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Around Town With HughE

ChitChat: LGBTQ, Flowers, Food

Stevie Williams

Recently I was talking with my friends Amira and Jermaine about a photo I took at Love Park around 2000. Amira looked at it and said it reminded her of Stevie Williams. I shared it on Instagram and, amazingly, Stevie himself commented. After all these years, the photo and the skater were finally reunited. When I took the picture, someone nearby told me he was a notable skateboarder, but I never caught his name. I even went back to Love Park many times hoping to find him again and tried to recreate the shot, but I never could. Some moments really only happen once. The March Issue of Philly Mag dropped and features Stevie Williams as one of the 25 Most Philly Athletes

I think the shot might belong in my greeting card collection at The Ground Coffee Shop. They just launched their new spring menu too.

I just recently returned from Florida and visiting my mom in the Keys. I was lucky enough to do some bird-watching as well. Excited that March is nearly here and bird watching season begins again. I enjoyed the snow over the weekend, and it’s the kind we normally get, wet and it melts within days. Not like the nightmare ice snow we got in January.

Since returning from Florida, Philadelphia’s spring social season has officially kicked into high gear. A significant moment unfolded this week in the Gayborhood.

The new Pride Visitor Center opened at 12th and Locust Streets, adjacent to Knock. Meg Kane and the Signature 57 family, who have owned Knock for nearly two decades, generously dedicated part of the popular restaurant and bar to create Pennsylvania’s first LGBTQ+ visitor center.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro placed Wednesday’s ribbon cutting into historical perspective, noting that in 1682 William Penn arrived on a ship called Welcome, seeking religious freedom from persecution in England and helping lay the foundation for what would become Pennsylvania.

Tyrell Brown, Philly Pride 365 and Tami Sortman

The evening before the ribbon cutting, Tyrell Brown of Philly Pride 365 and Tami Sortman, President of Washington West, at Knock, with a sneak preview of the space.

Monday I went to the Flower Show at the Convention Center. I know I say this every year, but this year, the show was fantastic. It’s beautiful, thoughtful and smells great.

This year the Marketplace was moved to its own floor instead of being squeezed in with the exhibition displays. It turned out to be a great decision. There’s now plenty of room to browse the vendors while still giving visitors space to fully enjoy the exhibits. I spoke with several vendors in the new Marketplace and, while they said they missed some of the buzz of being on the exhibition floor, many told me their sales were actually better.

I ran into a PhillyChitChat reader at the Flower Show. I always love meeting the people who follow along. 😊 Follow me on my Instagram PhillyChitChat Also check out recent party photos on CBSPhilly.

Socially Yours HughE

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Around Town With HughE Philadelphia 2026

The 2026 MLB All-Star Week Needs You

The official announcement that Philadelphia would host the 2026 MLB All-Star Game was made on April 16, 2019 by Commissioner Rob Manfred at Independence Hall.

The 2026 game, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence, was further highlighted with a logo unveiling on July 18, 2025.

Be at Citizens Bank Park as Philadelphia takes the stage for the 2026 All-Star Week festivities! Events will take place at Citizens Bank Park and the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Saturday, July 11 through Tuesday, July 14.

The annual fan-fest, called the All-Star Village, will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Saturday, July 11 through Tuesday, July 14.

For events at Citizens Bank Ballpark, currently the events are as follows: Sunday, July 12, All-Star Futures Game and a celebrity event; Monday, July 13, All-Star Workout Day & T-Mobile Home Run Derby; Tuesday, July 14, MLB All-Star Game

All-Star Sunday – July 12

  • All-Star Sunday brings together the future and the fun of baseball with two marquee events held back-to-back at Citizens Bank Park. The day begins with the All-Star Futures Game, showcasing the next generation of MLB stars, and concludes with MLBX, a fast-paced, 3-on-3 knockout competition featuring the game’s biggest personalities.
    • All-Star Futures Game (12 PM | Airs on NBC)
      • The All-Star Futures Game showcases baseball’s top prospects and rising young stars as they take the field on a Major League stage. For many of today’s All-Stars, this game marked their first national introduction – making it a can’t-miss look at the future of MLB.
    • MLBx (Begins approximately 30-45 minutes following the conclusion of the Futures Game | Airs on Peacock)
      • MLBx is a fast-paced, 3-on-3 knockout baseball competition featuring teams of Phillies and MLB legends, AUSL stars, and celebrity talent. The event highlights power hitting, athletic defense, strategy, and teamwork, creating an energetic close to All-Star Sunday.

From July 11-14, Capital One All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center will welcome fans from around the world, and we’re looking for enthusiastic team members to help bring this unforgettable event to life.

The All-Star Experience Team to help with the various areas above at Capital One All-Star Village. Below are items you will receive for being part of the program:
All-Star Experience Team Performance Shirt

All-Star Experience Team Hat

Unlimited access to Capital One All-Star Village

MLB All-Star Cinch Bag

MLB All-Star Game Water Bottle

Commemorative All-Star Experience Team Baseball


This is a paid opportunity. Be part of one of the biggest celebrations in baseball and help us create an incredible All-Star Week in Philadelphia.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/esuU9uq9

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Around Town With HughE

Where Art Meets Energy: A Night of Dance at the Museum for Art in Wood

Proof Museums Don’t Always Have to Be Quiet

For one night only, the Museum for Art in Wood transformed its exhibition gallery into an unexpected dance floor, inviting guests to experience the space in an entirely new way, the second annual Gallery Groove!! With artwork temporarily between exhibitions, the gallery traded sculptures for sound, filling the room with music, movement, and creative energy.

Elisa Medina, David Rosenwasser, Morgan Baily and Eli Robbins
Sosena Solomon, JLy, Joanna Blaz, Crystal Cuevas, Rachel Zimmerman, Founder, Visionary, and Executive Director of InLiquid and
Linda Smyth, Casa Vida.

Guests gathered in one of Philadelphia’s most unique cultural spaces to dance, connect, and celebrate art beyond the traditional museum experience.

Nadja Mcgilweski, Ingrid Buckley and Rachel Millomik

Events like this highlight the museum’s mission to keep creativity accessible and engaging while supporting future exhibitions and programming. Proceeds from the evening directly benefit the Museum for Art in Wood’s year round exhibitions, artist residencies, and public programs.

Gabrielle and Fred Kaplan-Mayer

Right now, the timing of the event is especially interesting because the museum is transitioning between exhibitions. Recent and current programming has included:

A Usable Past: Reflections on a Nation and Its Inheritance
A thought provoking exhibition bringing together works by multiple artists exploring American history, identity, and cultural legacy through contemporary wood based sculpture.

John Kip and Ren Griffin

American Graffiti: Painting, Dyeing, and Surface Design in Wood
An exhibition examining how artists push wood beyond traditional carving, using color, texture, and surface experimentation to expand the medium into contemporary art and design.

Looking ahead, the museum continues rotating exhibitions throughout the year, typically presenting four to five shows annually ranging from functional craft to sculptural contemporary work.

Jennifer-Navva Milliken (r)
is the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Museum for Art in Wood in Philadelphia tells me there are some great upcoming programming which includes artist talks, residency events, and special evenings such as book signings and First Friday gatherings in the long time Old City’s gallery, every First Friday of the month!! I highly recommend you attend. It’s a fun night crawling the galleries on Old City.

SAVE THE DATE: First Friday Opening for Viola Bordon: Muliebrity March 6 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

When you stop in to see the exhibitions, which are all free, check out their store in person or online. I love their unique gifts.

Hope to see you next year for the third annual Gallery Groove!!

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Around Town With HughE Philadelphia 2026

The Franklin Institute’s “Universal” Exhibit Recap

Earlier this month I attended a sneak preview of party for the opening of the Franklin Institute’s Universal Exhibition

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, a groundbreaking new exhibit that takes guests inside the immersive and innovative world of Universal Destinations & Experiences’ theme parks, made its world premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 14, 2026, in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal.

hallway

The Franklin Institute’s new Universal exhibit invites visitors to explore humanity’s place in the cosmos through immersive science, technology, and storytelling. Guests can expect a highly visual experience that blends space exploration, physics, and the search for life beyond Earth, with interactive displays designed for both adults and families.

Large scale projections, hands on stations, and thought provoking installations help explain complex ideas like gravity, light, and the origins of the universe in ways that feel approachable and engaging. (Pel Productions photo)

Casey Satell, Director of Institutional Giving, Kathleen Drummond, Madeleine Brownsey and Larry Dubinski President and CEO of The Franklin Institute

Rather than feeling like a traditional museum gallery, the exhibit moves visitors through a journey that encourages curiosity and reflection, reminding us how small we are in the universe while celebrating human innovation and discovery.

Larry Townsey and Colin Drumond
Kernika Gupta, director of CEO Initiatives at Independence Blue Cross (and with husband Vishal Patel are co hosting the American Heart Association’s 2026 Greater Philadelphia Heart Ball Heart of Philadelphia Friday) and Kate Wilhelm, Vice President of Community Growth & Economic Development at Comcast.
TJ Mannarino, Sandra Bersani and Melissa Gover

The exhibit is equal parts educational and awe inspiring, making it a strong addition to The Franklin Institute’s lineup and a must see for science lovers, students, and anyone looking for something new to experience in Philadelphia.

Audrayah Brunson and Kayleigh DiGacomo

Very cool movie props

The Tuttlemeans
Stefanie Schaffer and Cassandre Cavanaugh
Shira Epstein

Keeping up with the times, the exhibit also features plenty of fun selfie spots, perfect for capturing your visit and sharing it on social media.

Larry Dubinski President and CEO of The Franklin Institute

“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition is a trailblazing concept that pulls back the curtain on an industry that entertains and thrills millions, revealing the science, innovation, and creativity in some of the most epic experiences in themed entertainment,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO, The Franklin Institute. “The exhibition brings beloved moments to life in new and exciting ways, delivering a truly unique and fun experience that we are proud to present as a world premiere in 2026.”

The Franklin Institute proudly presents the world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center from February 14 through September 7, 2026. The exhibit was created in collaboration with the award-winning creative design firm MDSX. Comcast NBCUniversal is the local presenting sponsor, and PECO, the proud corporate partner of The Franklin Institute, is the associate sponsor of the exhibition. The exhibition is slated to tour North America after its Philadelphia run.

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Around Town With HughE

Les Dames Celebrates Lunar New Year

Dame Grace Young, Dame Susanna Foo, co-presidents Lynn Buono, Jacqueline Peccina-Kelly of the Philadelphia Chapter

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of photographing a very special evening as Les Dames d’Escoffier Philadelphia welcomed the Lunar New Year, officially the Year of the Horse, with an extraordinary 16 course celebration at Bai Wei Restaurant.

Aliza Green and Terry Berch McNally

Les Dames d’Escoffier Philadelphia is part of an international organization of women leaders in food, beverage, hospitality, and philanthropy who are dedicated to mentorship, education, and supporting the next generation of culinary professionals.

Locally, the chapter plays an important role in Philadelphia’s dining community by uplifting women chefs, restaurateurs, writers, and hospitality innovators while giving back through scholarships and community initiatives. Events like this highlight not only culinary excellence but also the power of collaboration and mentorship within the industry.

The evening’s menu was a remarkable partnership between Dame Susanna Foo and Bai Wei’s Chef Wen He Wang, blending tradition, artistry, and storytelling through each course.

Special guest for the remarkable dinner was NY Dame Grace Young, an award-winning cookbook author and Chinatown activist and humanitarian, shared stories about the good luck food guests were about to enjoy. She is currently partnering with the James Beard Foundation on the #supportChinatown campaign to preserve and protect America’s Chinatowns.

From start to finish, the night felt joyful and celebratory, with Susanna Foo beaming as guests experienced each beautifully presented dish. The raspberry dessert was a standout favorite and a perfect sweet finale to an unforgettable evening honoring culture, community, and culinary leadership.

Alethia Erwin and Betsy Spivak
Additional special guests included Rachel Klein of Miss Rachel’s Pantry and Philadelphia Inquirer food writer Michael Klein, who has shared a longtime friendship with the iconic Susanna Foo. I remember first discovering Michael’s column when he frequently wrote about her groundbreaking Walnut Street restaurant, once a Philadelphia dining destination and now the site of Chipolte.

If you are interested in joining the Philadelphia Chapter “Candidates for membership will be professional women who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in professional and philanthropic capacities and who have been actively engaged full-time for a minimum of five (5) yearsin careers in the food, beverage and/or hospitality industries.” Please include details on the endeavors that make you eligible for membership. HERE

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Pixs: Philly Home Show & Garden

The Philly Home + Garden Show is Back This Year with Over 300+ Exhibitors and a Little Bit of Something for Everyone

The Philly Home + Garden Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, from Friday, February 20 through Sunday, February 22, 2026, featuring nearly 300 exhibitors, celebrity guests, immersive feature gardens, hands on workshops, and shopping experiences created to inspire homeowners, gardeners, and DIY enthusiasts alike.

I stopped by yesterday morning as the doors opened for the annual Philly Home and Garden event, where visitors were already lined up, eager to explore rooms filled with fresh ideas and inspiration.

Continuing Saturday and Sunday, attendees can shop, compare, and save while discovering fresh ideas, innovative products, and expert advice in remodeling, home improvement, décor, gardening, and outdoor living, all under one roof.  One of the region’s most anticipated annual events.

At the Philly Home Show & Garden, I ran into this mom and son duo, who demonstrated an incredible product, a formidable foldable strainer.. No more pulling out a bulky colander just to drain pasta or rinse food. I always love seeing local entrepreneurs creating products that make everyday life a little easier for all of us. It’s on sale at the show, but if you don’t make it here it is on Amazon!!

Nationally recognized experts, and hands-on features designed to help attendees plan projects, discover new ideas, and connect directly with trusted professionals.

I really love these candles, instead of a wick for a light, they are little water fountains. So clever.

The 2026 show will feature appearances by Captain Sandy Yawn, known for her leadership on Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean, and Kevin O’Connor, Emmy-winning host of This Old House and Ask This Old House. Both will take the stage to share insights on leadership, problem-solving, renovation, and real-world home improvement strategies.

This is one of my favorite activations, a service where they create fun sleep overs for friends.

For the adults there are plenty of samples, like wine, cheese, crackers and sauces.

Get inspired for your outdoor space while exploring a full hall of gardens created by seven of the region’s top landscaping and garden companies. Stroll through more than 9,000 square feet of inspiring displays showcasing new landscaping techniques, fresh ideas, and must have products for 2026.

Guests can also build their own succulent at the succulent bar and unwind in the Wine Garden presented by The Renegade Winery.

Don’t miss a winning weekend…

Saturday, February 21: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 22: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location:
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456

Tickets:
Adults (Box Office): $12
Adults (Online): $10
Children 12 & Under: FREE
Parking is FREE.

For tickets, schedules, and full show details, visit www.PhillyHomeAndGarden.com.

Instagram: @phillyhomeshowsFacebook: @PhiladelphiaHomeShows

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The Philly Home + Garden Show is Back

All Hands-on Deck! The Philly Home + Garden Show Returns February 20-22 with Celebrity Experts, Fresh Ideas, and Spring Inspiration. I love the Home and Garden show. Mike and I go every year at least twice. There’s so much to see and do.

This year attendees will find new inspiration, innovative products, helpful tips, and amazing deals in remodeling, home improvements, décor, and outdoor spaces. The event offers opportunities to connect with hundreds of home and garden experts.

A person in a uniformDescription automatically generated

The 2026 show will feature appearances by Captain Sandy Yawn, known for her leadership on Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean, and Kevin O’Connor, Emmy-winning host of This Old House and Ask This Old House. Both will take the stage to share insights on leadership, problem-solving, renovation, and real-world home improvement strategies.

A person standing in front of a green doorDescription automatically generated

Kevin O’Connor, Emmy Award–winning host of PBS’s This Old House and Ask This Old House, will offer practical renovation advice, problem-solving strategies, and expert tips for homeowners.  Kevin will be presenting on the Main Stage on Saturday at 5 p.m., and Sunday at 12 p.m.

A group of blue flowersDescription automatically generated

Get inspired for your outdoor space by exploring a full hall of gardens created by seven of the region’s top landscaping and garden companies. Stroll through more than 9,000 square feet of inspirational gardens showcasing new landscaping techniques, ideas, and must-have products for 2026. Guests can also build their own succulent at the succulent bar and relax in the Wine Garden brought to you by The Renegade Winery.

Tour two stunning modular homes built by ABC Home Sales, beautifully furnished by Ethan Allen, showcasing how efficiency, flexibility, and style can coexist in modern living spaces. I love checking out the decor for inspiration.

Senior Day – Friday, February 20, 2026
Guests ages 60+ receive 50% off admission at the box office, courtesy of Luxury Bath, with valid ID.

Hero Day presented by Lemus Home Remodeling – Sunday, February 22, 2026

Active and retired military, first responders, nurses, doctors, and teachers receive free admission with identification.

Donate blood during the show and receive a complimentary ticket to the Philly Home + Garden Show.

SHOW DATES & HOURS

Friday, February 20: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, February 21: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 22: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location:
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456

Tickets:
Adults (Box Office): $12
Adults (Online): $10
Children 12 & Under: FREE
Parking is FREE.

For tickets, schedules, and full show details, visit www.PhillyHomeAndGarden.com

But as a PhillyChitChat reader here is a code that gives people 50% off tickets
Here’s the code:

“PHILLYCHITCHAT”

Instagram: @phillyhomeshowsFacebook: @PhiladelphiaHomeShows

PR Jennifer Sherlock, President Jenna Communications <jsherlock@jennacommunications.com>

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The Lemon Ball 2026

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation hosted its 20th annual Lemon Ball to raise awareness and funds for critical research, and recognize amazing childhood cancer heroes and their families on January 24, 2026 at the Springfield Country Club.

Richard Kiss, Assistant News Director at CBS News Philadelphia, Kelly Frank, President & General Manager: CBS Philadelphia;, Liz Scott, Monica Avery, CBSPhilly producer and Jay Scott

Supporters gathered for a powerful evening in the fight against childhood cancer—one marked by emotional stories, joyful celebration, and extraordinary generosity.

Gregory and Pilar Tokar

Guests bid, danced, laughed, cried, and cheered as they came together to honor the progress being made and the lives being changed by the work Alex’s Lemonade foundation.

Dominque and Jason Payne
Dave Shollock, Courtney Shollock, Mike Dokas, Nicholas Cardone, Gabriella Dokas, Lauren Willis
John and Connie Kordsmeir

That legacy was powerfully celebrated this month as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation hosted its 20th annual Lemon Ball, raising critical funds for research, increasing awareness, and recognizing inspiring childhood cancer heroes and their families.

The evening was emceed by CBSPhilly’s Janelle Burrell and Kate Bilo

Jay Scott and Liz Scott created Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in honor of their daughter, Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who passed away at just 8 years old after a courageous battle with neuroblastoma.

Alex raised more than $2,000 at her very first childhood cancer fundraiser in her front yard when she was only 4 years old and had raised $1 million by the time of her death in 2004. To date, the foundation created in her memory has raised more than $300 million to support pediatric cancer research.

The 2026 gala raised more than $755,000 to support children with cancer and the families who love them.

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The Tasties 2026

The Delicious City Philly team brought back The Tasties on Sunday, February 1, 2026, transforming Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia into the epicenter of Philly’s food and hospitality scene for one unforgettable night. Proceeds from the celebration benefited Philabundance, adding a powerful philanthropic layer to an already meaningful evening.

Chef Eli Kulp and the Delicious City Philly team — alongside Philly favorite radio producer WMMR’s Marisa Magnatta and food influencer Dave Wez (aka @FeedingTimeTV) — once again gathered the city’s culinary community to celebrate excellence across 14 award categories.

Guests kicked off the evening with a red carpet arrival at 4 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony from 5 to 7 p.m., and capped it all off with a high-energy after-party that perfectly captured the spirit, flavor, and camaraderie of Philadelphia’s ever-evolving dining scene.

The Burke family presented the Jim Burke Award For Culinary Excellence for Chef of the Year: Phila Lorn, Mawn Chef Burke was a promising chef on the scene when I first came onto the scene in 2007. He and his wife Kristina Burke, owned a popular Bella Vista restaurant named James from 2007 to 2011.

Chef of the Year: Phila Lorn (Mawn and Sao) and his restaurant won Restaurant of the Year: Mawn. Congrats to everyone involved in making Mawn so successful.

The award categories spanned a wide range of disciplines and perspectives, including Chef of the Year, Breakout Chef, Excellence in Hospitality, and Craft Cocktail Excellence. Winners in these categories were selected by a 15-member committee comprised of Philadelphia food writers, community leaders, past Tasties winners, and industry professionals, ensuring that honors reflected both critical acclaim and peer recognition.

Ziggy Whitman and Nano Wheedan, of Taco Heart, honored for Breakfast of Champions at The Tasties

The evening also featured a lively slate of People’s Choice awards, voted on by the public, adding an interactive and celebratory element to the program. Fan-favorite categories included Breakfast of Champions (best breakfast restaurant), Brain Freeze Bestie (best frozen treats), and Dish Wizard — a playful yet heartfelt honorary title recognizing the city’s best dishwasher and the often-unsung heroes of the hospitality world.

Marcello Giordano, who owns Giordanos welcomes people to the after party

I loved the set up this year, with the after party being in various rooms with food from our favorite restaurants. It was definitely packed, about 1/3 more people than last year. Fun to catch up with old friends as well, the winter months really drag on with very few events so this is a welcomed social scene for so many.

Omar Tate, Honeysuckle, Binh Nguyen, Visit Philadelphia, Grant Grundlock and Angela Val, Visit Philadelphia
Andrew Zalenski, Nicole Sullivan and Maxine Peabody, GM Friday, Saturday, Sunday who won a Tastie for the Best Hospitality
Chef Jesse Ito, co-owner of Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Dance Robot with Councilperson Rue Landau and wife Kerry Smith
Dana Rosen, Cody Shute and Nicole Leitz

A bump of caviar is the latest trend in food in 2026

The Gas & Main crew came out for the festivisites to support Chef/Owner Dane DeMarco, Breakout Chef (center). Last July I had my birthday dinner at the popular Haddonfield, NJ eatery.

And because it wouldn’t be a true Philadelphia event without a bevy of content creators in the room, a vibrant mix of photographers, influencers, and storytellers were on hand, capturing and sharing the experience in real time with their readers and followers, amplifying the energy of the night far beyond the ballroom. Congrats to the Delicious Podcast team and All About Events for a great production!!

Drum roll, please…

The Tasties — Philadelphia’s first chef and restaurant awards show — announced the 2026 winners at their ceremony on February 1, 2026. Congratulations to all of this year’s incredible honorees!

  • Chef of the Year: Phila Lorn (Mawn and Sao)
  • Breakout Chef: Evan Snyder (Emmett)
  • Standout Baker or Pastry Chef: Emily Riddell (Machine Shop)
  • Restaurant of the Year: Mawn
  • Best New Restaurant: La Jefa
  • Neighborhood Gem: Cafe Nhan
  • Icon Award: Tequilas Casa Mexicana
  • Excellence in Hospitality: Friday Saturday Sunday
  • Craft Cocktail Excellence: La Jefa

A true snapshot of the talent, heart, and creativity driving Philadelphia’s dining scene forward.

On a personal note, my winter break has officially come to an end, and I’m excited to be back to posting regularly on PhillyChitChat for the 2026 season. The pause was refreshing, though I never truly left — I kept the Instagram updates coming daily.

And don’t worry, I’m not disappearing like so many bloggers have over the years… I’m still here, still passionate, and still telling Philly’s stories.

Thank you, as always, for reading, sharing, and supporting PCC. I’m incredibly grateful to see that we remain the #1 Lifestyle blog in Philadelphia in 2026. Below is a list of some truly fabulous local bloggers who continue to make this city shine. FEEDSPOT

Socially yours, xoxo HughE

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Shapiro, Parker Build on MLK

Global Citizen President Todd Bernstein

On January 19, Temple University hosted nonprofit Global Citizen’s 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service regional signature project. The morning featured hands-on service activities, children’s programming, a health and wellness fair, and a job fair, running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“The key to this is that this is much more than a birthday celebration,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to embrace Dr. King’s legacy of civil rights and social justice.”

The opening ceremony included remarks from nine speakers, among them Temple President John Fry, Global Citizen President Todd Bernstein, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Kelly Munson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross, setting the tone for a day dedicated to service, equity, and community impact.

A Home Depot assistant, Steve Fera, Independence Blue Cross, Gov Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle L Parker building a book shelf to be placed in a Philadelphia School. (in foreground Kelly Munson, IBX)

Business leaders and politicians took part in a team building competition with the construction of Book Arks a self-standing, free library which will be distributed to underserved Philadelphia communities.

Also taking part in the friendly team building competition was Seth Bluestein – Philadelphia City Commissioners, Kevin J. Bethel. Police Commissioner, Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, CEO of Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University and Keith Leaphart, Chief Health Equity and Community Impact Officer, who was emcee of the building

event, David Vahos, Executive Director of PECO and others.

Steve Fera is executive vice president of Public Affairs and president of Government Markets at Independence Blue Cross, Kelly Munson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross, Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle L Parker with their completed Book Ark. It took them about 30 minutes to build
Michael Harris, Phillies and the legendary Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts. Todd Burnstein paid a nice tribute to Jane, as she enters her final year leading the life changing program which has established Philadelphia as the City with the most Murals.

The gym buzzed with volunteers, attendees, and honored guests, framed by MLK Day banners lining the walls — part of a longstanding collaboration between Mural Arts and Global Citizen that pairs two artists with four Philadelphia-area schools each year to create four original mural panels.

PHENND-Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development – Eden, Addie and Kene

Temple University hosted the event for the first time since 2009, moving it from its longtime home at Girard College to Pearson/McGonigle Hall on Temple’s campus.

Over the past 31 years, more than 2.7 million people have participated in Philadelphia’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service — the largest MLK service day in the nation. Longtime organizer Todd Bernstein said the scale of participation is a clear reflection of the program’s lasting impact on the community.

Thank you to the volunteers and to community-minded organizations like Independence Blue Cross, Jefferson Health, and PECO for their continued investment in service and civic engagement across Philadelphia. It’s a privilege to document these events for them.