PhillyChiChat The Buzz:

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and you spoke with your mother either in person, on the phone or through prayer.
This week the weather looks fantastic. If you have time stop by the Azeala Garden on Kelly Drive behind the Art Museum, it is gorgeous and at the height of bloom.
John Legend performed at the Steppingstone Scholars Gala on the steps of the Art Museum. The intimate setting was under a large tent with a beautiful view of the spring skyline of Philadelphia. – Happy 1 year anniversary Picture Philly, who took the above shot of the evening. Everyday Picture Philly posts a photo of Philly that you’ll want to see.
Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels, along with wife Heidi traveled to Kennett High School in Kennett Square last week to thank the Kennett community for its efforts and generosity with respect to “Kennett Pitches In for The Hamels Foundation”,a community project that raised money to help the Foundation build a school for youth orphaned by the HIV/AIDS virus in Malawi, East Africa.
Cole and Heidi Hamels with Julia Baumel, a Kennett High School freshman, created the “Kennett Pitches In” project which has successfully raised $10,000 from the kids and families in the Kennett community, enough to build a named classroom (the “Kennett Classroom”) in the Malawi school funded by the Hamels Foundation. You can help support the foundation by donating directly to their website here, or by attending a dodge-ball fundraiser 5/21/11. (Photos Hamels Foundation)
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Last week I attended a Blondell Reynolds-Brown’s campaign party at the Ritz-Residences. Blondell is flanked by KB Consultants President Kelly Boyd, and Karen A. Lewis Executive Director of the Avenue of the Arts.
Also at the party Frank DiCicco, Paul Smith, and above Carol Tamburino, Sabrina Tamburino-Thorne, Philadelphia City Councilman-at-Large James F. Kenney and Dana Spain.
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Friday night I headed to the Ritz-Carlton where Perrier-Jouet Champagne was hosting a special cocktail party with Top Chef Jennifer Carroll and her Canapé. On left: Herve Deschamps cellar master of Perrier–Jouët, Pierre-Aymeric Du Cray, Perrier-Jouet Global Sales Director and Brad Waxman, Southern Wine and Spirits. Perrier-Jouët is a Champagne producer based in the Épernay region of Champagne, France.
10 Arts Chef Jennifer Carroll and Susan Gay of the Mainline enjoy the evening. As we chatted at the Champagne party Frankie Avalon and his family were enjoying the evening on the other side of the lounge. The next day I heard that Shania Twain was spotted admiring the dome ceiling above the room before heading out to her book signing “From This Moment On” in Chester. At about the same time a whole bunch of Flyers were celebrating the end of the season at the new Tweed Brunch disco hosted by Ryan Dorsey. I got a bunch of tips on the sighting, but I was getting my tan on at a local flea market which I will be writing about later this week. i brake for flea markets. Back to my Friday Night Out
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After the Perrier-Jouet Champagne I headed to Phila Eagles Brent Celek and Todd Herreman’s bar 879 near Front and Chestnut Street to see my buds Julie Dorenbos and Susie Celek honored by Kisses for Kyle also honored Joe Gaglioti, Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon.
Also hanging out ABC6’s Jamie Apody and Paul Coleman who are getting married two months from today. Last fall I wrote about how they met in my PhillyMag.com column.
I knew that both Julie & Susie loved Krispy Kremes and couldn’t make it to the opening as they are busy busy getting their spray tan salon, Skin Palette ready for the opening on June 1, so I brought them a dozen. It was so worth it to work through the crowded bar to see the thrill on their faces. Above Julie getting an assist by husband Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos.
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Around 10PM I got a call to join the Keren Ini Bacherlorette Party full on at D’Angelo’s in Rittenhouse Square. Before I headed for my car I stopped into the corner cafe next to where my car was parked, Sphinx Cafe, a middle Eastern cafe (Saturday nights 10PM they have belly dancing.) In the cafe I met Felix Thillet and Abutalal who were enjoying their Hookahs. Felix recognized me from NBC’s Non-Stop show The Scene, and well it’s a good thing cause when I turned to chat with him I saw a mean ass PPA tow truck back up and try and tow my car. Who knew after 10PM the 100 block of Chestnut Street turns into a tow away zone. WTF. That is just crazy. I ran out in between our two vehicles leaving my camera in the cafe. The tow truck driver wouldn’t let me go in and get it or he was going to tow me he said. Thankfully the owner of the cafe came out and gave me my order and camera. I can’t believe what a money trap that is to tow unsuspecting drivers. The signs that are marked are about 3×4 inches at the very top of the post. #FAIL and now I have a $76 ticket given at 10:06PM, probably while I was in the cafe.
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OK then I went to D’Angelo’s, which is a great Italian restaurant owned by Sal D’Angelo and as the diners leave the dance floor opens up to small groups of locals and people who discover the gem, where the John Travolta’s all the way to the Elaine’s from Seinfeld take over the floor and no one thinks any different. Keren Ini celebrates her upcoming wedding with friends, at the end of the month. Then I went to Paradiso Restaurant and Wine Bar, 1627 E. Passyunk Ave. Spent the rest of the night chatting with owners Lynn and Cary, celebrating Laura Burkhardt’s new job with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
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This Friday 13th no bad luck will occur at the Waterworks as DeSean Jackson hosts his Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Annual Gala. DeSean Jackson’s father, Bill, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on May 14, 2009 and DeSean started the Foundation in his honor. Just 2 weeks ago on Easter a good friend of mine told me he had stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. So this cause is very near and dear to my heart too.