The DIVINE LORRAINE Is Pre-leasing Already

April 29, 2016 by HughE Dillon

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly a 8 months since the groundbreaking of the long anticipated revival of the grande dame of North Broad Street, The Divine Lorraine Hotel (699 N. Broad St.) back in September, to today when it was announced that the Divine Lorraine apartments would begin pre-leasing the apartments.

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The listing on Craigslist states: Large, open floor plans allow you to maximize your living area while living just steps away from world-class dining and retail. Apartment finishes combine sleek industrial touches, while maintaining the vintage charm of the Divine Lorraine. The modern kitchens feature top of the line appliances and beautiful light granite counter tops.

1 Bedrooms Starting @ $1325
2 Bedrooms Starting @ $2540 **SECOND MONTH IS FREE ON ALL 2 BEDROOMS!

A coffee shop and bi-level restaurant will fill the commercial space.

Each apartment will be equipt with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and range in a number of bedrooms. The building will even have a 24-hour doorman to ensure the safety of the residences.

The ballroom is so large they are making it into two separate floors holding apartments on each floor. The Annex in the back of the building will be renovated into something, but it is still a surprise.

Purrrfect: Cats are allowed.

Unit Amenities:
-Stainless Steel GE Appliances including Dishwasher and Microwave
-LG Washer and Dryer in ALL units
-Granite Counter Tops
-Modern Plank Flooring
-Vintage, industrial light fixtures
-Plenty of Closet Space
-Subway tiled showers
-Ceramic tiled bathroom floors
-Premium shaker birch wood cabinets
-Commercial/Fusion style kitchen faucets
-Contemporary bathroom fixtures
4-29-2016 5-28-42 PM An interesting footnote to add is that residents at the Divine Lorraine are allowed to use the amenities at Lofts 640, only block away – featuring a rooftop pool, gym and sundeck.

See the complete listing HERE

Check out a great photo essay of The Divine Lorraine before the renovation got underway, by Streets Department –

Philadelphia

Scene & Heard in Philly – Mary J Blige in Town, AI’s Weekend, Sixers Nerlens Noel Birthday Party, Carlo’s Bakery

April 14, 2015 by HughE Dillon

Hope you had a terrific weekend with that amazing weather. I had to run out yesterday to cover the BenFM Women of the Week Luncheon, so I didn’t have time for my Scene and Heard in Philly.

What an amazing weekend it was, Saturday I attended the WDAS Women of Excellence luncheon, it was great to see so many beautiful, empowering women, hear inspiring messages and enjoy thoughtful performances.

One of the “Shereos” Sheinelle Jones, with her dad Federal Judge Darnell Jones in 3rd Circuit located in Philadelphia.

Mary J. Blige was at the WDAS’ First Annual Women of Excellence Luncheon
on Saturday, April 11, 2015 held at First District Plaza in
Philadelphia, where she was given the WDAS Trailblazing Woman of
Excellence Award, which will be renamed as the WDAS Mary J Blige Women
of Excellence Award beginning next year. The event was held to recognize
9 extraordinary women in the Philadelphia area including former Fox 29
Good Day Morning Anchor Sheinelle Jones, now at the Today Show, Faatimah Gamble and
Commissioner Susan Slawson, doing extraordinary things in their
community that improved peoples lives.

At the luncheon Mary J Blige was really humbled and the
emotion really comes through in this photo. She’s being honored by
http://www.phillymag.com/the-scene/2015/04/13/wdas-women-of-excellence-mary-j-blige/

Allen Iverson was in town this weekend. First he was spotted Saturday night watching the Garcia fight at Dave and Buster’s then yesterday he was at Sugarhouse trying out his luck there. Has anyone ever seen him in anything but sweats? (Thanks to my tipster who sent this photo)

Congrats to Sixers Nerlens Noel who celebrated his 21st Birthday at 1925 lounge (ie the former G Lounge) last Thursday. I hear it was a jam packed good time at the new don’t call night club.

Recently Philly Mag reported that “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro was opening a Location of Carlo’s Bakery in Rittenhouse, I took this shot the other day seems like it’s coming along nicely. It’s been reported that the opening will be late Spring, early summer which I would agree with.

Speaking about anticipated eateries, I hear Mercadito, at 2116 Chestnut Street is shooting for a September opening. When I walked by the other day they were not working on it yet.

So sad the Food Bazaar has closed. I peeked through the little space in the door and the relics of the Food Bazaar were strewned about.

Remember Oh So Good, the delicious food buffet at 19th and Market, they closed up shop quickly last summer. (They have since opened at 1700 Market St.,) I was walking by their old spot and it’s starting to be gutted. I’ll keep a lookout to see what might pops up there. So much fun and development in Center City.

2015 Walnut Street has one of those “orange” L&I signs. It says that this spot is going to be a restaurant and for take out. I am crossing my fingers cause I really need a Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood. I’ve been jonsing for one since Wok closed.

UPDATE: 22nd&Philly
‏@22ndandPhilly just informed me it’s going to be a BYOB taco place run. Oh well, maybe Chinese will follow somewhere Walnut St soon.

http://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2015/04/09/revolution-taco-coming-to-rittenhouse-square/

This spring has brought a lot of engagements, congrats to my good friends Amanda Giddings and Michael Dana

And then there’s baby news!! Congrats.

Saturday night after shooting Blingo, I headed to Zama for a late night bite. I ran into my old friend Angelo Soldevila, who I used to work with when I was a paralegal. He was out celebrating his wife Lea for her birthday!! Great to see them.

It took forever to figure out how to do a #selfie, now there’s that stick with @alexholleytv at Manayunk Street Fair

A video posted by Philly ChitChat (@phillychitchat) on Apr 13, 2015 at 6:19am PDT

So glad I met this girl Alex Holley. I have so much fun with her. Sunday, Mike, Alex and I went to the Manayunk Street Fair. It was packed.

Philadelphia

Brunch in Philly: Top of the Tower’s new Sunday Sky Brunch in Pictures

March 29, 2015 by HughE Dillon 1 Comment

Last week I headed over to the Top of the Tower’s new SkyBrunch (1717 Arch St), which is every Sunday on the 50th Floor of the event space. I think you already know it’s one of my favorite event spaces in the City, because besides the great service it has amazing views of the City even on rainy cloudy days.

Chef Matt Lane’s stations include the Panorama (breakfast pastries,
fruit; Metropolitan Bakery granola, yogurt parfaits); The Sunny Side
(made-to-order omelets, home fries, pecan-smoked bacon, homemade pork
and turkey sausage, chive and crème fraîche scrambled eggs); The Outlook
(fried chicken, pecan waffles, crème brûlée French toast); The Sea
Scape (oyster and crab claw shooters, smoked salmon, and Zento sushi).

There were at least 4 food stations

Plenty of tables

I got there a little late

as the brunch runs 10AM to 2PM

Parking is $10 in the garage below the building, enter on Cherry Street.

But there was plenty of food left and it was fresh

The cost of $50 per person ($25 for kids 12 and under; free for kids 5 and younger) covers all of this plus a brunch cocktail.

I went with my friend Alex Holley. The meal and company was terrific. It was a great place to give Alex an ariel view of Philly and show her all the neighborhoods from this vantage point.

Thanks to Top of the Tower for these photos, cause I was too busy eating to take any. I’ll be back.

Philadelphia

First Look U-Bahn (don’t call it a basement bar) Hosts The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund Our Night Out Party

February 27, 2015 by HughE Dillon

The team behind Brü Craft and Wurst keep the German vibe going at their subterranean bar U-Bahn, set to open officially next week, but Tuesday night

the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund hosted its successful monthly OurNightOut networking mixer at the industrial the 3,300 square foot space

which includes
two bars and a kitchen. U-Bahn will offer local beers and food
including cured meats, cheeses and specialty sandwiches.

It might be winter, but I’m wearing a t-shirt cause I look good

Photos provided by Aversa Pr. I was supposed to be at this event but my photo exhibit was postponed from January to Feb on this Tues. I’ll write more about that great event on Tuesday.

I love this trend of classic video games in a bar. Get off your phone and play some pacman!!

Hey are they TV’s

Globe

Hey Mr DJ put a record on.

I think this is going to be a pretty big deal, it’s like a subterranean beer garden

Hey Jim Donovan from CBS3!!

The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund

Heroes Luncheon is Sunday, April 12, 2015 12:30pm to 3:00pm at Hotel Monaco.

Philadelphia

OPENING SOON New Restaurants on Chestnut Street – And A Food Review

February 9, 2015 by HughE Dillon

I took a walk around Philly Thursday and noticed a few new eateries that are about to make the City a little more exciting.

I’m really excited that my favorite pizza place is opening up downtown at 703 Chestnut Street. Luigi’s Pizza Fresca. They have a few stores in South Jersey and one across the street from where I live in Fairmount. For a short time they owned Lulu’s at 236 Market Street, but that place has since closed.

I chatted with the gal at the Fairmount location and she said that within a week the new location should be opened. They use the best cheese and have the best chicken wings.

Update on Butcher Bar (2034 Chestnut Street.) which is owned by the Valanni/Varga/Mercato’s George Anni. It’s supposed to be completed by June 2015. I’m a big fan of their eateries so I look forward to patronizing this nugget. You can read more here at PhillyMag’s Foobooz.

Utrecht Art Supplies at 2020 Chestnut St closed a few years back, but seems to be on the brink of new life.

as the KJ Choi Corporation has filed for a liquor license.

You may know them as the folks who own Food & Friends in Rittenhouse Square. It’s a cute grocery store, coffee shop and beer take out place. Now the sign has been up there for a little bit, but I checked with the LCB and the application is still pending. I have no doubt as this will happen as the it’s right near several new residential high rises. (Photos above borrowed from Yelp.)

The Chestnut Street – Philly Bagels Place is just about to open. I love their Hot Bagels sign. They’re located across from Nordstrom Rack at 17th and Chestnut Street.

*******************

Not on Chestnut, but noteworthy.

I went to Gyukaku Philly last week. The idea is kinda fun, there’s a hibachi grill in the middle of the table, and you have an option to cook your own meat, and vegetables. Kory and I both had appetizers, and he had two drinks. I had a diet coke. The bill was $101, which I think is a little expensive. I would call this a date place or with lots of friends place. I was surprised that the eatery itself seemed so worn already, unless they were going for that. And now a word from our sponsors.