Philly’s ever popular restaurant mogul, Stephen Starr, who brought us Continental, Buddakan, Parc, Jones, El Vez, and many more, now brings to Philly a new Italian restaurant, Il Pittore, opening at 2025 Samson Street this month.

This time around, Starr opens the establishment in partnership with Chef Chris Painter, who is Starr’s corporate chef. Painter has assisted Starr in several of his other restaurants, including Frankford Hall and Pizzeria Stella.

Il Pittore will feature modern Northern Italian cuisine, along with an extensive wine list, featuring Italian winemakers, to match. Only dinner will be served.

Prior to Il Pittore, the space was taken by Noble, whose owners decided to close their restaurant and lease the spot to Starr instead.

Similar to Noble, Il Pittore will be spread amongst two floors with 80 seats. As far as décor, Starr never disappoints, as atmosphere is always one of the major ingredients in his restaurants’ success. At Il Pittore, patrons will feel as if they are surrounded by the Italian countryside.

As a fan of Italian food and Stephen Starr, I am more than excited for this opening! Review to come soon, of course.

Written By, Erica Brooke Fajge

Crazy acrobatics. A lap dance. A 1950s style convertible. Performers lifted into the air.

Although this sounds like David Copperfield meets Cirque Du Soleil meets your average strip club, it was certainly not. Rather, it was all part of Britney Spears’ 2011 Femme Fatale Tour with Nicki Minaj, and I, along with every teeny bopper in the Greater Philadelphia region, had the pleasure to be a spectator at the recent July 30 show at the Wells Fargo Center.

Walking in, at age 29, I was aware that my friends and I were a few of the oldest at the concert, surrounded by girls ranging from age 10 to maybe 30-something (if that). After all, I am the same age as Spears, herself, and was a high school junior when she first emerged onto the 90s music scene (along with the resurgence of the boy band phenomenon) that had formally consisted of mainly alt-rock bands, rappers, and hip hoppers.

One of the best parts of the show was just the people watching beforehand; it was definitely something of a fashion show. There were the girls who dressed as Britney “the naughty Catholic school girl” circa 1998, the girls who put together a scantily clad creation resembling that from Spears’ 2001 “I’m a Slave 4 U” video, the girls who donned their Britney concert t-shirts, including the ever-popular, “It’s Britney, Bitch!”, the girls who looked just plain sleazy, and then everyone else, who looked cutesy in their summer dresses, jeans, tank tops, skirts, or shorts.

Before the show began, marketers were on-hand to help promote Spears’ latest fragrance. Concert-goers even were given the opportunity to have their photo taken next to Britney, herself, on a red carpet – well, next to an advertisement for her perfume with a life-sized image of the singer. Corny, yes, but my friends and I waited in line for this, and I have to say the pictures came out great.

OK, on to the actual show. Nicki Minaj got things started, appearing on stage in her signature blonde wig. She sang and performed her hits, including “Super Base” and “Moment For Life,” featuring Drake. Other highlights were “Bottoms Up,” her duet with Trey Songz and “Where Them Girls At?,” her duet with David Guetta, featuring Flo Rida (my personal favorite).

Forty-five minutes later, Britney took the stage by storm, kicking off the show with “Hold It Against me,” her first single off Femme Fatale. She performed her latest single “I Wanna Go,” as well as several other songs off the album. She also performed songs off of her last couple of albums, including “3,” “If U Seek Amy,” “Womanizer,” “Gimme More,” and “Piece of Me.” Although most of the show featured Spears’ more recent hits, there were a number of fan favorites, including “I’m a Slave 4 U,” “Toxic,” “Boys,” “Don’t Let Me Be the Last to Know,” and the song that put her on the map, “Baby, One More Time.” Britney even performed “S & M,” her duet with Rihanna.

This was, however, unlike any concert I had ever been to; it was a whole experience. The Femme Fatale Tour resembled a Broadway show or a Vegas-style revue more than just a concert due to the amazing acrobatics, lighting, costumes, and props. It was a true visual and sound spectacular. At one point, Britney “rode” onto the stage in a 1950s era convertible. She was lifted into the air on a skylift of some sort. She disappeared into a box like a magician. She had more costume changes than I could count. The enormous screens on either side of the stage made it easy for people to have a perfect view.

One of the most memorable moments of the show was Britney announcing she needed a volunteer from the audience and then proceeding to wrap her hot pink boa around her volunteer’s neck and give him a lap dance. I’m sure he’d say he got his money’s worth. And so did I.

She ended the show with “Til the World Ends,” her hugely successful second single off Femme Fatale – and was joined by Minaj, who raps in the remix. Like Britney sings in “Gimme More,” she left me, and the audience, wanting more. I wasn’t ready for the show to end; I guess there’s always next time.

Written By, Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, PA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] – McDonald’s PlayPlace may not be the best place to look at porn.

One man found this out last Sunday, Jan. 30, when he was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for viewing porn on his laptop while at a McDonald’s PlayPlace in Trexlertown, Lehigh County.

According to police, the 53-year-old from Macungie, Lehigh County was looking at photos and videos on his computer, while in the company of four other adults and children, who were also inside the PlayPlace at the time.

As a result, the man (whose name has not been made public), has also been banned from that McDonald’s.

Written By, Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, PA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] – Calling all Bachelor fans! If you’d like to support a great cause while meeting some of your favorite reality TV stars, then come out to Philadelphia Blood Donation Center, 700 Spring Garden Street, Saturday, January 15, from 7am – 2pm.

At the event will be Gwen Gioia (The Bachelor and Bachelor Pad), Gia Allemand (The Bachelor and Bachelor Pad), Reid Rosenthal (The Bachelorette), and Craig Robinson (The Bachelorette). Gioia, Rosenthal, and Robinson are all Philly natives, while Allemand hails from New York.

This specific Red Cross blood drive is just one of many taking place in cities all over the country during the month of January for National Blood Donor Month. This season’s Bachelor, Brad Womack, along with other former stars of The Bachelor and Bachelorette are visiting blood donor centers in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago, as well as Philadelphia, in order to encourage people to donate blood, to raise awareness for this need, and to thank donors.

On the January 10th episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, Brad and the women vying for his affection filmed public service announcements to raise awareness for the Red Cross and National Blood Donor Month.

Not everyone, however, is eligible to be a blood donor. Check out the eligibility requirements for blood donations at www.redcrossblood.org/bachelor.

Whether you’re a fan of the show or you just want to contribute to a great cause, either make an appointment by calling 215-451-4000, or stop by the Center, 700 Spring Garden Street, between 7am – 2pm.

Written By, Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, PA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] – Ever wanted to ride the subway without your pants?

Well, now here’s your chance. On Sunday, Jan. 9, from 3-5pm, a group known as the Urban Playground is organizing the “Annual No Pants Subway Ride,” which also takes place in New York. It’s Philadelphia’s version of Improv Everywhere’s “Annual No Pants Subway Ride.”

The group will meet at 3pm at City Hall at the top of the double spiral staircases that lead to the subway. The entrance is at the West side of City Hall at 15th and Market Streets.

According to the event’s official Facebook page, over 200 people are already attending. It also claims that last year’s event was a hit, with a number of participants of various ages, genders, and groups. Despite the cold weather outside, the subways are often packed and sweltering, so this is just a fun way to get all different kinds of people together – and, yes, without their pants.

Everyone is advised not to bring his or her own camera, as there will be photographers on hand. The official Facebook event invitation lists this and other official rules and regulations.

For more information about this event and other events through the Urban Playground, visit their official Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=286801092417their.

Written By, Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, PA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] – New York did it. Now, Philly is, too – that is, holding a contest to design the package of the city’s own condom.

New York City already had its own condom, so that contest was for participants to design a new package wrapper. However, Philadelphia has never had its own official condom before, so this contest is aimed at designing the winning limited-edition packaging. The winner will be awarded $250, with restrictions being that the work must be original, and the winner must reside in Philly.

Philadelphia typically distributes approximately 1.5 million condoms per year; among them, 60,000 are female condoms. The city hopes to increase this number, as New York City plans to distribute 41 million free condoms this year. NYC’s winning design was the image of the electronic power button.

In fact, Philadelphia’s rate of sexually transmitted diseases is currently one of the highest in the nation. Fortunately, there has been a decline in gonorrhea over the past ten years, but others are still on the rise, as reports for the first nine months of 2010 show an increase compared to the same time period just last year.

Although the contest and the campaign itself are not solely directed at teens and young adults, statistics do show increasing numbers of STDs affecting this population. This contest is just serving as one way to increase awareness and create change.

An $85,000 federal grant for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is paying for the cost of the distribution of the actual condoms themselves. The promotion of the campaign, however, will come out of the city’s not-so-large budget.

With the new packaging design, the city hopes to expand the number distributed and make condoms available with various types of retail establishments, as well as, but not limited to, community organizations and health centers.

City officials in both New York and Philly said that reactions to the contest have been positive.

So, what do you think the winning design will look like? Then take out those art supplies and get to work.

Written By, Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, PA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] – Whether Santa Clause stuffs your stocking or Hanukkah Harry is your guy, there are plenty of events this upcoming holiday week in Philly.

Let’s start with Christmas Eve and all of the similar, competing events to the official “Matzo Ball,” held in a number of cities all over the country. The biggest annual Christmas Eve event happens to be the 12th Annual “To Life” Party hosted by Pulse Promotions, Andrew Spivack, Adam Solomon, and Jennifer Birch. This year, To Life 2010 is celebrating its twelfth year as being Philly’s most widely attended Christmas Eve event. New for this year is the party’s move to a new location in Rittenhouse Square, the all-new Kokopelli Restaurant and Tequila Bar at 19th and Chestnut (the former Pearl). The party goes from 8pm – 2am, with a complimentary 2-hour open bar from 8-10pm. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://12thtolifeparty-ebf.eventbrite.com.

In addition, returning for another year in Philly is the Philly Jew Crew’s Annual X-Mas Eve Party to Benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand, to be held at Alfa and Walnut Room (17th and Walnut) from 8pm – 2am. This is a more recently established event, in which all proceeds go to this wonderful organization to fight childhood cancer. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and include drink specials. A number of items will be raffled off as well, including Flyers Box Seats; every $5 donation will get you 3 raffle tickets. A $10 donation will get you 10 tickets, while a $20 donation will get you 25 tickets. Also, for the first time ever, Whisper (the former Denim Nightclub at 17th and Walnut) is hosting a Matzo Ball-like event with “Challa Back” from 9pm – 3:30am, with DJ Jonathan Silva and a select open bar from 9-10pm. Tickets are $15 in advance.

The good thing about the close proximity of these three venues is that you can even check out all three parties throughout the night if you wish.

Want to go out Christmas Eve to a non-Jewish event? Then check out the “Q102 Sexy Stocking Party” at Roxxy Nightclub on Columbus Boulevard from 9pm – 2am, where $102 will be given out to the “sexiest girl in stockings.” Sign up on the guest list to get $5 off admission by texting 215-354-7066 or by emailing kidrocco@gmail.com. Then, on Christmas Day, Roxxy is also hosting the “Sexy Santa Party with Atlantic City’s DJ Vito G.” Attention females: dress up in a sexy Santa costume for a chance to win up to $250 in cash and prizes. Admission is reduced if you signup on the guest list in advance by texting 215-354-7066 or by emailing kidrocco@gmail.com.

Even before Christmas and Christmas Eve, there are holiday events throughout the city. Check out McFadden’s (3rd and Spring Garden) “Miracle on 3rd Street” event on Thursday, Dec. 23 from 8-11pm, where there will be a $10 open bar from 8-10pm. Admission is complimentary with a donation to Toys for Tots. Santa will be on hand for pictures, and a trip to Vegas is also up for grabs. Contact Stephanie at 215-928-0630 or sulerick86@gmail.com to get on the guest list for the open bar. Or, if you’re in the Manayunk area, you can have your picture taken with Santa at Kildare’s at its “Drinks with Santa” event from 8-11pm with drink specials.

All of this should keep you plenty busy through New Year’s! Happy holidays!

Written By: Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, PA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] – It has been confirmed that Kobe Bryant is making a scheduled appearance at Lower Merion High School Dec. 16 at the dedication of the gymnasium named after him.

The Lower Merion school board decided to dedicate the high school’s new gymnasium in honor of its most famous alum and L.A. Lakers star player, who donated a whopping $411,000 to Lower Merion, making it the largest donation ever given to the district.

However, according to Philly.com, it was not just this donation but also Bryant’s continued support for the school, since he helped lead its basketball team to a state championship back in 1996.

So far, 1100 tickets to the 7:30pm ceremony have been sold, with the event soon to sell out. Tickets are being sold for $25 to the public and $10 for students and children 10 and under; the district is also offering complimentary admission to any student who cannot afford a ticket. More than 100 tickets, at $25 per person, have also been sold for a V.I.P. reception with Bryant prior to the event.

The evening will also feature other entertainment, including live music and other special guests, with proceeds benefiting the Education Foundation of Lower Merion.

Written By: Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, PA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] – There is something exciting happening in Philadelphia: the long-awaited grand opening of the new National Museum of American Jewish History, this weekend, Nov. 26-28.

The new Museum, located at 101 South Independence Mall East just steps away from the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center, officially opened to the public on Nov. 26; however, a special grand opening preview celebration starting Friday, Nov. 12 extending through Sunday, Nov. 14, drew a number of visitors, as well as big names.

In addition to the grand opening ceremony with Vice President Joe Biden and other prominent public officials on Sunday, Nov. 14, the preview opening weekend festivities included a grand opening Gala with performances by Jerry Seinfeld and Bette Midler, a Young Friends Gala, and special panel presentations.

The new $150 million, 100,000-square-foot building features 25,000 square feet of space with interactive technology and unique artifacts, creating realistic environments on 3+ floors. The Museum, which opened its doors in 1976, is actually the only museum in the nation that is solely focused on telling the “American Jewish Experience.” It has played a significant role in Philadelphia arts and culture, having displayed more than 100 exhibitions, with over 25,000 objects of cultural significance, in 30-plus years.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 10am – 5pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm. Ticket prices are $12 for adults; $11 for seniors, active military, and youth from ages 12-21; Museum members and children under 12 are free. Group rates are available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nmajh.org.

Written By: Erica Brooke Fajge

PHILADELPHIA, PA [OnlyInPhiladelphia.com] – Don’t be left out this Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 24th, the biggest party night of the year! Come to Mission Grill, 1835 Arch Street, from 9pm – 2am and be “In the Crowd.”

Only In Philadelphia presents “In the Crowd” – a not-to-be-missed event that will be the first of a new event series. It specifically is described as “an INTERACTIVE EVENT where individuals will be selected, awarded and featured during and after the event – nominated by friends or event staff for unique and sometimes funny achievements.”

According to Only In Philadelphia founder and publisher Joe Notter, “Party goers will be featured throughout the night in an open format of titles. The nominated individuals who are selected will receive an award and photo that will be featured on Only In Philadelphia’s site.”

The event will feature local celebrities behind the bar as well, including Kristen Bitting of CBS’s Big Brother. Kristen Bitting was a season 12 houseguest on CBS’s long-running reality TV favorite. She is a 24-year-old Philadelphia native, boutique manager, and model who enjoys “going to the gym, meditating, shopping, listening to music, learning new things, and living on the edge.”

Melinda, a “Philly Team” dancer and entertainer, is the second celebrity guest bartender. Additional featured guests include Philly In Crew, Arthur Kade, and Rachel Day.

$10 general admission tickets (and on the guest list) include a select open bar from 9-10pm OR first drink free from 10pm-12am; drink specials including $3 beers, $4 wines, $5 cocktails from 10pm-12am; and complimentary popchips, prizes, and awards given throughout the night. Additional, special open bar options are available, either with a 2 or 3-hour select open bar. VIP tickets with access to private rooms accompanying anywhere from 25-50 people with 3-hour open bar are available as well.

If you’re a fan of Only In Philadelphia, you know that it’s the premiere web site in Philly to go to for local news, sports, fashion, music, humorous stories, can’t-miss events, and local happenings in and around the City of Brotherly Love. Only in Philadelphia is truly dedicated to bringing a creative and always positive spin on what happens in this city.

Founded in October 2009, Only In Philadelphia has enjoyed much success in the past year, reaching many in the Philadelphia area and having grown to achieving nearly 10,000 fans on Facebook. In only one year, the site has expanded to other cities, including Atlantic City, New Jersey (Only In Atlantic City) and, most recently, Evansville, Indiana (Only In Evansville).

Mission Grill is proud to be hosting the event. This popular Center City restaurant and bar features Southwestern style cuisine prepared by Chef Stephen L. Regosch, along with full-bar, wine cellar, a collection of some of the world’s best tequilas, and private gathering and VIP rooms perfect for corporate events or private parties.

In addition to Mission Grill and Only In Philadelphia, an additional sponsor of the event is Phlare Magazine, which is launching its special holiday issue.

Get on the guest list before 12am Thanksgiving Eve! To purchase tickets, including general admission advance tickets, group tickets, or select open bar and VIP tickets, visit http://thanksgivingeveinthecrowd.eventbrite.com/.