the area. If you or someone you know is interested in taking over the business, email pbjsoftserve@gmail.com for more details.

Tomorrow, World Champion Bernard Hopkins and members of Joe Frasier’s family will be at the dedication of new signage at the entrance to the Boxers’ Trail. On Wednesday, September 2 at 10 am, Fairmount Park Conservancy, community members, and representatives of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation will highlight the history of the Boxers’ Trail in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood.

It’s a great neighborhood story: how the Boxers’ Trail got its name, the history of boxing in Strawberry Mansion and across the city, and a way to tell stories of predominantly Black communities. Follow along with the ceremony HERE.