Visit Philly & Palizzi Social Club Dinner Reception

The 5th Annual Philly Chef Conference was hosted by Drexel’s Center for Food and Hospitality Management this past weekend. Sunday night, March 11, 2018 Visit Philly hosted a cocktail party at the super secretive delicious members only eatery in South Philly – Palizzi Social Club for chefs participating at the conference as well as the 2018 James Beard Award Semifinalists of Philadelphia.

The Visit Philly Team: Laura Burkhardt, Meryl Levitz, Executive Director and Cara Schneider

Spotted at the soiree was Ellen Yin, High Street Hospitality – Outstanding Restaurateur; Rich Landau, Vedge – Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic and Nicholas Elmi, Laurel, Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. Meryl Levitz greeted the guests, paying tribute to the chefs saying you create pride in Philadelphia every single day.

Susannah Mauro, Abbe Stern and Kiki Aranita

Ariel Yarolawitz and Pat O’Malley, Hungry Pigeon

Lara Gilmore, wife of Italian chef Massimo Bottura and Alexa Bottura

Justin Kennedy and Leila Cartier

I spy Ben Fileccia, Art Etchells, Manatawny Still Works and Alex Tewfik, Philly Mag’s Foobooz

Brad Thomas Parson,  Writer. Eater. Drinker. Author of BITTERS (winner of James Beard and IACP Cookbook Awards),  and Peter Cohen

Meryl Levitz greets the guests, and pays tribute to the chefs gathered from the Drexel Chefs Conference, as well as the 13 Philly chefs, bakers, bartenders and restaurant gurus named as James Beard Award semifinalist. Philly is known for a few things – Birthplace of the Country, Super Bowl Champs and the most spectacular food scene.

Vaughn Ross, of Mayor Kenney’s Office welcomes guests from NYC, LA and across the seas.

Kate Jacoby, Ellen Yin, Brigid Squilla and Councilman Mark Squilla

The 5th Annual Philly Chef Conference is hosted by Drexel’s Center for Food and Hospitality Management. Drexel University’s vision is based on providing students with real world education while also being active in their local community. The mission of this annual conference is to engage our students with industry leaders while also connecting members of the restaurant community through a day of education. Gabrielle Fenerty and Matt Sanders at your service with a smile.

Thanks Visit Philly and Joey Baldino for your hospitality