By: Maryanne Salvat

 PHeast on South

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s fall fundraising event, PHeaSt, moves outdoors this year for a delicious, moonlit celebration in the PHS Pop Up Garden at 15^th and South Streets on Friday, October 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. The new “PHeaSt on South” will offer exciting dishes and drinks created by some of the city’s most talented chefs and mixologists, and live musical entertainment in the beautiful garden setting. The exclusive VIP experience at 6 p.m. will feature the mixologists of the Aqua Vitae Institute, who will teach guests how to conjure a unique love potion – a captivating cocktail that blends sour and sweet and a little bitter. The VIP experience also includes reserved seating and free valet parking. Featured restaurants at PHeaSt on South will be Cantina Dos Segundos, Royal Tavern, Triangle Tavern, Khyber Pass Pub, Garces Trading Co., Blackfish, Sojourn Philly (Rex 1516, Jet Wine Bar, Café Ynez), Square 1682, Red Owl Tavern, Melograno, Campbell’s Place, and The Night Kitchen Bakery. Sips partners will be Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, and Constellation Brand imported beers, Modelo Especial and Cerveza Pacifico Clara. Coffee will be provided by Saxbys Coffee. The versatile Philadelphia String Quartet will set the mood at PHeaSt on South, with their fiery LED-lit violins rocking Bach to pop. And for mystical moonlit fun, tarot card readers will offer guests a glimpse into the season ahead. Each ticket to PHeaSt supports the impactful work of PHS, which connects people with horticulture and creates more beautiful, healthy and sustainable communities. VIP ticket price is $300. Regular admission at 7 p.m. is $150 per person. For information and tickets, click here.

Monument Lab and Mural Arts Philadelphia Present Promument

Join Monument Lab and Mural  Arts Philadelphia on October 6, for Promument at  PAFA’s beautiful Rotunda space. Explore the Monument Lab hub in PAFA’s downstairs exhibition space and enjoy a lineup of Philadelphia’s best DJs, great food and cocktails, live art and sign-making with Steve Powers, and tons of surprises. Sponsorship: Major support for Monument Lab projects staged in Philadelphia’s five squares has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. An expanded artist roster and projects at five neighborhood sites have been made possible by a significant grant from the William Penn Foundation. Lead corporate sponsor is Bank of America. For a full list of sponsors and partners, visit monumentlab.muralarts.org.

Mad Rex Fishtown

Mad Rex, the world’s first post-apocalyptic entertainment venue, opens its doors this weekend with a grand opening celebration. Complete with virtual reality lounge (beverage of choice served up in a take-home IV bag), guests will enjoy fire breathers and live DJ’s.  With an extensive menu and craft cocktails, SURVIVORS can indulge as they create their own “interactive rites” while cooking up their choice of protein on a hot lava rock and salting their ice cream in beautiful Himalayan salt bowls.  

Mad Rex is located at 1000 Frankford Avenue in Fishtown. Street parking is available as well as neighboring lots; for more information visit: themadrex.com.

MIAMI, FL – JULY 22: Leighton Meester attends Sunglass Hut MADE FOR SUMMER during SWIMMIAMI on July 22, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Sunglass Hut)

On July 22, the delightful Leighton Meester shared her favorite sunnies for summer at Lincoln Road’s Sunglass Hut Flagship store during her #MADEFORSUMMER event. Known as the fan-favorite, Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, Meester is now starring in Fox’s hit show Making History and loving every moment.

Some her favorite picks for the season included: Ray Ban’s Emma Style (exclusively at Sunglass Hut), Michael Kors Gold Aviators, and Dolce & Gabbana Oversized Round frames.

MIAMI BEACH, FL – JULY 10: Giancarlo Stanton arrives at the T-Mobile Presents Derby After Dark at Faena Forum on July 10, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for T-Mobile)

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore      

On Monday, July 10^th, T-Mobile celebrated the 2017 MLB All-Star Week with T-Mobile presents Derby After Dark

 hosted by Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins) at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach. The exclusive invite-only

 event following the T-Mobile Home Run Derby featured a headlining performance by DJ Irie, as well as

 appearances on the magenta carpet by athletes, VIP guests, and fans.  The event was a family affair for

 actor Miles Teller as he arrived on the magenta carpet with his family and friends, including girlfriend

 Keleigh Sperry and parents Merry and Mike Teller.

The Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay happily posed for photos on the magenta carpet in a flouncy magenta dress by Naven. The charismatic and gorgeous attorney wouldn’t reveal her final choice but did mention how thrilled and excited she is and that she can’t wait to just go out in public with her fiancée, to walk her dog together and just grab a cup of coffee. She also told this writer how difficult it has been for her to say “goodbye” to each contestant and what a whirlwind opportunity the show has provided her.

 Close friends, Christina Milian and Karrueche danced to the beats of DJ Irie at Giancarlo Stanton’s table.

Also spotted were MLB players Charlie Blackmon (Colorado Rockies), Nelson Cruz (Seattle Mariners), A.J.

Ramos (Miami Marlins), Miguel Sanó (Minnesota Twins), Luis Severino (New York Yankees), Justin Turner (Los

 Angeles Dodgers), and NFL player Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) who came out to support event

 host Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins) and celebrate T-Mobile’s efforts to give fans more ways than ever to

 #ScoreUnlimited baseball during MLB All-Star Week.

In addition to the aforementioned, notable guests at T-Mobile’s stellar celebration included: Trap Beckham (Def Jam Recordings Artist), Billy Brown (How To Get Away With Murder), Michael Cudlitz (The Walking Dead), Keleigh Sperry (Model), Karrueche Tran (Claws), Charlie Blackmon (Colorado Rockies), Nelson Cruz (Seattle Mariners), A.J. Ramos (Miami Marlins), Ryen Russilo (ESPN), Miguel Sanó (Minnesota  Twins), Luis Severino (New York Yankees), Justin Turner (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

The 2^nd Annual Philadelphia Restaurant Festival Presented by Modelo Especial

On Thursday, June 15^th, The Philadelphia Restaurant Festival returns! Enjoy live entertainment with amazing food & drinks from your favorite Philadelphia restaurants at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

3+ Hours of non-stop action. Dozens of fantastic restaurants. One delicious night at an affordable price.

Indulge on hand-crafted masterpieces of culinary expertise from top local restaurant chefs while sipping distinguished wines, craft beers, craft cocktails and spirits selections while enjoying great live entertainment. Sample your way through the customer craft beer and cocktail garden. For general admission tickets visit: http://www.restaurantfestival.com/philadelphia and enter discount code “SOCIALHOLIC50” to receive 50% off tickets.

Rittenhouse Row 2017 Spring Festival Preview Party

On Wednesday, May 3, join Rittenhouse Row for the 2017 Spring Festival Preview Party presented by Capital One, featuring cuisine from Rittenhouse Row’s best restaurants, cocktails from their best bartenders, informal modeling of spring trends from Rittenhouse Row member boutiques and salons, and a silent auction with Rittenhouse Row experiences and merchandise. Tickets are $75 per person for general admission, $125 for Patron tickets. Those who purchase Patron tickets will receive access to the VIP area at the Spring Festival on Saturday, May 20^st, which offers snacks and cocktails from from 12-5. Tickets can be purchased by visiting, https://rittrow.ticketleap.com/the-2017-rittenhouse-row-spring-festival-preview-party/

The Runway for CHOP

The Runway is a contemporary lunchtime fashion show curated by Philadelphia’s trendsetters and tastemakers, and it is a featured event of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Daisy Days campaign. The Runway will highlight styles from some of the city’s top boutiques and designers including Joan Shepp, Kirna Zabete, Skirt, among others. Local celebrities and Hospital supporters will be modeling the clothes in support of the organization. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 16, at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. For more information or to purchase tickets visit: http://choprunway.org/

Garces Foundation presents Think Local, Give Local with tastings from the area’s brightest chefs and a food themed silent auction to benefit the lives of Philadelphia’s immigrant community. Chef Jose Garces has handpicked a group of local chefs to deliver an unforgettable epicurean experience, highlighting Philadelphia’s unique culinary talent.  Throughout the evening guests will enjoy cocktails made with local spirits, local beer, locally created décor elements and more. Entertainment will be provided by American Deluxe. Denise Fike will provide complimentary fashion illustrations of each guest. Guests will also enjoy a Tito’s Homemade Vodka Lounge. Petals Lane and Event FX will provide décor.  

 WHEN: Friday, March 24 VIP Preview 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. General Admission 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Chefs After Party 9:00 p.m. -midnight Stage program with remarks from Jose Garces will occur at 8:15.

 WHERE: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia

  PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:

Stations from Garces restaurants including: 24, Amada, Amada New York, Bar Volver, Buena Onda, Distrito, Distrito Moorestown, Garces and Sons coffee, Garces Events, Garces Trading Company, JG Domestic, The Olde Bar, Tinto, Village Whiskey, Volver

A Mano, Townsend Wentz
Abe Fisher, Yehuda Sichel
Aldine, George Sabatino
Alma de Cuba, Douglas Rodriguez
Baba’s Brew, Olga Sorzano
Bank and Bourbon, Thomas Harkins
Bing Bing Dim Sum, Ben Puchowitz
Bistrot La Minette, Peter Woolsey
Blackfish, Chip Roman
Brauhaus Schmitz, Jeremy Nolen
Capofitto and Capogiro, Stephanie and John Reitano
Cheu Noodle Bar, Ben Puchowitz
DiBruno Bros., Emilio Mignucci
Ela, Jason Cichonski
Fat Ham, Kevin Sbraga
Fork, John Patterson
Gilda’s Biscotti, Gilda Doganiero
High Street on Market, Ellen Yin
Hungry Pigeon, Pat O’Malley
Junto, MacGregor Mann
Kanella, Konstantinos Pitsillides
Kensington Quarters, Damon Menapace
La Calaca Feliz, Tim Spinner
Lacroix, Jon Cichon
The Little Bird Bakery and Cafe, Jessica Nolen
Mission Taqueria, Andrew Sabin
Osteria, Jeff Michaud
Pub and Kitchen, Eli Collins
Sampan, Michael Schulson
Spread Bagelry, Larry Rosenblum
Subarashii Kudamono Gourmet Asian Pears, Holly Harter
Townsend, Townsend Wentz
Vedge, Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby
Vernick Food & Drink, Greg Vernick
Vetri Family of Restaurants
Weckerly’s Ice Cream, Andy Weckerly
Whetstone Tavern, Jeremy Nolen
Will BYOB, Christopher Kearse
Wm. Mulherin & Sons, Marqessa Gesualdi
Zeppoli, Joey Baldino

  TITO’S HOMEMADE VODKA SUPPORTS THE GARCES FOUNDATION Leading up to the gala, Tito’s Homemade Vodka will be donating $1 per cocktail sold at each of the Garces restaurants as listed below to the Garces Foundation. The cocktails will featured with tastings in the Tito’s Lounge at the event….  

• Bad Education at Amada- Rotham and Winter Orchard Apricot Liqueur, Lemon
Bitters
• Texas Eagle at JG Domestic- St. Germain Liqueur,
Cucumber,
Lime
• Picante Pequino at Distrito- 
Jalapeño,
Cucumber,
Lime,
Spicy Chili, Salt Rim
• Atlantic Blue at Tinto and Village Whiskey- Thyme,
Blueberry,
Lemon,
Nocino Walnut
• Can It All Be So Simple?
at 24- Creme de Cassis,
Cranberry,
Lime,
Mint
• In Full Bloom
at Volver- Citrus Cordial,
Rose Water,
Lavender Bitters
• Vilaine at Garces Trading Company- 
St. Germain Liqueur,
Strawberry,
Lemon,
Sparkling Wine
• We Cara Cara ‘Bout You at The Olde Bar- Cara Cara Orange,
Dolin Blanc,
Egg White,
Himalayan Sea Salt,
Orange Blossom Water

TICKET INFORMATION: General Admission – $150 Early Admission – $200 VIP Admission – $250 receive exclusive access to the after party on the 33^rd floor and a preview tasting. Tickets: www.garcesfoundation.org/2017benefit/ Cocktail attire.