Tag: Philadelphia

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Philadelphia

EXCLUSIVE: MILEY CYRUS FINALLY GOES BACK TO PHILLY RECORDING STUDIO

Aaah for four months I had to bite my tongue about where Miley Cyrus was recording tracks for her new CD during the time fiance Liam Hemsworth was filming his movie Paranoia with Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford. When I rang up the studio last August for confirmation on a rumor I had heard, about Cyrus recording there, they asked me not to say where until after December as she was going to come back and finish the session, and they too didn’t want a hoard of fans waiting outside. I did however tweet telling her fans she would be back to finish the recordings, but didn’t mention the studio (Miley herself always tweeting during her studio sessions saying she was recording here in Philly.)

 It was nail biting to wait especially because unbeknownst to me, Director Robert Luketic had asked that Miley stay away while the movie was filming. Since I had tweeted about it the fans kept asking me when, when, when is Miley coming back. To say the least I was getting nervous, plus hoping it wouldn’t get out as I was also working with a national magazine on the story (so some things are missing from this report.)
Above few of the Fangirls & guy hanging near the dressing rooms on
12th and Chestnut near where Paranoia was filming on Market Street in
the Loews Hotel. You’ll recall from yesterday’s entry that Carissa Beam, in the cow pants, met Miley & Liam the night before.

 Puppy on board. FINALLY Miley returned to Philly the day before the last day of shooting (Tuesday)

Last month according to a report by one of my fav Philly columnists, AD Amorosoi of the City Paper, he reported she had recorded at the Milk Studios in Northern Liberties, and they said she wasn’t coming back, and they were right as Miley had started to work with the the talent at SIGMA SOUND STUDIOS at 12th and Race Streets in August, recording with producers Ronny FLIP Colson, Pop Wansel, and Oak Wu.  (I kept telling the fans to hold on she’d been back to record, I mean no one told me to go public yet, so I knew she must have still been coming. The fans just wanted to know because they were eager for the CD to drop, not to hang out waiting for her. Most live far far away, and in other countries. Plus who doesn’t want to know about their fav stars, that’s why those magazines and Entertainment shows do so well)
Thanks to my advertiser Teuschers Chocolate – they have a great online store too.


Our collaboration went so well then, that we decided to work together to find Miley. I had read Miley was going to go to Village Whiskey for Chicken & Waffles so I had Carissa go there to see if her car was there. I headed to Sigma Sound to see if she was there. I saw her outside smoking, dressed in black head to toe with a skull cap on, but could tell there wasn’t a chance to get a shot at that time without really making a scene. So I was hungry and left. I knew it could be a long night.

 
Back to Liam: Above that’s the security near the trailer blocking my shots of Liam, in
their defense they kept apologizing and saying they had to do it it was
there job. When I got to the trailer I chatted with Liam for a nano
second saying my cousin enjoyed chatting with him Saturday night.
Tomorrow on Good Day Philly find out where that was, and where Liam was
living for the duration of the filming of the movie in December.   While Liam Hemsworth was here, he did go to The Sporting Club a couple times in December I hear.
I ran into a few friends at Magianno‘s, who I had seen earlier at the 400PTM’s The Big Payback – Toys for Tots Event. Miley arrived at the studio in a sleek black SUV with rims of gold, I wonder who was pimping that ride? (Secrets Limo)
Reggie Berry, The 400PTM, Jacky Wright, The 400 PTM and Whitney Thomas
and headed inside with them. I
told them my plight, and that I was just going to head back and wait it
out. At some point Carissa told me that Meek Mill was with Miley. So we
arranged to meet there. I discovered MM was having a free concert (sponsored by Puma), as
Sigma Sound and lots of people were tweeting it out. I went in, and Carissa
stayed outside. I called my friends to tell them about the Meek Mills concert and they came over. Shout out to my girls who alerted me to epicness.
After Liam exited his “Dressing Room”, the security guards blocked him again, and I said Liam come on, I barely bother you, it’s the last day can I get a couple shots. Those shots will show up today on the wire service, so look for them. Then I went to take pixs with the fans and Liam, after I took this photo Liam said my flash was too bright and wanted the girls to use their own camera, and asked me not to take any shots as it was hurting his eyes.(Liam could have gotten his engagement ring at H Bandi Jewelers)

 Then this dedicated fan asked for a photo, Liam said he was late for the set and had to go. She stayed behind as Carissa and I ventured out to see if we could find Miley. 

I headed upstairs, and then gave directions to Carissa to the studio. I told her I’d be down after the concert. Within 5 minutes of Carissa arriving she got this shot & text me to tell me. OMG I couldn’t believe it, but I didn’t want to go outside and see if Miley was still there, or wait another 30 minutes for her next ciggy break cause I didn’t want to miss Meek Mill. I thought oh boy another Carissa photo for the blog and Fox 29, I prefer to use my own.
Meek Mill killed it. Just today it came out in the Inky that a judge said he couldn’t tour for the next 30 days because of probation on a gun violation. Well his concert was awesome. Miley was there, toe tapping, and swaying to the music, especially to 
I got a a bad bitch in my Chevy
Selling Miley Cyrus in my brand new Monte Carlo
I got that Justin Bieber please believe it

Producers at Sigma Sound working on Miley’s CD (& have worked with Rhianna, Nikki Minaj, TI, the list goes on) Ronny FLIP Colson, Pop Wansel (Oak wud not pictured) & some annoying chick who ruined a million dollar photo, ugh not funny.

 As she was leaving to return to her studio session downstairs, I caught up with her and got a few shots. I asked her how her stay in Philly was and she told me she loved cutting her single at Sigma Sound as there was so much inspiration there. There’s always something going on at Sigma Sound. Ain’t that the truth Meek Mill’s in the house, oh and Miley Cyrus. Epic and worth the 4 months I had to wait to tell you. (I like to call this shot – Self Portrait. As a paralegal, slash blogger, it’s hard to get an exclusive in this day and age of twitter, cell phones and good old fashion gossip. It might not be the cure for cancer, but I was excited for it. THANK YOU to all those who helped me get this story, get this picture and the fan-girls who inspire me.)

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Philadelphia

Holy Cow Game Changer: Red Owl Tavern, Hotel Monaco Philadelphia and The Stratus Lounge

Lately on twitter I’ve been using Holy Cow to really get across notable moments, and extraordinary things of interest. The Red Owl Tavern, Stratus Lounge and Hotel Monaco Philadelphia fits that definition; separately or together it’s a big Holy Cow game changer for Philadelphia.

It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago when I took this photo at the “groundbreaking” of the 
Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. (This is looking towards what is now the Red
Owl Tavern restaurant with it’s grand windows over looking Independence
Hall and the Liberty Bell) Jack Ferguson, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB), Nick Gregory, General Manager Hotel Monaco Philadelphia – Director of Operations at Kimpton Hotels (standing),  Kimpton’s President and COO, Niki Leondakis, The honorable Mayor Nutter and Meryl Levitz, CEO Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) 

Last night I attended one of the Friends and Family nights for Philly’s
latest and one of the most anticipated new restaurants, Red Owl Tavern, part of the
new Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco opening next week at 5th and Chestnut.  I can’t remember the last time a restaurant in a hotel was so highly anticipated with the exception of Eric Ripert’s 10 Arts at the Ritz Hotel with Chef Jen Carroll. (BTW Top Chef’s new reality show  “Life After Top Chef” debuts tonight on Bravo at 10PM. I’ll be in two episodes, the first one airs on October 17.)

What’s interesting about the Kimpton brand is the branding of their restaurants. They are stand alone, meaning they have an entrance that fronts the street welcoming guests through the front door without having to go through the lobby. Their other property in the City, Hotel Palomar Philadelphia also has a restaurant with a door on the street, Square 1682 17th and Sansom Streets. Another restaurant in the City that does very well, and with this concept is a.kitchen, which is part of the long term stay hotel AKA Rittenhouse.

Guillermo Tellez Cruz, executive chef Red Owl Tavern, and Stratus Lounge (he will continue to oversee Square 1682 too) last night prepping orders for the packed house.

 Michael DeGano, Director of Restaurant Operations at Kimpton Hotels., Chef Guillermo Tellez Cruz and Erik Travers, the Restaurant Operations Director of the Red Owl Tavern in the Hotel Monaco

Jack Reilly, Legend Properties, Natalie Pineda, General Manager of Red Owl Tavern and Diane Farina, Starr Restaurants

Jimmy Contreras, VlahosPR Sandy Foxx and Matt Vlahos, VlahosPR who does the PR for Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Lounge

Kimberly M. Ciesla and Robert N. Johnson, both of Anne Klein Communications Group.

Nikki Vlahos and Stevie Wagner

Dileimys Franco and Angela Giampolo (or as I like to call her, my lawyer.)

Kristen Foote and Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Assocs. Nicole does the PR for Hotel Monaco Philadelphia and Hotel Palomar.

Dinner was delicious. My friend Kristyn Aldrich and I shared a steak, a chicken pot pie (that was outta this world), the Red Owl Salad – hmm hmm good and a cherry pie that is the size of the ones you would get at More Than Just Ice Cream. Above is the fruit tart and a peanut butter chocolate whoopie.

Then we were whisked to the 11th floor and the Stratus Lounge. WOW I was so surprised at how amazing the space was. Lately all I kept hearing was negative nelly stuff like there’s no direct view of the skyline, but even with the fog and mist I could see the buildings. More importantly though it was outdoors, it was beautifully decorated with plenty of seating; it’s dope.

This is the bar area, which is under a roof with garage like doors with windows that close in inclement weather.

 The whole outdoor area is heated with heat lamps when necessary.

Kristyn standing in the future DJ area. There’s not a dance floor per se, but it’s a lounge and toe tapping is encouraged.

There are two enclosed pavilions at either end of Stratus Lounge, these used to be storage buildings for the historic Lafayette Building which is the Monaco Hotel, capacity for each is about 60 people, with windows that overlook Independence Mall, seating for about 30 in areas that are reminiscence of VIP bottle service, but there is no bottle service here, no minimum if you and friends are out for the evening.  It’s like getting VIP bottle service, but what is the normal service at a Kimpton property. They can also be rented out for private parties for a reasonable amount that includes a food and beverage amount. See John Christinzio, Lounge GM for more info.

Vapor – is the more sleek of the two pavilions, with it’s black and white decor, TV’s, many couches and a few tables;  It’s more intimate. I took the above shot with a flash, this is the room where you wanna listen to some Barry White with your boo.

Mist is bright and white. There’s a nice size community table running the length of the room, comfortable white chairs that might make your mother cringe if you drink red red wine in this room. The two windows have a great view of the Constitution Center, but no one’s gonna be looking out them except me, cause the action will be happening in the room. It’s the see and be seen room, it’s well lit.

Looking towards Vapor. There are conversation pits, a long couch and a 30 foot fireplace for those cozy nights with that special someone. The Stratus Lounge reeks of romance, as well as a great place to go with friends. There’s a lot of options on the roof top. It reminds me of Hop Sing Laundromat but outdoors. It’s a little bit off the beaten track, but it’s worth the trip.

In anticipating this property over the year I was wondering if it would attract locals or just remain a hotel property where guests are the predominately users of the restaurant and lounge. I’m here to tell you that this is going to be one hot property.  Red Owl Tavern has a diverse menu that will keep it’s hotel guests happy, as well as the locals. It’s eclectic like Square Peg, but still has standard fare that even little Mary would want to try. Stratus Lounge will be a destination point, where hotel guests, locals and people from the tri-state area will want to check out the scene, all year long and then tell there friends.

As I tweeted in the cab drive home last night:

Honestly the entire Hotel Monaco complex sets a new
standard for Philadelphia. It’s sophisticated, whimsical and delicious.

The hotel is gorgeous, the lobby reminds me of falling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland.

Here are a couple links to photos & stories by the Foodies of Philly on Red Owl Tavern and The Stratus Lounge.
Michael Klein
City Paper – Stratus Lounge Menu
Foobooz – Red Owl Tavern Menu

Zagats
uwishunu – Monaco Hotel Philadelphia

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Philadelphia

WALGREENS COMES TO ONE SOUTH BROAD, this is not your mother’s drugstore – Details, Sketches & Floor Plans

It’s Opened now & This is what it looks like August 2013 (CLICK THIS LINK)
I’m excited that something is going in at this location. Ever since this location (Broad & Chestnut) became empty I started doing serious research to see if anyone was interested in renting it. I thought it would move quickly as it’s the last of the red hot corners left in Philly. Usually I would put out my findings on Twitter @iphillychitchat and you might recall me saying that the Cheesecake Factory looked into it, but there was not parking, plus they felt that the mezzanine level was seen as wasted space. The other night I asked Pete Ciarrocchi, owner of Chickie’s & Pete’s if he could set up shop there, same answer he wanted parking. Then I heard the Container Store looked at it, but they said there was no parking for customer purchase pick up. They really reached out to a lot of companies to get the space filled.
In December I read on PhiladelphiaSpeaks that Walgreens wanted the spot. My research went into high gear, and I talked to a few people who told me that indeed Walgreens had wanted it for months, but the City kept rejecting them (PCC December entry) because this was the Avenue of the Arts, and that property is a crown jewel, the business that goes in there has to be upscale. I’m here to tell you it’s happening, and it’s not you’re mother’s Walgreens, it’s a really unique business concept. One that other cities will look to for direction.
It’s more like a superstore upscale Walgreens, and not only are the first floor windows not going to be blocked, like they are at most Walgreens (and a major contention with the City), but at no level will the windows be block, leaving the charm of the building intact. That is something new & big in the design of Walgreens. I applaud them.
“Accessory to the following: retail sales of groceries, bakery goods
& pre-packaged foods & beverages,  accessory photographic
processing and printing; take out restaurant with seating (sales
& preparing & serving of hold & cold food & beverages
in/on disposable ware for eat in & take out  less than 30 seats)
w/ garbage disposal in kitchen & interior trash storage  all on the
first floor; retail sales of groceries, bakery goods & pre-packaged
foods & beverages;


take out restaurant with seating ( sales
& preparing & serving of prepared hot & code foods &
beverages in/ on disposable ware for eat in and take out , less than 30
seats), w/ garbage disposal in kitchen & interior trash
storage on second floor; retail sales of fragrances, cosmetics and
beauty supplies and general merchandise; beauty salon (hair, nails & facials)
& retail sales of related accessories & products; retail sales
of magazines, books, appliances & electronics; retail pharmacy
(drugs & medicines with accessory nonprescription health products
& accessories), consulting room & customer patient examination area (treatment of patients on the third floors), all one tenant.” (I took this description from Naked Philly as they always do a nice job breaking it down)
Click to make larger. If you use them link back to me please.

The First Floor is called Eat Well. This is where you will find customer service,   buy your prepared foods, convenience foods, get photo services, bury magazines, candy, greeting cards, Wine and Beer.  All those items you need in a jiffy. On the right side is the mezzanine section, and it will be the “Up Market” a cafe, juice and sushi bar. (WOW, just wow)

Click to make larger. If you use them link back to me please.

The Third Level is divided in several sections: Bridge Pharmacy, Well- Over the counter medications; Look Boutique- high end cosmetics, hair products etc; Nail and Hair Salon; Beautiful – mass cosmetics and skin care brands,  Personal Care and Daily Living – Daily living essentials, household items and greeting cards.

 Update: As I told you back in May, it was a done deal. No matter how many people tried to tell me it wasn’t, even at the Great Chef’s Event, I told them it was going through, and today in Philly Deals they report it’s passed zoning and it’s a done deal. I would rather have something occupy that corner, then leave it empty. Plus it’s radically different than any other Walgreens or store..

P.S. – Remember when I predicted Bart Blatstein would want to build a casino on North Broad Street. I still predict he will purchase the School Board Building to complete his dream.

P.S.S.- Thanks to all those who helped me put this story together over the last 6 months. 

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Philadelphia

ERIN GO BYE (NBC10’s Erin Como Bids Good Bye To Philly)

Epic Saturday Night, whoever ask, I took their photo. I didn’t have a pad on moi so I didn’t capture names. Goodbye my sweet Erin, and by sweet I mean she is one of the nicest girls you will ever meet. She and her beau Danny are off to Nashville where she will start working at Fox 17 starting Monday.  I’ve already plotted my trip for July.

Saturday Night was alright. I was headed out to my friend Erin como’s going away party, but stopped by Serafina to take a photo of a bachelorette party.   My friend Colleen Walsh Spangler, 3rd from left, called a few weeks ago and asked where was a hot spot to go for the party and Serafina was one of my choices, then Whisper (1712 Walnut) for dancing. I continued walking by Rittenhouse Row I ran into a handful of people enjoying the evening. the place was buzzing, it got me excited as I wanted to see who was out with who and where (Although my dinner friends I swear I was walking fast cause I was late for dinner.)

Lindsey Napikoski Tara Malone Lesley Spriggs Joanna DiCiurcio Erin McMullen Jamie Hilton Anna Yocum Fazio Ashtyn Napikoski 

 Speaking of Bacherlor’s here’s Reid Rosenthal, serving the real estate needs of Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding suburbs., he was on ABC’s Bacherlor Show.  He’s hanging with Samantha Trasatti

 I was to meet Erin and crew at La Viola, but popped into the wrong one first (they have two restaurants across the street from each other on 16th St) I ran into David Carroll (Bar Noir, Rogues Gallery)(backrow) and his birthday party.  There’s Jack Eldridge and Mary Beth Hallman, Lippincott House Bed & Breakfast in Rittenhouse Square, and singer/actress Erika Schiff in the foreground.

Finally found the right spot. Sitting Erin Como, Maria Papadakis, her fiance Brenden Kent, then there’s , Camille Cwienkala (director of operations, LNS) and Danny Schuyler standing

Lt John Walker, Erin Como, Danny Schuyler, Alissa Ingram (exec producer at NBC 10),  TONY, Maria Papadakis, Brenden Kent, and Camille Cwienkala BTW La Viola packed like I’ve never seen a restaurant. Plus it’s BYOB, the bill for 7 people $200

Danny and friends. I think this is Bucca, I was walking by and didn’t notice it. Looks good though.

WTF: Chest bumping in Opa Restaurant. (Is this how construction works say hello?)
 Livin La Vida Smokin’ –   Jen Sherlock, Erin Como, Susie Celek and Julie Dorenbos

Before Jon Dorenbos arrived, this guy on the left came up to us and showed us a few magic tricks. Reminded me of Jon, so when he came in I did the introductions and the two spent a good amount of time discussing the biz. so random. 

Alissa Ingram (exec producer at NBC 10), Kristen Johanson,L&S, Big Rube, and Erin Como. I was impressed how packed Opa was on a Saturday night. They have a great DJ too. Some peeps broke out in dance. Nicole Rossi was grooving as was

NBC10 reporter Cydney Long and her husband
After Opa we headed to G Lounge for a little dancing (when you’re sleeping or at home at 1AM, this is what 15th & Sansom looks like. Exciting chaos.)

Big Rube sees fashion every where
Waylon Nelson and Chris

Blame it on the night time


Erin Como and Fred Calang – co-hosts of RAW the monthly art event on the last Thursday of the month at G Lounge (Check out Raw Monday at Vlannis)

Tim Nork and

Marisa Magnatta and Ron Zawadsky in love and in the Vault. I forgot Justin Pizzi and Dawn Timmeney were both at Opa. Justin introduced me to Erin, but it was Marisa that really connected us. thanks you two. I do have a handful of really excellent girlfriends, like Marisa, but Erin was a jewel and I don’t think anyone would discount that. How lucky we are to know such a kind, warm, wonderful person. I’ve never heard her say a mean thing about anyone, which was very irritating.

PhillyChitChat followers, sweet as can be

Random Peeps wanted their photo taken in the Vault at G Lounge
Random guy wanted his photo taken
Erin and Danny – we love you!!

Thanks to my sponsors: For great limousine service try Secrets Limo.
Having a party, need a photo booth rent a Cool Pix Photo Booth
Need a wedding band, no not that kind, a musical kind CTO Entertainment is for you. Plus
they have DJ’s all the way down to a guy playing a keyboard for your party or
event. (I was just at an event at Tiffany’s Jewelers and there was a guy
playing the keyboard for entertainment & he was from CTO.  Mother’s Day is coming up, I think Teuscher’s Chocolate’s would be
perfect. How about taking mom to the Top of The Tower for a delicious
Brunch on her day May 13, 2012. Father’s Day is coming up, you need a signed
jersey from a Phillies player, a framed photo signed by an Eagles player get it
at the Philly’s Sports Cave.

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Philadelphia

CABBIE HAS HIS OWN DEMOLITION DERBY ON 19TH STREET BTWN CHESTNUT & MARKET

I know this ugly facade & signage would make anyone’s head explode, but more than likely it was a Demi Moore moment that caused some cab driver to create his own demolition derby on 19th Street near Smith Bar & Restaurant.
I came upon this scene last night, 90 minutes after it happened. A cabbie turned left off Chestnut Street going the wrong way down 19th Street towards Market.and caused a mess. Instead of just stopping after he realized his mistake, he swerved to the left and in a series of chain reactions,starting with side swiping this carhit a car immediately behind it (not pictured here) and riding up on it, as well as pushing into the next two cars.resulting in a whole lotta damage (this is the car the cab rode up on). Can you imagine parking your car, paying the PPA and enjoying a Saturday night out and coming back to this.
I hear the cabbie tried to run away but was caught by a few bystanders and held until the cops came by. (This is the 3rd car.) Oh wait, thanks to a reader I have the 4th and last carbroken axle (1st car), behind that someone’s entire exhaust system. The person who owned this red Volt, did not come and claim their car, so it wasn’t towed. Someone left a note on it that said, there was an accident while you were gone. Call this number for info & a tow.I noticed the meter was running on the cab still, so were there passengers in the cab? There were no news vans on the scene, but hopefully the details will come out. The receipt before this fare was timed stamped at 23:06PM. I walked by about 12:30AM I’ve heard cabbies are notoriously under insured. I wonder how this one will play (pay) out.

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Philadelphia

BRADLEY COOPER FILMING IN RIDLEY PARK, PA

As I reported back in August on Fox 29’s Good Day Show, Bradley Cooper began filming The Silver Lining Playbook in Ridley Park, Pa. Friday. (About 5 miles from Philadelphia)
The movie, which is based on the novel by Matthew Quick (which was set in Collingswood, NJ but maybe moved to Pa for the tax credits.), stars Cooper as a former high school teacher who is committed to a mental institution for depression. He is later released and begins wooing his former wife, but instead falls for her neighbor. Jennifer Lawrence is attached to play the neighbor, while Robert De Niro will play his father. Chris Tucker has also signed on to the movie. (A photographer friend sent me these shots of Bradley Cooper filming in Ridley Park, Pa. The scene consisted of Bradley running up and down the street in a plastic bag outfit, check out additional shots at www.splashnews.com.) You’ll recall DeNiro and Cooper filmed “Limitless” in Philadelphia in 2009. Guess they like us, they really like us. This week filming location is on 200 block of Madison in Upper Darby, PA. Tomorrow I will have lots of details from Tuesday’s film shoot.
(I also see that PhillyFilmGirl is all over this movie. Follow her on Twitter, check out her site)

More movie news from the set Tuesday: http://www.phillychitchat.com/2011/10/bradley-cooper-films-in-upper-darby.html
**************
Happy Birthday to my two sisters, Margaret and Crista.

Thank you to my Advertisers – CTO Entertainment, Secrets Limo’s, Del Frisco’s, Chris Gabello, Anne Nikolaus, RECESS, Chambord, According to Sherman, Skin Palette (Mention PCC for 25% off your first Spray Tan) Bellevue Sporting Club and the American Cancer Society, Have A Good Weekend!

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Philadelphia

RUMOR PHILADELPHIA DANCE CLUB NO LONGER JUST A RUMOR

The wait is over Rumor Night Club Philly at 15th and Sansom St is now opened.

You’re probably not going to hear this song in the newest club that opened this past weekend in Philadelphia, Rumor the long awaited night club. The Emerald City of Trance.Buzz started last year about a new exciting club opening in Philly by Atlantic City promoter Mark Marek, who opened and managed G Lounge about 5 years ago. Although his new club is also in the basement of a building, many of the comparison’s stop there, well except for one of my favorite bouncers manning the door.
In the past 5 years, VIP rooms, bottle service and NYC entrance fees have hit this City, but for that price you are whisked away for a few hours into a fantasy glamorous night of fun, dancing and friends. Now if you can afford the bottle service for the VIP room (The Vault) at Rumor, I say go for it. It is definitely the best one in the City by far. It’s beautiful, spacious, plenty of room to dance with your buds, or just a great place to get away from the crowd, because that’s what going on outside of this room. The full service bar in the VIP room. As you descend the stairs of the old Roy’s Restaurant building, you will be greeted by a welcoming pink light and what I would call the main bar, kinda social room, and the only area that has seating if you do not have bottle service. Even though the space was huge, by midnight it became packed as this is also where the entrance to the club is, and the entrance to the VIP lounge, and well everyone thinks they’re a VIP so it was a shit show with people dropping names trying to get in the exclusive hideaway. I can assure you at this club they will be reserving it for actual VIPS and Bottle Service folks. (See the huge doorman, that is the VIP Vault on right.)
Legendary club promoter Dan Contarino is making magic happen at Rumor these days. He’s got the golden touch and he’s a really nice guy.
The VIP Vault is an imposing piece of real estate in Rumor, and at some points if feels as if it squeezes the other rooms. On either side of the Vault between rooms you can find hallways like this, but it is also a welcomed relief that you can cruise a complete circle. This is the only club I can think of in Philly where you don’t have to walk through the dance floor to get to the other side, which is a good thing, well unless you liked getting groped which isn’t so bad either.
This is the pop 40, house music, dance floor or one as of the Cashman girls told me the NYC room vibe room. On the left is a nice sized dance floor, banquette and bottle service. There’s a bar at one end, and the DJ on the other. In between the two rooms is a long hall with about 12 bathrooms on either side. They are individual and monitored by a guy, so kids one person at a time, really.
The other dance room is my favorite, It’s the Trance, Global room where you will find the likes of legendary DJ’s Issac Jordan, Markus Schulz, Mark Knight and other favorites from the circuit spinning. Rumor is to become a destination spot for Trance, House, Techno, Electro, Dubstep, Breaks, and Drum & Bass festivals, gatherings and all out fun. Nothing in Philly comes close to this kind of genre of music, except maybe the Weiss brothers’ Voyeur in the Gayborhood. (I only wish Rumor’s was a little bigger.)


James Duggan, Alexa, Kate Beaver and Thom Cardwell
Julianne Martin and Kristie Gonzales. Haven’t seen Kristie since she left town to take a position at ABC in Fresno. She loves it out there. good to see her.
Mike Jerrick, Michelle Chyatte, and John Bolaris. Check out Mike and I on Fox 29’s Good Day on Monday for our recap of the weeks event. (I’m on Fox29 Good Day now, twice a week, chatting about who went where, what happened and what’s coming up.)
James Boney and Arielle Johnson. James and I will be hanging out with Mike Vick at G Lounge tonight. Every Sunday home game, Vick and friends have a celebration party at the club, even if they loose. “It’s only one game.” Someone recently told me.

Tim Nork, Carrie Nork Minelli, Chris and Tiffany Nork and Dino Minelli
Did I mention I left my note book at home? A whole bunch of fashionable people with Hacina Saadi and the always beautiful 6ABC’s Shirleen Allicot.
Above is the entrance to the club. When I went to leave last night I was directed to exit through a door that was “a fire exit”. I’m not sure if that’s normally the exit, but you definitely need to ask someone where it is as there are a lot of doors marked Fire Exit. Maybe it was just because last night was so packed they used it.There is a guy standing there but it’s not marked specifically that it’s anything but the fire exit. The steps are really steeps, I see a lawsuit waiting to happen. Even though it’s common sense I would throw up some hold onto railing signs here warning peeps, especially the ones in super high stilettos that may have drunk their weight in Comos.
All in all Rumor is a welcome addition to the Philadelphia night club scene, especially having it in Center City. Usually you have to travel to Delaware Ave or to NYC to enjoy a club of this size. Get there early because I hear that because of the crowds Mark Marek closed the doors by 1AM both Friday and Saturday, which is a smart thing to do.
With lots of beautiful women. Finally Philly has an array of clubs to choose from, and they are all within walking distance. These days with the popularity of Philadelphia as a hot spot, the population of Center City rising there shouldn’t be any problem filling all the clubs.
About 1AM it was time for me to roll out of there because it was opening weekend the place was packed and I was curious how the other clubs were doing. It was a mob scene outside. 500 Degrees was packed, I felt sorry that Shank’s had left the area as the owner told me he was holding on til Rumor opened to catch that late night crowd, but I guess the wait was too long.

I walked down Sansom Street and the entire area had an electric excitement, even Agapios “Willy” Bouikidis’ 1518 Sansom St. has music at night (Great food too, and karaoke on Friday night he told me a few weeks back), Advice: Do NOT DRIVE DOWN SANSOM STREET if you want to get anywhere fast on a weekend night: See above video.
I checked out Whisper first. DJ Royale always packs them in and tonight was no different. There was a nice line outside, and a packed house inside. A huge birthday party complete with balloons and dancing girls could be seen up in the Boxed VIP lounge. Whisper has my favorite VIP lounge cause you can see the dance floor. Plus I love that they have a lot of seats (that aren’t bottle service) in the balcony area for my tired ass to sit on and mingle.
I headed over to G Lounge. They too had a crowd, maybe it wasn’t the crowd that ushered in the NYC 6th Boro feel 5 years ago (When I wrote that I had just returned from NYC and got so much grief from it.), but it’s a crowd that spends money. I know I have pleaded this before for a club to do a Polyester, oldies, 80’s club, and G Lounge is where I would love to see Jerry Blavet come in weekly and do a party, maybe on a Friday night, maybe once a month. My baby boomer readers, and XY Generation are looking for a place to groove. Although if any of the other clubs would like to step up to the plate and fulfill that wish one night a week, maybe an off night like Wed or Sunday that would be great.I didn’t include Recess in this assessment because that club is a different genre tucked away in Old City. I love Recess, it’s a different vibe, it’s like going to Cheers, everyone knows your name, the music is always top notch, you can party til dawn (open til 3:30AM), you can be dancing next to John Clark, Bam Margera, GN Kang, John Doe and Jason Thompson and there is no pretense; it’s exclusive and intimate by virtue of it’s size, and best of all there’s a parking garage above it.
Walking back to my car I ran into OPA restaurant to say hi to my buds, owners George and Vasiliki Tsiouris. I ran into a long time PhillyChitChat reader, Lindsay. You know if you tell me you’re a reader, then I’m gonna wanna put your pix on PCC. Sam Milarofsky, Yemi Bello, Lindsay christian and Billy Feingold. Sam and I are going to The SoCo Fiery Pepper Grand Launch Party at Ladder 15 on Wednesday. You wanna go? Check it out here. Tell em PhillyChitChat sent you, if you can remember.
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=228832667165942

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Philadelphia

Chase Utley and his wife Jennifer Utley dedicate the “Kindness to Animals” mural – Is Jennifer Utley Pregant – The Latest Pictures

Chase Utley and his wife Jennifer Utley take a stand against animal abuse, as they dedicate the “Kindness to Animals” themed mural in partnership with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. The mural will help promote the proper care and treatment of animals across the street from the community epicenter, Anna B. Pratt Elementary School. Designed by artist Willis Humphrey, the mural was painted by students of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School, Chase & Jennifer Utley, and volunteers from the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.

Passionate animal advocates, Chase & Jennifer Utley created the Utley Foundation to educate the community about the proper treatment of animals and fund non-profit organizations that are active in the fight against animal neglect, pain, and suffering. Prior to the mural dedication, the Utley Foundation and the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program invited students of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School to participate in poster, essay, and photo contests.
Principal Denise Young of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School greets the guests.
Mural Arts Program Executive Director Jane Golden thanks everyone with her infectious voice and enthusiasm.
This mural is so beautiful. You will recall in my post in April about how this mural came about, their was dog fighting in the school yard which was terrifying for the kids.

The press
A crowd gathers to participate in the dedication of the mural.
Chase Utley and his wife Jennifer Utley , CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA Susan Cosby, Principal Denise Young of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School and Mural Arts Program Executive Director Jane Golden cut the ribbon with the kids from the school.

On right – Principal Denise Young of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School Chase & Jennifer Utley at the mural dedication, along with Mural Arts Program Executive Director Jane Golden (I tweeted earlier to say to my readers do you think Jen Utley is pregnant. She looks great, but she has a baby doll shirt on and she’s glowing ? At one point she was hugging the kids and looking back to him like this is going to be us soon.)
hang in the playground as the kids participate in creating the outline of a dog.
Jen Utley hugs the kids in appreciations
Chase thanks the kids for participating

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Philadelphia

Breaking Glass’ Visits Cannes and Gets The job Done

Breaking Glass Pictures is buying and selling films in Cannes again. This year Rich Wolff, CEO, Susan Helfrich, COO, Richard Ross, Co-President
Justin Giani – President of Accounting, and Scott Mostiko – research and development attended the 10 day festival, which is the most noteworthy in the world. Here’s the gang hanging out on their hotel balcony overlooking the South of France and enjoying a home cooked meal by Susan.
Red Carpet in Cannes. Established in 2009, Breaking Glass Pictures, including its specialty labels, Vicious Circle Films, and QC Cinema, takes a targeted approach to
its genre releases including Horror/Thriller, LGBT, documentary and
provocative, independent fare. A full service boutique East Coast based film
distribution company with in house legal, PR, marketing and an international
sales division that gives the company global reach.
Lady Gaga performed the first night and the second day on the beach. With a growing catalog of over 70 titles, including Spirit Award winner – Easier with Practice, The Lottery (short listed for a 2010 academy award nomination), controversial shocker – Run! Bitch Run!, Tribeca’s outrageous selection – Ticked Off Trannies with Knives, and John Hurt in Fest Fav An Englishman in New York.

At the after party for We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011). Later that evening
Breaking Glass Pictures attended the Queer Party at the American Pavilion,
with famous DJ, John Cameron Mitchell Spins a Queer Dance
BGP arrived at Cannes 2011 to acquire 10 to 15 films that appeal to both
mainstream and genre audiences. This year BGP entered the international
sales arena with a slate of 30 titles which we are selling worldwide. Above Susan with John C. Reilly who plays the father in We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
The next day at the American Pavilion Faye Dunaway was honored on the 64th annual Cannes film festival poster featuring a stylish retro image.
Also at the luncheon was Breaking Glass’ COO Susan Helfrich and actor Stellan Skarsgard. Breaking Glass won the North American rights to Laure Charpentier’s controversial free spirited drama Gigola about Paris in the psychedelic ’60s , starring Marisa Berenson. Based on Charpentier’s novel, “Gigola” is set in Paris’ Pigalles neighborhood in the early 1960s. Pic toplines French thesp Lou Doillon as a young and free-spirited woman. Breaking Glass’ bought 14 titles at Cannes besides Gigola they also got the rights to Rent Boys, Dirty Pictures, The Coffin, The Hide, and others. Look for Go Go Crazy, Rent Boys, and Gigola screening along with Walk A Mile In My Pradas screening in July at Qfest.

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Philadelphia

STEPHEN STARR does it again BUTCHER & SINGER Philadelphia is Opened

Last night I went to the VIP Opening Party of Butcher and Singer (1500 Walnut St., 215-732-4444),. Unbeknown to me about the history of the name, I kept telling my day boss that I was going to Butcher and Singer tonight, and he kept saying “They’re still open?” At which point I just rolled my eyes and thought, geez he’s only like 8 years old of me and he is so not hip. Later I discovered that Butcher & Singer, along with Janney Montgomery Scott and W.H. Newbold’s Son & Co., were for decades pillars of the local brokerage community and of the business community at large. It turns out that Butcher & Singer had their offices in the building a few years back. Even so

The restaurant captures the past when you walked through these doors you will be transported back to an era that is long forgotten.
In fact at first glance B&S reminds you of the famous “Brown Derby” a landmark restaurant in Los Angeles, California frequented by celebrities during the Golden Age of Hollywood.Last night was an invite only party. Stationed at the door are the Cashman & Assocs. publicist, or gate keepers. You’d better be on their list or there will be no entry.
One of the first things I noticed when entering the restaurant was the vast huge ceilings and the vibrant but warm golden tone to the hue of the walls, oh and these huge chandeliers. Sure I had been to the Striped Bass a few times, and that was huge, but it seemed huge, this is huge but it seems comfortable and much warmer. Tailored to a broad market of patrons, Butcher and Singer strives to bring back the “power lunch,” popularize the after-work cocktail and appeal to high-stakes business dinners or romantic evenings.

Chef James Locascio discussing menu business with partners. No doubt subjects include the variety of raw and chilled seafood selections, classic appetizers and salads and a wide array of steaks and domestic lamb chops Butcher & Singer will serve.
(I was too good and didn’t even have a nibble of all the delicious food that passed my way; today though I am craving steak, now I have to go back and get a taste of their menu) UPDATE: I have now been to Butcher & Singer and recommend of course the NY Strip, and the stuffed Hash Browns, infused with sour cream. My mom loved, loved, loved the Halibut. We both enjoyed the carrot cake for desert.
In Tuesday’s Michael Klein column: November’s Philadelphia Magazine is out with a photo spread of eligible singles. Those darn deadlines. Jimmy Contreras, co-owner of Kimberly Boutique, recently became ineligible after setting up house with publicist Matthew Vlahos. They’re now “out” on their Facebook profiles.
The bar is sleek and hugs your body while you’re waiting for your table to be ready. It’s the best seat in the house, and it’s also the most private if you want it to be.

Mary Patel has some good news which she says she will allow me to break on PCC, with her is Thom Cardwell and The Philadelphia Tribune’s Bobbie BookerMartini glasses lined with sugar waiting to be served
Scott Sigman, Marybeth, Joe Barber, Susan Helfrich and Laura Burkhardt

For this party they removed about 10 tables to create this social area
Mayor Nutter greets Donna Massanova and Carol Tamburino as former Mayor Green looks on.
I really like the low booths and tables along the wall
The kitchen was hopping
Ya gotta love Monica Malpass, she has that great devilish killer smile. She’s a sweetie.

Check out the Butcher & Singer Menu’s here on Foobooz