Oliver St. Clair Franklin, executive produced the PBS documentary Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story and Bill Marrazzo is President and Chief Executive Officer of WHYY, Inc
Philadelphia has always been more than the backdrop of American history. It’s the city where the story of America continues to evolve toward a more perfect union. A powerful new documentary, Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story, is about to debut on WHYY, a film that deeply resonates as Philadelphia prepares for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Oliver St. Clair Franklin, executive produced the PBS documentary Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story and Annie Connolly executive producer and company director.of Ber House Media
Patrick Oates,Leroy Nunery, Harold Epps, and Jay Cliffor
Before the screening, guests, supporters, and people connected with the film, including the UK television production company Bear House Media, gathered for a VIP cocktail reception inside the Philadelphia Film Society, creating an intimate atmosphere ahead of the premiere.
Linda Hennessy and Olivia Prendergast
“Within the backdrop of our nation’s Semiquincentennial, this documentary explores the themes and stories that continue to define who we are today, while underscoring the central role Philadelphia played in that history,” said Executive Producer Oliver St. Clair Franklin. “At its core, this film is about people, those whose stories have too often gone untold and the city that brought them together.”
Jackie and Earl Wolf
The film weaves together the stories of Indigenous people, enslaved Africans, immigrants, lawmakers, artists, and everyday Philadelphians who helped shape the country from the very beginning. What makes the documentary especially compelling is how deeply it connects the past to the Philadelphia we know today.
Dawn Frisby Byers, senior director of content and engagement at PA Humanities and Laurie Ziere, Executive Director PA Humanities · Experience: PA Humanities
Cherri Gregg, WHYY reporter greets Annie Connolly executive producer and company director.of Ber House Media as Betsy B Director of Programming & Engagement at WHYY Philadelphia looks on.
Following the screening, guests stayed for a thoughtful discussion with the filmmakers and WHYY’s Cherri Gregg.
Ronald Angelo Johnson, Ralph and Bessie Mae Lynn Chair of History at Baylor University. He is the author of Diplomacy in Black and White: John Adams, Toussaint Louverture, and Their Atlantic World Alliance. and Michael E. Tang, Director of PBS Plus (Public Broadcasting Service) leading television programming and strategy
Showtime for the preview, but you can catch
‘Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story,’ premiering May 28 on WHYY-12 before airing nationwide on PBS stations June 15, explores the city’s diverse communities, global influences and untold stories that helped shape the United States.
Philadelphia will host the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park for 39 days starting June 11.
Some of the following details were shared during recent neighborhood meetings, a presentation by the Lemon Hill Neighborhood Association, and recent press conferences. Since planning is ongoing, certain details could still change.
The event is free, features live soccer, music, and food from 75 local food trucks, and expects up to 15,000 fans daily. Officials urge fans to use public transportation due to limited parking, and neighborhood parking will be restricted to residents. 🚗🚙
Residential Permit Zone: From Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, July 19, 2026, temporary residential parking permits will be required in neighborhoods surrounding the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill. Residents will be able to register legally insured vehicles tied to their home address and will also receive two guest parking passes valid for the duration of the event period. INFO HERE
Here’s what visitors need to know before heading to Fairmount Park: (Subject to Change)
ENTRANCE INFO • South Entrance: Sedgley Drive & Poplar Drive • North Entrance: Girard Avenue & Poplar Drive
The park area near the Lincoln Statue will serve as the
Welcome Center and Indigo Bike Parking Station. Kelly Drive and Sedgley Ave intersection (across from Lloyd Hall at Boat House Row)
ROAD CLOSURES • Sedgley Drive and Poplar Drive south of Girard Avenue will be closed throughout construction which is ramping up now, event operations, and breakdown. There is no Lemon Hill Park access for recreation beginning May 18 through mid-August. • Poplar Street will close at 29th Street and 30th Street south of Girard. • Kelly Drive will remain open except for July 4 and the Schuylkill Navy Regattas in mid July.
BEST WAY TO GET THERE The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill is about a 45 minute walk from City Hall, so organizers are strongly encouraging visitors to use public transportation, walk, or bike instead of driving. It’s actually a beautiful walk either up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway or through Fairmount along Fairmount Avenue, with plenty of restaurants, bars, cafés, and neighborhood shops along the way.
SEPTA will increase service on these bus routes: 7, 32, 38, 43, 48, 49, and G, with buses arriving roughly every 10 minutes.
The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop will also add a dedicated stop at Pennsylvania & Fairmount Avenues for direct access to Lemon Hill, which is about a half a mile.
Find official information
2026 Access Philly app. See what’s happening across the city. Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Kristen Shepherd is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) and Donald R. Caldwell, Chair of PAFA Board, help cut the ribbon to the newly renovated PAFA Museum
Founded on December 26, 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is the oldest art museum and school in the United States. As of 2026, PAFA is 220 years old and is celebrating its 220th anniversary this year, as the country celebrates it’s 250th anniversary. It was established in Philadelphia by painter and scientist Charles Willson Peale and sculptor William Rush.
Sarah and Brad Marshall
It was one of those rare Philadelphia evenings where the city truly dressed the part. Long gowns swept the floors, tuxedos filled the rooms, and for a few hours, PAFA transported us back in time.
John and Leigh Middleton
Philadelphia’s art world had every reason to celebrate this season, as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts marked its 220th anniversary alongside the debut ofA Nation of Artists, a landmark exhibition presented in partnership with the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Middleton Family Collection.
The night began in the Hamilton Building with registration and a cocktail hour that buzzed with anticipation. But the true highlight came shortly after, when guests made their way next door for the ribbon cutting and rededication of the Historic Landmark Building. Now fully restored and serving as a central home for A Nation of Artists, the space felt both historic and newly alive, linking PAFA’s storied past with its present moment.
Ron and Ellen Caplan, Board Chair of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA), Melissa Leonard and Tac Justi, Board member of PMA
Marsden Hartley (modernist, Southwest influence) and one of Mrs Middleton’s favorite pieces she mentioned to me, Georgia O’Keefe and Walter Ufer (Taos, true Southwest painter)
A Nation of Artists brings together an extraordinary range of American works, creating a sweeping visual narrative that spans centuries. Highlights include iconic portraiture such as Charles Willson Peale’s self-portrait and his portrait of George Washington, alongside Thomas Eakins’s powerful The Gross Clinic. Visitors move through lush landscapes by Albert Bierstadt, Frederic Edwin Church, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O’Keeffe, as well as deeply meaningful works from the Civil War era, including a monumental inscribed vessel by the enslaved potter David Drake.
Kyle Simpson and Michelle Azzarello
Kunal Kolia and Hilary Cianciole
Exquisite decor during the reception
Stephanie Stahl and John Trichon
Veronica McKee and Jonathan Hochman
I’m always excited when I spot a Calder in an exhibition
Steve Williamson and Kevin Hackenberg|
John S. Middleton noted, the exhibition is designed to be accessible to all, inviting visitors to discover something new with every visit, while PAFA President and CEO Kristen Shepherd described the moment as transformative for both the institution and the city, bridging its historic legacy with a forward-looking exploration of American art.
The exhibit at PAFA is incredible, truly one of the most exciting shows I’ve seen in a long time. I was especially grateful to thank the Middletons for sharing their collection with Philadelphia during such a meaningful moment in the city’s history. The renovations are stunning, the building feels bright, fresh, and full of energy. This is not a one-and-done visit, it’s the kind of exhibit you come back to again and again, and I already can’t wait to return and spend more time with it.
Have a great weekend. In the meantime, catch me on Instagram for daily updates on what’s happening around Philadelphia.
I’ve also launched a new account focused on upcoming events. I’m often told, “I wish I knew about that,” so this will be a place to find what’s coming up before it happens, things worth checking out across the city.
Last night at Lincoln Financial Field, First Tee Philadelphia brought together sports fans, civic leaders, and supporters for a meaningful evening celebrating two Philadelphia icons, Mike Quick and Merrill Reese at “Links at the Linc”. Both honorees are longtime partners on 94.1 WIP broadcasts and have worked together for nearly 30 years. Mike has been involved with First Tee for awhile, I remember shooting him at another event with them the first time about 12 years ago.
The setting was classic Philly. Cocktail hour energy inside the Linc, with guests mixing, reminiscing, and, in true First Tee fashion, even getting a chance to swing a club in a space better known for touchdowns than tee shots.
Normally not something you could do, but officials were testing out a new turf to be used for the upcoming Fifa games scheduled to start in June, so they had a field that was not for football.
First Tee Philadelphia goes far beyond the game itself. It uses golf as a way to build confidence, discipline, and resilience in young people.
Dave Sheilds, First Tee and Charles Pizzi, Board member of Independence Blue Cross
The program reaches tens of thousands of kids across the region, many gaining access to opportunities they might never have otherwise experienced.
Ashley Scudder, Tyler Scudder and Adriana Holt
Events like this work because they hit both notes. There is nostalgia and celebrity, yes. But there is also a clear reminder of why everyone is there.
Zoe Sky, Skylar Crutchfield and Tai Crutchfield
You could feel it in the room. Conversations were not just about the past, but about investing in the next generation.
And in a city that loves its sports heroes, honoring figures like Quick and Reese while lifting up young people felt exactly right.
Another fantastic event with a wonderful organization that makes a difference!!
Love Is Blind is a dating show built around a simple idea: can people fall in love without ever seeing each other? Singles talk and date in separate rooms where they can hear one another but not see each other, forming emotional connections first. If they feel strongly enough, they get engaged before ever meeting face to face. From there, they meet, and enter the real world, meet each other’s friends and families, and prepare for a wedding just weeks later, where they ultimately decide at the altar whether to say “I do” or walk away. The show is filming in Philadelphia, and most of the contestants live in the area, so it’s easy to do the meets and greets with familiar faces.
Love Is Blind contestants are generally paid a flat rate, often reported as roughly $1,000 per week or around $8,000 for the season, with some, like in season 6, earning up to $13,000 depending on milestones (pods, honeymoons, weddings).
With filming underway across some of Philly’s most recognizable spots, the city is officially center stage for a new round of relationships, dates, and inevitable drama. From what I’m hearing, there’s already a lot happening behind the scenes. While I won’t be revealing identities or outcomes, here’s where and when it’s been unfolding across the city.
BTW, I had never seen the show before and just started watching it on Sunday. I’m started with Season 6 . I wanted to watch a full season to understand how it all unfolds so I know what to share and when, after receiving weeks of tips.
Harper’s Garden
Love Is Blind has officially begun filming in Philadelphia as of March 2026, with production crews and contestants already spotted across the city.
Scenes have taken place at Ambrosia, Dear Daphni, Via Locusta, The Reading Terminal, Casa Ouiand Harp & Crown, while one “meet the parents” moment for a lucky couple unfolded at Harper’s Garden two Sundays ago.
Other Half Brewing March 26 a newly engaged couple meeting the friends. (I’ve cut off their heads)
Notably, these weren’t full buyouts. Filming happened alongside regular diners, with plenty of Philadelphians witnessing it in real time and some snapping photos. The image above with the goblet was taken at Harper’s Garden, though I’m hearing production assistants did persuade a few onlookers to delete footage from their phones.
The grooms were spotted at LR2 at Liberty One to pick up their tuxes last week. The bachelorettes were spotted at Concourse Wednesday night celebrating their upcoming nuptials.
The “W ” might as well stand for Wedding Weekend for Love Is Blind. If you follow me on Instagram, you know Saturday night I ran into a wedding guest at the Ritz Carlton late night, who I didn’t know, who filled me in on one of the weddings he had just attended, seems they only signed a waiver to say they’d give permission to be filmed; while I’m not revealing much, let’s just say there were definitely moments that will have viewers talking.
Here’s where it gets interesting: a friend of mine was invited to one of the weddings scheduled for this weekend, only to get an email just days before saying it was canceled. And this wasn’t an early exit situation, this couple had made it all the way to the altar. Somewhere along the line, someone got cold feet.
Even more curious, the email instructed guests to reach out to the person who invited them if they had questions. Does that mean the usual tight-lipped NDA rules are loosening a bit, or just passing the buck? Either way, something clearly shifted at the last minute and I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more about it.
Philly’s season is shaping up to be a memorable one. I’m hooked!! Look for the Philly season to debut sometime next year, I hear… if you hear anything…drop me a line HughE@phillychitchat.com – Thanks
I goofed, Love is Blind didn’t film at Joe’s Pizza Saturday 3/28 night after Midnight, it was an indie film called The Stranger.
Meet and Greet legendary singer Deborah Cox and Signed Bottle of Kazaisu at Roger Wilco on 5/6/26 INFO HERE
Legend and local resident Patti LaBelle hosted a fabulous birthday dinner Saturday night for her daughter-in-law Lona at Borromini Ristorante; Joined by Lona’s husband Zuri Edwards and a stylish group of friends, Lona told me everything was delicious, especially the branzino and the chocolate cake. I’ve had that olive oil chocolate cake myself, and it is so good.
Happy Birthday, Lona 💜
And Miss Patti is getting ready to celebrate her own birthday on May 24. She’ll be 82 years young ❤️ Fresh off a series of concerts in Ohio last week, she’s still going strong. Video used with permission ❤️❤️
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InLiquid’s annual March for Art BASH Brings the Crowds (and Collectors) to North American Street
Philadelphia’s creative corridor along North American Street was buzzing last month as InLiquidannual March for Art BASH, one of the city’s most beloved and accessible art events
Lynn Buono Les Dames Philadelphia / co-president and Rachel Zimmerman, Founder, Visionary, and Executive Director of InLiquid
Held at the Crane Arts Building and spilling out onto the surrounding blocks, the week long festival once again delivered on its promise: with most original artwork priced at $250 or less, making collecting feel less intimidating and a lot more fun.
Tuesday Gordon, Robin Cook and Ellen Shepp, co owner of Joan Shepp at Rittenhouse Square
More than 100 artists, designers, and makers set up shop, offering everything from paintings and photography to ceramics, jewelry, prints, and wearable art. The vibe was equal parts block party and open-air gallery, drawing a steady stream of seasoned collectors, curious first-timers, and neighborhood regulars to the gallery on American Street.
Debut’s his new exhibition, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, called: Radical Americana project, “Charm Offensive @ Reilly Memorial”, it will be up for two days only! April 18 & 19, a temporary public art intervention at the Reilly Memorial in Fairmount Park, reworking the six bronze Revolutionary War figures through large-scale jewelry, drawing on the language of military decoration — medals, ribbons, insignia — and shifting how the monument reads.
What makes this event stand out and keeps people coming back every year is its mission-driven edge. Every dollar from art sales goes directly to the artists, reinforcing InLiquid’s long-standing role as a connector between creators and the public
The event continues to anchor the growing North American Street arts corridor, linking studios, galleries, and creative businesses into one walkable cultural experience. Over the years, it has evolved into a signature spring time tradition that not only supports artists but helps cultivate the next generation of collectors.
Next up at InLiquid: Brownin’, a powerful new group exhibition opening April 9 at the InLiquid Gallery.
Curated in collaboration with Zindzi Harley, the show brings together five Philadelphia-based artists whose work centers on the Black figure, offering a layered and intentional exploration of identity, representation, and beauty.
Running April 9 through May 23, the exhibition kicks off with an opening reception on April 9 from 6 to 9 pm, followed by a second reception on May 14.
Daniel McLaughlin, Mission Taqueria and Tiger Jaser, Board President of Philadelphia Sketch Club Visual
At its core, Brownin’ challenges narrow definitions of beauty and replaces them with something more expansive and authentic. As Harley puts it, “This exhibition explores and exalts the musings of melanated communities and explodes the myth of a singular Black beauty.”
The featured artists • Caff Adeus • Marcus Branch • Mikel Elam • Akria Gordon • Yannick Lowery
Expect a mix of portraiture and figurative work that feels both personal and culturally resonant, continuing InLiquid’s mission of elevating Philadelphia artists while making contemporary art accessible to a wider audience.
Many of my readers are writing asking if the tents set up on the Parkway this week are for the No Kings March on Saturday, they are not. They are for the Love Run Half Marathon on Sunday March 29th. They will also be utilizing MLK Drive til Noon. See for more road closures and map.
Here’s an additional list of events on the Parkway which will impact traffic this spring.
Parkway April 4th Hot Chocolate Run – Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Fairmount Park April 26th Greek Independence Day Parade – Benjamin Franklin Parkway May 2nd Walk MS – Benjamin Franklin Parkway
What’s Happening on the Drives this Spring
Events happening on Kelly Drive this Spring
March 22nd Flick Regatta Series – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River March 29th Flick Regatta Series – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River April 12th Flick Regatta Series – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River April 19th Flick Regatta Series – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River April 26th Fairmount Arts Crawl – Fairmount Ave May 2nd and 3rd City Championship Regatta – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River May 3rd Broad Street Run – Broad Street May 15th and 16th Stotesbury Regatta – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River
Thanks to the Parkway Council for providing this list, which I will update for the Philly 250th Events and summer events roll out.
MLK DRIVE CLOSINGS
Beginning on Saturday, March 28, 2026, the City will close Martin Luther King Drive to motor vehicle traffic between the East Falls Bridge and the MLK Bridge/Eakins Oval on weekends to increase recreational access for the public.
Closures will begin this weekend – March 28-29, 2026 – and will be in place every Saturday at 7 a.m. through Monday at 7 a.m. until November 29 for runners, cyclists, and walkers to enjoy traffic-free access.
This season, there will be multiple holiday weekend extended closures on MLK Drive, including:
Good Friday/Easter (Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 5)
Memorial Day (Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25)
Juneteenth (Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21)
Labor Day (Saturday, September 5 to Monday, September 7)
Indigenous Peoples Day (Saturday, October 10 to Monday, October 12)
Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, November 29)
Hours for all days listed above are 7 a.m. through 7 a.m.
Times MLK won’t be closed on the weekends.
For planning purposes, this year’s Roots Picnic will be held on May 30-31, 2026, and the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta will be held on the weekend of October 24 and 25, 2026. Please note that MLK Drive will not be closed to vehicles on these weekends due to operational access needs. The side path on MLK Drive will remain accessible to trail users.
Mitchell Kaplan, partner at Zarwin Baum working there his entire career (wow) and Loree D. Jones – Brown. Chief Executive Officer of Philabundence
On Thursday, March 19, 2026, the Crystal Tea Room was once again transformed into Philadelphia’s ultimate “man cave” and networking hub. Hosted by Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy, P.C., the event brought together over 2,000 of the city’s top power players—from CEOs and politicians to media personalities—all for the benefit of Philabundance.
The energy was electric as the first round of the NCAA Tournament tipped off. Guests were surrounded by massive projection screens showing every buzzer-beater in real-time.
Alex Bottos, General Manager of the Sporting Club. Every year they donate a membership for the auction, which helps raise funds for Philabundence.
Between games, attendees hit the pop-a-shot machines or bid on high-end sports memorabilia in the silent auction.
Eric Shelmire, Rile Hamon, Dean Rothschild
Samantha Newell, Director of Firm Engagement at Zarwin and her team helped the annual event run smoothly, which is no easy feat with over 1200 guests stopping by.
Philadelphia’s culinary scene was on full display. The spread featured local favorites ranging from classic Philly cheesesteaks and soft pretzels to gourmet catering, keeping the crowd fueled through 7 hours of non-stop basketball.
Olivia Rae, Svetlana Burbige
Ted Schaer, Zarwin Baum and Councilperson Jeffrey Young
While the hoops were the draw, the heart of the event remained its charitable impact. This year’s fundraiser added significantly to the firm’s running total for Philabundance, helping to provide thousands of meals to families across the Delaware Valley.
With Philadelphia also serving as a host city for the 2026 tournament, the local excitement was at an all-time high.
Amir Khan, Dave Moody, Anthony J.
Tamika McPhal, Kim Hall Jackson (Philabundance)
Beyond the brackets and buzzer-beaters, Zarwin Baum’s March Madness party is where Philly shows its heart. What started as a premier networking night has become a serious force for good, turning all that game-day energy into real support for the community.
Through their ongoing commitment to Philabundance, Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy makes sure the wins don’t stop at the final score. While everyone’s cheering the tournament, they’re helping thousands of neighbors put meals on the table. In this town, the biggest victories don’t happen on the court… they happen right here at home..
Today’s the last day you’ll be able to get a Rocky selfie at this location as the statue is moving inside for an exhibition for 6 months. The one at the top of the steps will remain outside for your enjoyment.
Local chefs as well as visiting chefs participated in the evenings festivities, including Justin Shwetzer In Between Days St. Petersburg, FL Presented by Visit St.Pete-Clearwater
Taste Twenty Chef Alum and fan favorite on Top Chef season 21Michelle Wallace (above) b’tween sandwich co. Houston, TX
Iron Chef Jose Garce’s Team Linda Brown, Juliana Mikitish and Mike Carter
Evan Snyder, Chef Partner of Emmett, along with managing partner Julian van der Tak prepare Rye Tarlets for the guests. Evan’s tattos are on brand as he has a salt & pepper shaker, a bib with a turkey on it, spinach and a tribute to mom.
Nearly 400 guests dined on the elevated food choices
Chef Yun Fuentes
The walk-around tasting brought together a dynamic mix of chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers for an immersive culinary experience. At the heart of the event was TasteTwenty chef Yun Fuentes,
along with the impressive lineup of Philadelphia’s top culinary talent, each presenting dishes that reflected their signature style and the unique identity of their restaurants.
Geno Vento and husband Andre Gaspar
Although Geno Vento is best known for running the iconic South Philly cheese steak spot Geno’s Steaks, he’s also a formally trained chef, having graduated from culinary school just a few years ago. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing his cooking firsthand, and it’s nothing short of exceptional.
Jose Elser and Ashwin Gupta
Congrats to Dr. Ashwin Gupta honored by the City as one of the Prevention Pioneers 2025, recognized for excellence in HIV prevention.
George and Josh of Eats Philly were raving about Oddbird’s zero-proof “wine,” which was also just served at the Academy Awards on Sunday night.
Anna Moore picks up a monogramed bag from Callie Avelino, Callie Co Paints
Gary K loves River Twice with usband Eric , who is sporting his new Callie Co Paints bag says – Machine Shop is a favorite spot, and they’re excited it’s in their neighborhood.
The Edison Restaurant Team: Adrian hardy, The Bellevue Hotel, Mary Santiago, Core Hospitality, Jim Haney, MR. EDISON CG Bellevue LLC, Jeffrey Chodorow, China Grill Management, Anthony Santiago, Core Hospitality, Zach Seidman, Head of Marketing at The Bellevue and Firas Ghorab, General Manager I The Bellevue Hotel
It was a pleasure meeting the legendary Jeffrey Chodorow, CEO and founder of China Grill Management, which operates more than 22 restaurants worldwide. He is opening Mr. Edison at the iconic Bellevue Hotel, a story I first reported in 2024.
Mr. Edison is named in tribute to Thomas Edison, who designed the Bellevue’s lighting for its 1904 opening. There’s even an original lighting circuit box in the grand ballroom.
Open seven days a week, with late-night dining on weekends, the restaurant is designed to feel like a true destination, part dinner, part experience. The menu is international in scope, with select dishes inspired by Mr Chowdory’s time living in Philadelphia (he graduated magna cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1972) and the places he and his wife Linda, a Philadelphia native, loved most.
Expect subtle nods to iconic spots like Astral Plane, The Fish Market, Frog, The Commissary, Black Banana, Le Bec-Fin, and one of my personal favorites, Knave of Hearts, woven thoughtfully into a modern dining format.
At Mr Edison, it’s not just about the dinner club atmosphere, though that alone is a draw. It’s also about rediscovery: nostalgic dishes re-imagined and brought back to life in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new, the kind of menu that surprises you with flavors you didn’t realize you’d been missing.
Another fun event in Philadelphia. The James Beard Foundation mission is to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.
Congratulations to Nicole Cashman & Associates for her 25th Anniversary this year, for a fabulous party held last week at PAFA and being honored with Proclamations by the Mayor and City Council.
Something’s Cooking: For months, Rittenhouse regulars were convinced Stephen Starr was bringing high-end sushi to the former Devon Seafood Grill space. Not quite. Word on the Square kept pointing elsewhere, and now it’s official. Starr has installed signage confirming @thepelicanclubphiladelphia is headed to Rittenhouse. The Parthenon graphic gives it away, and the vibe leans unmistakably Mykonos with a wink to Petros the pelican. In modern Greek lore, Petros became the island’s beloved mascot after a fisherman rescued him in 1958. Big move, big buzz, and one more reason the Square stays interesting. ✨
Real Estate agent Navid Aberg reports a new eatery Lucky Duck Riverside Tavern, is opening next Wednesday March 18, on the ground-floor space at the RiverMark apartment complex at 501 N. Columbus Blvd. The 3,800-square-foot space has bay windows that open during the warmer months and offer panoramic views of the river and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. There will also be outdoor seating once the season turns, making it one to watch as spring hits the waterfront. 🦆✨
Join us in supporting Dr. Ala Stanford — physician, public health leader, and proud Democrat running to represent Philadelphia in Congress.
New and Unique: Philadelphia Wedding Walk: Mark your calendars for March 22, when the Philadelphia Wedding Walk debuts with a citywide, self guided experience designed for couples deep in planning mode. More than 150 of the region’s top vendors will transform venues and storefronts with styled spaces, tastings, entertainment, and thoughtful details that let guests truly imagine their big day before booking. With seamless shuttle transportation connecting stops across Philly, it feels less like a bridal expo and more like a beautifully curated afternoon out. Expect plenty of inspiration, polished presentations, and a lively scene wherever you land. 💍✨
This weekend goes full St. Patrick’s Day mode with the Erin Express bar crawl, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and plenty of other festivities across the city. And if green beer is not your jawn, Saturday also doubles as National Espresso Martini Day. A few highlights on the calendar, including the return of America’s largest Espresso Martini Crawl in Northern Liberties, landing just in time for the occasion. Save the date for Saturday, March 14, from 11 am to 4 pm. ☘️🍸✨
Step into the unexpected. ✨ The Ministry of Awe opens Saturday, March 14 at 27 N. 3rd St. in Old City, inviting visitors to wander through six stories of immersive, imagination-fueling art created by over 100 artists . Around every corner is something playful, surprising, delightfully decadent, with clever nods to the building’s former life as a bank tucked into the experience. You could spend hours exploring and still discover something new with each visit. Creativity will also happen on a rotating basis.
The project, led by Philadelphia artist Meg Saligman and brought to life with more than 100 local artists, performers, and designers, is awe inspiring and unmistakably Philly. It feels created by Philadelphians for Philadelphians, not a traveling pop up marketing gallery. We are lucky to have visionaries like the team behind this space. “At this bank, we trade in curiosity, imagination, and awe,” Saligman told me on Instagram Stories. “Our bank is about exploring the true meaning of currency and value and completely redefining it. Whatever you bring, we will welcome and value it.”
ENTRANCE INFO
Kelly Drive and Sedgley Ave intersection (across from Lloyd Hall at Boat House Row)
ROAD CLOSURES
BEST WAY TO GET THERE
