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Preview Party: The Forgotten Freedom

The Forgotten Freedom: American Assembly at 250 made a powerful debut at the National Liberty Museum with an exclusive preview that blended history, culture, and civic pride in a way that felt especially timely as Philadelphia looks toward 2026.

Costantino Spinosa, Director of Museum Experience of National Liberty Museum, Dr. Alaine Arnott, President and CEO of the National Liberty Museum and Wilbert Montgomery, American former professional football player who was a running back for nine years with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions of the National Football League

Guests were among the first to experience the museum’s ambitious new exhibition series exploring one of the nation’s most essential yet often overlooked rights, the freedom of assembly.

Created for America’s 250th anniversary, the immersive presentation unfolds across three interconnected exhibitions, tracing how collective moments, from the founding era to modern pop culture, have shaped the American story.

The preview offered a sweeping narrative through artifacts and storytelling that connected the nation’s earliest gatherings with iconic cultural flashpoints such as Woodstock and Live Aid, alongside influential figures including Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan, whose impact extended far beyond sports.

John Colabelli, Publisher. of Philadelphia Style Magazine, Brian Tierney, CEO of Brian Communications and Ron Jaworski known to the world as JAWS, is a former professional American football quarterback and a notable sports analyst, best known for his long career in the NFL, particularly as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
Beau McCall shows Dr Matt Kenyatta his art as Souleo looks on

Contemporary artworks added depth and immediacy, prompting reflection on how communities continue to assemble and advocate today.

Bill Carroll, ChiChit Carroll and Michael Milborn
Dr Nicholas L. DePace, MD, (Who operates the DePace Sports Museum) Honorable Judge Jacquelyn Frazier-Lyde and Joseph M. Marrone, Esquire
The Kelce Brothers Jerseys are on display

See a 1936 Olympic Torch, a Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour fan jacket, game-worn jerseys from Jason and Travis Kelce, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Jalen Hurts

Theresa and Derek Clark

Ken Goldin, Founder & CEO Goldin Auctions lent the preview party an original

Declaration of Independence document from New Hampshire. That was so cool to see in person, and was only displayed at the preview party.

Christy Adams, Joe Lyde, Joe Fraizer Foundation and George Bochetto

Guests enjoyed elevated bites from 12th Street Catering, inventive cocktails by mixologist Sean Clarke, and live music from Bachelor Boys Band, while a lively silent auction supported the museum’s ongoing educational mission.

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Stylish, engaged, and clearly energized by the storytelling, attendees lingered throughout the galleries, reflecting on the enduring relevance of assembly in American life. As Philadelphia prepares to take center stage for the Semiquincentennial, The Forgotten Freedom: American Assembly at 250 feels not only thoughtful and visually compelling, but deeply aligned with the civic moment the city is about to embrace. To learn more information about the National Liberty Museum (321 Chestnut St.) and its latest exhibit, visit libertymuseum.org

See additional photos in CBSPhilly and in an upcoming issue of Phila Style Magazine.

Socially yours, xoxo HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Howie Roseman MVP

The Second Annual Philly Opener

On Monday, May 12, 2025, the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (PVCC) presented the second annual Philly Opener—a celebrated, award-winning celebration and fundraiser—at the Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106). The event marks the culmination of National Travel and Tourism Week, uniting industry professionals, community partners, and enthusiastic locals to spotlight the vital role tourism plays in Philadelphia and the surrounding region.

Daniel J. Hilferty is the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Spectacor, Howie Roseman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Philadelphia Eagles and Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Most Valuable Philadelphian (MVP) Award, recognizing an individual who has made a significant impact on the city. This year’s honoree Howie Roseman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, whose leadership has not only brought the team to three Super Bowl appearances and two victories in the past eight years, but also elevated Philadelphia’s profile on the global stage.

Cari Feiler Bender, President and Founder of Relief Communications celebrated her birthday last night at the event. here with Kathryn Ott Lovell, President of the Phila Visitor Center

Guests enjoyed the city and state’s iconic destinations with fun activations and photo moments from the Visitor Center and Visit PA. The culinary experience at the event will showcase the best of Philadelphia’s diverse food scene, including a Taste of Reading Terminal Market, a Taste of the Historic District, and a tasting station from James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces featuring Buena Onda in collaboration with Mijenta Tequila.

Christian Molnar Director of Team Relationships Aileen Dagrosa – Eagles Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Marla Axelrod, Vice President, Deputy General Counsel · Philadelphia Eagles and Rachel Weiss, Eagles General Counsel
Colby Roberts and Denise Berry
Dave Birch, Stella Andersen, Sherry Andersen, Katie Burger and Courtney Auster of Pennsylvania State Tourism. A favorite tourism spot they recommend is is Jim Thorpe, especially Penns peak. As well as Bedford Springs especially the Omni Bedford Resort.
The Phambassadors sign up to volunteer at cool Philly events. HERE
Out and About: Laura Burkhardt and James Zeleniak – Founder | CEO – Punch Media PR
Maria Deluca and Annie Allman of the Reading Terminal Market
Andrew Bergman, OIC Philadelphia, Tiffany Tavarez is Vice President, Community Impact and Strategic Partnerships for Jefferson’s Office of Community Impact, Jane Golden, Mural Arts and Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, and Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross
Ben and Betsy with Priya Ahmad and Councilmember Nina Ahmad | At Large
Sadie Mendlow, Cashman & Associates, Britini Lettsome (Fav tourist spots – Reading Terminal, Spruce Street Harbor and Magic Garden) and Colleen Murphy, Phila Visitor Center
Councilmembers Mark Squilla and Isaiah Thomas
City Representative Jazelle Jones

Dignitaries proudly spotlighted what makes our city shine: world-class museums, rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and of course, our unbeatable food scene (yes, cheesesteaks included ). But none of it would be as welcoming without the hardworking folks in hospitality — from hotel staff and tour guides to concierges and event pros — who go the extra mile every day.

Thanks to your warm smiles, helpful tips, and hometown pride, guests leave Philly with amazing memories and a desire to come back for more.

Philly’s star is rising — and it’s all thanks to you!

Socially Yours, HughE

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Loch Bar Has It’s Sea Legs

Baltimore restaurateur Alex Smith addresses the crowd at the ribbon cutting, as developer Carl Dranoff looks on opening day October 12. Loch Bar is on the ground floor of his Arthaus condo building at Broad and Spruce Streets.

In October Loch Bar, a seafood house based in Baltimore, opened in Philadelphia at the corner of Broad and Spruce streets on the Avenue of the Arts. Andre Flewellen and I photographed the ribbon cutting and party. Since that time I have eaten there a dozen times.

Joe and Christine Sweeney

I’m a night owl. I like the nightlife, I like to boogie and that doesn’t always mean on the dance floor. I love the Philly vibe, smiles, laughter, and at Loch Bar I always find that.

Teri Vo,Anne , Marie Borns, Steve McGrath, and Deanna Frost

Plus they have live music but it’s not over whelming a conversation as you dine. It’s kinda a unique atmosphere. According to a Philadelphia Inquirer article: The live music — mainly solos or duos starting (during) dinnertime — plays into the Avenue of the Arts leitmotif. Arthaus is on the former site of Philadelphia International Records, where producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff created the sound of Philadelphia in the 1960s and ‘70s. The building was razed several years ago, making way for Arthaus. (Source)

Every time I go to Loch Bar, the bar is packed, and there’s always someone there I know. That’s a plus, especially since 4 square has ceased to exist.

Recently I ran into a few folks in the music industry at the bar: Luke Carlos O’Reilly, Eric Worthan and Durell Bottoms at Loch Bar. (12/28/23)

Chris Mullins, McGillin’s Ale House, David Blum, Montgomery McCracken and Bill Gehrman, board member of the Avenue of the Arts, and founder of EnRoute, was spotted celebrating the launch of the new Kimmel Center marketing project: NEWS: Ensemble Arts Philly Ensemble Arts Philly represents a wide variety of genres across the #KimmelCenter, #AcademyofMusic, and #MillerTheater in Philadelphia. The new brand from the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra for everything that you already know and love. For more information, visit www.EnsembleArtsPhilly.org

Sheila Hess, Philly’s City Rep, Michael DelBene, CEO Welcome America and Nicole Cashman, Ceo Cashman & Associates

Dr.Thanuja Hamilton and Lalitah Rocker

My favorite appetizer:

CRISPY POTATO SKINS & CAVIAR
horseradish cream, american caviar · 19

I love potato skins and now with the combination of caviar I’m in heaven for under $20

Frank Smrcka, Avenue of the Arts, Patrick Mullen, First Lady of the Avenue of the Arts, Laura Burkhardt, executive director, and Council Person Mark Squilla
Lauren Baumhotz, and Jacob Trachtenberg

CHICKEN & SAUSAGE GUMBO
andouille sausage, applewood smoked bacon
cup 9 | bowl 15

Tess & Scott Waldman

Chef Michael O’Halloran brings over 20 years of exceptional culinary having formerly worked as executive chef at The White Dog Café and Stella of New Hope.

Aly Green, Sharon Pinkenson, executive director GPFO and Lynn Rinaldi, General manager Lynn Rinaldi was chef-owner of Paradiso in South Philadelphia and recently did a stint at Dolce at the W Hotel.

People on my social media the other day were surprised when I raved about the fried chicken at Loch Bar. They were surprised it was on the menu. It was delicious. I’ve ordered it more than once on return trips. I also like the steak and the crab cake, which I just had on Wednesday night. So good. It comes with a choice of salad or fries. It’s January so I went with the salad.

I have had the fried lobster tail, so good. Never had it fried before.

Eric Settle, and Caron Graff

Happy Hour is Monday through Friday. Wouldn’t it be fun to do a Happy Hour crawl through Center City?

Marianne Harris and Barbara Gall of Art Haus Stop by to check out their units.

Philly’s night life mayor Raheem L.Manning and Salima Bradley checking out the night life at Loch Bar.

I think I am most excited about Loch Bar is it’s open later than most Center City restaurants ( another fav restaurant Steak 48 is across the street, but they close at 9ish most nights). It’s beautiful, there’s nothing like looking out of the expansive windows to see the ever changing movement on Broad Street. It’s great pre and post theater, and as I wrote last week Yannick Nézet-Séguin likes to head over after his gig at the orchestra, so you never know who might be on the scene. As for dining, I still have a long way to get thru the menu. I’m thinking the Seafood Tower is next on my dance card.

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Alta Pool Makes a Splash at the Piazza

The Post Brothers Piazza Alta, completed at the end of 2022, with almost 700 rental units and amenities is filling up with residents. I’ve been covering the Post Brothers for a decade now, from one of their first from the ground up developments like the Goldtex building off of Vine Street.to now Piazza Alta, their crown jewel in Northern Liberties

The combination of a rooftop pool club like Aqua Foro with interconnected pools, hot tub, splash pad, fire pits, kitchens, and lounge space makes it a unique and exciting destination for people to relax, socialize, and have fun. The design concept of an urban oasis, reminiscent of ancient ruins, but with a futuristic twist, is sure to create a memorable and magical experience for visitors.

Matthew Vogel and Farah Farag

Earlier this month the Post Brothers along with Cashman & Assocs. curated a list of VIPS, influencers and special guests along with residents, to enjoy the kick off of the summer season at the new pool.

The Millers: Barri, Amanda and Madison soak up the sun.

Sharron L Cooks wearing her fabulous sunnies in a stunning, hip hugging dress.

Bran Flakezz and his girlies: Casey Corradin, Grace Nenow, Carly Manning and Bailey Witherspoon
Erin Connery, Darius Alexander and Hacina Saadi

Aqua Foro, is a stunning 25,000 square foot rooftop pool club. Like the rooftop gardens of Rome, this unexpected sky garden is simultaneously urban and ethereal. A celebration of water and wellness, Aqua Foro evokes the beauty of an ancient ruin and the thrill of a futuristic retreat with a view of a burgeoning metropolis.

Post Brothers CEOMichael Pestronk (l) and President Matthew Pestronk (c) with friends, including the architects of the pool Rolando Lopez Lopez AIA – Project Architect – DIGSAU and Jeff Goldstein, principle at DIGSAU . I had a chance to chat with them, complimenting them on what is definitely one of the best designs of all the Post Brothers epic pool resorts. I love how they mimic the skyline with architectural elements, but didn’t block the view of the skyline, or sun rise or sun set horizons so the pool goers could enjoy all the views yet enjoy a sorta sculptural garden of sorts.

Piazza Aqua Foro

Jay Vereen and Lauren Rei

Honestly you won’t need that shore house anymore, just walk out your door to your resort. Almost makes me want to sell my house and move to NoLibs Piazza Alta.

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Ladies Who Brunch, Old City Crash, Drummer Girl Alex Holley

Kristin Detterline, Alissa Frick, Jillian Mele, Christie Mandia, Jessica Boyington, Marisa Magnatta and moi

Saturday I had brunch at the recently opened Hook and Ladder Sky Bar & Kitchen , which is now officially launching brunch on the weekends. Located in Conshohocken and part of the new Hotel West & Main. Before I head into the brunch menu, We need to catch up on the ladies Kristin Detterline, Alissa Frick, Jillian Mele, Christie Mandia, Jessica Boyington, Marisa Magnatta , for long time subscribers you recognize them not only for their accomplishments, but as my friends I’ve photographed over the years, some from the beginning of PCC, most in the last 14 years.

I’ve known Marisa Magnatta the longest, meeting her at a Philly Style Mag Party in 2008. She’s still rocking it 20 years at MMR, and in the upcoming March issue of Philly Mag, she’s interviewed.
Kristin Detterline, left her long time position as Editor-in-Chief and Group Editor of Modern Luxury Media’s Boston and Philadelphia publications, to accept a job with Athena Global Advisors. Plus she still produces content for PSM, as well as Philly Mag. Next up for her is the Build Me Up Buttercup fundraiser for the William Way Center. Jillian Mele, I met her in 2010 when she worked at NBC10, was there when she won her first Emmy in 2014, and have enjoyed watching her career soar to national heights, and then returning home where her heart, family and friends reside. Now you can catch her on 6ABC, reporting and anchoring the weekend news. Congrats to Jessica Boyington, who I’ve known for nearly a decade. What a bright ball of energy, and fun. She’s also was at NBC10, and is now at 6ABC. She just got engaged!! Great to see Alissa Frick, she also started out at NBC10, and is now at Fox29 where she is VP of Creative Services & New Media. She is also co-founder of the very innovated Blok, smart cutting board. Christie Honigman Mandia, my good friend for years, since 2009, then we became neighbors, those were fun years. A publicist for years, got married in a black wedding dress, who is raising a family in the burbs, now working with the premier PR Agency in Philly Cashman & Assoc. It was a great afternoon with amazing friends, who were generous in allowing me to photograph them, and chronicle their lives. Now we share cherished memories for life.

Hook and Ladder Sky Bar & Restaurant

Hook and Ladder offers wide-open rooftop views and elevated twists on the classics, making it the perfect spot for weekend brunch. We started with appetizers, including my favorite caviar and chips. Soo good.
A few weeks ago I had dinner at Hook & Ladder, and tried this dish: Chips and Caviar $19, very good. The chips and the caviar. I was excited to have them again.
Scambled eggs Bread Bowl different, delicious and filling.
The dish that got away, steak and eggs, which looks so good. Jessica loved it. There was no doggy bag contents left to bring home. Photographs well too.
I really enjoyed my 2nd visit to Hook & Ladder, not only the company, the food, the ambiance, parking and the historic firehouse the restaurant and hotel are housed. Definitely a hot spot. Not what I would consider a hotel bar, and restaurant at all. Go enjoy.
Photo: Alex Holley

As I reported last week, Thursday night film crews shut down Chestnut Street between Second and Third Streets to film a limited series called “Sinking Spring” by Ridley Scott for Apple TV+. “Sinking Spring,” which is going by the working title “Catamount,” follows long-time Philly friends and delinquents who pose as DEA agents to rob an unknown house in the countryside, only to have their small-time grift become a life-and-death enterprise, as they unwittingly reveal and unravel the biggest hidden narcotics corridor on the Eastern seaboard,” according to Variety. Filming started Feb 7 and continues through July, with casting done by Heery-Loftus.
Thursday’s shoot was a car chase, with one of the cars flipping over at 2nd and Chestnut Streets. The eight-episode series is set to star Brian Tyree Henry, Kate Mulgrew, Marin Ireland and originally Michael Mando, but Mando was fired last week after getting into a fight on the set with another actor, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The Better Call Saul actor has been replaced by Wagner Moura. No sightings of the cast out and about yet, but director/producer Ridley Scott has been spotted dining at JK Skyhigh at the Four Seasons several times now.

Congratulations to Alex Holley for banging the Phila Union Drum to kick off the Opening Season Saturday night !! You can watch every match on MLS Season Pass on the AppleTV app. BTW how crazy is Servant getting. you can watch that on the AppleTV Appp too.
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Hard Rock Cafe Philly Celebrates 25th Anniversary

It has been 25 years since the rock memorabilia and live music-driven Hard Rock Café dropped anchor in Center City Philadelphia. The Philly Hard Rock, at 1113 Market Street, since that time, has become a totem for conventioneers, tourists, office workers, and locals alike looking for big burgers, tall cocktails, live music and memorabilia from The Who, the Rolling Stones and more.

Martin Cordova and Scarlett Hernadez
Brett Silver and Brittney Chappell.
Uneeka Jay, Founder of Rewrite 365 LLC and Elijih Crawford, Co Founder & Director At Ugly Art Films
Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of Avenue of the Arts, Kyle Cuffie-Scott, owner of Darnell’s Cakes just did a pop up cafe at Philadelphia Museum of Art, but you can enjoy his tasty delights at his cafe 444 N 3rd Street, (he tells me there’s another pop up in a few weeks) and Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships AIA Partnerships
Sisters Kiki and Lani Aranita
Dani Reaves (still glowing from her trip to Paris in November) and Rashidah Cornitcher, CEO and founder of Ultimate Vision Sports Management.
Kevin Spence, Cinematographer ( Just returned from NYFW and spotted great street fashion) (I sure miss shooting NYFW myself) and Tiffany Laibhen-Spence, wife + mommy and content creator. The happily married duo has some life advice for you at BET.
Sheila Hess, City Representative and the team from Hard Rock Cafe
Alison and Mike Dalewitz owners of Borscht Belt Deli in Stockton

To celebrate, the group Boyz II Men performed at the anniversary show on Wednesday, February 8. The group’s four-time Grammy Award winners are one of the most iconic R&B groups in history, had the ladies, and a few men swooning when they handing out red roses to the crowd when they sang “I’ll Make Love To You.”

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200 Spring Garden Groundbreaking

Last week, Thursday, November 3, marked the official groundbreaking of a new mixed-use residential tower called 200 Spring Garden, formerly the home of a one story City Fitness.  The new structure will be 13-stories high with 360 apartment units offering extensive amenities, and 10,000 square feet of outdoor public green space. A joint venture between National Real Estate Advisors, National Real Estate Development, and Kushner Real Estate Group.

Designed by Handel Architects and developed by National Real Estate Development and the KRE Group, the new building will rise 177 feet to the top of the bulkhead (or 149 feet to the main roof) and offer nearly 298,668 square feet of residential space, 18,187 square feet of retail, an expansive roof deck, parking 106 cars and 116 bicycles, and a landscaped public promenade along the property’s west side. The building is a modern interpretation of the warehouse-style buildings native to Northern Liberties, the robust structure of articulated charcoal grey brick will anchor and define the intersection of Spring Garden and North 2nd Street.

Richard Horrow, Esq., General Counsel for City Fitness and Britt Kleine is a Vice President, Operations at City Fitness

Kristin Davis and Sheldon Erb both of Greystar
Kristine Kennedy, executive director of the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District talks about the exciting new project which will border her district.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screenshot-2022-11-07-at-15-31-59-Excavation-Underway-at-200-Spring-Garden-Street-in-Northern-Liberties-Lower-North-Philadelphia-Philadelphia-YIMBY.png

“This project is the first phase in what will be a new neighborhood from Spring Garden Street, all the way down to Callowhill Street along 2nd,” said Daniel Killinger, President of Real Estate Development, one of the many partners of this project.  The walkway is on the west side of the building (right side in this depiction), What a vision, I love this idea. He added after the project is completed, it will create “an entirely new neighborhood that will combine the energy and vitality of Northern Liberties with the history and culture of Old City into something that is truly Philadelphia.” National and KRE have purchased four parcels between Callowhill Street and Spring Garden Streets with plans to create a unique neighborhood inspired by the surrounding historic Old City and Northern Liberties neighborhoods. The site will be a mixed-use, pedestrian-centric development with two anchoring residential towers and street-level retail that will cater to a diverse community that values walkability and convenience. The partnership has retained prominent architectural firm Handel Architects, Morris Adjmi Architects, and MAJOR to design the project. (source)

The building will also include 5,400 square feet of corner marquee retail, and a pedestrian-friendly, landscaped public plaza featuring original artwork curated by Mural Arts Philadelphia.

“Old City and Northern Liberties are two of the most iconic neighborhoods within the city of Philadelphia, and yet the corridor between them is filled with untapped opportunity,” said Jonathan Kushner, President of KRE. “As our first foray into Philadelphia, I could not be more energized by the potential that lies ahead –as envisioned by our partners at National and National Development – starting with 200 Spring Garden. The multiphase transformation of 2nd Street will inject a new sense of vibrancy and economic vitality, and we could not be prouder to be part of making it a reality.”

For more information about 200 Spring Garden, please visit National Development’s website HERE.

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The Rodin Museum Beer Garden

The Rodin Museum Garden Bar (2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.)  kicked off earlier this spring. The low key seasonal pop-up serves beer, wine, craft cocktails and tasty small plates in the scenic garden Friday 4PM to 8:30pm .

Admission to the Garden Bar is free; admission to Rodin Museum is Pay What You Wish.
Leashed four-legged friends are welcome in the garden.
Janelle Burrell and her mom

Small plates are available by Constellation Culinary Group, including Whipped Ricotta, Tofu Bahn Mi, Chilled Citrus Marinated Shrimp, a Mezze Platter, Plantain Chips, and Curry House Pickles.

Admission to Rodin Museum is Pay What You Wish.
Nigel Richards and Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Assoc. with her family members.
Luke and Molly
Dress is whatever you fell comfortable wearing

Rodin Garden Happy Hour was really a nice vibe, it was great to catch up with old friends, chat with new people, dine outside with the beautiful skyline as a backdrop. A must go, you’ll thank me later.

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Frame – A Welcomed Vibe in Old City

Just opened in Old City the new restaurant Frame at 222 Market Street. When you first see the facade of the building it reminds you of an exclusive lounge with it’s wooden frame and large curtained window. Step inside and that vibe continues; but you’ll discover it’s really a restaurant with next level dishes and innovated cocktails with it’s tabled booths, four tops, two tops, but still maintains an intimate vibe with it’s purple hue and exposed brick walls.

The new restaurant Frame hosted an exclusive Grand Opening event featuring a bite sized menu tasting
with a global fusion of flavors and influences says executive chef and Philadelphia local, Brianna Wellmon who brings her love of global cuisine and artistic presentation to the Frame menu. From “adults only” versions of foods you loved like PB&J, berbere-spiced filet mignon served in a jus of sherry and caramelized onion, and numerous vegan and gluten-free options like stuffed mushroom, a tofu dish that is a vegan spin on beef with broccoli. Most days Frame opens for dinner at 4:30pm, on Sunday’s at Noon. Frame’s late-night menu, kicks in at 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday as the DJs start spinning.

“Frame reflects a sense of consistent change, reminiscent of the evolving city and people of Philadelphia,” said designer Jeff Low, “the intentional design reminds us that change is inevitable, how we frame ourselves and experiences is ever-changing, and that growth is meant to be discovered and celebrated amongst friends.”

Ian Paterson and Allie Volpe (my former editor at Philly.com)

Kate Rubey, and Sarah Leonard

Riley Garton, Vanessa Augello and CHase Quigley

Mike Jerrick, Good Day Fox 29, Wayne Shulick, owner, who you’ll recall had the hottest nightclub in Philly in the 00s, Denim on Walnut Street, and Breland Moore. Fox 29 Sports Anchor. Mike Jerrick and Breland Moore are about to launch a new show on Fox29 where they’ll do arts & culture stories. It’ll air every Tuesday at 6:30pm.

Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at AIA Philadelphia and Dave Silver, Co-Founder & CEO at REC Philly | Forbes 30 Under 30 – Social Impact Entrepreneur, 2021

The secret garden

Jamarcus Henderson and Ernest Owens
CBSPhilly anchors Jessica Kartalija and Janelle Burrell

Reunited and it feels so good as Carrie Nork Minelli, Parx Casino, Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Assoc., and Scott Barnes, Comcast, pose for a photo. Carrie and Scott are both alumni of Cashman & Assoc.

Head on over to Frame to chill, for the vibe, to check out the secret garden, but make reservations first.
Open Table

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I went to the Kimmel Cultural Campus Reopening, Saw Joy, Smiling eyes and Cool Masks

On Saturday 50+ arts organizations from across the region participated in Arts Launch 2021 with FREE performances and activities, and a FREE finale performance by The Philadelphia Orchestra mark the momentous occasion of In Person Performances returning to Philadelphia, and the Kimmel Cultural Campus.

All day a steady stream of people made their way down the Avenue of the Arts to the Kimmel Center

Matías Tarnopolsky, president and chief executive officer
of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association and Anne Ewers, Kimmel Cultural Campus president and CEO paused during the busy day to pose for us (an by us I mean you, me and all my readers). At the end of the year Anne Ewers will be retiring, and Matías Tarnopolsky will step into the role of Kimmel Cultural Campus president and CEO . Anne tells me she will still sit on the board, but is looking forward to retiring, traveling more, continue in her mentoring role, and maybe write a book. I’d read it. She was very instrumental in transforming the Kimmel Center, now Kimmel Cultural Campus, into the world class arts & cultural institute it is today.

It was really a fantastic day. People were so excited to be there. To be out. To enjoy entertainment. To return to a familiar place which has always brought joy to their lives. The new normal is quite a bit different than how we used to live, but people have adjusted. They arrived with their vaccination cards, their ID and flexibility.

They also arrived fashionable dressed I noticed, and now with the latest accessory matching or nearly matching masks. As a visual guy, I enjoyed what I saw.

From the Press Release: Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra are elated to raise the Campus curtains once again to the Philadelphia community. The free festival-style event will once again give life to the vibrant arts organization, celebrating diversity and creative energy after a darkening of the Avenue of the Arts. The event will encourage guests to lean into the healing power of artistic performances, mark a new chapter of unity for the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra, and unite the Philadelphia community.

That model was amazing, sitting there for at least 4 hours. The artists did a great job at capturing her.

Speaking of art, muralist Frank Alston was doing a piece for Mural Arts at the Kimmel Cultural Campus

How did he get in there?

KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS  Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, our mission is to engage the region’s diverse communities with art through performance and education. Our Cultural Campus serves more than 1-million guests per year and includes Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and the Merriam Theater – representing more than 160 years of rich history for the performing arts along Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts. We are home to eight esteemed Resident Companies: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly POPS, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and Curtis Institute of Music. With nearly 9,000 seats per night, we are the region’s most impactful performing arts center, and the second largest in the country.

Philadanco

The singer from band ILL DOOTS performs in the audience

The Philadelphia Ballet’s (they recently changed their name from the Pennsylvania Ballet, to the more appropriate Philadelphia Ballet.) Nutcracker tickets are on sale, and it’s sale. INFO HERE Performances Dec 10-31, 2021

Check out additional photos from the day at CBSPhilly

And I did this Instagram REEL as well. It’s cute video with the sights and sounds of the day. Just click to play and transport yourself into the audience…. have a great day. Let’s chitchat tomorrow. Thanks for your comments, I read all of them.