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ChitChat: Closing Mixto, Coming Biederman in CC

What a fabulous weekend! Darkness fell across the land, and the midnight hour was close at hand. Philly’s streets filled with costumed creatures, ghosts, and ghouls — all out in search of fun, not fright. From Rittenhouse to West Mt Airy, the city came alive in a wild mix of laughter, music, and moonlit mayhem.

Since Halloween fell on a Friday, I made the rounds — stopping by a few new spots I don’t usually hit. First up was Delancey Street, or “the place,” as a reader kindly corrected me. Then over to Michelle and Josh’s haunted wonderland, where despite strong winds, they stayed cheerful, handing out candy to over 1,000 costumed visitors with help from their spirited friends.

Later in the night, I stopped by Mark Nicoletti’s new pad, perched high above the maddening crowds on Sansom Street, where people were waiting up to three hours to get into hot spots like Ladder 15, Pulse, Midnight, and The Wicked. I wrapped up the night at the Henri David Ball, which was just winding down around midnight — it seems most of the costume contests kicked off earlier this year.

Philly never disappoints on Halloween — from spooky streets to sky-high soirees, it was a night (and weekend!) to remember. The creativity, the costumes, and the pure joy of people just having fun together reminded me why I love this city so much. 👻🎉 Until next year, keep your pumpkins glowing and your spirits high! BTW Stay tuned as Lindsay Furman Alexander (r) will be participating in the Dancing for the Stars benefiting Methodist Services January 31, 2026.

Meet more of the dancers at the Dina Wind/John Wind Methodist Services charity event on November 19 2025

Halloween weekend might be over, but the treats keep coming! Biederman’s Philly just announced plans to open a new location inside the former Audrey Claire, more recently the Charley Dove space at 20th and Spruce — set to debut in early 2026. It looks like they’re repainting to capture a deeper hue of blue.

Get ready for more of those famous bagels, lox, and maybe even a little caviar sparkle. 🥯🐟✨

Real estate guru Billy Creagh posted on his IG : After 25 years, the owner of Mixto is hanging up the apron, and this beloved Philly spot is officially on the market at 1141-1143 Pine Street in the Gayborhood. The two-story restaurant features handcrafted woodwork, a 23-foot hood system, and a fully equipped kitchen — a true turnkey opportunity in the heart of the city.

The property will be delivered vacant with all equipment and liquor licenses included, offering plenty of flexibility for its next chapter. Here’s the listing

💔 Philadelphia Weeps for Pierre Robert, the Voice of Rock & Roll

The city weeps at the passing of the iconic voice of rock & roll, a true piece of Philly royalty, and everyone’s friend — Pierre Robert.

I get choked up every time I think about him not being here anymore. Pierre’s warmth, kindness, and boundless energy touched so many of us — from fans who grew up listening to him on the radio to friends who were lucky enough to know him in person.

Pierre was the heart and soul of 93.3 WMMR, where his legendary voice defined generations of Philadelphia rock fans. His passion for music, community, and connection made him unforgettable — a true original whose spirit will echo through this city forever.

Condolences to his many friends, fans, and to all of us who loved him.
Rest in peace, Pierre. xoxo 💔🎸

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Around Town With HughE

Soaring Above Rittenhouse: A Rare Gem at 10 Rittenhouse

Welcome to Unit 3102 at 10 Rittenhouse — a spectacular, nearly full-floor residence offering approximately 5,400 square feet of light-filled luxury with breathtaking views over the iconic Rittenhouse Square. This one-of-a-kind home combines the spacious feel of a modern townhome with the sophistication, service, and security of one of Philadelphia’s most prestigious addresses.

View of Rittenhouse Square and Delaware River from the south facing balcony

What makes this property truly exceptional? Let’s start with parking — a rarity in Center City. This unit comes with four garage spaces, including two ultra-rare self-park spots inside the building, plus two valet spaces. Whether you’re commuting daily or hosting guests, you’ll have the kind of flexibility most city dwellers can only dream of.

Step inside, and you’re greeted with 270-degree skyline views, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass doors and three private balconies. Every room is bathed in natural light, offering a sense of calm and openness. The sleek, modern design emphasizes clean lines and effortless flow throughout the space.

The living and entertaining areas are expansive, featuring a custom-built media wall with a 100″ TV and a hidden door to the AV closet. Nearby, a beautifully crafted bar area awaits — complete with a wine fridge, ice maker, sink, and an oversized walk-in pantry that doubles as a prep kitchen or staging space for events.

The dining area is a standout — perched at the southwest corner, it captures stunning corner-window views and is bathed in warm afternoon light. Perfectly positioned just off the gourmet kitchen, the layout is ideal for both intimate dinners and grand-scale entertaining.

The primary suite in Unit 3102 is a luxurious retreat, thoughtfully designed for both comfort and serenity.

Flooded with soft morning light, it boasts three spacious closets—two walk-ins and an exquisite L-shaped dressing room with an east-facing window.

Listing Agent:

Nigel Richards

Nigel Richards

The centerpiece walk-in closet, custom-designed by California Closets, is a dream—both functional and worthy of a magazine spread. Beyond the dressing room, a quiet home office space offers privacy and focus, complete with access to a private balcony that captures the gentle glow of the morning sun and sweeping city views.

The spa-inspired bath invites relaxation, featuring a jetted soaking tub with its own wall-mounted TV, separate water closet, and dual vanities. A third vanity, tucked just beyond the dressing area, provides the perfect spot for morning routines or evening glam.

Across the home, on the west wing, two additional bedroom suites are tucked beyond a cozy den, each with its own en-suite bathroom and generous closet space. Whether for guests, family, or an elegant work-from-home setup, these rooms offer flexibility and privacy.

Daily living is made seamless with two separate laundry areas—one discreetly located within the primary suite and another conveniently positioned near the kitchen. Every detail throughout the residence has been considered: automated Lutron lighting, powered sunshades and blackout drapes, and over a dozen individually zoned climate controls for year-round comfort.

At 10 Rittenhouse, you’ll enjoy the finest full-service amenities Philadelphia has to offer, including a 24/7 concierge, chauffeured town car, indoor pool, fitness center, and a private hospitality suite for your guests. The building’s discreet entrance on 18th Street places you steps from the best of Center City—world-class dining, shopping, and culture, all just outside your door.

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Truly a Rare Gem in South Philly

New construction

Imagine yourself living in a gem of a house where every day lived is a “Resort Style Staycation” This unique house features 5 Open Spaces and 5 Large Bedrooms with 2.5 Bathrooms in South Philly, has breathtaking views of the neighborhood and the Center City skyline.

This newly built exquisitely designed home, crafted using only the finest materials with modern finishes, features open living spaces which flow nicely into each other.

Staging can really help you determine the kind of furnishings you’d want in your home

The open floor plan has the dining room looking towards the living room towards the front door

Not often seen in a South Philly home, a sun room.

The open kitchen design integrates with the rest of the home. The layout has less walls and more open space that is dedicated to both function and showcase on the first floor.

The bedrooms several windows and have plenty of natural light.

The front bedrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor open into balconies, large enough to have a few chaise/ beach chairs to relax, unwind, sunbathe, or entertain a group of 10-12 guests on each balcony. 

The owners suite

The home has 2 full baths, and a powder room on the first floor.

There’s a full finished basement with a large laundry room, giving you the flexibility to utilize the basement space as your personal Yoga Studio, Game Room, Home Office, or Guest entertainment.

Private backyard, large enough to host a party of 25+ guests.

The house also features a 100 Sq. Ft. of Pure Black Granite Accent Wall with a Gas Fireplace, and special imported LED Lights in the Dining room, Kitchen, and bathrooms. Ring Doorbell & Rear Camera with Sensor. Google Nest Thermostat.  Hard Wood Floors in the entire house, Energy Efficient Samsung Stainless Steel Appliances.

Most importantly, a Full 10 Year Tax Abatement. Unlike most other houses in the market offering partial or prorated Tax abatement, this house offers a full 10 Year Tax Abatement.

1723 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA 19146 The FULL LISTING and information can be found HERE!!

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Around Town With HughE

Arthaus : Sip. Shop. Savor. Boyd’s Pop Up Spring Fashion Show

The Dranoff’s Carl, Julia and Roberta

Carl Dranoff, CEO of Dranoff Properties, in one of the sample units at Arthaus, a luxury condo building in Center City is located along the famed Avenue of the Arts directly across the street from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Arthaus and Boyd‘s partnered together to accessorize the home with clothing and compliments to complete the look of a lived in home. A reception was held to showcase the newly finished units, accessories and the nearly finished luxurious residential apartment building.

The Arthaus building Model is located in one of the finished units

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect A. Eugene Kohn , the residential building contains 108 condominiums in the 47-story, 524-foot-high tower and will be the tallest building on Broad Street.

Nick Pytel and Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Avenue of the Arts
Josh Moore and Tom DeStefano
Missy Dietz and Steffani Bronstein of Boyds
Cindy Floyd, Paul Floyd, Janna Wolf and Bill Yang
Joseph Prim, Jeanne Prim and Dianne Semingson, Board President for the Avenue of the Arts
Michael Toub and Kristyn Aldrich
I saw this area at night, so a photo didn’t do it justice. What a beautiful outdoor space.
The Italian Mosaic behind the front desk was shipped over from Italy. It is gorgeous.

After harvesting your crops you can prepare them for dinner.

Arthaus is a beautiful addition to the residential scene in Philadelphia, and the capstone of the Avenue of the Arts.

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The Agency Real Estate Announces Next Gen Partnership

RE Agents at The AGENCY Christopher Werley, Larry Holmes Jr. and Matthew Loebsack with Lisa Silveri

On Wednesday, September 8, 2021 I attended a red carpet event at the Laurel announcing the formation of the next iteration of the AGENCY Real Estate Partnership… the Evolution of Luxury Real Estate for the Philadelphia Marketplace! For years the award winning licensed Broker/Realtor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey Lisa Silveri has owned and operated the successful AGENCY with an extensive background in selling high end residential and commercial properties. During the pandemic she thought, what is next, what should I be doing. She’s stepping back just a bit, and stepping up is her new partners, a young dynamic team which will complete The AGENCY’s Real Estate Christopher Werley, Larry Holmes Jr. and Matthew Loebsack 1518 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 990-3159

Larry Holmes, Jr, partner at The Agency, Joelle Holmes, Diane Holmes and legendary boxer Larry Holmes, Sr.

The Agency understand the nuances of the the Philadelphia real estate market and have the ability to serve buyers and sellers with various needs and desires.

Gran Caffe L’Aquila was the caterer. I just had dinner there last Thursday, and it was delicious. I had their Restaurant menu, and everything was perfect, but the Cannoli was something to write home about.

Although Lisa is still the president, this young, new generation of real estate agents will be taking the reigns of The Agency for all your needs. Another thing about these three, friends for years, growing up in and around Easton, Pa. Christopher Werley, Larry Holmes Jr. and Matthew Loebsack.

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Philly Native Kevin Bacon’s Childhood Home is for Sale

Karin Bacon, Hilda Bacon, Kevin Bacon, Michael Bacon and longtime family friend Angie Foster at a fundraiser for the Friends of the Rail Park February 6, 2016.

Six degrees of Kevin Bacon is a popular term, as Kevin has appeared in so many movies that you connect him to any Hollywood actor by 6 people. Bacon, the youngest of six children, was born and raised in a close-knit family in Philadelphia[3] . His mother, Ruth Hilda taught at an elementary school and was a liberal activist, while his father, Edmund Norwood Bacon (1910–2005), was an architect who served for many years as executive director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission During his tenure as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission from 1949 to 1970, his visions shaped today’s Philadelphia,to the extent that he is sometimes described as “The Father of Modern Philadelphia”. (I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, and as a student of architecture, it was thrilling.)

Now you can be one degree of separation as Kevin Bacon’s childhood home at 2117 Locust St is for sale and it can be yours for $1,333,333.

Although the home has been updated over the years, including 3 years ago when it was renovated, the spirit of the Bacon kids getting ready for school, celebrating the holidays and the love of family can be imagined as you celebrate your special moments. This home features everything. An Amazing kitchen with all top of the line sub-zero and viking appliances, built in wall coffee and expresso maker, granite tops with glass and stainless steel back splash and all stainless steel appliances. There are 5 large bedrooms with plenty of closet space, and 4 bathrooms with a jacuzzi bathrooms, stand up glass showers. Beautiful hard wood floors throughout with special hard wood floors in the basement.

The 4th floor was added by Edmund Bacon, a neighbor told me, and has a steam room and a sauna!!!!!!

Harry Spivak saw my post and sent me this photo, he lived down the street from the Bacon family. Here’s a photo of Harry and Kevin Bacon climbing a tree in Rittenhouse Square in the late 1960s.

Ohhh I wonder if any of the Bacon kids signed their names under the stairwell like we did in our basement. If you want to be one degree of Kevin Bacon it can be yours with this purchase. The listing here.

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InBox: Barbara Corcoran endorses Local Real Estate Agent Maria Quattrone

Congratulations to Maria Quattrone for her endorsement by Real Estate expert Barbara Corcoran .

PHILADELPHIA, PA – January 20 th , 2020 – Maria Quattrone and Associates announced that Barbara Corcoran, who is exclusively endorsing a select few, has chosen Maria Quattrone as one of the best real estate minds in the country. To solidify the endorsement, Maria and Barbara will
be appearing in a TV commercial where Corcoran will officially be endorsing Quattrone.
“As a real estate investor, I look for sharp agents who really know their market. Agents who do so much business that they can find me the right investment property and sell it for the most money without drama. When I need real estate advice in Philadelphia and the surrounding area,
I’d call Maria Quattrone and Associates!” says Corcoran.
Maria’s company, Maria Quattrone and Associates headquartered in Philadelphia, PA has grown into one of the most successful real estate companies in the tri state area and has become a dominant industry leader. The company, founded in 2005 and lead by Maria Quattrone is made
up of a hand-picked team of industry professionals, real estate branding and marketing experts who provide quality customer service throughout the Philadelphia area. “I want to make sure my clients are well informed about the market. Providing up to date market
statistics and clear open communication is the key to our success.” “Being endorsed by Barbara Corcoran, a real estate powerhouse, is an incredible honor. Such an exclusive, public endorsement reaffirms our vision, business philosophy and work ethic.” Quattrone says.
In 2019, Real Trends and The Wall Street Journal, awarded Maria #76 of the Top 100 agents in the country. Maria is ranked #1 among all RE/MAX agents in PA and is currently #12 among all RE/MAX agents globally!
To work with Maria Quattrone and Associates, inquire about career opportunities, learn about her Guaranteed sale program for home sellers, visit http://www.CallMQ.com or contact 215-607-3525