Philly Chit Chat

Philadelphia added a stylish new tradition to its social calendar as the JMK Foundation hosted its inaugural Philadelphia White Gala at the National Constitution Center on September 2.

Guests arrived dressed in white for the celebration, creating a striking scene inside the Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook, with Independence Mall providing the perfect Philadelphia backdrop.

The evening marked the first signature gala for the JMK Foundation, founded by three pilots, James Schwerner, Michael Todd and Kyle Rodriguez. Guided by the principles Faith. Service. Community., the Foundation is focused on building opportunity for the next generation through aviation access, scholarships and mentorship.

The inaugural Philadelphia White Gala benefited Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and featured cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and Philadelphia-inspired culinary stations by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, along with a silent auction and remarks from representatives of the JMK Foundation and CHOP.

Organizers envision the White Gala as an annual Philadelphia tradition, bringing together the city’s business, nonprofit, healthcare, military, civic and cultural communities in support of service and opportunity.

And judging from the fashionable crowd gathered for the first one, the Philadelphia White Gala may have found itself a permanent place on the city’s September social calendar.

To learn more follow them in Instagram or check out their website

The 7th Annual Bite for the Fight Food Festival brought together great food, celebrity chefs and a wonderful cause on Saturday, September 19, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.

Hosted by the Fight On Makenna Foundation, the popular dine-around event featured tastings from dozens of regional restaurants, craft cocktails, local brews, fine wines, live cooking demonstrations and a silent auction.

Celebrity chefs Brian Duffy, Ariane Duarte and Kenneth J. McDuffie joined Harvest Seasonal Grill’s David Schorn for an afternoon of culinary demonstrations and meet-and-greets.

The dine-around style tasting event drew hundreds of guests and coincided with National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Every dollar raised benefits quality-of-life programs for pediatric cancer patients and their families at CHOP.

Guests enjoyed bites and beverages from The Blue Elephant, Robert Ryan Catering and Design, Bald Birds Brewing Company, Brick & Blaze Pizza Company, Angie’s Vietnamese Cuisine, Harvest Seasonal Grill, Dad’s Hat and many more.

Founded in 2018 by Rich and Michelle Massi of Pottstown in honor of their daughter Makenna, the Fight On Makenna Foundation supports quality-of-life programs for pediatric cancer patients and their families at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

“Our goal is to continue to fund programs that make a difference to families and children battling pediatric cancer,” said Rich Massi.

The winners of the 2026 Bite for the Fight Food Festival were: Sedona Grill and Taphouse for Best Savory Bite and Cierra’s Sweets for best Sweet Bite! Thanks for everyone who turned out to help the kids by supporting the Fight On Makenna Foundation

Thanks Andre Flewellen for shooting this for PhillyChitChat.
PR Garden Wellington in partnership with Jaimi Blackburn
At the Philadelphia Expo, in Oakes PA

Last week, Chef Jose Garces and Dr. Beatriz Garces gathered with friends, supporters and community partners at Garces Trading Company to celebrate an exciting new chapter for the nonprofit they founded in 2012.

A new name, but the same commitment to Philadelphia’s immigrant community!

After 14 years, the Garces Foundation is becoming Comunidad Garces. Comunidad means “community” in Spanish, a fitting name for an organization that has spent more than a decade helping Philadelphia’s immigrant families access healthcare, education and essential resources.

According to Comunidad Garces Executive Director Robin Morris, the new name is a natural evolution, reflecting what students and patients have been calling their community for years.

The celebration was held at Garces Trading Company, Chef Jose Garces’ restaurant and event space, which offers a welcoming setting for private parties, corporate gatherings and special occasions. With culinary experiences provided by Garces Catering, the venue brings Chef Garces’ signature cuisine and hospitality to events of all sizes.

Big changes are coming to parking at Lincoln Financial Field, beginning with the Eagles’ next home game on October 4.

Here’s what fans need to know: The Eagles Have Now Confirmed this to news outlets.

🏈 Assigned Parking: Attendants will direct vehicles into designated spaces rather than allowing fans to choose their own spots. The goal is to prevent oversized vehicles from occupying multiple spaces and keep sidewalks, medians, and grassy areas clear.

🏈 Tailgating Restrictions: Large, organized tailgates will be limited to the space directly in front of or behind their vehicles. Setups requiring multiple parking spaces will be restricted.

🏈 Designated Lots: Tailgating will be limited to Lots D and N, with increased parking fees.

🚧 Road Closures: Additional road closures and relocation orders are planned along Broad Street.

The changes reportedly have the approval of the City and Sports Complex Special Services.

And before you ask, apparently it’s NOT about the money says officials, it’s about fan convince.

Plan accordingly, Eagles fans!

I wonder if FDR Park will have more tailgating parties…. we shall see.

Thanks to my friend Jerry Erlich who posted this on his FB and tagged a few people to the now official news.

Philadelphia Ballet celebrated the grand opening of its beautiful new home Thursday evening, and what a spectacular addition to Philadelphia’s cultural scene!

The building faces Broad Street, but the entrance is thoughtfully located on Wood Street, allowing guests, especially children on school trips, to enter safely without disrupting traffic. I love the etchings of the ballet dancers on the “curtain” wall. Above you can see the dance studio.

I had the pleasure of attending the opening soirée, reconnecting with familiar faces, and getting a firsthand look at a building that is so much more than a place to rehearse and perform. It’s a home for the dancers, the organization, and the next generation of ballet lovers.

Congratulations to Artistic Director Ángel Corella (l), Executive Director Shelly Power (center), the Philadelphia Ballet team, and the generous supporters who helped make this dream a reality.

What impressed me most was how thoughtfully the building was designed. Every space seems to have a purpose, from the spacious rehearsal studios and dedicated rooms for costumes and shoes to the physical therapy facilities that support the dancers’ demanding work.

And then there’s the spectacular, light-filled studio overlooking Broad Street! Its floor is the same size as the Academy of Music stage, allowing dancers to rehearse in a space that mirrors where they’ll perform. How brilliant is that?

The new five-story Center for Dance also includes a Dance Innovation Lab, gathering spaces, and opportunities for the community to experience ballet in a more intimate setting. It’s wonderful to see a building designed not only for the artists but also for the people who love and support them. The photo above is the newly named Barbara Weisberger Innovation Lab: Dance Innovation Lab Features: A versatile, multi-purpose space designed for rehearsals, community events, VIP gatherings, and performances, mirroring the expansive layout needed for major stage productions. (this is the space located on Broad Street with the metal wall that is reminisce of a curtain on the outside.)

The new Philadelphia Ballet Center for Dance was designed by Varenhorst Architects, led by architect Stephen Varenhorst, AIA – above

Guests explored the new building, enjoyed performances by Philadelphia Ballet artists, and celebrated this exciting new chapter for one of our city’s treasured cultural institutions.

What a beautiful night for the Ballet and for Philadelphia!

Want to see it for yourself? Philadelphia Ballet is hosting a FREE community open house tomorrow, Saturday, September 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at 323 North Broad Street. Enjoy performances, tours, family activities, and a look inside this extraordinary new home.
More information: Philadelphia Ballet Grand Opening Celebration 

More photos from this event will be in CBSPhilly this weekend, and the November issue of Main Line Today, and Philly Style Magazine.

I feel like I’ve had a little bit of writer’s block over the past couple of months, and maybe even going back into last year.

As PhillyChitChat gets closer to its 20th anniversary, I’ve realized that so much of what I used to put here has migrated over to social media, especially Instagram. Sometimes I remember to bring it back here to PhillyChitChat, and sometimes I don’t. So I apologize for being a little absent. And I know I have apologized before for this….

I took the photo of the skyline last night on my way home from the Les Dames Heritage Dinner. I watched the sky unfold as I drove south on I 95 and kept thinking, where can I stop to get this shot?

Then I remembered the Rivers Casino parking garage, which has always been one of my favorite spots for photographing storms and the Philadelphia skyline. And once again, it came through last night.

Another Winner: Apparently the Celebrity Diet in Philly Is Italian

Chase Utley and Cole Hamels were spotted having dinner at Stephen Starr’s Borromini on Saturday night.

Speaking of record prices being paid for Center City penthouses, I’ve now heard from multiple people with knowledge of the situation that King James has indeed found a home in Philadelphia. He’s renting, though. And for his sake, and especially for the sake of his neighbors, I hope no one ever shares exactly where he’s living.

Labor Day weekend: Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Torre (and his daughter) was spotted dining at D’Angelo’s Ristorante Italiano near Rittenhouse Square.

Torre was in Philadelphia for a good reason. He appeared at Citizens Bank Park for the Phillies’ Domestic Violence Awareness Night, which partnered with the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The D’Angelo’s sighting also brought back a PhillyChitChat memory for me. I reported Joe Torre dining there back in 2011. Fifteen years later, he’s still stopping by when he’s in Philadelphia.

Tom Brady was in town this weekend to call the Eagles season opener against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field for FOX with Kevin Burkhardt. A PhillyChitChat reader tells me Brady and Burkhardt had dinner Saturday night at Giorgio on Pine, the cozy Italian BYOB on Pine Street. (PS Tom Brady is not in the above photo, but Philly Chit Chat readers, hi!!)

OMGOSH, is anyone watching Reacher this season? It’s amazing.

I had never watched the show until I stumbled across them filming in Philly last year. Of course, then I had to quickly watch the first two seasons. They were a little violent for me, so I skipped season three, but there was no way I was going to miss the Philly season.

It’s been so much fun recognizing all the places they filmed and seeing how my photos from the shoots match up with the actual scenes. And Philly looks SO GOOD.

The whole season is based in Philadelphia. Some locations are actually Vancouver standing in for Philly, including Penn’s Landing, but plenty of the real Philadelphia is getting its moment. The Mann Music Center has been center stage, along with Stephen Starr’s Rittenhouse spot Parc (remember I got Joe Biden there the same day), LOVE Park and even Uptown Beer Garden.

It’s especially fun for me because I watched so much of it being filmed. Now I get to watch the storyline unfold and see how they turned all those days of shooting around town into the finished show.

Reacher is streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes Thursdays.

Thanks to those who provided tips, and photos like D’Angelo’s, and the winner at River’s Casino.

Now that we’re into social season I will be doing 2 – 3 events a week here, and of course follow me on Instagram.

Thanks you so much for reading me, supporting me all these years, and hello to the 1100 new followers since January 2026.

xo HughE

Happy Fall! Okay, I know it’s not officially fall yet, but in my world, the Fall Social Season has arrived. Tonight marks the first of two events kicking off my busy season: Global Philadelphia and the Bourbon Bash. From here, the calendar fills up quickly, and Philadelphia’s galas, openings, fundraisers and celebrations are back in full swing.

Today’s blog post is a wrap-up of summer before I dive headfirst into the Fall Social Season. And what a summer it was. It really lived up to everything I had hoped for, especially because I got to work alongside one of my best friends’ while experiencing so much of what was happening around Philadelphia.

When I was a kid, I experienced the Bicentennial, and I loved all the ceremony, excitement and pomp surrounding it. So when I realized I was going to live through America’s 250th anniversary, I made a promise to myself: I wanted to know everything I possibly could about what was happening and be involved in as much of it as possible.

I couldn’t have worked alongside a better person than Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia’s Director of 2026, who did an exceptional job helping to navigate the countless moving parts surrounding this historic year.

Over the past two years since he was appointed by Mayor Cherelle L Parker in March 2024, I had a front-row seat as Michael worked with city leaders, civic organizations and partners across Philadelphia to bring it all together.

He also made sure I understood what was happening, what was coming next and why it mattered, which allowed me to chronicle so much of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

His enthusiasm for Philadelphia was infectious, and experiencing so much of this summer alongside him made it even more special.

More than anything, I want to say thank you to Michael, you knew how much this moment in Philadelphia’s history meant to me, and you never hesitated to answer a question, explain what was happening or make sure I knew about something I shouldn’t miss.

Bells Across Pennsylvania, spearheaded by America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman, was a favorite project to see unfold, from the cold warehouse where Mural Arts artists created the canvas that reflected their neighborhoods, to the unveiling in the neighborhoods. That was special.

We covered a lot of ground over the past two years: we visited many of the sites before the bells were installed, scouting the surroundings, neighborhood corridors, went to a lot of neighborhood festivals, talked to people to see what they needed for the City to make 2026 successful for them, and press conference sites. Much of what we experienced never made it onto our pages,

but seeing all the behind-the-scenes planning gave me an even greater appreciation for everything that went into bringing Philadelphia’s 2026 celebration to life.

The Tioga Block Party in August was another special moment. The community was so grateful for the City’s support, and everywhere we went, people wanted to stop and talk with Michael and express their appreciation. It was a wonderful reminder that Philadelphia 2026 has been about neighborhoods and communities across the city, too.

And by the way, Philadelphia 2026 didn’t end on July 4. The celebration continues through December, with plenty more still to come. Make sure you download the app and see what’s happening next. APP.

Just one final note of gratitude to Michael Newmuis. After spending so many years documenting Philadelphia, getting to experience the past two years, and especially this extraordinary summer, alongside a friend who cared just as deeply about the city made it even more meaningful. Thank you, Michael, for letting me come along for the ride and for helping make this chapter of Philadelphia history one I’ll never forget.

So, Michael, what are you doing next, and do you need an assistant? I think we’ve already proven we make a pretty good team.

xo HughE

Cruising From Philadelphia: A Week Aboard the Norwegian Jewel

When I took the cruise most of the check in process took place at the Clairon hotel, except for the passport procedure which took place at the terminal. Now everything will be done at the terminal, but you can park your car at the hotel, or other long term parking spots in the area who shuttle you to the terminal. This is a shot I took last Thursday when we returned from the cruise.

The Philaport website just updated their cruise information for the upcoming sailing tomorrow. They list all the information prior to embarkation and they also list how embarkation and disembarkation will take place at the terminal. In terms of parking, there will be off site parking at the Clarion hotel. It’s $16 per day, per vehicle if you are arriving independently. Once you park your car at the hotel, they will offer shuttle buses to the terminal and they store your luggage at the bottom of the bus. You can visit their website for more information but I hope this helps too.

After many years away from cruising, Mike and I finally returned to the high seas, and this time we didn’t even have to fly anywhere to do it.

We sailed aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel right out of Philadelphia, which was probably one of the biggest attractions for me. There’s something pretty amazing about leaving your house in Philadelphia and, before you know it, you’re on a cruise ship heading down the Delaware River toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Mike and I have sailed 4 times before, 3 times in an Inside Cabin and the 4th time with a balcony, to Alaska!

I called our friend Rob Saxon, Travel Consultant with Simple Luxuries, because I like to use a travel agent every once in a while, especially since it had been a few years since we’d taken a cruise. We really didn’t know which cabin to choose for sailing on the Atlantic. It can get rough out there, and we both sometimes get seasick.

Rob did a great job picking out our cabin. We were midship, which meant less rocking, and he found us a balcony cabin where I could capture those sunrises and sunsets I love. Best of all, neither one of us got seasick. Yeah!!

Plus these dates included the Perseids Meteor shower, I saw 4, but didn’t get a photo of them.

We slept in twin beds for the first time in our life. Now, I know you can ask the cabin steward to push them together and secure them into a queen size. Who knew…

The room was adorable and very similar to an inside cabin, except we had a balcony. Spacious enough too, with a TV that showed the ships location, and replayed fun ship board events.

Unfortunately, the power situation was a bit of a problem, but thankfully I had already read about it on the Jewel Cruise Facebook group, where I learned so much about cruising. Things have really changed in the six years since I last cruised!

I didn’t realize there were only two outlets in the room. You can bring a multi-plug adapter like this, but it cannot have a surge protector or an extension cord. And here’s something important I learned: unplug it whenever you leave your room. If the stateroom attendant comes in and sees it plugged in, they’ll unplug it for you. If it happens repeatedly, they may even confiscate it and return it at the end of the cruise.

Everything you could possibly want to know can be found online, including answers to questions you wouldn’t even know to ask. There’s an overall Facebook group for cruising out of Philadelphia, as well as groups dedicated to specific ships and cruises.

In all the years I cruised, I didn’t know that most of the walls,

and the stateroom door, was metal. Magnets make your life so easy.

I bought this magnetic toothbrush holder for the bathroom on Amazon, along with that hook, to hold my toothbrush.

Mike and I are not really pool people, so the crowds didn’t bother us. The adult pool is to the right, which means no kids. But the real adults-only area is up on the balcony to the left, called The Vibe, and it costs additional. There are lounge chairs, servers and a hot tub.

One thing that has certainly changed since the last time I cruised is how important internet access has become for my work. Years ago, going on a cruise meant disconnecting. That’s nearly impossible for me now since so much of my work and PhillyChitChat happens online, and Mike also needed to be in touch with his office daily.

There are three different levels of internet service aboard the ship, and I quickly discovered that social media can require a higher level of service than simply checking email or browsing the web. Apparently Instagram counts as streaming. Who knew?

The internet package we finally settled on, after it took us a day to figure everything out, was the stateroom package: $240 for the first person and $120 for the second person. We actually changed our service a few times while trying to determine what worked best for us, and I have to give credit to the staff at the Internet Café as they were very accommodating each time.

It would have been helpful, though, if someone there had explained from the beginning that only one person in the cabin needed to sign up, since the package included two sign-ins. Once we figured that out, they were great about making the adjustment and refunding what we didn’t need.

One of the most important things we didn’t do until nearly too late was download the cruise app as soon as we booked and paid for the trip in May. Rob kept reminding me to download it because so much of the information would be there, but I was so busy that I didn’t get around to it until after FIFA ended. By then, a lot of the excursions and dining reservations were already taken. So download that APP as soon as you can.

I also think there is something to be said for having a travel agent. It’s reassuring to have someone on land you can contact if a question or problem comes up while you’re traveling, and I would probably use a travel agent again for that reason alone. At one point, I had a question about the gratuities NCL had billed us as people in our friend group were discussing it, so I reached out to Rob Saxon. He was able to pull up our original statement and send it to me.

NCL does pre-bill gratuities, which are pooled among the crew. We still gave cash tips to some of the people who took care of us personally during the cruise. For us, that felt like the right thing to do.

And finally, check your statement! Check it during the cruise, again the day before you leave the ship, and then once more about a week after you get home. Almost everything on ours was correct, except we discovered that we had somehow been charged for cruise insurance for three people, even though there were only two of us.

All in all it was a great cruise, we met great people and I can’t wait to cruise out of Philly again, soon. If you have any questions send me an email hughe@phillychitchat.com