Category: News
THE 2013 RITTENHOUSE ROW SPRING FESTIVAL
Each year more than 50,000 people converge on Walnut Street from Broad to 19th Streets, for Philadelphia’s most upscale festival. The event features food, entertainment, shopping and family fun. This is the only event where Walnut Street is closed to automotive traffic. Pedestrians stroll Walnut and 18th Streets and explore 120 booths.
Saturday, May 18, from noon to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine, on Walnut Street from Broad to 19th, 18th Street from Locust to Sansom.
The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival features:
Affordably priced cuisine from Rittenhouse Row’s restaurants: 500 Degrees, a. Bar, a. Kitchen, Alfa, Alma de Cuba, Applebees, Barclay Prime, Ben and Jerry’s, Butcher and Singer, Capogiro Gelato, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Continental Mid-town, Corner Bakery Café, The Corner Foodery, The Dandelion, Devon Seafood Grill, Di Bruno Bros., El Rey, Happy Rooster, Hip City Veg, Honeygrow, Il Pittore, Lacroix, Le Bec Fin, Marathon Grill, Oyster House, Parc, The Prime Rib, Pub and Kitchen, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Rotisseur, Rouge, Sbraga, Schlesinger’s, Shake Shack, Smith and Wollensky, Square 1682, Tavern 17, Termini Brothers Bakery, Underdogs, Vernick, Village Whiskey, Wok, and XIX.
Spring fashion booths: Joan Shepp, South Moon Under, Knit Wit, Town Home, Kembrel, Hope Chest, Born Yesterday, Heads and Tails, Duke and Winston, The Children’s Boutique, Tumi, The Shops at the Bellevue and more.
The Infiniti Lounge on the 1500 Block. Hope Cohen, author of Fast, Fresh + Simple and culinary show host will be in the Infiniti Lounge sampling one of her refreshing recipes
The Starr Culinary Demonstration Stage at 19th and Walnut will host live food and beverage demonstrations and segments from renowned balloon twister and storyteller Allyn Gordon. Drop-off non-perishable food items or a monetary donation (10 cans, $10, or both) for Philabundance and you’ll be entered to win one of three prizes from STARR Restaurants. Drop locations are at 15th Street, between 16th and 17th Streets, and 18th Street. Visit the Starr Smallwares Sidewalk Sale to purchase discounted china, glassware and other tabletop accessories from STARR Restaurants. (all proceeds benefit Philabundance.)
Family Fun: On 18th Street between Walnut and Sansom, The Center City District Craft Pavilion will feature make-and-take crafts and activities led by Philadelphia’s finest cultural organizations including: Arden Theatre Company, Please Touch Museum, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Historic Philadelphia, Philadelphia Art Alliance, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Walnut Street Theatre, and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. KYW Newsradio will host the Kidcasting Tent, where kids can create their own mock-radio interview newscast. Also join Beneficial Bank, Capital One 360 Café and TD Bank for Family Fun stations.
Tasting areas of 20 of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s Chairman’s Selection wines with a concierge and on-site store, Peroni beer, Rex Goliath wines, Cintron and festive cocktails.
The Whisper Outdoor Lounge on the 1700 block. Enjoy the DJ and lounge with specialty cocktails from G Lounge, Whisper and The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., and food from the Corner Foodery.
scrum in the streets
In anticipation of the 2013 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship, local Rugby Sevens teams from Temple, St. Joe’s, and Penn will shut down 18th Street between Walnut and Locust Streets for “Scrum in the Street,” a live, outdoor demonstration on Tuesday, May 14th. Starting at 12:30PM between Walnut and Locust Streets on 18th Members of the rugby community will be present to show their support as well as participate in scrums, lineouts, and conduct demonstrations with the teams. Teams will distribute $5 discount fliers, rugby t-shirts, and miniature rugby balls. Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity to win tickets to the 2013 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship.
The three schools will meet again when twenty of the nation’s premier collegiate rugby teams compete at PPL Park in Chester, PA, for the USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship showdown on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. There will be plenty of rivalries between the six local colleges: Penn, Temple, Delaware, Penn State, St. Joe’s, and Kutztown. In addition, 14 out of state teams will also be in attendance: University of Arizona, University of California, UCLA, Dartmouth, University of Florida, Life University, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, University of Texas, Army, Navy, Virginia Tech, University of Wisconsin, and Northeastern University.
Tickets for the two-day event of action packed rugby, gourmet food, interactive games and activities are on sale exclusively through ComcastTIX. One-day and two-day passes, starting at $20, can be purchased online at ComcastTIX.com, by phone at 1-800-298-4200 or in person at the PPL Park box office.
2013 Spring Festival Preview Party
Tickets are still on sale for the 2013 Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party honoring Meryl Levitz, President and CEO of GPTMC.
On Monday, May 13th from 6-9PM at The Rittenhouse Hotel, get a sneak peek of the best of the 2013 Spring Festival with delectable cuisine and cocktails from: a.bar, a.kitchen, Alma de Cuba, Barclay Prime, Butcher and Singer, C19 cicheterria venezia, Capogiro, Continental Mid-town, The Corner Foodery, The Dandelion, D’Angelo’s Ristorante Italiano and Lounge, Devon, Di Bruno Bros., El Rey, Elixr, Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company, G Lounge, Lacroix, Le Bec-Fin, Le Castagne, Le Pain Quotidien, Marathon Grill, Metropolitan Bakery, Metropolitan Cafe, Parc, Ranstead Room, Ten Six Club, Termini Bros. Bakery, Rouge, Sbraga, Shake Shack, Square 1682, Village Whiskey, Whisper and Zama.
Featuring butlered hors d’oeuvres from Chef John Marinelli and the culinary team of the Banquets Department at The Rittenhouse Hotel.
Tunes will be spun by DJ Adrian Hardy and Norma Michaels Entertainment. The evening will also feature a silent auction with wonderful items and experiences from Ritt Row members and friends.
Proceeds benefit Rittenhouse Row, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival will be held on Saturday, May 18, from noon to 5pm, rain or shine. Held on Walnut Street from Broad to 19th, the annual event showcases Philadelphia’s finest fashions, cusine and entertainment and attracts more than 50,000 people to enjoy the best of Rittenhouse Row.
whichever way you wave…
Salon Vanity by Edmondo Blando now offers American Waves! American Waves is a new waving technique that can make straight hair curly and can soften curly hair. For a limited time, clients interested in learning more about American Waves can schedule free consultations. Call today to schedule 215.925.2211.
ooh la la…and ouchless
The European Wax Center is officially opening in Rittenhouse and you are invited to premiere week, where glamor and pampering will take center stage.
Indulge in a complimentary wax of your choice and see why beauty mavens and waxing fans adore them. Plus, you’ll experience their exclusive 4 Steps To Gorgeous™ wax process that ensures the most efficient and “ouchless” wax possible.
But don’t wait—spaces are sure to fill quickly, so make a reservation now. Click here or call 215 561 1250 to join their Grand Opening Guest List.
kickstart culture
The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS), the producers of the annual Philadelphia Film
Festival will soon reopen the Roxy Theater on Sansom Street. It will operate as a
first-run independent theater, screening festival-type films year round.
Using the all-or-nothing fundraising website Kickstarter, PFS seeks $40,000 in 28
days to help make necessary renovations to the Roxy, including new seating, floors,
digital projection, screens and more. Please help support the makeover of this Rittenhouse establishment by making a pledge today.
Donation rewards include movie tickets, naming a seat, private screenings and more.
For more information or additional ways to help, please contact rcain@filmadelphia.org. We’ll see you this spring for the opening of the new PFS Theater at the Roxy.
welcome to rittenhouse
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, proudly announces the conversion of the Radisson Plaza – Warwick Hotel Philadelphia. The hotel will become the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel Philadelphia by late summer 2013. The 301-room historic hotel, situated in the prestigious Rittenhouse Square district of Philadelphia, will undergo a $17 million renovation that will include a redesign of all guestrooms and corridors, as well as the hotel’s grand lobby to reflect Radisson Blu’s signature, contemporary style while maintaining the charm and heritage of the landmark property. The hotel will remain open throughout the conversion.
The rebranding of the hotel marks the fourth Radisson Blu property in the Americas and is part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s Ambition 2015 growth strategy. Ambition 2015 is fueled by an investment program of up to $1.5 billion focused on positioning Radisson in North America as a powerful, globally consistent, first-class brand. Recognized around the world for its leading-edge design, Radisson Blu delivers upper upscale hospitality.
“The expansion of the Radisson Blu brand to Philadelphia, an international business and cultural center, is a key step in our Ambition 2015 strategy,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president, Radisson, Americas. “For more than 86 years, The Warwick has been a symbol of distinctive hospitality, and as an owned and managed hotel, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is thrilled to continue its legacy of excellence as a Radisson Blu.”
Originally opened in 1926, the center city hotel features 301 spacious guest rooms, including four suites; a 2,000-square-foot fitness center; 17,000 square feet of event space; and three dining venues. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and, in keeping with Radisson’s commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship, the property has been recognized by the Green Key Eco-Rating Program with a 4 Green Key rating. The hotel is also the recent recipient of the prestigious TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence for its consistent, outstanding reviews from travelers.
With 272 hotels in operation and 86 under development throughout the world, Radisson Blu is an upper upscale hotel brand with flagship properties in prime locations and in major cities, airport gateways and leisure destinations. Radisson Blu pushes accepted boundaries to create iconic buildings with individual interiors invoking an inviting, exciting ambience and offering a holistic experience that is totally relevant to now. Its vibrant, contemporary and engaging hospitality is characterized by a unique Yes I Can!SM service philosophy, and all of its first class hotels offer a range of World of Radisson features that are empathetic to the challenges of modern travel, including the 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee.
romance under one roof…
We all have a “last minute Louie” in our lives. The ultimate procrastinator, a guy who waits until right before the deadline to get his shopping done. Luckily, The Bellevue has everything your love is looking for, all under one roof.
Nothing says, “I love you” quite like chocolate, especially Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland, VOTED THE #1 CHOCOLATE IN THE WORLD by National Geographic. Satisfy your sweet tooth and sip complimentary champagne while picking up a beautiful heart shaped box for your valentine.
Everyone knows diamonds are a girls best friend – but, if you want that signature Tiffany blue box without breaking the bank, check out the Tiffany & Co. “Yours” bangles, pre-engraved with adorning phrases like “Love makes the world go ’round” and “Close to my heart” starting at $375.
It’s inevitable – You’re already 10 minutes late for your dinner reservation, and she texts: “But I have nothing to wear!” Alleviate the dress distress with the help of the city’s most sought after fashion experts at *Nicole Miller Philadelphia. *With an incredible selection of affordable designer sportswear, cocktail, evening, and more, she’ll think of you every time she pulls that special Nicole Miller piece out of her closet. But, that’s not all. Make a purchase of $150 or more on Valentine’s Day only and receive a free gift at VOLT Salon.
Who doesn’t love being pampered? The newest addition to the Bellevue property, VOLT, a full service, state of the art salon, is the perfect place to pick up a quick gift certificate and check out the new home of acclaimed stylists Francis and Joseph. Don’t forget to bring your Nicole Miller receipt for a special free gift!
Grab a quick heart healthy bite for lunch in the Food Court, take the edge off with a cocktail at Tavern on Broad, or receive TWO hot Chocolates for the price of one at Starbucks.
Your shopping is almost done.. But with a big meal ahead of you, you can’t neglect your workout! Head upstairs to The Sporting Club, and prepare to fall in love with the most incredible 93,000 sq ft. fitness club in Philadelphia. Hit the showers and head down to Ralph Lauren, where you’ll be suited up in style for your big night out.
Opt for a delicious Surf & Turf meal at The Palm, ora special four course pre-fixe dinner at Bliss Restaurant.
If you’d rather show off your own culinary skills, make it easy on yourself with the gourmet foods and professional quality cookware available at Williams-Sonoma. We promise not to tell!
Last but not least, create a Valentine’s Day precedent you may have to live up to again next year at XIX (Nineteen) Cafe and Restaurant at Hyatt at The Bellevue. Impress your valentine with a 3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner for $55 per person from Thursday, February 14 through Saturday, February 16 and the romantic ambience of XIX (Nineteen). To make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable, take advantage of the Romance Package and spend the night. The package includes overnight accommodation, champagne and chocolates, breakfast for two and a 2:00 pm check out. For reservations in XIX call 215-719-1919 and for our Romance Package go to www.phladelphia.bellevue.hyatt.com
the clover market winter market
Ardmore’s popular outdoor antique and handmade market, The Clover Market, will be heading indoors on Sunday January 27th when 55 vendors will be setting up for a one day show at the historic 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia. The event will take place from 10 am-5 pm, with ticketed VIP early entry at 9 am.
The carefully selected group of vendors will offer antiques and architectural salvage, finely crafted handmade items, vintage clothing and jewelry, and original art and photography. Attendees will find talented handmade items and shop for affordable antiques in one venue
The Winter Market will also feature an assortment of Philly-based food trucks, hands on DIY workshops with some of Philly’s finest makers including Art in the Age (handcrafted spirits), chez-sucre-chez (modern cross stitch), Sullivan Owen Floral Design (Philly Mag’s Best of Florist) and more.
VIP tickets are $20 each and are being sold online prior to the event. Ticketholders will be allowed entry at 9 am before doors open to the public and will be treated to a swag bag full of vendor goodies (first 50 entrants), “spirited” coffee drinks from Art in the Age, and first dibs on all of the goods. General admission tickets are $5 at the door or can be purchased in advance in a special 2 for 1 deal (two tickets for $5).
At the event make sure to grab a Rittenhouse Row map with special offers and discounts from our members.
Click here for a complete vendor list, information and ticket links.
concierge of the year
Congratulations to The Rittenhouse Hotel’s Frank Marandino, named Concierge of the Year by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report.
where the sidewalks are.
One block of Walnut Street may be closed, but the sidewalks are open.
Come Shop and Dine Rittenhouse Row Philadelphia’s best holiday shopping with world-class service.
Featuring Town Home, Apple, Joan Shepp, Free People, Urban Outfitters, Bankwerx by Conestoga, Lucky Jeans, L’Occitane, City Sports, Cole Haan, ING Direct Cafe, Body Restoration, Works on Paper Gallery, BCBG, Destination Maternity, American Apparel, Urban Enoteca, Paper Source, Jack Wills, Betty Paige, Bubbles, True Religion, Wok, Alma de Cuba, For Eyes…all open for your shopping and dining enjoyment.
what an alluring face…
It’s getting cold but Ursula’s About Phace can make you look hot at all of your holiday parties. The makeup studio was just selected as a Philadelphia “HOT SPOT” in the December 2012 issue of Allure Magazine.
Owner Ursula Augustine has also launched her new line of fashion cosmetics
called”URS” and a new line of NUTRIskin care.
…did you say free?
Working with Mayor Michael Nutter and city tourism and hospitality officials, Philadelphia Parking Authority Executive Director Vince Fenerty has announced that, “to support holiday shopping, meter parking city wide will be free every Saturday between November 24 and December 29, after 11 a.m. All other parking violations will be enforced.”
Fenerty also announced discounted $8 parking every Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the following Parking Authority parking facilities:
AutoPark @ Olde City (2nd & Sansom)
AutoPark @ Independence Mall (5th & Market)
AutoPark @ 8th & Filbert
AutoPark @ the Gallery (10th & Filbert)
AutoPark @ Jefferson (10th & Ludlow)
AutoPark @ JFK Plaza (underground garage 16th & Ben Franklin Parkway)
If the patron stays or enters after 5 p.m., the regular posted rates will apply.
“The Philadelphia Parking Authority is pleased to join with Mayor Michael Nutter and be a part of spreading the holiday joy and encouraging shoppers to patronize local merchants during this festive season,” Fenerty said.
ritt row holiday celebration saturdays
CLICK HERE for the full map of Ritt Row holiday activities.
restore the shore
Philly Power Yoga & THRIVE Pilates will be an Official “Restore the Shore” Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort Drop-Off Location.
They will have collection boxes at both studios this week until Friday 11/9 as part of an ongoing effort to provide relief to the devastated families and businesses along the beloved Jersey Shore and other affected areas.
If you are looking for a place to volunteer or donate, please check out the group on Facebook: Restore the Shore Volunteer.
They will be collecting items in the following categories:
Food and Serving- cups, juices, coffee, trash bags, sandwich bags, non-perishable food items and canned foods, rice, chips, snacks…
Clothing Men/Women/Children- Socks, underwear, sweatpants, sweatshirts, coats, gloves, books, board games
Supplies – Blankets, pillows, toiletries, razors, soap
Baby Needs – Diapers, wipes, formulas, jars, onesies, footed pajamas
Pet Needs- Dry Food, canned food, brushes, bowls, blankets
treats not tricks: the 2012 ritt row halloween map
Click here to view the 2012 Rittenhouse Row Halloween Trick or Treat map.
…And see everyone tomorrow morning at the Halloween Celebration.
luxury learned: a Q & A with steve lagos
What is your inspiration?
I was raised by my parents to be artistic, I have studied drawing, painting, sculpture and drafting my whole life. My inspirations come from many different places. I travel so much, and feel so inspired by the different pieces of architecture that I get to see, the different cultures of women. This is huge for me. I love taking in the way different women choose to put together their jewelry. I could walk the streets of any city and observe this. So, I suppose my travel, as well as the modern day woman inspires my designs most.
Our signature Caviar design came from a hematite torsade necklace. It was 12 strands of miniature (2mm) beads that were twisted and created a Caviar look. It was different and cool. This one necklace launched so much of what we do today….
What does Rittenhouse Row mean to you?
Rittenhouse Row has help transform shopping in Philadelphia. It’s always difficult to get landlords in a main street shopping environment to merchandise the street and shopping experience for the clientele. They have really worked hard and created a focused shopping district. The best part is that it is still evolving.
Why do you love having your flagship store on Walnut Street?
We love our store and our location. Walnut Street is ground zero for Philadelphia Luxury. The LAGOS flagship has been in the neighborhood for over 20 years. We grew up here… It’s home.
What’s next for Lagos?
As for where we are going, we will continue create the best designs and craftsmanship. Jewelry is the oldest art form in existence and I am proud to know that we will leave many, many pieces that will be cherished for hundreds of years… I have a lot left to explore.
The MUSE 35th Anniversary collection:
philly 101: rittenhouse edition
CLICK HERE to see an interview with restaurateur Audrey Claire Taichman of Audrey Claire, Twenty Manning Grill and COOK.
Learn more about your favorite vino by CLIKING HERE to view a video with Keith Wallace, founder of The Wine School of Philadelphia.
Having burgers & bourbon at Village Whiskey on Father’s Day? Check out this interview with the restaurant’s bartender Lindsey Krueger.
Find out what Danielle Grimm, Sales Manager at The Palm Restaurant wishes you would do this weekend.
Want picture perfect summer skin? We suggest watching this interview with Ursula Augustine of Ursula’s About PHace.
Click here and let Frank Marandino Head Concierge at The Rittenhouse Hotel tell you where to eat in Philly…besides Lacroix and Smith & Wollensky, of course.
Meet Jessie Harris, Director of Retail at Metropolitan Bakery and find out what she wishes people knew more about in Philly. Warning: Don’t watch while hungry.
Colin Shearn is the award winning, master mixologist behind the cocktails at Franklin Mortgage & Investment, Co. Need we say more to entice you to watch this interview with him?
Kileeo Wideman is the Front Desk Supervisor at The Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel. Find out what wisdom he would like to give to his guests, staying one block from Rittenhouse Square.
Watch and listen to Emilio Mignucci, the third generation owner of Di Bruno Bros., give his thoughts on Philadelphia beers at the market’s upstairs cafe on Chestnut Street.
Meet Chef Guillermo Tellez of Square 1682 at The Hotel Palomar. We are taking our favorite pup to his BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Dog) Brunch this Saturday.
2012 Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
Click here to see Philly.com’s front page coverage of the 2012 Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival.
heads and tails
Rittenhouse Row is pleased to welcome our newest member Heads & Tails Beauty Boutique. Poised to transform the salon experience, Heads & Tails Beauty Boutique will exclusively offer blow dry and waxing services; the first boutique of it’s kind in Philadelphia.
Co-founded by Philly natives Jenne Doyle and Dana Morrison, Heads & Tails Beauty Boutique boasts “an upscale experience without the upscale pricing”. Having spent many years at top spas and salons in Philadelphia, Doyle and Morrison saw a void in Philadelphia’s market– a simple, affordable yet upscale salon experience for busy women.
“What we offer is an alternative to high priced salons – high quality services that are reasonably priced”, says Morrison.
Blow outs at the boutique can transform any hair style – loose and beachy, sleek and straight, full volume, or “anything else” – and all are achieved using plant-based Phyto hair care products. Full body waxing services are offered, including Brazilian wax, using a revolutionary,top-of-the-line hard wax (or blue wax) which removes 90% of the unpleasant pain and irritation generally associated with waxing. “A wax and a blow out are a good way to take a few minutes for yourself, and what’s best is you’ll leave looking and feeling fabulous”, adds Doyle.
Heads & Tails Beauty Boutique also offers customized packages for any type of event (birthday, bachelorette party, bridal shower, wedding parties, etc.).
Check out what its all about tomorrow, March 29th from 6-9PM at their grand opening party…
