Double Knot Review, PLUS New Eatery Will Have A Bowling Alley, Modells Makes A Move, Coach Mellner Cracks Up

February 23, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Good Tuesday morning. Sorry about skipping Monday, I was at a loss for our friend Cara McCollum and her passing away yesterday morning and there was nothing happy about the day or gossipy about the day.

I made it to Double Knot Monday night, the decor is a mystery romp full of eye candy delights. I was perusing the books on the shelves to see if there was a rhyme or reason. It definitely reminds me of a place Charlie Chan would wander into to look for leads in solving a case. Although the door to the dining area is not behind a much speculated book shelf as had been written, the bathroom on the first level is behind a door that you would think led to the outside. Downstairs the much anticipated eatery by Michael Schulson chef and restaurateur (MJS Restaurants – Sampan, Graffiti Bar, Independence Beer Garden, Izakaya
at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, and now Double Knot]) and at the helm in the kitchen, his long time chef from Izakaya –
Kevin Yanaga is a series of rooms, nooks and crannies hearkening you back to speakeasy days. Delightful fixtures, an open kitchen with eating bar, and dramatic murals on the wall were some of the details created to enhance your dining experience. Highlights from dinner last night with Ian M Crumm – Oyster Shooter (l) and lamb chops.

Broiled Sea-bass (I brought some home for Mike and he declared it was the best Sea-bass he’s ever had in his life. That is saying a lot.), Scallop, Wings,

Apple Tart, which Ian said was one of the best desserts he’s ever had. I had to restrain him from grabbing the one just put down at the table next to us.

Lots of fun notables have stopped by to wish the crew well and delight in the new food. Last night David Fields, Shola Olunloyo and Joe Beddia. Also seen lately Chefs Jose Garce and Luke Palladino, and over the weekend Nik the Web Chick from Q102. Next up for the Schulson empire, Harp & Crown (1524 Sansom St.), an American.

Things have changed a bit from the initial plans a year ago. Now on the first floor will be a restaurant, with a sexy, speakeasy in the basement, AND wait for it, so excited for the his plans in the mezzanine – each side will have one bowling lane for private parties (I had him repeat it twice cause I was so overcome with excitement). OMG game changer, so fun. I can’t wait for that. Sounds like a good celebrity magnet too.

Speaking of bowling, Jacklin Rhoads, formerly a Cashman girl, now working with Sen Bob Casey, went bowling with #TeamCasey at the White House last week, that’s epic. I bet the bowling lanes to be installed at Harp & Crown will be a little bit more modern than the ones above.

The Goldberg’s is an American television program that premiered on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 on ABC and was created by Philly’s own Adam F. Goldberg. This past weekend,

Bryan Callen who plays Coach Meller on the show performed at Helium Comedy Club. Here he poses with former Penn Charter’s head coach Rick Mellor, who Callen’s character on The Goldberg’s

is based on.

Congrats to Kevin Parker & Kerry Scott for the most successful Philadelphia Fashion Week to date. The shows keep getting better and better. For the second season in a row, their friend, NYFW legend Fern Mallis was on hand to wish them well and mentor them. I regret I was booked every night during their shows. I must get those dates for their next shows in September.

Congrats to Geno Vento for being honored with the Fashion Icon Award of the Year at Philadelphia Fashion Week. He also modeled on the catwalk later in the evening. Here he is with co-founders Kevin Parker & Kerry Scott

Taylor Swift Was the Maid of Honor in Her Best Friend’s PA Wedding on Saturday

Snap Kitchen has opened in Rittenhouse Square. Now maybe when I go to Fairmount, my favs will be on the shelf cause you can stay in your own neighborhood.

Sweet T’s Bakery created another creative looking cake for it looks like Mark’s 30th birthday. Sweet T’s is in Haddonfield, but they’ll deliver a specialty cake in the tri-state area.

Happy Birthday Vince Ryan, who celebrated with friend Matt Pellman, 6ABC in Kennsington, Philly the other night. FB is screwing with us, we all used to be in Camden, NJ when we posted, now we’re in Kennsington.