Tag: Philly Gossip

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Philadelphia

Welcome to the New & Improved Philly Chit Chat

For years I’ve resisted going modern with Philly Chit Chat, while embracing modern technology like cell phones that take pictures and video and go on the internet.  When I started PCC back in 2007, I think AOL was still dial up or something like that and although that was annoying and eventually changed with the times, I ignored all the readers and friends who would call my blog outdated and ugly. I said isn’t it about the content, the pretty pictures, the information, why does it have to change.  Anyway here I am thanks to Chatterblast approaching me, with one of their partners 2ONE5 who knocked some sense into me as my dad would say. With help from Ian M Crumm and my hubby Mike Toub, here we are today at City Tap House revealing the newly refreshed PhillyChitChat.  Bear or bare with me as I’ve never used WordPress, although I think I am the only one left in the world that hasn’t. I can’t wait to explore all the nuances. UPDATE FROM this point: I can see there is a bit of a learning curve, there’s little notes at the bottom saying I need more text to meet the minimum standard of 300 words, are we there yet? I was eager to get a post up so I didn’t wait for my 2one5 lesson, which I really should get one  from them as they’re the experts. Isn’t this site pretty, I’m so excited.

Chatterblast Crew at Phlipadelphia at Field House
Chatterblast Crew at Flip Cup Tournament at Field House

That was a fun event, I wrote about it last week on PhillyChitChat but need to update the site so you can see it as it fell in that area after the cut off where I wasn’t supposed to add anything. Are we up to 300 words yet, usually I dont have these issues but today I am so excited to explore the site I am at a loss for words.

The 2one5 Team at Phlipadelphia
The 2one5 Team at Phlipadelphia

Thanks everyone, and thanks Tap House Logan, Janine and Christie Honigman for arranging the party. And you my friends and readers. And Danya Henninger, Billy Penn for that really nice article on my life and how I started blogging.

4-19-2016 3-14-27 PM (Custom)

And Replica Creative and Joe Kolodi for creating my LOGO, and Wallsome for the cool wall coverings.

And everyone, sorry if I forgot to include you, feel free to send me an email or shout it out.

THANKS

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Philadelphia

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

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
Read more at http://www.phillymag.com/philadelphia-wedding/2016/02/22/taylor-swift-maid-of-honor/#dvZ7w1zttDUSTfjG.99

 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.
 Happy 42nd Bday Big Rube. Look for him to make BIG moves this year. 
Modell’s is opening on Walnut Street in the old space that used to house City Sports, in a few weeks. Don’t fret I read on Philly Mag that two Wharton Grads have saved City Sports and will be opening e-commerce and eventually brick & mortar sites.  
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Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: The Rittenhouse Hotel’s New Restaurant, Caitlyn Jenner, Kanye West PLUS More

Good Friday morning. WOW did this week go by fast. Lots going on in Philly this week, and this weekend. Can’t believe we’re up to February 19 already. Spring is nearly around the corner. In the meantime I’m eating my Snap Kitchen meals and using my SAD light to get me through.

 An Evening with Caitlyn Jenner happened at Penn Wednesday night to a sold out crowd in which the audience had to either be attending Penn or an alumni. Neither Team Derek or I made the cut. Team Derek did meet Caitlyn at the Rittenhouse Hotel, and told me she was super friendly. Posed for photos and signed dozens of magazines for them. Check out Billy Penn for more photos and info on her chat at Penn.

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

Speaking of the Rittenhouse Hotel, the Philly foodie community has been on the edge of their seats to see what eatery is going to fill the space left vacant by Smith & Wollensky. Although Michael Klein alluded to it last year in a post, I will tell you it’s more than a rumor now, it’s going to be Scarpetta,
which is an Italian restaurant with locations in New York, Montauk, Las Vegas, Beverly Hills and Miami. Friends of mine had dinner at the NYC one, and the server told them he was excited to begin work at the eatery. I spoke to Philly friends who have put me in touch with the investor behind the project. The transformation of the space hasn’t started yet, and they hope to begin this month and complete sometime in the summer. Some say it could be done by the time Hillary gets nominated, but that seems to be an ambition goal.
The Yelpers give it a solid 4 star review.
George from the Bronx said:
“This place is f——- amazing. I should just end my review here. But as
a yelper I will tell you the food journey I went on because it was
unbelievable. A fatass journey at the very least…because Scarpetta
left me speechless. I wish I lived next door that is how much love I
have for this place.”
 I like their hours too, til 10:30PM every night but Sundays when they close at 10PM.
Dinner Menu
They also participated in NYC’s restaurant week. I love this place already.
Speaking of Grammy’s, Kanye West thankfully wasn’t there, but he was still making a fool of himself on Social Media when he complained he was in debt for $57 million. The Philly Police stepped forward offering him a job.
But I think Philly Smurfette told us something we all kinda know.
Great shot of a packed Fillmore Philly before the Bryan Adams concert on
Monday night, by Marilyn Russell, BenFM, who hosted the event.
Congrats to Philly fashion designer Michael Thomas who dressed Philadelphia Recording Artist Kriss Mincey for the Grammy’s on Monday night. Michael doesn’t have a website, but told me you could reach him at bewellbefaithful@gmail.com
A couple of Flyers ( Radko Gudas, Ryan White and Michael Nieurberth) leaving the Claude Giroux Foundation 2nd annual event at Lucky Strike Lanes Wednesday night.

 

 It was windy on Monday.
 Condolences to Big Ang‘s family, and so many of my friends who lost someone they adore. My timeline was filled with photos of with Big Ang.
  Geno Vento continues his philanthropic ways in Philly. The other night he was a sponsor of the Nova Temple BBall game, and received the evenings ball. 
All week he’s been the title sponsor for Philadelphia Fashion Week who is having wonderful shows at their new location in South Philly. Tickets are still left for the remaining two nights. Check out the Philly Voice today which covered the show’s street style fashion.
 
Thoughts and prayers go out to Miss NJ 2013 Cara McCollum and family who was critically injured in a car accident Monday night on Rt 55 in SNJ. There’s now a website Prayers for Cara
where you can go to get updates on Cara.  

I met Cara through Miss Philadelphia 2013 Francesca Ruscio a few years back, as did Keith Jones, NBC10 reporter/anchor and boyfriend of Cara.
We were all last together at The Cole Hamels Diamonds and Denin Gala last summer, where we all shared a table.
The duo were in love more than ever. Cara was finally finished school and so excited for the next chapter of her life, at the new start up TV station SNJToday as an Anchor . She was so glad to be able to spend all her days with Keith. We didn’t see each other often, but via social media we’d catch up, and I knew I’d see her at the Red Cross Red Ball coming up, as Keith MC’d it every year.
Prayers for Cara
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Philadelphia

Jillian Mele and Nefertiti Jaquez Leave NBC10 Philadelphia

This is what happens when you lose touch with a friend, you read about their good news on Twitter.

The Comcast Network to launch ‘Breakfast On Broad’ April 6 

All-New Morning Sports Show Serves Philadelphia’s Rabid Fan
Base an Entertaining and Lively Breakdown of the Day’s Top Stories and
Trending Topics
Daily Lineup of Guests will Include Local and National Sports
Figures, Entertainment and News Personalities Spanning the NBCUniversal
Family
Philly Fans Will Shape “Breakfast on Broad” via Social Media, Engaging @BOBonTCN on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

“BOB” is made for Philadelphians, by Philadelphians, featuring local
talent both in front of and behind the cameras. In addition, the show
will tap into its NBC Sports Group family ties and welcome A-list guests
from coast to coast to present an entertaining take on Philadelphia’s
most pressing sports topics. Setting the table each morning are Upper
Darby’s Rob Ellis, Glenside’s Jillian Mele, Philadelphia’s Sarah
Baicker, and former Eagle offensive lineman Barrett Brooks.

I am so excited for this new adventure. Anyone who knows me knows I love
Philly sports.  I am from here, went to school here, and spent a
wonderful 7 and a half years covering local stories at NBC10 including
High School Blitz and our Olympics coverage. 
I started my career at
Comcast SportsNet as an intern in college, so the fact that this brings
me full circle and I am able to stay within the family is all I could
ask for! – Jillian Mele
                                                               ************************

I was sad when Nefertiti Jáquez left Fox 29 in 2009 to head south, and glad when she came back again in 2013 and went to NBC10, and am sad to report that it looks like she’s moved on again.

How to stay warm and still look cute… Lol.

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Philadelphia

Congrats to Molly Eichel Who’s Heading to the Philadelphia Inquirer and welcome….

Today is my friend Molly Eichel’s last day writing the Philadelphia Daily News Philly Gossip Column, she’s heading to the Philadelphia Inquirer to be the assistant features editor. Eichel was at the helm of the widely read column since February 2013 when the prolific, sometimes infamous Dan Gross took a buy out during one of the previous owner, Interstate Media’s downsizing of the paper. 

Eichel had been a features writer, and brought that talent to the column, as she often wrote long form, in depth, interesting articles on her subjects instead of reporting on bad behavior and divorces. During her tenure she’s broken lots of stories on celebrities and Philly notables, including the recent news on Kaci McDonnell’s split with fiance Aaron Murry and Nicki Minaj partying with Meek Mill at 1825 Nightclub. Often people thought Molly and I were competitors as I chat about gossip here on the blog and on my twitter account, but we were actually comrade’s, covering stories, often different ones, occasionally the same ones, but always from different angles, sometimes sourcing each other. Aditi Roy Moves West.

And during her entire tenure my celebrity/notable photos have appeared in her column a few times a month. http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillygossip/Tony-Goldwyn-fetes-the-Innocence-Project.html 
We do as you know, work for the same media outlet, Interstate General Media, LLC (I’m a freelance contributor.) With my own column, and my photos appear in the Phila Inquirer. Just last week I had a photo in the weekend section in an A.D. Amorosi article about Gene London at the Flower Show next week.

Congrats to  Jenny DeHuff (l) who is taking over the Philly Gossip column, here with Molly Eichel (r) Sunday night at the Philly.com, Philly Inquirer and Philly Daily News Oscar Viewing Party at the 
Hard Rock Cafe last Sunday night. Jenny has been covering the City Hall/Political beat and tells me she’s excited to cover the social beat as well. I for one am so excited to read her take on what’s new and exciting in the world of happening in Philly, especial the political angle. Not since Mary Patel gave up her political column in the City Paper, and moved to Hollywood, has anyone really covered the political going ons , parties and gossip. That is sorely missing in the City. So bring it on. Congrats again to both Jenny and Molly.  Jenny’s Column starts Monday.
 As Molly says in her last column today:
You should hit her up with any and all juicy tidbits. Email her at DeHuffJ@phillynews.com, give her a call at 215-854-5917 or follow her on Twitter, @PhillyGossipDN.
Read Molly’s last column here:  http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/celebrities/20150226_Philly_Gossip_changes_hands__Welcome_Jenny_DeHuff.html#ywd4VvdXjsAvk6BX.99