Visions of Chef Richard Sandoval Opens “Aqimero” Opening at The Ritz Carlton

Last week celebrity chef Richard Sandoval opened his new restaurant Aqimero at the Ritz Carlton (The hotel renovations were led by Wimberly Interiors with contributions from LW Design out of Dubai, and Philadelphia-based firm Coscia Moos Architecture.) The 206-seat restaurant is located in the landmark property’s marble lobby, which is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, as as well as the far side of the room on Chestnut Street and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner

The space is amazing, finally the lobby and restaurant matches what you would think a Ritz-Carlton brand should be.

Gone is that terrible wine cooler that encased the beautiful chandelier that brightens the ballroom on the floor below.

You can now see the beautiful hand sewn crystals hang from the light fixture,

and you can see from one side of the room to the other.

Everyone loved the glass wall room dividers. I’ve learned that the walls are very heavy, and set deep into the floor. They can’t be moved, but you can marvel over them.

The restaurant will occupy the lobby as well as the far side of the room, which used to house the fabulous 10 Arts restaurant headed by my friend Jennifer Carroll. In this space there will be tables as well as a banquette area for dining.

I love, love the bar. Now it is set away from the wall, and

has created a lounge with seating along the wall. It’s very sleek and private, no doubt many of the celebrities that stay at the Ritz will be dining in these spots to avoid prying eyes, and my camera.

Fashion forward Ernest Owens and Bobbie Booker

The Sushi and Ceviche Bar offers a combination of raw bar – Alaskan King Crab, shrimp cocktail, Wellfleet Oysters, Bay Scallops, Maine Lobster and

Spanish Rock Octopus – alongside sushi, ceviche and tiradito.

Bryan Buttler and Josh Middleton stepping out in style

The best dressed couple of the night – Check out Philly Mag for the runner ups

Aqimero will be centered around a wood-burning grill and guests can select hand blended marinades to complement their grilled fish of choice – Atlantic Halibut, Wild Salmon, Golden Tilefish, Ahi Tuna, Wild Caught Black Bass and Fluke. A whole-roasted snapper will be served “Mexican beach campfire style” with a rich tomato and chili adobo, avocado, warm tortillas, chayote slaw & limes.

Check out more photos in Metro Philly

The Menu’s. The prices match the luxurious ambiance.

Ruth Chris’ Steak House Is Sizzling

The social season is still kicking butt, and although I wrote a little snippet of the opening of the Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse a few weeks ago, here are a few pictures that tell the story of the gorgeous dining room, and your future dining experience.

At the “ribbon cutting” earlier this month, Marsha Brown told us the story of how she came to open Ruth Chris’ Steak House. In the 1970’s Marsha Brown was working with a major bank in New Orleans. One of her clients was Ruth Fertel, founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. “Ruth’s restaurant in New Orleans was always rocking with politicians, sports figures, celebrities and local regulars,” Brown recalls. “She knew everybody, and that’s what I wanted for myself.”

In 1987, she bought her first Ruth’s Chris franchise in Center City (this new spot is the where the Broad Street franchise moved to – in the Sonesta Hotel [ at 1800 Market Street].) in 1995 she opened a second location on Long Island, which is now one of the top-grossing restaurants in the national franchise. The third came along in 2001, across from the King of Prussia Mall.

During the soft opening of the eatery, Ruth Chris’ accepted donations from guests for Drueding Center raising $16,000, which was presented to the organization that assists homeless women and their children transition into housing.

Designed by Beth Donner Design Group in close partnership with Brown, the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House Philadelphia evokes a sense of intimacy with elements of surprise throughout that intrigue and inspire guests to keep coming back for more. Notable elements of the design include the 30 ft. refrigerated wine-wall that will house nearly 2,000 of the restaurant’s wine selection, and artwork curated by Brown from famed artists DeVon and Todd White from Galerie Rue Royale located in New Orleans, LA and Ron Rundo from Long Island, NY.

Hosting 250 seats with indoor and outdoor tables, the new location will be open for lunch as well as dinner and the lively Sizzle, Swizzle, Swirl happy hour. Additionally, it will have three private dining rooms, The Spirit Room which can hold up to 25 guests, The Infinity Room which can hold up to 45 guests and the 1800 Degree Room which can hold up to 12 guests.  

“The art really takes the space to another level; I invested in thought provoking pieces that you wouldn’t typically see in a dining environment but ones that would pay homage to not only my hometown, but Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s roots as well,” stated Brown.

The famous artists whose work adorn the walls of the 7,400 sq. ft. restaurant will serve as conversation pieces as well as must-see works for art enthusiasts.

Work by DeVon, a contemporary pop artist in the vein of Andy Warhol who has worked with some of the most recognized celebrities and entertainment executives including, Mariah Carey, Brandon Boyd and Pete Wentz is joined by works by Todd White, the Official Artist for the 49^th Annual Grammy Awards, and Ron Rundo, whose commissioned works for the likes of Howard Stern and Sidney Sheldon illustrate his classical style of painting that strives to enhance and heighten the beauty found in nature.

Cheater’s Booths

Marsha Brown with Sheila Hess, City Rep. Mike and I had dinner at Ruth Chris’ last week and it was delicious. The steaks really come out sizzling, but cool down quickly for you to enjoy. I really like this new spot, it was classy, sleek, sexy and intimate as well.

Philly Gossip: Engagements, Weddings and Babies & Babes

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend; the weather was so beautiful. I went to Molestice on Saturday, then Sunday Mike and I headed to NYC Pride for our 18th time. Let’s see what’s happening in and around Philly. Lots of babies, engagements and weddings.

Congrats to former Philly -Fairmounter, NBC10 now national NBC corespondent Kristen Welker’s engagement this past weekend. I love how a jogger caught the proposal in progress.

I love his honesty. Who hasn’t been an immature dish boy…

WB17’s weather gal Francesca Ruscio slays in this outfit

#Goals

#Goals

We’ll miss Eric and Kristina who are heading to Virginia for a new adventure

You really need to follow Tracy on FB, Instagram cause she’s always on an adventure

Congrats – the baby’s due in November

Congrats

Congrats Benny & Amanda

Starts today

Watch Philly on American Ninja Warrior tonight:

Read about another inspirational story here

A few weeks ago I attended Ladies Day at the Devon Horse Show. This years theme was “A Silver & Gold Celebration” in honor of Devon’s 120th anniversary was this year’s theme. It was a beautiful day, and many more ladies came out ever before.

Carson Kressley was on hand to be a judge of the hat competition again as well.

Leslie Brown won ”Best of Devon”.

These lovely ladies look stunning in their gold and silver outfits. The hats were all designed by Kelly Bogan.  

The Judges:

Hat Contest was judged by several notables, including  Carson Kressley (2nd from right), celebrity fashion  expert,  who  will be wearing  a  custom designed  hat  by famed milliner Christine A. Moore ,  known  for  her ‘racetrack fashion,’ creating hats for  the Kentucky Derby,  Breeders’ Cup (r),  and other  high – profile  equestrian events. Other  judges are  Adam Joseph, 6abc  Action News Meteorologist (4th from left);  Caroline  O’Halloran of  Savvy Main Line (c) ; Anthony Weagley,  President and CEO of Malvern Federal Savings  Bank (4th from right);  Sam Dangremond,  Town & Country Web Editor (3rd from left); Michael Smyth of Land Rover  Jaguar  Main  Line (2nd from left); Brenda Waites Bolling,  milliner and  boutique  owner in New York City (3rd from right); and, Kristin Detterline  of  Philadelphia Style Magazine (l) .

Michelle Leonard won ”Most Fascinating” hat which was created by Tiffany Archard Arey (not pictured) and Patricia Nogar 

Jacqui and Karen Ebbert

Anya McDonnell and Seda Alexandrian

Ode to Prince

Kristy Sevag and Jacob Josephs

My favorite hats

 Best in Show was Pamela Bastings

“Scenes of Devon” won Best group

Colleen Upp with her finely dressed Chihuahuas.

The Devon Horse Show folks have built a temperature controlled clubhouse which can be rented for events.

There were tea sandwiches for the after contest luncheon

Then I headed over to Michelle Leonard’s box where she graciously hosted a few of her friends. She had a delicious spread catered by Capital Grille

Such a fun event, and a great year at Devon Horse Show. See you next year.

Sneak Peak: The DNC Donkeys are Nearly Done

Oh I so wanted to go to this today, but was too busy. Thanks to the DNC2016 & photographer Annie Heckenberger for sending me the pixs and Press Release:

The Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention today showcased the painting of some of the 57 fiberglass donkeys that will be deployed as part of the Host Committee’s Donkeys Around Town program. The painting process will be completed within the next week. The donkeys will be installed at their staging locations, a full list of which will be released in the next few days, by July 1st. They will be featured at 48 different, publicly accessible locations throughout Philadelphia and will be on display through September 5th.

“We are excited to offer a sneak peak of our Donkeys Around Town as they receive their finishing touches from the local artists who are painting them,” said former Pennsylvania Governor and Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee Chair Ed Rendell. “This project is a fun way to engage the delegates coming to Philadelphia and will enable them to connect with Philadelphians and the local arts community. Keep an eye out for them beginning July 1^st!”

Jeleata Nicole grew up in a family of artists about an hour northwest of Philadelphia, in Eagleville. She was drawn into the city soon after graduation, and has been inspired to participate in Donkeys Around Town by the opportunity to work with other talented local artists. Jaleata is painting the South Carolina and West Virginia donkeys.

Full List of Artists Participating:

(Hyperlinked names connect to the artists’ online portfolios.)

• Brian Cesario – Tennessee, Kentucky
• Jeleata Nicole – South Carolina, West Virginia
• Ellen Tiberino – Puerto Rico, Minor Outlying Islands
• Jonathan Mandell – Connecticut, Delaware
• Katie Haire – New York, Montana
• Edgar Jerins – Nebraska, Kansas
• Karina Puente – California, Arkansas
• Serena Saunders – New Mexico, Arizona
• Barbara Sosson – Iowa, Texas

• Andrew Joseph Grasso – Virgin Islands, American Samoa
  
• Joy Waldinger – Washington, North Dakota
  
• Nora Einbender-Luks – Oregon, Wyoming
  
• Morgan Thomas Shankweiler – Maine, Maryland
  
• Keith Greiman – Alabama, Louisiana
  
• Raphael Tiberino – Idaho, South Dakota

Taylor Hickman is a graduate of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) and is currently pursuing a psychology credential to become an art therapist at University of Pennsylvania. She works in paper craft and printmaking as well as painting. Taylor was inspired to participate in Donkeys Around Town to make art more accessible to underserved communities of potential artists. Taylor is painting the Virginia and Utah donkeys.

Karina Puente – California, Arkansas

• Brad Carney – Michigan, Minnesota
  
• Taylor Hickman – Virginia, Utah
  
• Sarah Ryan – Alaska, North Carolina
  
• Colleen McCubbin Stepanic – Nevada, Colorado
  
• Lynnette Shelley – Oklahoma, Missouri
  
• Paul Carpenter – Wisconsin, Georgia
  
• Michelle Oosterbaan – Indiana, Illinois
  
• Collin Scott – Mississippi, Ohio
  
• Kathryn Pannepacker – Rhode Island, Northern Mariana Islands
  
• Eleanor Grosch – Florida, Hawaii
  
• Sam Spetner – Massachusetts, Vermont
  
• Hawk Krall – New Hampshire, New Jersey
  
• Juan Dimida – District of Columbia, Guam
  

Hawk Krall – New Hampshire, New Jersey

“Mural Arts is proud to provide a valuable bridge to the local artistic community, and the Donkeys Around Town project has been a fantastic opportunity all around,” said Jane Golden, executive director and founder of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. “The project will showcase the creative gifts of so many talented artists during the DNC, and we look forward to seeing their playful works of public art throughout the city this summer.”

Edgar Jerins – Nebraska, Kansas

The Griffin Apartments Debuts – Here’s What Your Dorm Room Looks Like Now

In between two fabulous client assignments, I ran over to the “ribbon cutting” of the new Griffin Apartments, (MRP Residential.) They did an amazing job at converting the building from a worn out, trashed student residence, to a home waiting to be occupied.

It’s an interesting property, as the first 4 floors were retained by the previous owner. On the first floor is the wildly popular Capital Grille, where many a power deal while breaking bread, as well as a popular celeb eatery, most recently Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill had dinner there, and you’ll recall I got a shot of Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth leaving after lunch one day, anyway…next door was Olive Garden, which I liked as well. Well the OG is no more. The owner, who is represented by MSC is looking to put retail in that space, as well as two of the 3 remaining floors that he owns above that. Very clever i’d say.

I was excited to check out the digs, and snapped a corner 2 bedroom. The price $2700 – $3500 a month with killer views of Broad Street. Think front row Mummer’s Parade watching.

1 bedrooms were $2300+ – Location, Location, Location

Studios – $1800

sweet kitchen 

The 24/7 fitness center on the 4th floor – there’s also a yoga studio

A business room with a private conference room

After the complete gutting of the building,  the construction workers found the original spiral staircase that winds through the structure. It is now encased in glass for all to see, as well as to let the light in from the courtyard, which had been sealed off.

Some apartments have balconies that overlook the courtyard below.

Key-less entrance

I thought the apartments were nice, on par with a lot of other spots in the City

But then I saw the roof deck. I love good outdoor space.

Although the evenings party had sofas and chairs, they tell me that usually the roof deck has a good amount of lounges too.

there’s a firepit as well

There is a bar area, and a grill area

Who knew Bru does catering, they do.

Adjacent to the deck is a nice size community room with a pool table, foos ball, shuffleboard and are you sitting down – Golf simulator. There’s also a couple TV’s with plenty of seating  

The Lobby

Check out Philly Mag for photos from the renovation.

Quick Vacation and Now I’m Back

Ugh I broke one of my promises to never miss a day posting on PhillyChitChat since launching my new site. To think I went 5 straight years never missing a post. Then I started taking on those other columns, and well PCC took a back seat and I would miss one here or there. It’s like every time I start a diet. Anyway let’s say going forward from July 1 or even July 7th which will be PCC 9th anniversary, I won’t miss a post for a year. Maybe that’s when I’ll start my diet too, nah, I’d better start that right now, especially after that BFF vacation with Kory Aversa. We ate too much.

The other day I looked out, passed my balcony, and caught a Peregrine Falcon flying high over Philadelphia. I love see that bird. When I worked as a paralegal I had a great window near my desk and I would catch the birds flying near their nest at City Hall. So I’m always excited to see them. They’re huge, Liberty One is about a mile from my house. BTW today I’ll be covering an interesting event at the One Liberty Observation Deck today. They had a contest and someone won an overnight stay there. Their “hotel room” will be furnished by Kimpton’s. Very clever. It’s a fabulous view during the day, great sunsets, it’s ok at night especially if you’ve never seen the City from a view so high, but it’s dark and oh so high. 

Congrats to my brother in law Joe on his retirement from Exxon Refineries. My sister threw him a little party last weekend. I so love seeing my family. I don’t make a lot of time for them, but I love them lots.

Uncle Mike with Bo and Michael 

My brother Ray with my niece Mimi. Uncle Carmen in the background. If you head to the shore, and you need vegs & fruit, stop by their farm stand on Rt 538 near Ferrell. Great produce.

On Monday Atlantic City, the City and Richard Helfant, president of Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance honored the victims who were killed in Orlando. Rich told me about the event when I visited Lucy the Elephant in Margate last week with my sister Crista and her kids. He’s the president of Lucy too. We go every year. It’s a tradition and the kids love it.

It was a nice program with officials and a great crowd turn out too. Here’s Mark Segal, president of PGN reading an opinion letter that was published in the Washington Post about Orlando, which they asked Mark to write.

Don Guardian, Mayor of Atlantic City, who happens to be openly gay, stands with the tribute flowers which will be placed in the Atlantic Ocean as a memorial.

I wasn’t able to make it to last weeks Philadelphia tribute/vigil to the Orlando victims, as I was away. But thanks to photographer Liz Baronofsky we can see the outpouring of love.

God Bless the victims of Orlando, and the United States of America.

Thursday June 16, 2016, WHYY, Equality Forum and Independence Visitor Center Corporation hosted the national premiere of The Pursuit: 50 Years In The Fight for LGBT Rights,

a documentary film produced and directed by Ilana Trachtman at the Indepence Visitor Center across from historical Independence Hall.

Ilana Trachtman, Producer/ Director at Ruby Pictures, Inc. who directed – The Pursuit: 50 Years in the Fight For LGBT Rights, Naomi Levine, and Karen Pinsky, Corporate Sponsorship / Revenue Generator at WHYY

Norm Gasparro and Brian Tomlin.

The Pursuit is a reflection on the fight for LGBT rights, more than 50 years since protesters gathered in front of Independence Hall and called for an end to discrimination against homosexuals. Contrasting stories from LGBT experiences past and present, a complex and vibrant picture emerges that demonstrates both how far the community has come and how far there is left to go.

Maxine Jones and John Jones.

Donald Carter and David Fair, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Turning Points for Children – ‎Turning Points for Children

Naomi Levine and Nellie Fitzpatrick from the Mayor’s office.

Thom Bernardo and John Petsinger.

Thanks to PhillyChitChat Mike Hirata for shooting this event.

Trudi Brown, Ilana Trachtman, and Naomi Levine.

Norm Gasparro, Philadelphia Sketch Club and Brian Tomlin, Problem-Solving Communicator

T.S. Hawkins, International Author|Performance Poet|Actor|Officiant|Educator and Adrienne Smith.

Maxine Jones and John Jones.

Naomi Levine and Ilana Trachtman.

Andrea C. Anastasi and Catherine Libertz.

Joe Salerno, Paul Kuntzler, Malcolm Lazin, and Alan Urek.

Christina Brunkel and Marta Herrera.

Elizabeth Williams and Michael Palumbaro.

The film highlights the powerful experiences of Gay Rights movement pioneers and feature interviews, archival images, and footage of such leading LGBTQ figures as Michael Palumbaro, founding member of the Gay Activist Alliance, and John James who marched in the first 1965 peaceful demonstrations at Independence Hall.

Both the persistent discrimination against and the triumph of earned tolerance of the LGBTQ community will be explored through footage of 40 acclaimed LGBTQ activists, organization leaders, celebrities, and original protesters who will reenact the demonstrations at Independence Hall in July of 2015, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Annual Reminders. The Pursuit: 50 years in the Fight for LGBT Rights will air on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 9:00 p.m. on WHYY-TV.

Check out the preview video HERE