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Philadelphia

CCD Celebrates 25 Years Making Philly Beautiful

CCD Celebrates 25 Years Making Philly Beautiful

Congratulations Center City District on your 25th Anniversary, and every day for a job well done.

On May 5, 2016, an anniversary celebration was held at Dilworth Park for the Center City District and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation. The event was held on a gorgeous spring evening, under a gigantic tent in the shadow of the beloved City Hall.

The check in, and coat check area. I just wanted to show the nice set up with the tables and coat check. I love that they even included trees and flowers to enhance the area.
Impressive set up with check in tables and coat check. I love that they even included trees and flowers to enhance the area (great signage by Replica Creative too)

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Gorgeous tent and decor for the 25th Anniversary Gala. Brulee Catering served a delicious dinner starting with a watermelon salad. Light Action produced the lighting, and lighting is everything. Gala Clothes set the tables.

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During the cocktail hour guests could peruse the extensive silent auction, which featured experiences, dinner and this cool Bacon Brothers Signed Guitar w/CDs.
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Plus Connor Barwin donated a signed jersey. Earlier in my evening I saw him at the Fathers Day Gary Papa Run (June 19) Eagles Celebrity Bartending gig at Brent Celek’s eatery Prime Stache in Old City.

 

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Jeff Guaracino, President & CEO of Welcome America Inc. and Nicole Cashman, President & CEO, Cashman & Associates (Congrats Nicole as her firm was announced as one of the companies handing a DNC party. She’s doing the media party.)

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Senator Anthony H. Williams, City Councilwomen Helen Gym, and Congressman Brendan Boyle
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Carla Showell-Lee, SEPTA’s Director of Media Relations and Former Mayor Rev Wilson Goode

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Beck Davis, ‎Customer Service Director at Center City District and David Wagaman, Owner Of Capriccio At Cafe Cret and Logan Cafe in Sister’s City. Every Thursday there are wine pairings 5PM to 8PM at Sisters Cities Park and Logan Cafe (BTW you can rent Logan Cafe out for parties, they do catering.)

For complete updates, please go to www.SisterCitiesPark.org

CCD
Joseph Coradino, Chief Executive Officer of PREIT, Former Mayor John Street, Joseph H. Jacovini, Dilworth Paxson LLP, Anne Kelly King, Chief of Staff for Councilman Mark Squilla, Romy Diaz, Jr. Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs at PECO and Councilman Mark Squilla
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Former Gov Ed Rendell (currently busy as Chair of the DNC2016 Host Committee) with Paul Levy, Executive Director of CCD. Both men have worked tirelessly on many projects to make Philly not only beautiful, but functional and fun. The projects created a foundation for many of the unique projects that are executed in present time like the Rail Park. Missing from the party, but very much responsible for executing one of the most anticipated act of the Center City District, was Mayor Michael  Nutter, who partnered with the Gov and CCD to created Dilworth Park.
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Michael Garden, board of Friends of the Rail Park (1 year annivesary party for Friends of the Rail Park on June 9 #BAMFest: A Fundraiser for Friends of the Rail Park at Brick and Mortar) and Kate Raines (wedding photographer https://plate3.wordpress.com/)
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Newly elected State Representative in the 202nd legislative district Jared Solomon (in my former life as a paralegal, Jared and I both worked at Kohn, Swift & Graf ) and Laura Burkhardt, Publisher of Where Magazine.
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Angela McCafferty, ‎Chief Operations Officer – ‎Bittenbender Construction, LP, Emily Bittenbender, ‎Managing Partner at Bittenbender Construction, LP – ‎Bittenbender Construction, LP (Bittnebender is working on Love Park, which should be done in 2017, can’t wait) , Christine Hough Langan, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
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Tara Alexander, and Curtis Alexander, President at Urban Jungle. His business is all about creating sustainable green urban environments is the driving force nurturing Urban Jungle. –

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The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus opened up the gala

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as emcee Ukee Washington, CBSPhilly, danced along to the music, before started the evenings program.

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Paul Levy told the story of how Center City District came about when Ron Rubin wondered why the street was so dirty outside of the Bellevue Hotel, which he owned. Rubin was trying to lure retailers to his newly required hotel, and with the help of Mayor Wilson Goode in 1989, he was able to find a temporary solution. Then they turned to Paul Levy. PhillyMag wrote an excellent article on it in 2013

CCD
Julie Coker Graham is the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) is a real success story. Working at Hyatt Hotels for 21 years before heading over to the PHLCVB, first as Senior Vice President, Convention Division then Executive Vice President and now sitting at the head of the table. She was running in from a DNC2016 Meeting.

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The CCD wants you to join them every Wednesday from 5-7pm, June 1 – September 28 for $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half-priced appetizers* for Center City Sips. check out their app here

CCD Mayor Kenney

 

CCD

LightAction Production created a magical evening. They also had a light show projecting on City Hall to the delight of people walking and driving by City Hall as the party continued under the grand, see through tent.

Congratulations Center City District on your 25th Anniversary, and every day for a job well done.

 

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Philadelphia

Justin Bieber Plays Where are you now With Philly Fans and his Cross Face Tattoo

Justin Bieber plays “Where are you now”

Justin Beiber

with Fans at the Ritz Carlton,

Justin Beiber

The above shot was sent from a fan on Sunday as Biebs headed to the Wells Fargo, thanks!  (I wasn’t there I was at Will Smith ‘s mom and sister, Ellen’s house for a celebrity brunch, which you can read about tomorrow in PhillyMag.com) Saturday Biebs snuck in and out the door closest to the condos next door and into a waiting SUV, thwarting the efforts of about 50 girls waiting. Sunday the fans waited near that door, but Biebs left via the hotel side door and into the waiting bus, and didn’t even wave one lucky fan who got a glimpse reported .

 

Justin Beiber

Fans waiting at the Wells Fargo Center were much luckier as Biebs greeted them both Saturday and Sunday.

Justin Bieber

BTW another story going on with Bieber. Allegedly Friday night he got a tiny cross tattoo under his eye, as shown here and reported by several glossy mags.

Justin Bieber

But Saturday night when he performed at The Wells Fargo Center it disappeared. Where are you now?  Oh wait people say it’s on the other side, I forgot instagrams are backwards. But in the shots from The Wells Fargo it seems to be missing too. Must be really small.

Next up: A few social media posts I liked.

“Soooooo hungover I feel like shit” @justinbieber #sorry

A photo posted by Christine (@christineeeeeemarie) on

Brb, I’m working – @urbanoutfitters @justinbieber

A photo posted by Natto Balladares (@nattob) on

 

 

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Although some fans got a little closer than the fence. I like what this dad says about his daughter, and the meet and greets, which are now as you know discontinued. Instead fans have to do with cardboard cutouts, which seem to be prolific at the concerts.

Justin Bieber

Flyers Fans Lost Their Sh*t over Justin Bieber wearing #16, retired Bobby Clarke’s number on his gifted Flyers Jersey. Maybe the 16 is a combination of the last jersey he got from the Flyers, which had a 1 on it, and his favorite number which is 6? Oh or that it’s 2016, hmm. Thanks reader for the obvious.

Justin Bieber

J3. #purposeworldtour #purpose #justinbieber #teambieber #beliebers #bieberettes #philadelphia #pennsylvania #PurposeTourDancers #BieberBeauties #PurposeTour

A photo posted by LoveTheBieberettes (@lovethebieberettes) on

 

 

 

 

Best Mother’s Day ever! @heathersharpk

A photo posted by Emily Drayton (@emmydray) on

Night 1 was lit! Round 2 Philly get ready! @suhrcustom #purposetour #bieber #thankyougod

A photo posted by Julian Michael McGuire (@iamjulianmichael) on

Bieber Fever #PurposeTourPhilly

A photo posted by ANASTASIA (@anastasia_perez) on

beers babes and bieber with the best last night #purposetour

A photo posted by K•tina♔ (@ktina_martinez) on

Ty @justinbieber for killin it in philly #purposetour

A photo posted by Karli Beaumont (@karlibeau) on

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Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Celeb Sightings in Philly, People in the News & Happenings

Good Friday afternoon, how about a little Philly Gossip. Hope you had a great weekend. So much going on. I’m getting my first wordpress lesson today so hopefully I can figure out how to put these instragram and social media photos in with links so you can go right to these pages. Otherwise if you see something you like just google their names and their social media will come up.

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Celeb sightings I tweeted about this week. Seems Will Smith was in town. He was staying at the Ritz Carlton hotel but using the The Residences at the Ritz Carlton Gym. He was also spotted with a real estate agent at the Residences. Maybe that penthouse is finally going to be sold.

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Former President Bill Clinton was seen strolling through the Sonesta Hotel’s lobby after he had spent Primary night there. My mom stayed there last weekend too. That hotel has gotten so hot since it’s been rebranded, and refreshed. In June look for Ruth Chris steakhouse to open. 50Cent was in town on Monday to sign bottles of his booze EFFEN at the state store in Northern Liberties. He must have spent the weekend here cause Saturday night he was spotted at Coda.

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Monday night Chelsea Clinton was at Coda pimping for her mom Hillary Clinton (who stayed at the Sheraton Hotel the night before Primary Night), who was doing a MSNBC Town Hall Meeting at the Constitution Center (BTW that was taped. I guess it didn’t say so during the show. After I wrote my column on Bernie and his meltdown cause Hillary was still taping when he arrived for his segment, people were saying but Bernie was on stage first. I had noted that Clinton taped from 530 to 630pm, but was still on stage at 7PM, but I guess those readers didn’t realize that was 2 hrs before the show aired. )OK now that that’s cleared up, here’s what’s happening in the neighborhood.4-29-2016 7-52-33 AM (Custom)

Congrats City Rep Sheila Hess for your story being published in Philly Current Mag4-29-2016 7-57-40 AM (Custom)

So nice Yo Yo Ma posed with unsung hero Jim Sweeney who has worked backstage with the Phila Orchestra for 25 years4-29-2016 8-01-19 AM (Custom)

Happy 50th Birthday Christopher Barlett, the unsung hero of Philly’s LGBTQ community service – The William Way Center. With him is Ernest Owens, Metro Philly columnist as well as GPhilly editor. He’s had quite a week himself as a shot of him at a Hillary Clinton rally appeared on NYTimes.com

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Perusing Instagram I came across this very interesting photo by Tismfu of 17th and Walnut. You can tell he’s a visitor cause he called it Walnut and 17th, natives usually put the number first. 4-28-2016 10-26-46 PM (Custom)

Congrats to Mark Marek and Dilara Deger on their wedding yesterday. Mark owns the popular Rumor nightclub (Say hi to Teefish at the door when you’re there) and the sexy, speakeasy lounge 1925 (formerly G Lounge).

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Congrats to Sue Daugherty, executive director of MANNA and her girlfriend Meg Paszko on their nuptials.4-28-2016 10-29-04 PM (Custom)

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Happy Spring Awakenings to Stratus Lounge who had celebrity spinner Sam Ronson on hand, who shared time with DJ Royale keeping the dance floor packed.4-29-2016 7-51-21 AM (Custom)

Congrats to Sara Campbell who opened her new boutique in Chestnut Hill at 8409 Germantown Ave Philadelphia, PA .

Here’s a list of a few happenings you might be interested in.

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Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party

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TONIGHT

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Bernie Robbins Marco Bicego appearance

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Mother’s Day at Parx Casino

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Philadelphia

The Logan Hotel’s new rooftop bar, the breathtaking, Assembly Rooftop Lounge

Last night I attended a VIP/Media sneak preview of the new rooftop lounge the Assembly is located on the 8th floor of the recently rebranded Logan Hotel (The former Four Seasons Hotel) . I had seen photos before I attended last nights event, that not do it justice, not even my photos can because it’s a beautiful space, and much larger than it appears in photos.

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#Selfie Wall Hashtag your photo #assemblyrooftop while there and maybe your photo will be chosen to appear on the Selfie wall

 

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The Logan Hotel presented a $52,086.00 check to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) for the City’s beautification. The results of a pledge they made at their opening party in January, where they said they would donate 10 percent of each guest’s tab to the PHS .
Nick Pytel, Associate Director of Business Development at PHS, Matt Rader, President, PHS, Lisa Stephano, Chief Marketing Officer of PHS, Sandra Heydt, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Logan Hotel and Greg Stafford, General Manager, The Logan Hotel

Assembly

Julie Morningstar, BLT Architects, Daniel Bedesem, BLT Architects, Sarah Baicker, BreakfastOnBroad.com , Melissa Morrison and Doug Soehl, Designer III at Bower Lewis Thrower Architects (who worked on The Assembly ) along with Dawson Design Associates, out of Seattle.

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There was a nice crowd who attended the Assembly preview party, and well dressed, which prompted me to ask them what is the dress code for the lounge?

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You can wear casual clothes, like jeans, shorts, and you won’t get turned away if you’re wearing sneakers.

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One of  the pods, this one is located inside.

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A.D. Amorosi

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Alexandra Golaszewska, ‎Alexandra Go, LLC and Wendy Ramunno, contributor @thephillyvoice

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Danya Henninger, Billy Penn reporter, Caroline Russock, Zagat, and Nicki Mackenn

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The pods are open to the public but they can be reserved for a minimum of $500 for 8 – 12 people, for 3 hrs.

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Susan Schiller , former broadcast Media Liaison at World Meeting of Families 2015,  Kristen Johanson is a reporter for KYW Newsradio and Dr. Jennifer N. Caudle

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So excited to see the Japanese Cherry Trees have grown so big, and are blooming. FYI They always seem to be in full bloom the first week of May. Also note, all week long in the evening the Parkway at 20th Street has been closed for construction. Not sure if it’s happening on the weekend but just in case take RT 76 or Vine Street local to avoid getting stuck in the round about ie circle.

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Nearly 150 people can enjoy the outdoor space, with another 50 people inside. They have two pods with fire pits, they were on last night and it was cozy.

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Judith K. Rogers, Executive Director of The Parkway Council Foundation (she’s so excited for the Parkway work to be done and the celebration of the roadway’s centennial), Jeff Guaracino, president and CEO of Welcome America and Susan Hamilton.

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Bill Hunter, Dilworth Paxson , Ajay Raju, CEO Dilworth Paxson and Koray Avci, Bella Turka jewelry store in Midtown Village

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Wines by the glass were pricey, but the glasses were really big I thought.

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Tori Dohlevie, Shana Saddic and Alyssa Hamel

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I love that they carry Miller “it’s the champagne of beer” and since some people call the Assembly a “The Champagne Lounge” it’s apropo,  $5

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4 oysters $12 – they were delicious

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The indoor standing bar

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The olives were delicious. I mentioned they needed pronged tooth picks cause it took me forever to poke them, and if I drank I’d probably just scoop them up with my hands. $8

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Michelle Conron and Ian M Crumm, sitting pretty in a pod. Did you see the Elizabeth Wellington article in Philly Inky yesterday about Ian. Check it out HERE

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This section is standing room only, first come first serve.

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The additional space on the roof that is not part of the roof deck will be used as a rooftop garden like the Four Season’s did. The produce will be used in recipes used in their restaurant Urban Farmer, where I had dinner last night. It was delicious. Get the Steak Tasting, plus the Caesar Salad.

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Assembly

1850 Ben Franklin Parkway. A modern rooftop lounge located 9 floors above the city with panoramic views. Mon-Thur 5pm-close. Fri-Sun 3pm-close.
Opening Night is Saturday at 7PM

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Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: 50 Cents Redux, She Said Yes, Death House Wraps, Erin Elmore and Omarosa extend their 15 minutes

Good Thursday Morning, running crazy today, trying to catch up. Hope you’re well. It’s Friday eve, what’s not to love, even though it’s supposed to rain tomorrow, but it’s going to be 80 so there’s that, tomorrow. Here goes with a short Philly Gossip entry

PhillyGossip: She Said Yes, 50 Cents Redux, Death House Wraps, Apprentice alumni Erin Elmore and Omarosa Manigault extend their 15 minutes of fame touting Trump for President.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board today announced that award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will sign pre-purchased bottles of EFFEN® Vodka from Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 23, at the Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection Store, 180 W. Girard Ave, Philadelphia
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board today announced that award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will sign pre-purchased bottles of EFFEN® Vodka from Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 23, at the Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection Store, 180 W. Girard Ave, Philadelphia

If this sounds like a Groundhog Day moment, it is. Fifty was just here less than a year ago last July, at the same liquor store. I guess he needs a few more fifties to get him out of bankruptcy. I won’t be able to make it this time either cause I have the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Walk at the Art Museum, then I’m headed to PIFA Street Fair on Broad Street, where I hope you’ll be headed too.

I do like the name though…
EFFEN Vodka
$24.99 750ml

#PCCBuzz

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts produced the celebrated Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) and its grand finale, the PIFA Street Fair. The culminating event of the 16-day festival transforms six blocks of Broad Street (between Chestnut and South Streets) into Philadelphia’s ultimate FREE block party featuring dozens of performances, rides, a zip line, popular food vendors, and this year’s centerpiece – an enormous waterfall in the center of Broad Street across from the Academy of Music. The 2016 PIFA Street Fair will take place on Saturday, April 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

4-18-2016 9-48-01 AM (Custom) Congrats to Giovanni Siciliano who popped the question to his long time girlfriend Kathryn earlier this week. Kathryn was out running on Kelly Drive and Giovanni popped out from behind this tree, with their dog, and popped the question. She said Yes!!

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Hillary was at the Fillmore for a #Hilladelphia Rally last night, yes last night. She was supposed to be there about 5 PM but I hear she was a bit tardy. Photographers, like Kory Aversa, had to be in place for 4 hrs, but I hear it was worth it. Hillary 2016 did selfies with hundreds of supporters.

4-21-2016 7-58-10 AM (Custom)While backstage a few fans got posed shots, and looky here one with Sen Bob Casey.

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Death House with Dee Wallace and Adrienne Barbeau wrapped principle shooting at Holmesburg Prison.

First Look at ‘Expendables of Horror’ Movie ‘Death House’

4-20-2016 11-52-47 PM (Custom)Mac Mart is readying their place for a May opening. The popular Mac Mart mac & cheese truck is getting a brick and mortar at 104 South 18th Street with hours til 9PM and much later, maybe even til 3AM on the weekends. – Munchie time.  4-20-2016 7-34-41 AM (Custom)

Trump Apprentice alumnus Erin Elmore and Omarosa Manigault in NYC this week trumpeting Trump for President. Erin Elmore has been vocal on nearly every national station for the past year, giving us the real Donald Trump story and not just the trumped up sound bites.

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Last week I broke the story about the Art Museum having a food truck at the top of the stairs. Then I updated my blog and the link became broken. So I’m hear to tell you the story again, but briefly.

Operated by culinary partner STARR Catering Group, this food truck dishes up delicious burgers with an artistic twist

Try the classic Easy Eakins, the Italian-inspired Rocky Balburger, the Peale’s Portobello, or one of many others with a side of crispy, old-fashioned fries. The names are killing me, Easy Eakins, Rocky Balburger, Disco Fries – love.

The food truck is open the same hours as the museum, weather permitting, AND is located at the top of the Rocky Steps, to reward you with a treat for running up them.

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Next Saturday The City is holding a Youth Summer Job Fair.

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Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Tiffani Thiessen and Jesse McCartney Hang in Philly, Ian Crumm Parties with Kyle Jenner

Good Wednesday, if this Philly Gossip entry looks somewhat familiar it is. I posted this originally on Monday, but then my site switch over to the new site, which your’re looking at right now. This entry started getting a lot of hits so I need to repost it. This is going to happen alot this week as I have to repost entries of interest that I want captured on my new, refreshed site.

Paul Makerie and Tiffani Thiessen
Paul Makerie and Tiffani Thiessen

Tiffani Thiessen aka Kelly Kapowski on NBC’s Saved by the Bell and as Valerie Malone on Fox’s Beverly Hills, 90210. These days Tiffani has a cooking show on the Cooking Network called appropriately “Dinner at Tiffani’s” which airs at 8PM on Sundays. She was in town making an appearance at the Sweet Paul Makerie creative retreat which was held at the Navy Yard in URBAN over the weekend.

Tiffani Thiessen and Chef Michael Solomonov
Tiffani Thiessen and Chef Michael Solomonov

In between the meets, greets and demonstrations, Tiffani spent a lot of time dining at Mike Solomonov eateries. Friday night she had dinner at Zahav, Sunday before leaving town she grabbed some grub at Dizengoff and dessert at Federal Donuts. I’d say there’s a segment at Dinner’s at Tiffani’s in Mike Solo’s career.

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Friday night my phone was blowing up for another reason too, seems Jesse McCartney was in town and his fans wanted to know. Nothing was on the radar ie Social Media which led me to piece the story together, but then Saturday night Jesse stepped out to grab dinner from Steve’s at 16th and Chestnut. He was kind enough to pose with a few fans inside one of Philly’s famed must have cheesesteak places.

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Sunday, shots of Jesse began showing up from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. Philly was just being used as a base for Jesse, as it was only 2 hrs away from his Sunday gig, and Philly being what it is, is better to sleep over.

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Ian Michael Crumm and his bestie, budding songstress Hannah Krupa had an awesome time at Cochella this past weekend, partying with lots of stars including Kyle Jenner. Next up for Ian, he’s headed to the Tribeca Film Festival Thursday night. Follow him on Snap Chat to be a fly on the wall. Check back on Friday for more Philly Gossip.

 

 

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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.

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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

Socially: Philly Locals Mourn Bowie and Its Extraordinary

We’ve read the celebrity social media tributes on David Bowie’s passing,

Now read what local Philadelphian’s are saying about it
First me. I never saw David Bowie in concert. When he was popular I was into disco/dance music and Bruce Springsteen. When the 80s rolled around Bowie made a “dance” album, called apropriately “Let’s Dance.” I love that album, which in turned turned me on to his entire body of work. I became a big Bowie fan, so when I started shooting celebrities in NYC, it was a high honor and thrill to see him and get a shot. He didn’t go out very much, maybe once or twice a year, and usually just for good friends. The shot above with wife Iman, was taken at the 2008 Annual Vanity Fair Party held during the Tribeca Film Festival. He went every year as it was a real New York City party where good friends like Graydon Carter, Robert DeNiro, Dianne von Furstenberg, Lou Reed, Tom Ford, Natasha Richardson, Kitty Carlye Hart, John McEnroe, Patty Smyth, Mike Myers  Christy Turlington and Ed Burns. I was really thrilled one night when I spotted David Bowie leaving a Tom Ford store opening party, and then Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti left shortly afterwards. Whenever I saw Bowie with Iman, he was always a perfect gentleman, he opened doors for her, walked curbside, and let her shine. He seemed much shier than his persona on stage. But always stylish, and classy. RIP David Bowie.

Karen Giberson, President of the Accessories Council

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Philadelphia

New Year’s Eve Party: Glitter & Gold New Year’s Eve Party at 360

Glitter & Gold New Year’s Eve Party at 360
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Doors open at 6pm  – party until 3am
With the ultimate party bands,
The Exceptions & Goodman Fiske,
starting at 8pm, and everyone’s favorite DJ, Eric Vanderslice, you’ll
feel as good as gold on the biggest party night of the year! Raise

your glass to 2016 like an A-list celebrity while you sparkle &
shine on our one-of-a-kind LED-lit glass dance floor that pulsates to
the beat of the hottest local talent!
$25 advance ticket price now – Door ticket price is $30.

BUY TICKETS-
 http://parxcasino.ticketleap.com/nye16/
Table and bottle service also available!
Contact Eva Logina at
267.525.7266
for additional details or to book your table.
$350 for a table of up to 4 people, includes a bottle of Perrier Jouët
Menu
Shrimp Cocktail
Classic Caesar Salad
Imported Cheeses and Salamis
Jumbo Lump Crab Salad
Sliced Tenderloin of Beef, apricot chutney, horseradish sauce
Sliced Pork Tenderloin peach jam
Disclaimer:
Advanced ticket
rates valid while supplies last. Must bring printed copy of ticket and
present at door. Ticket is good for entry only and does not include
complimentary beverages. Cash bar available until
2am. Ticket rates are subject to increase if purchased at the door.
Management reserves the right to change or cancel this event at any time
without notice. 
(Parx Casino Advertises with PhillyChitChat.com)
Categories
Philadelphia

Philly’s Cutest Christmas Trees Found on Social Media – Where Can You Buy A Tree for the Holidays

I noticed quite a few Christmas Trees popping up on already my Social Media this weekend. Every Tuesday, get it Tree Tuesday, I will post my favorite shots.

 Former CBS3’s Syma Chowdhry

Joan Rivera and Matt Clifford tree
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Where can you buy a Christmas Tree:
Take the whole family on a hayride to the Christmas tree fields to select your tree this year. We provide you with a saw to cut down the tree, haul the tree back, wrap it up for you, and even tie it
to your car!
Select any cut your own tree for just $59.99 plus tax! Everything is included for one price.
Linvilla Orchards has over 40,000 Christmas trees planted on the farm. The majority of our cut
your own Christmas Trees are 6′ – 10′ Douglas Fir, but we also have some Canaan Fir.

Don’t want to cut your own tree? We have the region’s best selection of pre-cut trees! They’re
available in all shapes, sizes and varieties at our Christmas Shop and Garden Center. If you don’t
find the perfect tree in the field, you’ll be sure to find it at our Garden Center where we also have
greens, roping, wreaths, and all of the trimmings.

DATE AND TIME:
December 1 – 23, 2015

Monday – Friday: 10 am – 5 pm (last wagon departs promptly at 4:30pm)

Saturday – Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm (last wagon departs promptly at 4:30pm)

LOCATION:
Linvilla Orchards
137 Knowlton Rd
Media PA 19063

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Christmas Village at Love Park
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Another beautiful day to cut or tag a Christmas Tree! Stop by and
check out all of the gorgeous trees we have to offer. We are open 10-4
and all trees are $50!

Visalli Christmas Tree Farm
759 Elk Rd
Monroeville, New Jersey