Happy Spring, last year it snowed. Today we’re getting an epic rainstorm. It’s Thursday, let’s gossip….

There’s a New Kid On The Block

• 

• 

• 

Speaking about bloom, a few weeks ago I wrote about one of my favorite places to grab a cider and a pizza, Cinder Copper & Lace closing for renovations, and posted a few pixs which looked like they were changing their name and concept. I just received a press release from Kory Aversa, Aversa PR and it’s true. ” From the heat of the glowing embers will rise up a stylish and colorful bar and restaurant that is designed to be light, fun, casual and yet sophisticated. Blume will open in approximately three to five weeks, and launch with lunch and dinner service seven days a week. Look for boozy brunch, happy hour and late night menus to follow later in spring.” “Craft Concepts Group is excited to announce our newest food and drink concept, Blume, at 1500 Locust Street,” said Teddy Sourias. “We are aiming to create a fun, light, energetic and comfortable concept – that also puts the focus on cocktails and natural wine, which is new for us as a company. – Congrats to them. Looks like it will be Rosé All Day at Blume.

STOP THE TRAFFIC
Speaking of rose, my friend Erin Como posted this photo over the weekend of her at a Wawa, near where she lives in DC. I noted everyone’s favorite traffic gal Jessica Boyington like it. Why that is significant is everyone has been writing me to ask what Jessica is up to, and why she isn’t on NBC10 anymore. I am in the dark as much as you, but I did find this article published by Nick Vadala , at Philly.com. I’m sure Jessica would love to hear from you, and although her social media has been silent since 2/7/19, she’s still active on it.

A Rose By Any Other Name

Another popular eating spot underwent a refresh this winter – Rouge. I stopped by earlier this week to see the unveil and it’s beautiful. The bar has been relocated to the wall where a banquette used to be, which allowed Rob Waserman to add 20 additional seats for dining. The menu and cocktails are new as well; the only item that came over from the old menu was Rouge’s very popular burger. I loved the new carpet as well, with it’s vines and rose colored butterflies.
Spotted Around Town

Speaking of dining out Julianne Moore was spotted at Parc on Monday night, she’s in town promoting her new movie “Gloria Bell” which is getting rave reviews. Tyler Perry dined at Scarpetta, he’s in town appearing in Tyler Perrys Madeas Farewell which is at The Met this week. Dolph Lundgren in town for an autograph session, was spotted there the week before. Last week Desean Jackson celebrated his new contract with the Philadelphia Eagles with a steak at Capital Grille. Soon the eatery, which is celebrating 17 years at Broad and Chestnut, will be opening their sidewalk dining area.

I’m Not Horsing Around

I chatted with the organizers of Preakness on the Piazza, a popular event which took place annually for 6 years at the Piazza in Northern Liberties on the 3rd Saturday of May, and benefited the National Multiple Sclerosis Society . The event attracted a millennial crowd dressed in their Derby finest. Despite the rain that seemed to fall every year, the event was always packed and raised nearly $100,000 every year for MS. Geoff Gross, the co-founder of Preakness at the Piazza, tells me he wants to do something different this year, which would still benefit MS, perhaps in the Fall so stay tuned. But don’t fret I have alternatives where you can still wear your bonnets and springtime outfits.

If you’re looking to party on Preakness Day, celebrate 89 years of horseracing on the Main Line. With everything from amazing tailgates, fancy hats and bow ties to the parade of antique carriages and thoroughbreds racing for the finish, Radnor Hunt Races is a day filled with elegance, excitement and fun. I’ve attended for the past 8 years, and it really is fun, it was odd, even though it seemed to rain on the Preakness on the Piazza in the evening, it was often dry at the Radnor Hunt Races held during the day. The event is held rain or shine, and last year everyone looked very fashionable in their boots. Check out the photos here.

Another event happening on Preakness day, is right here in our own back yard – The Rittenhouse Row Festival. Who says you can’t wear your Derby finest to stroll Philly’s Rodeo Drive. Don’t forget this Saturday is the annual
Rittenhouse Row Spring Fashion Crawl 1-4.
Fashion is always in bloom! Jason Matthew Salon, along with numerous Rittenhouse Row retailers, will host simultaneous in-store parties with cocktails and special drinks from our best mixologists. Think First Friday, but on Saturday, and shopping for clothes for spring… See you back here on Friday for more PhillyChitChat, and if I’ve photographed you this week I will post the links from all the parties on Saturday as I do every week. Don’t forget your umbrella today….