Alta Pool Makes a Splash at the Piazza

April 25, 2023 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

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.

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

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

February 27, 2023 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

**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.

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.

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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

February 21, 2023 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

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.

**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

**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

November 9, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

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.

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“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

June 24, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

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.

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.

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

February 16, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

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

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

September 19, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

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

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

Ángel Corella, Artistic director at *Philadelphia Ballet*

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

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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.

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Primark Grand Opening Event Today

September 16, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

TODAY: Thursday, September 16^thinternational fashion retailer Primark will officially open its doors in the famed Fashion District Philadelphia, with some exciting opening activations. Customers will be delighted by personalized rides to the event, an all-day set by DJ Neek Nyce, creative swag designed by local Philadelphia artists, and a photobooth to document the day. President of Primark U.S., Andy Stewart will join the Primark team in celebrating the accomplishment of the highly anticipated store opening.

Tuesday night was the Preview Party Night, the Philly Chit Chat team was there including moi and photographer Andre Flewellen. These are Andre’s photos from the other night. I will post mine next week with interviews of folks on the scene. It was a fashionable soiree.

IRISH FASHION RETAILER PRIMARK OPENS AT FASHION DISTRICT PHILADELPHIA ON SEPTEMBER 16^TH

The value shopping destination offering Amazing Fashion at Amazing Prices to customers will be Primark’s third store in Pennsylvania, boasting 34,200 sq. ft of retail space at the bustling corner of 11th and Market Street. The new store will also create over 350 new jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Primark’s Fashion District location sits in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, in a complex that spans three city blocks across 900,000 square feet.

“We are delighted to welcome Philadelphians to our latest Northeast location in the US, where customers can shop the latest fashion trends, beauty and homeware, all with an amazing price tag” said Andy Stewart, President of Primark US. “Our Fashion District store will mark another important milestone in our ongoing expansion in the US and bringing our Amazing Fashion at Amazing Prices to more and more customers.”

I’ll be there at 11AM looking for your smiling face to photograph, especially as you leave the store with your savings. On opening day customers can look forward to exclusive swag, branded customer pedicabs and some more surprises to celebrate Primark’s arrival. See you then….

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‘The West Tower’ Groundbreaking

July 15, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Brandywine Realty Trust and Drexel University marked the commencement of construction of 3025 JFK, the first vertical development within Schuylkill Yards – a $3.5 billion innovation neighborhood in University City – with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 24 featuring state and local dignitaries and project partners.
3025 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia PA.

*John Fry*, appointed *Drexel University’s* 14th president in 2010 and ***Jerry Sweeney***, CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust pose for a photo at the groundbreaking.

Dan Dirscherl ,Chris Scheiblein, Brian Eddis, Mike Eddis, and Mike Preston

**Brian Stevenson**, **Stevenson Advocacy LLC** , **Jerry Gontz**, Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, **Mike Preston,** and **Chris Scheiblein,** EAP Coordinator at Allied Trades Assistance Program

**Colette Pete,** Chief Counsel at PhilaPort and **Joyce Smith**, ambassador for her historic neighborhood of East Parkside since 2009 and a member and co-founder of the Viola Street Residents Association (VSRA).

**Vishaan Chakraborti, Alan Greenberger, Anne Papageorge Melissa Heller**, and Lori Doyle

**Vicki Koch, Adam Case, Ron Becker, Senior Vice President Operations & Sustainability at Brandywine Realty Trust** **and Jean Sitler**, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Management at Brandywine Realty Trust

Andre Flewellen – ChitChat Team Photographer (r)

According to the press release: The 570,000 square foot mixed-use building dubbed The West Tower at Schuylkill Yards will add a mix of residential rental units, life science and innovation office space, retail, and indoor/outdoor amenity spaces to the master-planned neighborhood being developed by Brandywine Realty Trust, in partnership with Drexel University.

Schuylkill Yards is recognized as an exemplary model for inclusive development, with a record-breaking $16.4 million neighborhood engagement initiative. The multi-faceted program provides working capital to small and minority-owned businesses, a trades training program to create paths to family-sustaining jobs, a local sourcing initiative to establish new procurement channels for local businesses, a Community Development Corporation (CDC) Co-Development partnership to build capacity for neighborhood organizations, and a community fund to prioritize affordable housing, education, employment and more. As part of the initiative, Brandywine engaged Mount Vernon Manor, a Community Development Corporation partner for The West Tower.

The groundbreaking of The West Tower signifies continued momentum for the Schuylkill Yards master-planned neighborhood, which will ultimately entail 4.8M square feet of life science/lab and office space, 132,000 square feet of retail, 1.9M square feet of residential and 6.5 acres of green space. Situated within both a Federal Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) and a Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ), Schuylkill Yards’ location adjacent to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and at the gateway to University City, offers direct access to talent, transit and world-class health care and academic institutions, making it one of the most desirable life sciences clusters in the nation.

“The momentum that Brandywine Realty Trust and Drexel University continue to create with Schuylkill Yards has remained a key component to the forward trajectory of Philadelphia’s economic growth and development and further strengthens our city’s position as a life sciences industry leader,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “Following a challenging year, the groundbreaking of The West Tower at Schuylkill Yards marks a positive milestone for Philadelphia and the West Philadelphia community, and we are eager to watch as it takes shape.”

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Tidbits: Calum Hood Spotted, Tiki Boats, Element Hotel, French Toast Beer, you bet….

May 24, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Hello ChitChatters, hope you had a good weekend. Oh my gosh, business is bounding back and I’m kinda prepared. What did I do that whole year, my office is still a mess and my camera needs to be cleaned. I had a great weekend, I photographed the opening of the most adorable hotel in Wildwood, you’re going to love it. I’ll write about my visit this week. Today I am going to review some of the events I covered this past week but haven’t posted about them here yet.

The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest opened earlier this month along with an exciting program of appropriately-sized performances, events and exhibits at the year-round Cherry Street Pier. Wednesday Spruce Street Harbor park re opens with some exciting new food offerings. The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is excited to welcome visitors back with continued socially distanced beer gardens and safe take-away food options, sit-down reservations compliant with current outdoor dining regulations, and additional measures in place to ensure that visitors can take advantage of the Summer and enjoy all that the Waterfront has to offer, comfortably and safely, from Washington Pier all the way to Race Street Pier. A perfect way to kick off summer in Philly Memorial Day Weekend. Spotted at the Blue Cross RiverRink on the Ferris Wheel Sunday night was Calum Hood, famed band member of 5SOS, no word on why he is here, but a few years back he did tweet that “Philly has pretty girls.” Anyone else see him, is he dating one of our pretty girls?

Speaking of Spruce Street Park and Cherry Street Pier Charisse McGill and Lokal Artisan Foods, who serves her famous French Toast bites at both places, recently launched a new French Toast Bites Ale – a smooth and malty collab with Yards Brewing Company. Folks at the launch party told me it was so delicious, you could even smell the maple syrup before the first sip. Could it be the next Mimosa. Charisse tells me that not only can you get it at Summerfest but local Acme’s carry it as well. It’s about $13 for a 4 pack.

Earlier this year, the announcement of the launch of the Pau Hana Tiki Boat Tours set the internet on fire. Last week the Somers Point/Ocean City based company held their official launch voyage, offering boat rides, beginning at two-hours long, for up to six guests. Pau Hana is a Hawaiian phrase meaning “the time after work.” The boats will be available for sunset cruises, as well as at sunrise and in the afternoon. Guests will have the option to play their own music and bring their own food and beverages. Later on, catering packages with local food partners will be available, too.

I really appreciate the green leafy “ribbon” for the official ceremony.

At Element Philadelphia, guests will be energized with a food and beverage program that prioritizes fresh, healthy ingredients. A complimentary Rise breakfast starts the day and the Relax evening reception invites guests to unwind together in the Sky Lobby. Balanced grab-and-go meals, snacks and beverages are available from the Restore gourmet pantry, which features products from local producers. In addition, guests are invited to eat well from the comfort of their own room. With kitchens stocked with everything needed to create a home-cooked meal, Element hopes to inspire guests by introducing local culinary and nutritional voices to provide easy-to-follow recipes. These digital recipes and meal ideas, which will be accessible via in-room QR codes and in pre-arrival emails, will feature fresh, local ingredients that can be picked up at iconic neighborhood markets such as Di Bruno Brothers and Reading Terminal Market.

The Element hotel at 1441 Chestnut St. opened on last Friday, adding 460 rooms to the Center City market as Philadelphia heads into what tourism and city officials have called a summer comeback. It’s a beautiful hotel, with views of the City worth the budgeted price it cost to stay there. The rooms are spacious and have kitchenettes. The gym is well equipped and even I was inspired to start working out again. Gotta lose those pandemic pounds. It was so nice to see old friends, and business folks again. There’s a business center, a grab & go market. Head to their press release to really appreciate what they have to offer. We are truly on the way back. Chit Chat with you tomorrow.