Philly Gossip: 50 Cents Redux, She Said Yes, Death House Wraps, Erin Elmore and Omarosa extend their 15 minutes

April 21, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Good Thursday Morning, running crazy today, trying to catch up. Hope you’re well. It’s Friday eve, what’s not to love, even though it’s supposed to rain tomorrow, but it’s going to be 80 so there’s that, tomorrow. Here goes with a short Philly Gossip entry

PhillyGossip: She Said Yes, 50 Cents Redux, Death House Wraps, Apprentice alumni Erin Elmore and Omarosa Manigault extend their 15 minutes of fame touting Trump for President.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board today announced that award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will sign pre-purchased bottles of EFFEN® Vodka from Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 23, at the Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection Store, 180 W. Girard Ave, Philadelphia

If this sounds like a Groundhog Day moment, it is. Fifty was just here less than a year ago last July, at the same liquor store. I guess he needs a few more fifties to get him out of bankruptcy. I won’t be able to make it this time either cause I have the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Walk at the Art Museum, then I’m headed to PIFA Street Fair on Broad Street, where I hope you’ll be headed too.

I do like the name though…
EFFEN Vodka
$24.99 750ml

#PCCBuzz

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts produced the celebrated Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) and its grand finale, the PIFA Street Fair. The culminating event of the 16-day festival transforms six blocks of Broad Street (between Chestnut and South Streets) into Philadelphia’s ultimate FREE block party featuring dozens of performances, rides, a zip line, popular food vendors, and this year’s centerpiece – an enormous waterfall in the center of Broad Street across from the Academy of Music. The 2016 PIFA Street Fair will take place on Saturday, April 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

4-18-2016 9-48-01 AM (Custom) Congrats to Giovanni Siciliano who popped the question to his long time girlfriend Kathryn earlier this week. Kathryn was out running on Kelly Drive and Giovanni popped out from behind this tree, with their dog, and popped the question. She said Yes!!

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Hillary was at the Fillmore for a #Hilladelphia Rally last night, yes last night. She was supposed to be there about 5 PM but I hear she was a bit tardy. Photographers, like Kory Aversa, had to be in place for 4 hrs, but I hear it was worth it. Hillary 2016 did selfies with hundreds of supporters.

4-21-2016 7-58-10 AM (Custom) While backstage a few fans got posed shots, and looky here one with Sen Bob Casey.

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Death House with Dee Wallace and Adrienne Barbeau wrapped principle shooting at Holmesburg Prison.

First Look at ‘Expendables of Horror’ Movie ‘Death House’

4-20-2016 11-52-47 PM (Custom) Mac Mart is readying their place for a May opening. The popular Mac Mart mac & cheese truck is getting a brick and mortar at 104 South 18th Street with hours til 9PM and much later, maybe even til 3AM on the weekends. – Munchie time. 4-20-2016 7-34-41 AM (Custom)

Trump Apprentice alumnus Erin Elmore and Omarosa Manigault in NYC this week trumpeting Trump for President. Erin Elmore has been vocal on nearly every national station for the past year, giving us the real Donald Trump story and not just the trumped up sound bites.

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Last week I broke the story about the Art Museum having a food truck at the top of the stairs. Then I updated my blog and the link became broken. So I’m hear to tell you the story again, but briefly.

Operated by culinary partner STARR Catering Group, this food truck dishes up delicious burgers with an artistic twist

Try the classic Easy Eakins, the Italian-inspired Rocky Balburger, the Peale’s Portobello, or one of many others with a side of crispy, old-fashioned fries. The names are killing me, Easy Eakins, Rocky Balburger, Disco Fries – love.

The food truck is open the same hours as the museum, weather permitting, AND is located at the top of the Rocky Steps, to reward you with a treat for running up them.

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Next Saturday The City is holding a Youth Summer Job Fair.

Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Tiffani Thiessen and Jesse McCartney Hang in Philly, Ian Crumm Parties with Kyle Jenner

April 20, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Good Wednesday, if this Philly Gossip entry looks somewhat familiar it is. I posted this originally on Monday, but then my site switch over to the new site, which your’re looking at right now. This entry started getting a lot of hits so I need to repost it. This is going to happen alot this week as I have to repost entries of interest that I want captured on my new, refreshed site.

Paul Makerie and Tiffani Thiessen

Tiffani Thiessen aka Kelly Kapowski on NBC’s Saved by the Bell and as Valerie Malone on Fox’s Beverly Hills, 90210. These days Tiffani has a cooking show on the Cooking Network called appropriately “Dinner at Tiffani’s” which airs at 8PM on Sundays. She was in town making an appearance at the Sweet Paul Makerie creative retreat which was held at the Navy Yard in URBAN over the weekend.

Tiffani Thiessen and Chef Michael Solomonov

In between the meets, greets and demonstrations, Tiffani spent a lot of time dining at Mike Solomonov eateries. Friday night she had dinner at Zahav, Sunday before leaving town she grabbed some grub at Dizengoff and dessert at Federal Donuts. I’d say there’s a segment at Dinner’s at Tiffani’s in Mike Solo’s career.

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Friday night my phone was blowing up for another reason too, seems Jesse McCartney was in town and his fans wanted to know. Nothing was on the radar ie Social Media which led me to piece the story together, but then Saturday night Jesse stepped out to grab dinner from Steve’s at 16th and Chestnut. He was kind enough to pose with a few fans inside one of Philly’s famed must have cheesesteak places.

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Sunday, shots of Jesse began showing up from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. Philly was just being used as a base for Jesse, as it was only 2 hrs away from his Sunday gig, and Philly being what it is, is better to sleep over.

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Ian Michael Crumm and his bestie, budding songstress Hannah Krupa had an awesome time at Cochella this past weekend, partying with lots of stars including Kyle Jenner. Next up for Ian, he’s headed to the Tribeca Film Festival Thursday night. Follow him on Snap Chat to be a fly on the wall. Check back on Friday for more Philly Gossip.

Philadelphia

Marty McFly and His Mom Re-unite In Philly

January 6, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Philly Geeks and Nerds will be delighted by the news. Hello, McFly! From the Back to the Future franchise to TV hits like “Family Ties”, “Spin City,” and “The Good Wife,” Michael J. FOX has delighted fans for decades with his performances as well
as his commitment to the campaign for increased Parkinson’s disease
research. And Lea Thompson,
who portrayed Marty’s mother in the trilogy in one of her most
memorable roles, has appeared in more than 80 films and TV series.

Now
fans will have the chance to meet two of the most beloved stars of the
past four decades as Wizard World, Inc. has announced
that FOX
and Thompson will attend Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia on
Saturday, June 4 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Thompson will
also appear on Sunday, June 5. Interesting note here: ** Please note that Michael J. Fox cannot sign any Nike products

FOX and Thompson join a select group of celebrities already committed to attend Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, including Norman Reedus
(“The Walking Dead,” Boondock Saints), Sean Patrick Flanery (Boondock
Saints, “Dexter”), Billy Martin (Lead Guitarist/Keyboardist – Good Charlotte, Artist – TMNT New Animated Adventures), James Remar (“The Warriors,” “Dexter”) and Jason David Frank (“Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers”), with many more to be announced.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring
together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi,
pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television,
sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests
and more. The ninth event currently scheduled on the 2016 Wizard World
calendar, Philadelphia show hours are Thursday, June 2, 3-8 p.m.;
Friday, June 3, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday,
June 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more on the 2016 Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, visit http://wizd.me/PhiladelphiaPR.

Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across NORTH AMERICA
that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television,
cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming,
original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of
topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A’s,
comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening
parties and more. Wizard World has also launched Wizard World Store (www.shopwizardworld.com), CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm (CIDM), and ComicConBox (www.comicconbox.com),
a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact
with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other
social media services.

The Wizard World 2016 schedule is available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.

Philadelphia

Celebs Out and About in Philly, and Atlantic City – New Couple Alert – Goodbye Monique Crawford, so fun to shoot

May 15, 2015 by HughE Dillon

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (Hafthor Julius Bjornsson) The Mountain from Game of Thrones and “Second Strongest Man in the World” has been making the media circuit for the past couple days. Yesterday he
He had dinner at Devil’s Den 1148 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 He’s in town for this weekend’s Philadelphia Renaissance Faire

Crazy shirt.

I love this shot with people trying to take selfies with him any way possible.

Jennie Hatton Baver on one of her last appearances in Philly before she heads to Virginia with hubby Scott, who has taken a job as Sales Director for Devils Backbone Brewing Company in the Blue Ridge Mountain. Sounds dreamy. I love that area. (Jennie and Scott)

Photos by:
Stephan Lyford

Today of Fox 29 Thor lifts Alex Holley. Mike ran away before Thor could get a hold of him.

Björnsson is 6 ft 9 and 400 pounds.

Earlier, Square 1682’s Chef Caitlin Mateo delivered lunch to him at Philadelphia Weekly offices. Speaking of both Square 1682 and Phila Weekly…

Charles Wiedenmann ran into Wyonna Judd at Square 1682 on Wednesday night. She’s in town for the WXPN concert today. Congratulations are in order for
Charles, he’s joined the new Philadelphia Weekly newspaper, er magazine now.

Last night I spotted Eagles player Mark Sanchez at Del Frisco’s. The place was hopping with a lot of big named Eagles and Sixers players, none of which I can remember and didn’t write down. Wait that ‘s right I saw

Former Philles Marlon Anderson (r) (last night he tweeted: On @CSNPhilly doing a little pregame with @JohnBorukCSN , tune in to watch.) also spotted Mike Jerrick, and in another section John Bolaris.

How long has this been going on – New Couple Alert John Clark and Randyl Case. Randyl looked adorable but for whatever reason my camera missed the first two shots and every one had a laugh til I captured this tender moment at Del Frisco’s last night.

We all headed to Rumor, where Tee Fish was manning the door with his usual flair.

Wendy Williams hit the Boardwalk with Mayor Don Guardian this weekend for the dedication of the new Wendy Williams Boardwalk bench. Wendy was in amazing spirits talking about
being a true Jersey girl and saying she is going to come back and check
on the bench frequently, also asked the crowd not to pass wind on it – no
joke. She also requested the bench be placed near a delicious eatery and not on a dead spot on the boardwalk, say near Revel. She was in town for the weekend to perform at the Borgata. Friends tell me she didn’t chat about a lot of the things they wanted to hear about, like why did she have that fight with NeNe Leakes, who visited AC a few days later and seems to be getting more than a bench in AC.

Photo by Whitney Ullman

NeNe Leakes, Real Housewives of Atlanta star (2nd from left), touring The Playground
in Atlantic City Wednesday with her husband, Gregg Leakes, joined by CEO of
Tower Investments, Bart Blatstein, COO Brandon Dixon and Media Relations
Guru Lisa Johnson

Apologies to Monique Crawford for not making it to her going away party. I did see her a few weeks ago when she told me of her plans, and I gave her an extra good luck hug. I’m excited for her, glad I met her, and thankful she spent some of her life here in Philly. It was always fun to photograph her.

When I saw her at Bank and Bourbon I knew that would be the last time. I really hate to say good-bye to people, and those parties.

I have a long bad habit of skipping those parties. Sorry. xo

Philadelphia

Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario and Will Poulter Stop By Talk Philly on their Press Junket for #MazeRunner. Where else did they go?

September 4, 2014 by HughE Dillon

Dylan O’Brien (He co-stars as Stiles in the MTV series Teen Wolf.) was in town on Tuesday for a press junket for his new movie The Maze Runner which opens in theaters September 19.

Dylan O’Brien walking in CBS3 Philly’s lobby.

The 23-year-old actor was joined by his co-stars Kaya Scodelario and Will Poulter for a taping of Talk Philly on CBS3 Philly with Ukee Washington.

Earlier in the day the trio made an appearance on Fox 29’s Good Day show which was
filming outside at Independence Hall. It was Mike Jerrick‘s co-host
Alex Holly’s 2nd day on the job and an array of people came by to
welcome her including Mayor Nutter and Betsy Ross. (Check out what event Mike & Alex will be hosting on 9/16 with the Eagles including Mark Sanchez and Demco Ryan.)

After Dylan, Kaya and Will left Fox 29 they headed to a Q&A at Q102,
then stopped by Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania to meet a few kids
there. Then headed over to CBS Philly. Look for the airing of the clip soon.

These pixs were distributed by my wireservice WENN and Just Jared picked them up with a fun story.

Philadelphia

Philly Fourth of July Instagram Pictures 2014 – And PCC 7th Anniversary Note!

July 7, 2014 by HughE Dillon

Happy 7 year anniversary to my blog, PhillyChitChat. Boy have things changed. I started PCC to write about tidbits, charity events and celebrities that came to town. I had a full time job as a Paralegal, a P/T job as a celebrity photographer in NYC and still wanted something to do on the side that reflected what was going on in Philly. Thanks to my buddy Simon Curtis who coined PhillyChitChat on 7/4/07, as he and his wife visited Mike and I in Philly. Simon and I had become friends while shooting celebs in NYC. I had a blog devoted to that subject “Confessions of a Paparazzi”, but that title wasn’t descriptive enough for what I wanted to do in Philly as there were very little celebrities here. PhillyChitChat was perfect to cover all the topics I wanted to – people, events, random tidbits like what another bank on a corner property and celebrities that made their way through town.

And here we are today: I do this as a full time gig, I contribute to PhillyMag, Philly.com, Philly Daily News, NBC Philadelphia and appear on Fox 29’s morning show (In the fall I’ll be appearing weekly chatting about all the parties I attend not just the celebrity events.) I have an amazing outlet where I mini blog Twitter – @iPhillyChitChat

– it’s like my Lifestyle Blog on Philly, I tell you what’s hot, and what’s happening. I tweet entirely too much. I cover the subjects I used to cover on PCC. Then there’s Instagram – another great lifestyle, fashion blog outlet. So fun – follow me http://instagram.com/phillychitchat Then there’s you, my very loyal readers here, and everywhere. Thank you so much for your support; your kind words when I meet you and your feedback. Thanks HughE PS As usual this was a stream of consciousness, having never taken a journalistic class it’s the only way I know how to write. Thanks to my editors that make me seem so professional.

Hoda spent her weekend in Rehobeth. She also had a book signing. I see she has a few fillings too. Good for her. I feel connected. (PS I have to have an tooth implant. How painful is that besides to the wallet?)

Alexander Hankin styling it in Minnesota

Justin Pizzi, Marisa Magnatta, Nicole Michalik, Adam Joseph, and
Joe McCollum who then hit up Bey & Jay the next night.

Samantha

Miss Philadelphia – Diamond Edmonds with GoGo Morrow

Rapper Ryan Banks on the Parkway with his baby girl

Jennifer Hudson in Philly

Stacey Kracher at our annual party (taken by Christie Honigman)

Priscilla

Fireworks from the Schuylkill River Park

Kendra is now in Hotlanta and still looking hot.

Happy Birthday Joan. He and Matt were at our party too.

Zach Lashway was in NYC for the Fourth

Philly’s DJ Aktive working the tables for JHud

I prefer chocolate jimmies

Fireworks from the right side of the parkway

Kate, Michelle and Rachel

Earlier in the day Amber sent a message to all her FB friends, don’t be alone on July 4th. Come to the party. It was nice. So often we are alone when people think we’re busy.

Sabir Peele rocking his cell phone board shorts on the beach

amazing shot from condo’s along the Schuylkill from Susan Pincus

Love this shot from Al Lee – Mr. Philadelphia

Wawa was a genius with their marketing, I saw everyone with this hat on.

Aviva Drescher from the Real Housewives of NYC was in town. I kept tabs on her, but unfortunately I didn’t get a shot of her in this awesome outfit. Here she is with her publicist Matt Dillon (no relation to me)

Philadelphia

PhillyGram: Celebrities in Philly, Newscaster News, Weddings, Babies & Fun Tidbits

June 23, 2014 by HughE Dillon

The Barnes Foundation posted a photo, shared by Katie Adams, that supermodel of the world Helena Christensen and her friend, Barnes member, Patricia Garrubo stopped by their new exhibit “The World is an Apple: The Still Lives of Paul Cezanne” (which opened yesterday and runs through September 22. )

I covered the sponsor, patron party here on PhillyMag last week.

Former NBC Reporter Daralene Jones has settled into her new gig at WFTV in Orlando

The 6ABC news crew are a fit bunch, Cecily Tynan, Ali Gorman and Adam Joseph enjoy going to Joltin’ Jabs studio boxing between air times, now here’s Rick Williams pumping iron.

6 ABC meteorologist Cecily Tynan and husband Greg Watson are serious runners.

Dave Warren | Al Jazeera America new headshot

Dave Warren and Alison Frick’s growing family.

Justin Pizzi says drink more water.

Have you seen him lately, he looks great. All thanks to Crossfit and a serious Paleo Food Plan. He’s with our friend Erin Como who was in town this weekend. Erin used to run the news desk at NBCPhiladelphia, now she does traffic and reporting for Fox Nashville.

This weekend she had a mini reunion with her friends from NBC including Jillian Mele and Sheena Parveen. Here are the ladies at Rouge.

Last week Sheena was visiting Erin in Nashville, where they were doing fancy Yoga moves on paddle board.

Check NBCPhilly for another column on the Rittenhouse Ball I photographed on Thursday.

Pretty stoked it’s on the top of the first page, with my boss David Lipson from PhillyMag in the first shot.

Congrats to Alycia Lane who gave birth to a lovely little girl on Sunday.

Alycia, I can see Averie is adorable and loved. I love the matching outfits.

Congrats Kyle & Dana!!

Kyle Scott owns the popular sports blog – CrossingBroad.com

Just a misunderstanding. Leslie Padilla posted this as “Wedding Day” and everyone including me thought wow they’re pretty casual for their wedding day. It turns out that it was their friends wedding day. Anyway I love the 3rd comment showing “I am on my 3rd marriage and have never been more happy and content. Enjoy!” Lisa H.

This weekend I got lots of inquirers on who was staying at the Warwick Hotel over the weekend. It was seriously locked down with lots of security and “secret service” police people said. It was Louis Farrakhan, in town to give a speech to his followers. As far as I’ve heard he remained inside the hotel all weekend.