Another Delco Guy In South Jersey

So Maybe I Was Wrong

I recently said in this space that I thought that "There has been a subtle chilling effect on personal conduct that I attribute largely to the prevalence of cell phone cameras and social media sites."

Given last night's celebrations of the Phillies winning the National League Championship Series and the subsequent displays of public stupidity, i am forced to reflect that people are basically capable of anything when you add enough alcohol to the mix.

Hat tip to meech.one at The Fightins for the clip.

There is quite a collage of images up at MyFoxPhilly.com.

John's 8th Birthday Party

CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

We had a great day yesterday, with over 40 guests filling our house and yard to celebrate John's 8th Birthday. John had a great time seeing his family and friends, and "especially enjoyed having cake, blowing bubbles and running around like a maniac."

You're only 8 once.

Special thanks to Cathy for the macaroni salad, my mom for multitudinous appetizers, Gram for pasta salad, Arlene for baked beans that got rave reviews, Carin for the cold, sweet watermelon and Heidi for the cookies that Emma especially loved.

Thanks also Anne and Carlo for the supplement to the summer beers and Joe for the nice bottle of red.

The signature totem poles and Indy decor were also courtesy of Arlene.

In the 94 degree heat, the grill chores were handled Jim and Patti and no one is more grateful than me!

Finally all the hard work and effort was really done by Party Planner, Chef and Coordinator Extraordinaire --- CHAR!!

Thanks to everyone who made it such a great day for John.

Ch-Chh-Cha-Changes

  The New Valanni 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

After a particularly intense meeting dragged on too late to let me get to John's baseball pictures yesterday, I decided I may as well stay put in the city and headed to the Grand Opening Party at the all-new Valanni.

The party was a lot of fun, with lost of small food to nosh on, flowing wine and free drinks from the kind folks at Jose Cuervo and Jason at PINK Vodka.  Everyone was there from regulars like me to Kinky Jen, DJ Jon Gill and a million people I have never seen in the place.  It was wild.  The GF and I enjoyed the evening.  Free booze is NEVER a bad thing.

Regular readers will know that Valanni is the spot I hang out at in the city when I don't have kids to care for or games to attend.  It's always been a fun spot with excellent food.  Last Fall, owner George Anni leased the space next to the 40 seat restaurant and began renovations to double the size of the restaurant and bar.

The renovations are complete, the new beer taps are flowing and the menu has been re-done.  There's a party room in the back and 2 more bathrooms and you can't turn around without running into a new staff member.  The matte black, faux-gator flooring is chic, the brushed aluminum chairs are beautiful (but rough on the back), and the decor is Stephen Starr like.

Change is rough on regulars of bars and restaurants.  We come there because we lie the place the way it is, we're not looking for anything new.  But Valanni had gotten a little shabby and it was time for renovations.  The size was a problem too, with the bar crammed at happy hour and no place to host a group gathering.  Anni saw that he had to adapt or die and like most restaurant owners, he saw bigger as better.

I love with the physical changes.  I am sure Chef  will make the new menu zing.  The new staff will take a bit of getting used to.  Long-time bartender Laurentiu Muras has moved on to open his own place over near Rittenhouse.  Alex is headed back behind the bar.  Staff turnover always happens as spring turns to summer. 

All in all, it's still a great place for a meal, but we'll have to see how comfortable the bar is after the newness wears off.

Opening Day Photos Up

  Opening Day Pre-Game 
  Originally uploaded by Cavalier92

While the day ended badly for Phils fans as Tom "gasoline" Gordon blew up, surrendering 5 runs and losing the opener for the Phightins, it was still a fun day.

All the photos are up here.

Matty and I had a great time in the parking lot for the pre-game, hanging with some of Philly's pre-eminent sports bloggers, Enrico and Meech plus Coaches Rowe and Mack and a bunch of others.  We enjoyed the festivities, stayed dry during the game, and headed to McFadden's for a post game of Jody Mac and Mr. Greengenes.

It was my third straight Phils Opening Day and I still have not seen a win.  One of these days...

Hair of the Dog 2008

As many of you know, I like to get dressed up and go out.  While I am perfectly comfortable eating pizza and drinking Yuengling in my Jeans for Ellie's First Birthday (at Carin's last night), I also like to don the tux, grab a flute of bubbly and escort the lovely GF to a formal ball.  One of the best every year is Hair o' The Dog. 

I've been a few times over the years and will make a return this year on Saturday night, January 12, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Penn's Landing.  Headlining the event will be my favorite local band and my good friends, Mr. Greengenes.  Something tells me Bryen will skip the tux.

It's a cool even, usually with good food and plenty to drink.  In the past ladies rooms have been an issue, but i have been assured that the organizers have this one under control this year at the Hyatt.  The crowd is wide-ranging from young hotties to The Guv.  In my (ahem) mid-30s, I am solidly in the heart of the age range. It's black tie for the guys and the ladies come SERIOUSLY dressed up. 

I won't say it's cheap.   At $125 a head, it's at the top end of prices for Philly charity events, but it's worth it.   The event benefits PAWS - The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society this year.

I'd recommend you get your tickets early, especially if you are thinking about the VIP section option.  I've waited in the past and been disappointed.  Let me know if you are going, or what the other hot dates for the winter ball season are.  I'll see you there!