Tag: Philly Gossip

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Summer Chit Chat: The Bellevue’s New Eatery

It felt like an endless summer, one I thoroughly enjoyed spending about 6 weeks at the shore, mostly Margate & Longport. I spent every day with friends and family, really engaging in conversations and moments. I went bird watching, a lot. I ate too much. I spent at least a day in each of the beach towns from AC to Cape May – there are family exhibitions in both Sea Isle, where my mom grew up, and in Stone Harbor, where we summered as kids. Mike and I celebrated our birthdays in Wildwood Crest at Madison Resorts for a week in July, it was perfect despite the rain. I was so checked out I forgot to acknowledge the 17th anniversary of this blog, 07/07/07. I usually do a big fanfare here, but I was away.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the blow out Sweet 16th Party Steak 48 threw for me and 250 Philly folks.

It was great summer. BUT

I am ready to get back to work, covering Philly, shooting all kinds of events, and posting on a more regular basis on PhillyChitChat. I know, I promised before and broke that promise, but I’ve run into you, many readers telling me you missed my posts. (I will commit to 3 posts a week. And of course will be continuing with my three outlets Philly Mag, Philly Style and Main Line Today. The dailies CBSPhilly, Metro Philly and Philly Tribune. )

Speaking of Readers: I ran into a long time reader who mentioned he missed the blog, we were at The Happy Rooster , we were both supporting the iconic watering hole which suffered a lot of damage through a water main/steam break underground at 16th and Sansom. They need our support. Currently just the back bar is open, but they have tables set up on the sidewalk and street. There isn’t any food at this time, but I see people bring food while enjoying their favorite cocktail on the property. Hopefully the street construction will be done by December, in time for the new year and a newly renovated Happy Rooster. In the meantime please go out and support them.

Speaking of renovations: (I’ve been reporting on this story for the past 6 years.) Coming along beautifully is The Bellevue renovation. The hotel rooms are nearly complete, residents are moving in https://thebellevuephl.com/ and the new bridal suites on the second floor are currently under construction. The ballroom looks amazing on the 2nd floor.

I noticed the other day that the area where the Starbucks used to be housed has been returned to it’s 1912 splendor, and will now be part of of the entrance way to the new restaurant.

Mr. Edison coming soon. Couldn’t find any info on the internet, but it looks to be a restaurant and lounge located in the old Ralph Lauren store. (Definitely a swanky feel) A perfect location as it wraps around the NE corner of the building, and will have an entrance off of Walnut Street as well as a hotel lobby entrance.

The lobby is coming along nicely as well. (It’s beautiful) I am told that behind this wall is where the new hotel check in will be located. To the left is the old Palm restaurant, with some of Philly’s notable mugs still on the wall. I wonder if that will be the location of the hip, happening lounge the hotel is hoping to create when the renovations are complete. It’d be perfect, especially if they keep the caricatures of Jerry Blavat, Bradley Cooper, Mike Jerrick, Patti LaBelle, Nicole Miller, Geoff Gordon, Ron Rubin and moi overlooking the seating area.

Michelle Miller, of Ground Rittenhouse invited me to try out the NEW Sporting Club last week. We had joined about 15 years ago as well. I stopped working out when I came up with lots of excuses about time, but no more excuses. I signed as soon as I finished.

If you lease at The Residences at the Bellevue you receive a membership to the Sporting Club at the Bellevue. I’ll be there. I’m excited to be back. I really looked into a lot of the local gyms, and you can’t beat what the Sporting Club has to offer. I am not sponsored by the Sporting Club, I’m just excited to belong there. It’s a little pricey, but they have 190 classes, lots of weight training equipment, a pool and pickleball. Right now I am not in shape enough to play, but I hope by December. Also right now at the Sporting Club they’re having a special

Join this August and enjoy $280+ in new member savings!

  • $100 off Club OR $200 off Executive membership initiation fees
  • $50 Sporting Club Gift Card (Cannot apply to dues or guest passes)
  • One personal training Session OR one athletics lesson ($105 value)
  • One 30-minute golf simulator session ($25 value)

** Available August 1-31, 2024.  Cannot be combined with other offers. This offer is not retroactive.**

I do have this partnership with them, if you use the code HughE, you will receive an additional $25 in Sporting Club Gift Card (see above) . That is ongoing and not tied to the monthly specials. I mean if I’m going to talk about my journey, why not.

I’ll also be returning to wishing locals well wishes for milestones I come across. Happy Birthday to Dee Durgin!! We feted her at Almyra tonight celebrate the milestone birthday ❤️

Congratulations EK & Anne Marie MacPherson, long time PCC readers and IG followers. 4 year old Lincoln is excited to be a big brother to Louisa.

Friday The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (“the Visitor Center”) and Independence Historical Trust (“the Trust”) will host the first “Movies On The Mall, event,” an outdoor movie series celebrating the themes and history of Independence National Historical Park. 

On Friday, August 30, 2024, “National Treasure” will be screened at 7:30 p.m.

The beloved Disney classic features scenes set and filmed in Old City and throughout Philadelphia, including at Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, City Hall, Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, and the Franklin Institute. ;

Friday, August 30, 2024

5:00 p.m.: Family-friendly activities

7:30 p.m.: “National Treasure” screening begins

ALSO Make sure you see the Chinese Lateran Festival

At Franklin Squre. It runs through this weekend. A must see if you haven’t yet.

Socially Yours, xoxo HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Sofitel’s Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Party

Amanda Kaewvichien – Pastry Chef – Sofitel Philadelphia, Jon Kline, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clearview Hotel Capital, LLC, Gregg Caren, CEO PHLCVB, Maud Bailey, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems for Accor; and Pierre Jotterand, General Manager of Sofitel Philadelphia

On Monday, June 3, 2024, the Sofitel Philadelphia in Rittenhouse Square (120 S. 17th Street), commemorated its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary with a grand celebration. Among the attendees were city officials, Sofitel executives, loyal patrons, and esteemed guests, who gathered to mark the unveiling of the newly renovated lobby, Liberté lounge, and restaurant. The occasion also served as a festive tribute to the hotel’s impressive sixty-year history.

DeeJay Shelly (@soundsbyshelly) kept the party going on the red carpet
Lauren and Hunter Voight

More like grey carpet, aligning with the classy Sofitel brand.

Liberté’s fresh menu combines American culinary delights and beloved Philly favorites with classic French dishes. Spearheaded by the hotel’s new executive chef Seth Fannin (not pictured), a seasoned industry expert with extensive experience at esteemed establishments like Paris, Bally’s, and Wynn resorts in Las Vegas, as well as luxury and boutique hotels such as Intercontinental and Millennium Hotels, this innovative approach promises a delectable fusion of flavors.

Laura Swartz – Deputy Editor, Digital – Philadelphia magazine, Gregg Caren , CEP PHLCVB and Joan Deneberg, Manayunk Development Corporation
Jessica Henneman, Dee Durgin, Dayna Leaventon and Caroline Foley
Jimmy and Rich Eib, 1600 Spruce Street Recently had a beautiful exhibition of work by artist Yatil Talisman, which I attended and will be showcasing soon.
Nina Castillo, Brenda Hillegas, Jennifer Lynn Robinson
Lauren Smith, Gionana Surhui, Sara Chiaravolloto, and Jamie Gialloreto
Regina Foley and her sister, Angela Bauer, former GM of Sofitel Philadelphia was recognized at the event for her longtime service,
which ended when she transferred to sister hotel Swissotel Chicago.
Stepping out: Denethia Durgin, AGM Vernick Fish at the Comcast Center.
Scott Barnes, Director, Events & Hospitality at Comcast, Karen Dougherty Buchholz serves as Executive Vice President of Administration for Comcast Corporation, Janet Binswanger, and Kevin Israel
The OG’s of Cater Waiters, these two have been serving guests for decades: Joyce Sambuca and Dash Merpier
Patty Jackson, WDAS and Ernest Owens, Ernest Owens Media
Paris Fit Philly, Alisia Amor, Kimberley Murray and Melissa Long
Sheila Hess, former City Rep under Mayor Jim Kenney (Who btw married his long time love Letty Santarelli, at the W last week, in a very intimate ceremony), Jasmine Armstrong, Visit Philadelphia and Pierre Jotterand, GM Sofitel Philadelphia
Kevin Lessard, PIDC, Laura Burkhardt, executive director of the Avenue of the Arts and Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director for Philly

Liberté’s is open Mondays to Thursdays at 12 pm to 11 pm (happy hour 4 pm to 6 pm every day except Saturdays and Sunday), Fridays and Saturdays at 12 pm to 12 am, Sundays at 12 pm to 10 pm. Reservations can now be made on OpenTable.

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Spotted: Peyton Manning, Jason Kelce, Bok Bar

Happy Tuesday, spring is in the air, even if it doesn’t feel like it. I see the big tent is in place for the 62nd Edition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art – The Philadelphia Show this week.

Also this is the last weekend for Darnel’s Cafe’s pop up at Bok Bar. Joe Lope and Kyle Cuffie-Scott co-owners of Darnel’s Cafe at Bok Bar Friday night when I stopped by to pick up a delicious BLT sandwich.

Peyton Manning was spotted shopping on Walnut Street Saturday, while in town for his daughter Madison‘s volleyball tournament at the convention center. It was there he ran into Marvin Harrison Sr. a former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League, playing much of it with quarterback Peyton, was born and lives in Philly. Peyton posted this photo on his IG Sunday.

Have you seen it? Jason Kelce’s new Tesla Truck. Since his retirement he’s been spotted all over town, like our own “Where’s Waldo?” (The Indie Shelf Philly) Monday he was spotted in South Philly getting his haircut.

Jason Kelce pointing out one of his favorite bumper stickers to his hairdresser Libby Hitt, who also shears a few other Eagles heads.

Steve Martorano’s Homecoming 5/18/24
Four-Course Dinner & Dance Party at Rivers Casino

Steve Martorano’s Homecoming – Dinner with live performances by France Joli and Pretty Poison featuring Jade Starling

If you want one of these Ben Franklin stickers head to Philly Goat Co.

The Garces Foundation is holding their annual gala on May 3rd at the Loews Hotel. PhillyChitChat is happy to offer a 25% off code is “GARCES25” to purchase tickets is: https://garcesfoundation.ejoinme.org/purchasetickets

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Spent Easter in Philly

This is not an April Fools Day Joke. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce flew into Philly airport ie Atlantic Aviation, on Easter morning at about 9AM. They presumably headed to Jason and Kylie’s house in Haverford to spend the day with family.
The “End Game” couple then headed to the Four Seasons Hotel to spend the night (When touring Taylor always stays at the Ritz, but Travis, who was last in town for his brothers retirement announcement, stayed at the Four Season’s. When she toured last summer she did have JG George stay open late for dinner after the Saturday night concert), They flew out this morning around 10am.

The final destination today is Hollywood for the IHeart Radio Awards show tonight; their plane touches down around 12:30pm pacific time. Taylor is leading in the nominations. Tonight might be their official Red Carpet debut together. They did appear on the gold carpet at the Gucci after party on Oscar Night, but that was for a private event.

Today Show: This morning did you catch Kylie Kelce on The Today Show chatting about Eagles Autism Foundation this morning . Such a good interview, lots of Jason chat as well, she is such a supporter of his -All cards are on the table, he can do whatever he sets his mind to. He is so talented she told Hoda & Savanah. Kylie did not mention Taylor or Travis’ Easter dinner appearance. All that was mentioned of loved up couple was it was fun to see them together.

Then everyone headed out to the plaza where more about the work Kylie and the Eagles do on behalf of the Eagles Autism Foundation.

April Is Autism Awareness Month and the Philadelphia Eagles are inviting fans, arts and culture enthusiasts, autism supporters, and the community to experience a new gallery adorned exclusively with Eagles-themed masterpieces. The Eagles’ art gala, “Green Is the Heart Inspired,” will run from Thursday, April 11, to Sunday, April 14, at the award-winning Arch Enemy Arts gallery in Philly’s historic Old City District.

Speaking of former Eagles Players.

The Ertz Family Foundation (Julie and Zach Ertz) will host a benefit concert for House of Hope featuring Matt Quinn of indie rock band Mt. Joy, and surprise guests, at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia on Friday, April 12.

Tickets went on sale today exclusively at brooklynbowl.com/philadelphia. A preshow package including a meet and greet, cocktails, light bites, bowling and photo opportunities, are also available.

House of Hope, a project supported by The Ertz Family Foundation, provides education, technology, and nutrition products and services to combat the ongoing food insecurity, gun violence, and drug use Philadelphia is experiencing.

Breakthrough’s Annual Spring Soirée 2024
Only 50 Tickets Left. Come Through...I will be photographing this event.

After a pause that left many yearning for its delightful aromas and communal vibrancy, the much-loved Red Gravy Cook-Off is making a triumphant return, stirring excitement among food enthusiasts and community members alike. Organized by the East Passyunk Crossing Civic Association, this cherished event promises to rekindle the spirit of community and culinary excellence that has been its hallmark.

I hope you had a wonderful Easter, for those who celebrate, as well as a time to reconnect with friends and family. This year was the first time in 14 years I didn’t attend the Easter Parade on South Street. I love it, and I will return, but I was excited to try something different this year and that was enjoying a lovely brunch with friends hosted by TV personality Brian Balthazar (r) and Dennis St. Germain (standing), real estate agent to the stars, but he’d never tell you that. (They moved to our area during the pandemic, here’s their home feature on The Today Show.) Rounding out this photo are my friends Rich and Jimmy Eib, owner of 1600 Spruce Interior Design & Home

The Cherry Trees seem to bloom earlier and earlier each year. I hope you had a chance to see them this weekend. They were so beautiful and bountiful. I’m heading into the busy Spring Social Season, but I am going to work hard at not getting overwhelmed and will post here at least 3 times a week.

Socially Yours, HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Mark Ruffalo Spotted, Sto Bar Moves, Mamajuana Cafe about to Open

Mark Ruffalo Spotted, Sto Bar Moves, Mamajuana Cafe about to Open, Old City Beer Garden will open and more PhillyChitChat…

I’m sorry I have been absent. A lot has been happening over the past years. The pandemic was a big break, and my blog took a backseat, my social media took the wheel. But I’m back, again. I hope to post 3 times a week. Today I am doing a gossipy tidbit entry.

Ezekiel Zagar, Jeremiah Zagar and Isaiah Zagar at the CraftNow fundraiser in October. In the fall I told you Jeremiah told me he was to direct a pilot episode and multiple other episodes of a new HBO series called “Task”, a crime drama from Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby as soon as the writers/actor strike was over. He’ll also serve as executive producer.

Set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, the upcoming drama will follow an FBI agent who’s in charge of a Task Force that’s been assembled to “end a series of drug-house robberies led by an unsuspecting family man”. (source)

The show is just starting production, in fact they’re looking for a personal chef to cook healthy meals. Have a recommendation email hughe @ phillychitchat.com .

BTW the show also stars actor Mark Ruffalo , who was spotted over the weekend shopping along Pine Street.

The Burgerfi location in Center City across from the Reading Terminal has closed. The one inside Fashion District ie the Gallery, remains open.

Sto’s Bar in Old City has closed. I posted about it on Reddit and IG and folks are passionate about the iconic dive bar. Love it or hate it, it was memorable. The beer garden next door, on the 200 block of Market Street is still set to open in two weeks. Not sure where they will be getting their food service from as Sto provided the menu.

There’s a sign on the window at Sto’s that says “We will miss you Old City, except for that person who kept calling L&I on us.” We will have a new incarnation coming in a few weeks at 21st and Ludlow called Good Good Things. Moving on Up: This spot was formerly called Rogues Gallery, run by Lauren A. Beloff but closed during the pandemic. They had decent food and clean bathrooms.

Opening within weeks: MAMAJUANA CAFE PHILLY Located in the heart of FISHTOWN! Latin Fusion Cuisine , Cocktails, & Entertainment ! Opening soon !!! 1000 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125. They have a few in NYC and my friend Russ tells me they have a fun fun brunch on the weekends. I stopped by over the weekend and caught up with the co-owner who tells me they’ll be open late as well. They’re located at the same spot where Mad Max, and later Fin were located, next Brooklyn Bowl. I think this is the perfect spot for a lively, fun, delicious Latin spot. They completely gutted the place, and brought a little Latino love to the new iteration.

Thanks for stopping by. I’ll see you more frequent. xoxo HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Rivers Casino: PETE DAVIDSON & Rivers Gives Day of Service

Pete Davidson fans will have two chances to see the “Saturday Night Live” alum in Philadelphia. Davidson’s razor-sharp wit and brutally honest comedy will be at Fishtown’s Rivers Casino on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Rush Rewards members can purchase tickets beginning on today, Oct. 18 The public on-sale date is Friday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. He’s 1 degree from every reality show person you want on streaming. No doubt will be spilling the tea on them, and Hollywood.

Speaking of good will towards others, the Rivers Casino team spent yesterday doing good deeds in the community as part of the company wide Five Rivers Casinos in four states join forces for “Rivers Gives Day of Service 2023” on Oct. 17. Through Rivers Gives, each Rivers Casino annually contributes approximately 2,000 volunteer hours per property to local nonprofit partners. In addition to volunteerism, Rivers Gives includes board service, donation drives, in-kind contributions and corporate giving.

For its Day of Service, Rivers Casino Philadelphia teamed up with Temple Health’s Fox Chase Cancer Center. Team Members prepared hundreds of care packages for Fox Chase patients in the casino’s Event Center for delivery to the cancer center’s main campus.

Fox Chase is also Rivers Casino’s Change Makes a Difference program recipient in October, receiving contributions from Team Members and guests throughout the month. A formal check presentation with the month’s donation totals will take place in early November to further celebrate the partnership.

Other highlights of the day include a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk around the property and Penn Treaty Park, health and wellness resource tables for Team Members.

Check out the Rivers Casino Philadelphia website to see what else is happening on property this month, and the coming months. See you at Pete Davidson, he was so good on SNL this past Saturday.

Categories
Uncategorized

Martorano’s Prime Opens at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Calendar of Events

Celebrity cook and South Philly native Steve Martorano has opened Martorano’s Prime, an Italian-American Steakhouse at Rivers Casino Philadelphia in Fishtown. Martorano’s Prime blends the celebrity cook’s usual Italian-American cuisine with dishes typically found at high-end steakhouses. Menu items include macaroni, pasta, steak and Martorano’s meatballs with Sunday gravy. (photos provided)

Also new at Martorano’s Rivers Philadelphia is Lilly Cakes, Martorano’s wife Marsha Daley-Martorano‘s dessert brand. Try the Red velvet, cookies and cream, triple chocolate and brown-butter Heath bar cakes, along with banana cream pie are just some of the restaurant’s classic desserts. In the Rivers Philadelphia food court, you can purchase Lilly Cakes to take home as well. Guests can also enjoy Martorano’s Sicilian Slice pizza. I’ve been there a few times. August’s featured item is a pepperoni slice for $12. Sicilian Slice features pizzas that are generously topped with mouthwatering tomato sauce and premium mozzarella cheese. The grab-and-go outlet is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. So delicious!!
Online reservations can be made now at Open Table.com.

Save the Date: September 2 Cage Wars are happening at the Event Center. Tickets are still available. Then Friday September 15, EVERCLEAR with Ataris is in concert. INFO

There’s always something to do or eat at Rivers Casino Philadelphia.

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Oprah Spotted, Janet Jackson Celebrates with Two Birthday Parties, Weddings

Iconic Janet Jackson celebrated her birthday again last night in Philly, this time at Brooklyn Bowl, it’s the 2nd party celebrating her milestone 57th birthday this week. Monday night I caught up with her as she entered a party at Broadhall, hosted by her friend Questlove. (snippet from video I shot)

Darnel’s Cakes co-owner Kyle Cuffie-Scott designed a two-tier strawberry shortcake for Janet Jackson’s 57th birthday party on Monday night. He’ll be on Fox29 on Thursday where Alex Holley & Mike Jerrick will taste Janet’s cake. The Inquirer has a festive quote from us both. You can now get a taste of Janet’s cake at his bakery at 444 N 4th Street. They also have delicious sandwiches and they cater.

At last night’s Janet Jackson party, long time Jackson concert DJ, DJ Aktive was on hand to spin at the party which was invite only, consisting of family, friends and concert crew.

Oprah, with longtime partner Stedman Graham, in attendance at the UPenn Law graduation ceremony Monday, May 15 at the Academy of Music. They were there to support a family member who was graduating with the class of 2023. A few audience members noticed her and waved, but no one bothered with them. So many great events coming up at the Kimmel Cultural Center this spring and summer.

Last night the new concept Great Stages Gala was held. I’ll be writing more about that later this week.

Congrats to Stefi Varghese, Campus Philly and Nicole Woods, Comcast on their surprise wedding last week in Rehoboth Beach, May 10 2023!! So happy for these two!! Also Stefi will be participating in the MS Ride to the Shore. 9/23/23 a worthy cause

Congratulations are in order for Barbara Eberlein and Jerry Wind on their wedding last Saturday. Photo by Jeweler John Wind. Is there any place prettier to get married than St. Marks, and take wedding photos in their blooming courtyard?

Kick off the Summer with @mannanourishes and @morganspier at Guac Off 2023 – Guac of Ages – on Thursday, May 25th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm! Enjoy unlimited guacamole crafted by 13 of Philly’s best restaurants, who will compete for the title of 2023 Guac Master! Enjoy river views, drinks and UNLIMITED GUAC, and cast your vote for the 2023 Guac Master! Tickets are on sale now at mannapa.org/Guacoff23.  All proceeds go towards MANNA. Must be 21+ to attend. 

Categories
Around Town With HughE Uncategorized

Spotted: Meek Mill, Taylor Swift & a Bunch of Swifties including Blake Lively, Nicole Kidman

Taylor Swift flew into Philly with parents and new boyfriend Matt Healy, via private jet on Friday landing around 1 PM, headed straight to the stadium for Soundcheck and then stayed for the concert.

That evening my niece sent me this photo, told me she couldn’t get a last minute tickets, which even if she could she’d no way pay $1ks LOL. I was curious about the sound and asked her to send me a video. Now this scenarios is not unusual as I have often seen parents wait for their kids outside of stadiums, what was amazing is the sound quality. You could clearly hear Swift’s voice. The video went viral after I put it on IG, Twitter and FB.

The rest was history. Look at Saturday night. AMAZING!! The next sold out concerts at the Linc, Ed Sherran June 3, then Beyonce July 12

Friday, er early Saturday, Taylor checked into the Ritz Carlton around 2 AM. Thank you to my anonymous reader for sending this photo to me, after I told him she’d check in after the concert. He told me there were only 4 of them there, but Taylor didn’t acknowledge them. In 2015 she stayed there as well, and we had the same result.

S0 many celebrities came to watch Taylor perform in Philly. The first night Blake Lively and her kids were in the audience, Taylor gave them a shout out. Blake sans Ryan, hung out in a VIP tent with Swift’s new beau Matt Healy, The 1975. They’d be friends for a few years, and took it to the next level recently.

Saturday at her concert was Gigi Haddad , Lena Dunham, Antoine from queer eye. (Thanks to my anonymous reader who sent me this photo)

After the concert, Taylor received a police escort with a police motorcycle leading her car, to the Four seasons where she had dinner at Jean George’s I’m told.

They must’ve kept the restaurant opened for her as it stops serving food around midnight . I asked the restaurant for a comment, but they did not get back to me. Back in 2015, she had a similar police escort to Ralph’s Restaurant in South Philly. That evening she arrive

d at midnight as well and the restaurant stayed open for her as well.

She returned to the Ritz Carlton at about 2:30am in a silver SUV, with just one police car escorting her. There were 6 fans there, but she didn’t acknowledge them. The Swifties who took this photo, tell me she has had this silver SUV at her other tour stops as well. – Meek Mill dined across the street at DelFrisco’s Saturday night.

Sunday she checked out of the hotel around 2 PM and headed to the stadium.


Sunday afternoon. Real Housewife Sonya Morgan and her daughter Quincy had brunch at White Dog in University City. Former Gov Andrew Cuomo shopped at the cute home store 1600 Spruce Street.

The VIP guests Sunday night were Busy Philips, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicole Kidman, and Keith Urban. After the show, she flew back to New York City via private chat. What a thrilling weekend. Plus fun to see so many people in town, for Penn’s graduation as well as for the concert. A great boast to our economy.

Thank you to my readers and tipsters. I have a lot of content and video on my Instagram as well.

Categories
Around Town With HughE Uncategorized

Ladies Who Brunch, Old City Crash, Drummer Girl Alex Holley

Kristin Detterline, Alissa Frick, Jillian Mele, Christie Mandia, Jessica Boyington, Marisa Magnatta and moi

Saturday I had brunch at the recently opened Hook and Ladder Sky Bar & Kitchen , which is now officially launching brunch on the weekends. Located in Conshohocken and part of the new Hotel West & Main. Before I head into the brunch menu, We need to catch up on the ladies Kristin Detterline, Alissa Frick, Jillian Mele, Christie Mandia, Jessica Boyington, Marisa Magnatta , for long time subscribers you recognize them not only for their accomplishments, but as my friends I’ve photographed over the years, some from the beginning of PCC, most in the last 14 years.

I’ve known Marisa Magnatta the longest, meeting her at a Philly Style Mag Party in 2008. She’s still rocking it 20 years at MMR, and in the upcoming March issue of Philly Mag, she’s interviewed.
Kristin Detterline, left her long time position as Editor-in-Chief and Group Editor of Modern Luxury Media’s Boston and Philadelphia publications, to accept a job with Athena Global Advisors. Plus she still produces content for PSM, as well as Philly Mag. Next up for her is the Build Me Up Buttercup fundraiser for the William Way Center. Jillian Mele, I met her in 2010 when she worked at NBC10, was there when she won her first Emmy in 2014, and have enjoyed watching her career soar to national heights, and then returning home where her heart, family and friends reside. Now you can catch her on 6ABC, reporting and anchoring the weekend news. Congrats to Jessica Boyington, who I’ve known for nearly a decade. What a bright ball of energy, and fun. She’s also was at NBC10, and is now at 6ABC. She just got engaged!! Great to see Alissa Frick, she also started out at NBC10, and is now at Fox29 where she is VP of Creative Services & New Media. She is also co-founder of the very innovated Blok, smart cutting board. Christie Honigman Mandia, my good friend for years, since 2009, then we became neighbors, those were fun years. A publicist for years, got married in a black wedding dress, who is raising a family in the burbs, now working with the premier PR Agency in Philly Cashman & Assoc. It was a great afternoon with amazing friends, who were generous in allowing me to photograph them, and chronicle their lives. Now we share cherished memories for life.

Hook and Ladder Sky Bar & Restaurant

Rivers Casino
Hook and Ladder offers wide-open rooftop views and elevated twists on the classics, making it the perfect spot for weekend brunch. We started with appetizers, including my favorite caviar and chips. Soo good.
A few weeks ago I had dinner at Hook & Ladder, and tried this dish: Chips and Caviar $19, very good. The chips and the caviar. I was excited to have them again.
Scambled eggs Bread Bowl different, delicious and filling.
The dish that got away, steak and eggs, which looks so good. Jessica loved it. There was no doggy bag contents left to bring home. Photographs well too.
I really enjoyed my 2nd visit to Hook & Ladder, not only the company, the food, the ambiance, parking and the historic firehouse the restaurant and hotel are housed. Definitely a hot spot. Not what I would consider a hotel bar, and restaurant at all. Go enjoy.
Photo: Alex Holley

As I reported last week, Thursday night film crews shut down Chestnut Street between Second and Third Streets to film a limited series called “Sinking Spring” by Ridley Scott for Apple TV+. “Sinking Spring,” which is going by the working title “Catamount,” follows long-time Philly friends and delinquents who pose as DEA agents to rob an unknown house in the countryside, only to have their small-time grift become a life-and-death enterprise, as they unwittingly reveal and unravel the biggest hidden narcotics corridor on the Eastern seaboard,” according to Variety. Filming started Feb 7 and continues through July, with casting done by Heery-Loftus.
Thursday’s shoot was a car chase, with one of the cars flipping over at 2nd and Chestnut Streets. The eight-episode series is set to star Brian Tyree Henry, Kate Mulgrew, Marin Ireland and originally Michael Mando, but Mando was fired last week after getting into a fight on the set with another actor, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The Better Call Saul actor has been replaced by Wagner Moura. No sightings of the cast out and about yet, but director/producer Ridley Scott has been spotted dining at JK Skyhigh at the Four Seasons several times now.

Congratulations to Alex Holley for banging the Phila Union Drum to kick off the Opening Season Saturday night !! You can watch every match on MLS Season Pass on the AppleTV app. BTW how crazy is Servant getting. you can watch that on the AppleTV Appp too.