Last Saturday, Almyra’s bi-annual Kéfi Party proved once again why it’s one of the city’s most seductive, can’t-miss nights out. Guests arrived dressed to the nines glam fits, sharp suits, sparkle everywhere turning the dining room into a runway before anyone even sat down.
Restaurateurs Dean Pashalis and Anastasia Pashalis, whose family co-owns the Estia restaurant group were on hand for the festivities Saturday night.
Kylie McIlwain, Shannon St. Clair, Emily Uliano and crew
Dinner itself was a full-on food fest: a lively, family-style feast where plates kept landing on the table, conversations grew louder, and every course felt like a warm-up act for what was coming next.
By the time the last bites were finished, anticipation was buzzing through the room.
Maria Maraki, Teddy Sotirakis, Stephanie Algayer, Angelica Velikaris and Chris Valontis
Bailey Witherspoon and Casey Corradin – Betweenusgirliespodcast
And then….
right at 11:30 PM — the lights began to flicker.
That’s the signal everyone waits for.
the energy shifts and the room ignites, evolving into a vibrant club scene with dancing, bottle pops,
and plenty of napkin-throwing.
Making it the most Instagramable night in Philly. People want to remember it, and share it!!
Thanks to the staff who really help the night run smoothly, as it can get quite active with lots of moving parts throughout the evening.
Whether guests booked dining room tables or secured those coveted high-tops for the night, everyone was part of the same electric experience. Dinner was $55 with drinks à la carte, and the high-tops kept the cocktails flowing long after midnight.
Mark your calendars — the next Kéfi Party lands in April 2026. And trust me, you’ll want to be there. In the meantime check out my Instagram for video of the evening.
Welcome to Unit 3102 at 10 Rittenhouse — a spectacular, nearly full-floor residence offering approximately 5,400 square feet of light-filled luxury with breathtaking views over the iconic Rittenhouse Square. This one-of-a-kind home combines the spacious feel of a modern townhome with the sophistication, service, and security of one of Philadelphia’s most prestigious addresses.
View of Rittenhouse Square and Delaware River from the south facing balcony
What makes this property truly exceptional? Let’s start with parking — a rarity in Center City. This unit comes with four garage spaces, including two ultra-rare self-park spots inside the building, plus two valet spaces. Whether you’re commuting daily or hosting guests, you’ll have the kind of flexibility most city dwellers can only dream of.
Step inside, and you’re greeted with 270-degree skyline views, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass doors and three private balconies. Every room is bathed in natural light, offering a sense of calm and openness. The sleek, modern design emphasizes clean lines and effortless flow throughout the space.
The living and entertaining areas are expansive, featuring a custom-built media wall with a 100″ TV and a hidden door to the AV closet. Nearby, a beautifully crafted bar area awaits — complete with a wine fridge, ice maker, sink, and an oversized walk-in pantry that doubles as a prep kitchen or staging space for events.
The dining area is a standout — perched at the southwest corner, it captures stunning corner-window views and is bathed in warm afternoon light. Perfectly positioned just off the gourmet kitchen, the layout is ideal for both intimate dinners and grand-scale entertaining.
The centerpiece walk-in closet, custom-designed by California Closets, is a dream—both functional and worthy of a magazine spread. Beyond the dressing room, a quiet home office space offers privacy and focus, complete with access to a private balcony that captures the gentle glow of the morning sun and sweeping city views.
The spa-inspired bath invites relaxation, featuring a jetted soaking tub with its own wall-mounted TV, separate water closet, and dual vanities. A third vanity, tucked just beyond the dressing area, provides the perfect spot for morning routines or evening glam.
Across the home, on the west wing, two additional bedroom suites are tucked beyond a cozy den, each with its own en-suite bathroom and generous closet space. Whether for guests, family, or an elegant work-from-home setup, these rooms offer flexibility and privacy.
Daily living is made seamless with two separate laundry areas—one discreetly located within the primary suite and another conveniently positioned near the kitchen. Every detail throughout the residence has been considered: automated Lutron lighting, powered sunshades and blackout drapes, and over a dozen individually zoned climate controls for year-round comfort.
At 10 Rittenhouse, you’ll enjoy the finest full-service amenities Philadelphia has to offer, including a 24/7 concierge, chauffeured town car, indoor pool, fitness center, and a private hospitality suite for your guests. The building’s discreet entrance on 18th Street places you steps from the best of Center City—world-class dining, shopping, and culture, all just outside your door.
It was another successful Philly home and garden show this weekend in Oaks PA. It’s basically Philadelphia but 45 minutes away. Folks lined up to see celebrities like Christopher Knight, Brady Bunch who has a line of home furnishings Christopher Knight Home and Craig Conover a fan favorite on Bravo’s hit reality series, Southern Charm, who talked about their wares and then meant their fans. How as to check out so many great home and garden ideas on a very chilly weekend in February.
innovative products and fantastic deals in remodeling, home improvement, décor, gardening and outdoor spaces with hundreds of experts all under one roof.
DIY workshops at the Make It Take It presented by @little.tall.rulers on Saturday and Sunday of the Show
Sleep with Saquon Barkley with this cool balloon installation.
Michael Knight with a fan
Commiserating with Craig Conover (Bravo’s Southern Charm, Sewing Down South Co-Founder) about my broken shoulder
It was really a great exhibition this year, always great but this year just very informative. Don’t sleep on it next year make sure you go and I’ll say hello!! You still have a few hours left today to go. Sunday, February 23, 2025 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Philly Home + Garden Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA for three days only from Friday, February 21st to Sunday, February 23rd. Attendees will find new inspiration, innovative products, helpful tips, and amazing deals in remodeling, home improvements, décor, and outdoor spaces. The event offers opportunities to connect with hundreds of home and garden experts.
Over 300 exhibitors will present a wide variety of products, ranging from home decor and furniture to garden and landscaping items, as well as kitchen and bath essentials. Plus, a vibrant marketplace will allow you to take home something special! If you love turning to HGTV, DIY, and TLC home improvement shows for the latest tips and tricks, you can meet with gardening to home design experts here in person!
Join us to welcome Craig ConoverSouthern Charm on Bravo and co-founder of Sewing Down South, a rapidly growing Southern lifestyle brand. Craig will be presenting on Friday, February 21st at 6:00 PM and Saturday, February 22nd at 1:00 PM.
Another celebrity attending the show is Christopher Knight, former child actor known for his role as “Peter Brady” on the iconic TV show The Brady Bunch. Today, Christopher is the owner of Christopher Knight Home, a popular online home furnishings brand. He will take the Philly Home + Garden Show stage on Saturday, February 22nd at 11:00 AM and on Sunday, February 23rd at 1:00 PM.
The Barking Lot + Doggy Fashion Show IS RETURNING
Make It, Take it Workshops presented by Little.Tall.Rulers: At the Make It, Take It Workshops, you can craft something special for your home for FREE! Work with local designers, artists, and crafters to explore the latest DIY trends. Ask a Garden Expert: For advice about getting started in the garden, visit the “Ask a Garden Expert” booth in the Garden Hall provided by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners!
AND SO MUCH MORE!! I’ll be there Saturday taking photos…
Admission is $12 for adults at the event, $10 for adults online until February 20th, and free for children under the age 12. Parking is free at the Philly Home + Garden Show. For all show information and tickets, visit PhillyHomeandGarden.com.
Celebrity cook and Philly native Steve Martorano and his cousin, chef Ray, have prepared a special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for Wednesday, Feb. 14 at their new restaurant at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. The three-course meal is $135 per person and highlighted by Martorano’s surf and turf. The menu features the following choices:
Jimmy DeLaurentis officially opened his flagship location for his private label collection, James by Jimmy DeLaurentis, at 114 S. 19th St. yesterday.
A Philadelphia native and design trailblazer with more than 25 years of experience, Jimmy DeLaurentis is known for creating luxurious and memorable spaces through his unique design aesthetic that combines opulence with a touch of playfulness.
After honing his craft on the creative team at Ralph Lauren, he propelled his career by becoming an entrepreneur, designing stunning homes and businesses for A-list clientele. In 2016, he saw a void in the market for custom, luxury home furnishings and accessories with an element of surprise and launched JAMES by Jimmy DeLaurentis.
The showroom has stacks of eye catching books lined the shelves along with household accents, vintage black and white photos of James Dean, Paul Newman and race cars, welcomed guests to the new shop the showroom interior design and gift shop space. (Michael DelBene and Colin Burke)
Maryanne Harris and Stacey Kracher
Jimmy has other showrooms including one in Las Vegas, where his famous Bravo reality celebs, RHONJ Deloris Catania, Lisa Vanderpump of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “Vanderpump Rules,” and her husband, Ken Todd, were all in attendance for the reveal of the Amalfi Furniture Collection and Poolside Pet Sofas at a Las Vegas, Nev. At the New York debut Teresa Giudice mentioned she has the Gabriella in her house. Don’t be surprised if you stop by his store and run into one of these ladies.
Sophisticated bar accessories
Jimmy also has these cute pet sofas which he debut in 2018 at a Union Trust party I covered.
Nicole Cashman of Cashman & Associates and Jimmy DeLaurentis.Author Thom Nickels stopped by to wish Jimmy well.Rick Mead and Tim Gresh
As for who, the event brought out the fashionable crowd, friends, family and Instagram Personalities including Ramillionaire Carr.
James offers a luxury candles and adorable “James” line of bears fashioned from upholstery fabric. Our James Bears are a stylish, yet playful accessory intended to add extra personality and an element of surprise to interiors, a key component of my design philosophy,” said Jimmy DeLaurentis. “Complete with leather collars, the bears are the perfect luxe accessory to add a little bit of my design aesthetic to a space.”
Lori and Brian GillBarbara Gall, Jimmy, Marianne Harris and guest.from Art Haus. Last year Jimmy DeLaurentis outfitted a Center City penthouse at Art Haus. (Inquirer) The new 1500 square ft. showroom highlights furniture and accessories from Jimmy’s private label collection. Pieces include upholstered furniture, an assortment of custom pet sofas – made with the same level of detail and quality as the furniture collections. Additional offerings include a full-service interior design studio as well as a curated collection of furnishings and gifts from his favorite designers including Interlude, Joe Cariati, etúHOME, Global Views and more. JAMES by Jimmy DeLaurentis
Celebrity cook and South Philly native Steve Martorano has opened Martorano’s Prime, an Italian-American Steakhouse at Rivers Casino Philadelphia in Fishtown. Martorano’s Prime blends the celebrity cook’s usual Italian-American cuisine with dishes typically found at high-end steakhouses. Menu items include macaroni, pasta, steak and Martorano’s meatballs with Sunday gravy. (photos provided)
Also new at Martorano’s Rivers Philadelphia is Lilly Cakes, Martorano’s wife Marsha Daley-Martorano‘s dessert brand. Try the Red velvet, cookies and cream, triple chocolate and brown-butter Heath bar cakes, along with banana cream pie are just some of the restaurant’s classic desserts. In the Rivers Philadelphia food court, you can purchase Lilly Cakes to take home as well. Guests can also enjoy Martorano’s Sicilian Slice pizza. I’ve been there a few times. August’s featured item is a pepperoni slice for $12. Sicilian Slice features pizzas that are generously topped with mouthwatering tomato sauce and premium mozzarella cheese. The grab-and-go outlet is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. So delicious!! Online reservations can be made now at Open Table.com.
Save the Date: September 2 Cage Wars are happening at the Event Center. Tickets are still available. Then Friday September 15, EVERCLEAR with Ataris is in concert. INFO
Hundreds of donors, clinicians and friends of CHOP attended the annual CHEERS FOR CHOP event at the Fillmore in Philadelphia on March 4th, helping to raise $800,000 to benefit Behavioral Health at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Rachel Ward, Nicole Bispo and Christina McCann
Jason and Jessie Morgan with Alexandra and Jonathan Morgan
Laura Proctor, Stephen Proctor, Michael Morrow and Leela Morrow
Julia Mitchell, Marghi Adzick, ( founded Addison Bay, a fashion-forward activewear line, in Philadelphia . ) and Jennifer David
Donnie Marteletti, Lynsie Fineberg, Raffaellina Merlino (Happy Birthday Yesterday) and Anthony Merlino
Patricia I. Villarreal and Ronald J. Patterson, Esq
Y
As many of you know I have always had a bad memory, but now is a good time to tell you my memory is really gone I don’t know if it’s from having long term covid, old age, or even the whippets I did as a kid, I’m sad to say I can not recall the name of the man who was my work out trainer for a year at the Bellevue, granted it was a decade ago, as I approached my 50th birthday, but I have seen him over the years and did remember his name.
The other night when I saw him I didn’t ask him for his name, as I should know it, and was too embarrassed to ask. Now I want to run his photo, and his beautiful wife, with their names, but I don’t even know how to start as I can’t even remember his first name. It’s so frustrating…. ok thanks. Just give me your name if I photograph you.
Unique but beautiful set up at Cheers for Chop with the cabanas on the floor, and along the walls. Congrats to all who attended and donated to this wonderful organization, you have made a difference in a child’s life.
The Philadelphia Fund Alliance (PFA), a group of Philadelphia-based asset management industry professionals, is pleased to announce that it raised $125,000 at its annual fundraising gala on Nov. 4, benefiting Commonwealth Youthchoirs, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Germantown that transforms the lives of young people through the power of music. Since its inception in 2016, PFA has raised close to $600,000 for Greater Philadelphia area charities.
Erin McClafferty of BBD, LLP and Nancy Cloran of SEI
Peter Riviello, Dan Porter, Ryan Schrader and Andrew Piazza of Mondrian Investment Partners
The annual fundraiser not only supports a great cause, but it also highlights Philadelphia’s deep roots and influence in national financial markets and services, including traditional mutual funds and alternative asset vehicles.
Joe Del Raso of Troutman Pepper, Matthew Tomasicchio, Chad Gazzillo and Michael Frac of KPMG LLP
Taylor Brody, Zack Bradley, Wesley Davis, Jennifer Hillman, Claire Olivar and Alexa Tzarnas of Stradley Ronon
May you have good health, lots of happiness, and a great New Year.
Dominique Frio, GM of Catering & Sales Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Justin Moore, General Manager at Rivers Casino Philadelphia · Rush Street Gaming, LLC , Jeff and Maddswar prepare the bubbly for the guests
Here’s hoping you make the most of 2023!
Each year I spend with you is the best one yet! Here’s to making more memories in 2023. Thank You!! I’m so excited for our future.
Head to Rivers Casino to see what’s happening in January and meet me next Saturday at the Event Center to enjoy a night with En Vogue!! Get Tickets HERE!!
The Legendary group En Vogue is coming to Rivers Casino Philadelphia for an unforgettable concert!
